Coconut Oil for Hair and Skin—Here's How to Use It
Experts break down why you should add coconut oil to your beauty routine.
Fact checked by Emily Peterson
There's certainly no shortage of plant-based hair oils out there, but arguably, none get as much attention as coconut oil. It's lauded as a cure-all for everything from dry skin to scalp issues and is a popular ingredient in many drugstore products. We talked to skincare experts for their advice on how to use coconut oil for hair and skin, why they recommend it, and how to best incorporate it into your beauty routine.
Meet the Expert
Krupa Koestline is a clean cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Consultants.
Anar Mikaliov, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Burlington, Massachusetts, and founder of KP Away.
Ife J. Rodney, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, Maryland.
Related: Ask a Beauty Editor: The 5 Best Types of Oil to Promote Hair Growth
What Is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil comes from pressing the meat in coconuts (the edible white flesh). It's edible, plant-based, and can be used for cooking as well as a versatile beauty product. At room temperature, coconut oil is solid, and when heated, it becomes a liquid.
You'll find two main types of coconut oil: refined and virgin. Refined coconut oil is made from dried coconut meat, while virgin coconut oil is made with fresh coconut meat. Virgin coconut oil, in particular, is rich in lauric, myristic, and palmitic acids (more on what those do in a moment) and consists mainly of medium chain triglycerides (MCT), explains cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline.
It's best to purchase cold-pressed virgin or extra virgin coconut oil, advises board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney. These pure forms contain more nutrients than versions that have been processed. It may be a bit pricier, but the good news is that the high MCT content of the oil means it's more resistant to oxidation—aka, it will have a longer shelf life than other vegetable oils, says Koestline.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair
All of the plant oils in the beauty space have a different combination of omega fatty acids and other components, and these different ratios give each oil its specific benefits and sensory qualities, explains Koestline. The unique composition of coconut oil is why it offers a laundry list of benefits for hair and skin. First, let's go over how coconut oil helps hair.
Repairs and Prevents Split Ends
It's common to see the ends of your hair breaking (or splitting)—especially if you have long hair. The lauric acid in coconut oil can help prevent split ends from happening, as well as heal existing split ends.
Promotes Shine
Lauric acid to the rescue again. This fatty acid plus vitamins in coconut oil will help your hair shine brighter. Coconut oil also strengthens your strands, and healthy hair equals shiny hair.
Reduces Dandruff
Studies show that coconut oil is beneficial in combatting a dry scalp and dandruff. The oil has anti-fungal benefits and, when topically applied, promotes a healthy scalp.
Additionally, the antioxidant benefits of coconut oil can help with inflammation, which leads to dandruff. "It can improve scalp health by restoring the moisture of dry, inflamed skin," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anar Mikaliov.
Mikaliov notes that one study found coconut oil improved the microbiome balance in the scalp in those with dandruff: "It led to an increase in 'good' bacteria as well as an increase in biotin and other B-vitamins secreted by these bacteria that reduce inflammation, improve skin barrier quality, scalp health, and can even help with hair growth."
Moisturizes Hair
Due to its moisturizing properties, applying coconut oil to your hair will help add and retain moisture. It absorbs quickly into your hair and effectively penetrates the hair shaft, notes Koestline.
We can credit its high content of lauric acid, which has a high affinity for hair proteins, as well as the oil's low molecular weight, Koestline explains. And once it's in there, it's ideal for moisturizing, conditioning, and detangling, adds Rodney.
Tip
Curly, natural hair types or those with dry, dehydrated strands will benefit most from the moisturizing properties of coconut oil, whereas finer, oily hair types may be weighed down by it.
Prevents Frizz
The same hydrating properties of coconut oil make it helpful for managing frizz. Applying some to your strands (especially if humid) will help you keep those flyaways under control.
Protects From Style Damage
Because coconut oil is quickly absorbed by hair, it helps prevent protein loss, which leads to unhealthy, fragile, and dull hair. Coconut oil also reduces how much water your hair absorbs, and since hair is more susceptible to damage when wet, this helps protect your hair from everyday damage due to products and styling tools.
Shields Against Environmental Damage
Since coconut oil absorbs into the hair and scalp, it strengthens the hair's cuticle and creates a protective barrier. This barrier and stronger cuticle help protect hair from sun damage and toxins in the air.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Skin
In addition to hair, coconut oil is good for the skin. Here are just a few of the benefits you'll gain from using coconut oil on your skin.
Acts as an Emulsifier
Like most oils, coconut oil is a great emulsifier. This means that it helps add moisture to smooth and soften the skin. You can thank the myristic and palmitic acids for that.
Protects Against Infection
The lauric acid in coconut oil makes it naturally antimicrobial (helping to fight bacteria and fungi). This minimizes inflammation and promotes wound healing, says Mikaliov. It's for those reasons that this oil is especially beneficial for eczema sufferers, Mikaliov adds.
Provides Antioxidants
Virgin coconut oil is also rich in polyphenols, which gives it protective antioxidant properties, notes Koestline. This is another way that coconut oil helps reduce skin inflammation.
Prevents Acne
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, coconut oil can aid in treating acne. Lauric acid, specifically, has been shown to kill acne-causing bacteria.
Full transparency: Our experts are split regarding the benefits of coconut oil for acne. Both dermatologists note that while the oil is a great option for those with dry or eczema-prone skin (and agree it works great on the body), it's not the right option for those with acne. Mikaliov says that acne sufferers may find it too occlusive, while Rodney says it is highly comedogenic, explaining that: "It can clog pores, causing more breakouts."
But Koestline disagrees, saying that coconut oil's reputation as a pore-clogger isn't warranted. Various other factors—hormonal changes, diet, stress, other skincare—all play a role in what causes clogged pores, and not just the ingredient in question, Koestline explains.
Tip
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may want to proceed with caution just to be safe. Consider using coconut oil only on your body or hair rather than your face.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Hair
Remember that coconut oil works wonderfully for both your hair and scalp. Try the following ways to add coconut oil to your hair care routine.
As a nourishing hair mask: To moisturize your hair and help protect it from damage, simply massage 1 to 2 teaspoons of coconut oil—depending on the thickness and length of your hair—throughout the mid-lengths and ends. Then, let it sit for a few hours before washing it out thoroughly, suggests Rodney.
As a scalp treatment: To use it as a scalp treatment, massage a small amount of coconut oil onto your scalp and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes before washing your hair, recommends Mikaliov.
As a pre-wash treatment: To create a protective barrier and prevent water damage, apply coconut oil to your hair (especially the middle and ends). Leave on for 15 to 30 minutes before washing your hair as usual.
As a conditioner: Instead of applying a standard hair conditioner after washing, try coconut oil. Alternatively, you can mix your usual conditioner with coconut oil by adding a few drops to the bottle.
As a styling product: To help set your hairstyle, add a bit of coconut oil to damp hair before styling. You can also dab a few drops after styling to smooth out flyaways.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Skin
Before using coconut oil on your skin, carefully test a small area to be sure your skin doesn't negatively react. If all is good, here are a few ways to add coconut oil to your skincare routine.
As a makeup remover: Just about anyone can use coconut oil to remove makeup—even those with sensitive skin. The important thing is to follow it up with an effective cleanser after the fact, says Rodney.
For nails and cuticles: Coconut oil is great for strengthening brittle nails and conditioning cuticles.
As a moisturizer: If you are going to use coconut oil as a moisturizer, your best bet is to apply it when you're fresh out of the shower, as it will help lock in hydration and keep your skin soft and smooth, Rodney says. Coconut oil should be used on its own and not with another moisturizer.
As a lip balm: For dry lips, coconut oil works great as a natural lip balm. Plus, since it's edible, you don't have to worry if you accidentally lick your lips. Apply periodically throughout the day and especially at night to combat chapped lips.
Tips for Using Coconut Oil
Now that you know the benefits of using this versatile natural oil, follow these tips for using coconut oil in hair and skin.
Heat it up. Since coconut oil is solid at room temperature, it's best to warm it up before applying it to your hair. Simply heat some water, then place a cup or bowl with the oil in the hot water to help it liquify. Important: Do not microwave coconut oil.
Blend it with other ingredients. Combining coconut oil with other nourishing ingredients will give your hair added moisture. Try adding yogurt or avocado to the oil to make a hair mask.
Apply it at night. To fully reap the benefits of coconut oil, it needs to sit for a few hours. For optimal absorption, apply the oil at night and let it work while you sleep.
Use a small amount. A little goes a long way with coconut oil—too much can weigh your hair down or cause buildup. Start with a teaspoon and add more if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use coconut oil on dry hair?
Coconut oil can be used on dry hair to tame flyaways, but it is much better used when hair is wet. When hair is wet, product is absorbed better, which is why coconut oil is used mainly as a conditioning treatment. When used on dry hair as a styling product, be sure to only use a very small amount.
How long can you leave coconut oil in your hair?
Depending on how you are using coconut oil for hair, it can be left on anywhere from 10 minutes as a scalp treatment to overnight as a deep conditioning treatment. Dryer, more textured hair types can generally tolerate coconut oil longer than thinner, finer types, as the former has a high porosity. Coconut oil should always be washed out well after use.
Can coconut oil help with hair loss?
Coconut oil can help with hair loss in the sense that it helps to moisturize and strengthen the hair shaft. Coconut oil prevents protein loss, which contributes to broken, weak strands of hair. Coconut oil has not been shown to cure medical ailments that contribute to hair loss such as alopecia and hair thinning from stress.
Related: 8 Clever Uses for Coconut Oil (That Are Almost Too Good to Be True)
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