Sometimes, the simplest beauty solutions are the most effective. Using coconut oil for hydrated, shiny, and flake-free hair might sound too good to be true, but for many, this natural oil rivals even the most popular hair products.

“During COVID, I started experimenting with natural products and used coconut oil on my hair once a week,” says celebrity extension specialist Priscilla Valles. “The hydration and shine it gives are incredible.”

It makes sense to use coconut oil on dull or damaged hair. Extracted from raw, mature coconuts, it consists almost entirely of unsaturated fats. The fatty acids in coconut oil—especially lauric acid—can improve hair health when used properly. While it has its limits, coconut oil’s natural composition and affordability make it worth trying, especially for those with lackluster hair.

“Coconut oil benefits all hair types but works best on dry, damaged, or color-treated hair to lock in moisture and prevent breakage,” says celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons.

Whether you’re already a fan or just curious, here’s what you need to know about using coconut oil for hair health—and how to add it to your routine.

Key Takeaways
– Coconut oil strengthens hair, reduces breakage, and protects against heat damage.
– While it doesn’t directly promote hair growth, it improves overall hair health.
– You can use it as a pre-wash treatment, conditioning mask, or scalp treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair?
For natural product enthusiasts, coconut oil is almost magical. It’s commonly used to moisturize skin, soothe dermatitis, support oral health, and even as part of a healthy diet. And, of course, it offers numerous benefits for your hair.

Strengthens Hair
“Coconut oil is great for your hair routine because its nourishing fatty acids moisturize and strengthen hair, reducing breakage,” says Fitzsimons. Research shows it reduces protein loss in both damaged and healthy hair. Its ability to penetrate the hair shaft delivers deep hydration, leaving hair softer, shinier, and with improved texture.

Has Antifungal and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Beyond hair itself, coconut oil’s moisturizing, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties make it great for scalp health. It can help treat fungal issues and flaking in the short term, and some studies suggest it may help repair the scalp’s moisture barrier over time.

Protects Against Heat Damage
“Coconut oil can also be used as a natural heat protectant in your styling routine to reduce damage from hot tools,” says Fitzsimons. Its penetrating properties condition hair, seal the cuticle, and lock in moisture, protecting against damage from blow dryers and straighteners. It also helps tame frizz for smoother, softer styles.

Can Coconut Oil Help Hair Grow?
According to Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, there’s no evidence that coconut oil directly promotes hair growth. “It doesn’t affect hair growth directly,” says Dr. King, “but it improves overall hair health.”

She explains that coconut oil’s emollient properties reduce breakage and brittleness, which can lead to longer hair over time. So while it shouldn’t be used solely for regrowing hair, it offers many other helpful benefits.

Can Coconut Oil…Does Coconut Oil Damage Hair?

While coconut oil is often praised for solving many hair problems, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. How you use it matters, and some factors should be considered before applying it generously.

Illeisha Lussiano, a hairstylist and owner of The Way in New York, notes, “As someone with fine hair, coconut oil is actually my worst enemy. It can make fine hair brittle and cause breakage.” This happens when the oil doesn’t absorb properly, either due to hair type or overuse. Fitzsimons advises, “Be careful not to use too much. If coconut oil sits on top of your hair, it can block nutrients from getting in, leaving your hair dry and brittle—the opposite of what you want.”

Even if breakage isn’t an issue, using too much coconut oil or applying it without care can leave hair looking greasy and dirty instead of healthy.

Unrefined vs. Refined Coconut Oil

For beauty purposes, unrefined (or virgin) coconut oil is the best choice. Unlike refined oil, which is processed from dried coconut and may contain chemicals, unrefined oil comes from fresh coconut and is mostly chemical-free.

Think of it like green juice: cold-pressed coconut oil is closer to its natural source and retains more benefits than versions made from dried, treated ingredients.

How Often Should You Use Coconut Oil on Hair?

According to Dr. King, this depends on your hair type and how you’re using it. In general, she suggests using it once or twice a week. If using as a pre-wash treatment, apply 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing. As a conditioner substitute, you can use a small amount on damp ends after each shampoo. For scalp massages, occasional or weekly use is recommended.

How to Apply Coconut Oil to Hair

Finding what works best for you may take some experimentation. Always do a patch test first to check for skin allergies. Start with a small amount, since what gives one person shiny hair might leave another with greasy locks. Allow time to restyle if needed.

Most experts recommend rinsing coconut oil out after use, except when using a tiny amount as a styling product. Try an overnight mask or scalp treatment first to see how your hair reacts. Here are a few easy ways to include coconut oil in your routine:

Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Fitzsimons prefers using coconut oil—or products containing it—as an overnight DIY mask rather than a finishing product. She says, “One of my favorite ways is to use it as a leave-in treatment overnight to nourish dry hair. Apply a small, even amount through your hair and scalp, leave it on overnight, and rinse in the morning.” Repeat weekly for stronger, hydrated hair. (Tip: Coconut oil can stain fabrics, so wear a shower cap overnight.)

Prewash Protection

Coconut oil can also protect hair before washing. Fitzsimons explains, “Hard water and shampooing can strip natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Applying a small amount of coconut oil before showering helps prevent this by coating the hair and reducing moisture loss.”

Coconut Conditioner

While coconut oil can work as a leave-in conditioner and detangler, it’s important to rinse it out to avoid greasiness.To remove buildup, apply warm (liquefied) coconut oil to your hair after shampooing. Leave it on for two hours, then wash again. This double-wash method works best for those with thick, resilient hair.

Scalp Treatment
Massaging coconut oil into your scalp boosts circulation, reduces fungus and inflammation, and strengthens your skin’s moisture barrier. While applying a mask or conditioner, use your fingers or a scalp massager to work the oil into the roots for a natural treatment for dry scalp and hair.

For Styling
Coconut oil also works well as a natural heat protectant. A small amount can help tame frizz and flyaways, add shine, and minimize the appearance of split ends. Use a pea-sized amount on wet or dry hair as a shield before styling or as a finishing touch—adjust the quantity based on your hair’s needs.

Recommended Products:
– NOW Solutions Liquid Coconut Oil — $19 (Amazon)
– Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil — $16 (Amazon)
– Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Body Oil — $8 (Amazon)
– Handcraft Blends Fractionated Coconut Oil — $23 (Amazon)
– Shea Moisture Head-to-Toe Nourishing Hydration 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil — $16 (Amazon)
– BetterBody Foods Naturally Refined Organic Coconut Oil — $16 (Amazon)

Meet the Experts:
– Priscilla Valles, celebrity extensionist
– Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist
– Illeisha Lussiano, hairstylist and owner of The Way in New York
– Hadley King, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City

Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? Let us know! Email Vogue’s senior beauty and wellness editor at beauty@vogue.com.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a helpful and clear FAQ about using coconut oil for your hair

Coconut Oil for Your Hair What You Should Know

Beginner Questions

Q What exactly is coconut oil
A Its a natural oil extracted from the meat of mature coconuts Its solid at room temperature but melts easily with the warmth of your hands

Q Why is coconut oil good for hair
A Its unique because its molecules are small enough to penetrate the hair shaft unlike many other oils This helps moisturize from the inside out reduce protein loss and add shine

Q What are the main benefits of using it
A The main benefits include deep conditioning reducing frizz adding shine preventing split ends and potentially supporting a healthy scalp

Q Can coconut oil help with hair growth
A It doesnt directly make hair grow faster but by preventing breakage and split ends your hair can retain length more effectively and appear to grow fuller A healthy scalp it promotes can also create a better environment for growth

Q How do I apply it
A Warm a small amount in your palms until it melts Gently work it through your hair focusing on the midlengths and ends For a treatment you can also apply it to your scalp

Practical Usage Tips

Q How long should I leave coconut oil in my hair
A For a quick conditioning 30 minutes is fine For a deep treatment you can leave it on for a few hours or even overnight Just wear a shower cap to protect your pillow

Q Should I put it on wet or dry hair
A You can use it on both Applying to damp hair can help with distribution and sealing in moisture Applying to dry hair is best for a prewash treatment

Q How often should I use coconut oil
A This depends on your hair type Once a week is a great starting point for most people Those with very dry or coarse hair might do it twice a week while those with fine hair might only need it every other week

Q Whats the best way to wash it out
A Coconut oil is heavy so a regular shampoo might not be enough Apply your shampoo to