How to Use Coconut Oil As a Conditioner

Co-authored by Shona Williams

Last Updated: September 28, 2023 References

In recent years, coconut oil has become popular not just for cooking, but as a natural beauty product. If your hair is dry or damaged, coconut oil serves as a great alternative to deep conditioner products. Massage coconut oil into your hair as a part of your regular hair-care routine, or try using coconut oil as an ingredient for a hair mask treatment. Before long, your hair will be healthier, stronger, and shinier.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Coconut Oil as Conditioner

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Look on the labels for a coconut oil product that is cold-pressed or expeller-pressed, as these processes extract oil from coconut flakes without any chemicals. Avoid hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. Jars of coconut oil are available in most grocery stores in the cooking/baking aisle near other cooking oils, or in the health food aisle.^{[1]
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For best results, use coconut oil as a conditioner 1-2 times a week. Soon, you should notice a difference in the quality and strength of your hair.^{[2]
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Because the coconut oil needs to set in your hair for at least thirty minutes in order to be effective, it's best to make sure you'll have enough time for the treatment before you begin. Use coconut oil when you know you'll have at least half an hour and up to overnight to leave it in your hair.^{[3]
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At room temperature, the oil will be a white, solid material. Use your fingers or a spoon to remove a small clump of oil. Aim for about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) (15 grams) for longer hair, and ½ tablespoon (7 grams) for shorter cuts. Place the oil in a heat resistant container.^{[4]
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Place your container of coconut oil in the microwave and cook on high for 30 seconds, or until the coconut oil has turned from a white solid to a clear liquid. Let the container sit for a minute, or until it is cool enough to handle.
First, divide your hair into 4 parts, and then split up these parts into ½ - 1 inch (1.5-2.5 cm) wide sections. Use hair clips to help keep these sections apart. It doesn't matter whether your hair is wet or dry for the steps that follow.^{[5]
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Coat your fingers in the melted coconut oil. Then, starting at the roots of your hair, and moving all the way to the bottom of your strands, massage the oil into the different sections of your hair. Continue rubbing the oil into your hair until all of the oil is absorbed.^{[6]
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Let the oil set in your hair for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the oil to absorb into your hair. While 30 minutes is the minimum recommended amount of time, leaving the oil in for 2 hours or more is ideal. You can also leave the oil in your hair overnight.^{[7]
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- If you are going to leave the oil in your hair overnight, place a towel over your pillow, and wear a shower cap to avoid making a mess.
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Use shampoo to remove the oil from your hair. After the oil has set in your hair, wash your hair thoroughly. Use a natural shampoo that foams easily; you'll want maximum suds to help cleanse the oil. When you're finished, style your hair as usual.^{[8]
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- You might need to shampoo your hair 2-3 times to make sure you've washed all of the oil from your hair. Use a clarifying shampoo if your regular shampoo doesn't work.
- There is no need to use regular conditioner after you wash with shampoo. The coconut oil will have already done the job!

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making a Hair Mask

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Put 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) (15 grams) of oil in a small, heat-proof bowl and melt it in the microwave. Cook on high for about 30 seconds, or until the oil has liquified. Wait a minute for the oil to cool before proceeding to the next step.
Mix 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) (15 grams) of both honey and apple cider vinegar with the melted oil. It's fine if the oil appears a bit separated from the other ingredients - just be sure they are combined enough so that each spoonful of your mixture appears somewhat uniform. It's best to use organic honey and vinegar products.^{[9]
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Comb your hair into 4 parts, and then split up these parts into ½ - 1 inch (1.5-2.5 cm) wide sections. Secure these sections with hair clips or ties. It doesn't matter whether your hair is wet or dry.^{[10]
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If you don't have a hair coloring brush, a clean pastry brush or paint brush will also do the trick. Use the brush to coat each section of hair with the mask, and then massage the mask into your hair with your fingers.^{[11]
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Once all of the coconut oil is absorbed, gather your hair into a high bun to keep it out of the way. Smooth back all loose strands, and secure with an elastic band or a large claw clip. If you want, you can put a shower cap over your hair to keep your oily bun from coming into contact with your skin.^{[12]
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The mask works best when it can set for a couple of hours. The drier your hair is, the longer you should leave in the mask. You should not leave the mask in overnight.^{[13]
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As with the oil conditioner, you might need to shampoo your hair 2-3 times to make sure you've washed all of the mask from your hair, or you can use a clarifying shampoo. When you're finished, style your hair as usual.^{[14]
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The coconut oil hair mask should be used once in a while as a rejuvenating treatment to restore dry or damaged hair. If your hair is especially dry and damaged, you can do this treatment multiple times a month, but no more than once a week, or else your hair will become greasy.^{[15]
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Which Oil Is Best For Hair?

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Question

Can coconut oil ruin your hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Coconut oil isn't damaging to hair in any way. You could end up making it greasy for a day if you use too much, but it won't have a lasting negative impact.

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Question

Can coconut oil help regrow hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Coconut oil can help to hydrate hair and protect your strands from environmental damage. However, if you use it on your scalp it can cause build up and blocked follicles, so avoid it there unless you have very dry skin.

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Question

Can you put coconut oil in your hair and leave it?

Shona Williams
Hair Stylist
Shona Williams is a Hair Stylist and Owner of Divine Design Hair Studio in Lemon Grove, California. Shona has over 18 years of hair styling experience and has been a salon owner for 10 years. She offers hair washing, hair styling, hair extensions, hair relaxing, and braiding services, specializing in cutting and styling clients' natural hair.

Shona Williams

Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

It depends on your hair type. If your hair type is a little thicker, using the coconut oil as a leave-in is not going to weigh it down. Coconut does have some healing properties in it, and it should help relieve moisture issues.

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