Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsUseTipsDisadvantagesOil Selection
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits
Use
Tips
Disadvantages
Oil Selection
Coconut oil can have many benefits for your hair and scalp. It is used to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect hair against styling damage. It is safe to use on all hair types.
Asha Sathees Photography / Getty Images
Coconut Oil Benefits
Coconut oil is also used topically to hydrate the scalp, prevent dandruff, and promote hair growth. Research has shown that it has the potential to offer antifungal and other benefits to people with dandruff.
Damaged Hair
Additionally, a 2024 study assessing coconut oil, alongside other vegetable oils, found that coconut oil is composed of triglycerides capable of penetrating and interacting with the hair cortex.By penetrating the hair, coconut oil can reduce the amount of water it absorbs, which helps limit everyday hair damage.
Hair Growth After ChemotherapyThere is limited evidence to support the traditional use of coconut oil to promote hair growth. Fortunately, in many cases, hair will start to grow back on its ownafter chemotherapyis finished. This can take several weeks, though that varies.
Hair Growth After Chemotherapy
There is limited evidence to support the traditional use of coconut oil to promote hair growth. Fortunately, in many cases, hair will start to grow back on its ownafter chemotherapyis finished. This can take several weeks, though that varies.
The Structure and Growth Cycle of Hair Follicles
Dry Scalp, Dandruff
There is evidence that you can use coconut oil to help manage a dry, itchy scalp and accompanyingdandruff.
A 2021 study of 140 people in India—70 with dandruff and 70 without—found that topical applications of coconut oil to the scalp had antifungal benefits. Researchers concluded that coconut oil combatsscalp yeast infections, promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, and reduces scalp flaking.
Other research shows that coconut oil may help repair the skin barrier, which is the top layer of your skin.This would make it a good treatment for both dandruff anddry skin.
Evidence from one study suggests that coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties, and study participants also had increased production of collagen, the chief structural protein in skin and other tissues.
Coconut Oil for Skin: What’s Good and What’s Not?
Ways To Use Coconut Oil as Hair Care
Coconut oil is one of the most versatile hair care oils around. It can work wonders for dry, damaged, or color-treated hair of all types. Ways to incorporate it into your routine include:
How Often to Use Coconut Oil for HairOne research study found that hair treated with coconut oil once or twice a week, was more protective against breakage than hair not treated with the oil.For best results, some haircare experts suggest using coconut oil a few times per week, but it depends on your hair type (less may be better for finer hair).
How Often to Use Coconut Oil for Hair
One research study found that hair treated with coconut oil once or twice a week, was more protective against breakage than hair not treated with the oil.For best results, some haircare experts suggest using coconut oil a few times per week, but it depends on your hair type (less may be better for finer hair).
11 Best Natural Oils for Hair Growth
Tips for Using Coconut Oil Effectively
To make the most of using coconut oil in your hair care regimen:
8 Reasons Why Your Scalp Is Tender in One Spot
Disadvantages of Coconut Oil for Hair
Using coconut oil for hair can have a few disadvantages:
Choosing a Coconut Oil
When shopping for the best coconut oil for hair, select the unrefined variety (aka virgin or extra-virgin oil). If possible, opt for organic, sustainably harvested products.
Unrefined Coconut OilComes from the first pressing of fresh raw coconutsNo chemicals addedHas a distinct aroma of coconutRefined Coconut OilProduced from dried coconut kernelsDeodorized and bleached in a series of processes
Unrefined Coconut OilComes from the first pressing of fresh raw coconutsNo chemicals addedHas a distinct aroma of coconut
Comes from the first pressing of fresh raw coconuts
No chemicals added
Has a distinct aroma of coconut
Refined Coconut OilProduced from dried coconut kernelsDeodorized and bleached in a series of processes
Produced from dried coconut kernels
Deodorized and bleached in a series of processes
Cold-pressed products are a good choice because these oils do not use heat or chemicals for extraction.
Look for products such as The Garden of Life Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil or Dr. Bronner’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. These carry symbols on their labels guaranteeing high-quality oil (e.g., Fair Trade Certified or non-GMO verified seal).
Summary
Coconut oil may help moisturize and repair damaged hair. It has also been shown to benefit dandruff and other scalp conditions. You can use it as a prewash treatment, conditioner, hair mask, or styling aid.
Use a small amount at first to see how your skin reacts. If you like the results and you don’t develop any problems, apply the oil one to three times weekly.
Remember, a little goes a long way, so use just a teaspoon, focusing on your hair’s midsection to the ends. Choose unrefined coconut oil for the best results.
The Whole-Body Benefits of Coconut Oil
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sergi D, Luscombe-Marsh N, Naumovski N, Abeywardena M, O’Callaghan N.Palmitic acid, but not lauric acid, induces metabolic inflammation, mitochondrial fragmentation, and a drop in mitochondrial membrane potential in human primary myotubes.Front Nutr. 2021;8:663838. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.663838Cloete E, Khumalo NP, Van wyk JC, Ngoepe MN.Systems approach to human hair fibers: interdependence between physical, mechanical, biochemical and geometric properties of natural healthy hair.Front Physiol. 2019;10:112. doi:10.3389/fphys.2019.00112Saxena R, Mittal P, Clavaud C, et al.Longitudinal study of the scalp microbiome suggests coconut oil to enrich healthy scalp commensals.Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):7220. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-86454-1Kaushik V, Kumar A, Gosvami NN, Gode V, Mhaskar S, Kamath Y.Benefit of coconut-based hair oil via hair porosity quantification.Int J Cosmet Sci. 2022 Jun;44(3):289-298. doi:10.1111/ics.12774.Lourenço CB, Gasparin RM, Thomaz FM, da Silva GC, Martin AA, Paiva-Santos AC, Mazzola PG.Impact of hair damage on the penetration profile of coconut, avocado, and argan oils into caucasian hair fibers.Cosmetics. 2024;11(2):64. doi:10.3390/cosmetics11020064Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL.Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070Kim S, Jang JE, Kim J, et al.Enhanced barrier functions and anti-inflammatory effect of cultured coconut extract on human skin.Food Chem Toxicol. 2017;106(Pt A):367-375. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.05.060Sureka P, Agrawal T, Majumder S, Ritambhara K.A method to measure oil penetration into hair and correlation to tensile strength.Int J Trichology. 2022;14(4):128-134. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_122_20Ng YJ, Tham PE, Khoo KS, Cheng CK, Chew KW, Show PL.A comprehensive review on the techniques for coconut oil extraction and its application.Bioprocess Biosyst Eng. 2021;44(9):1807-1818. doi:10.1007/s00449-021-02577-9Wallace TC.Health effects of coconut oil-a narrative review of current evidence.J Am Coll Nutr. 2019 Feb;38(2):97-107. doi:10.1080/07315724.2018.1497562.Kaushik V, Chogale R, Mhaskar S.Alternative protocol for hair damage assessment and comparison of hair care treatments.Int J Trichology. 2020 Jan-Feb;12(1):7-15. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_3_20.Gala MY, Muchhala SS, Charugulla SN, et al.Evaluation of comedogenic potential of a moisturizer venusia max lotion (PAMA free).PI Indian J Clin Exp Dermatol. 2022;8(1):28–31. doi:10.18231/j.ijced.2022.006Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.Coconut allergy.Nille GC, Chaudhary AK.Potential implications of Ayurveda in Psoriasis: A clinical case study.J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2021;12(1):172-177. doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2020.11.009
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sergi D, Luscombe-Marsh N, Naumovski N, Abeywardena M, O’Callaghan N.Palmitic acid, but not lauric acid, induces metabolic inflammation, mitochondrial fragmentation, and a drop in mitochondrial membrane potential in human primary myotubes.Front Nutr. 2021;8:663838. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.663838Cloete E, Khumalo NP, Van wyk JC, Ngoepe MN.Systems approach to human hair fibers: interdependence between physical, mechanical, biochemical and geometric properties of natural healthy hair.Front Physiol. 2019;10:112. doi:10.3389/fphys.2019.00112Saxena R, Mittal P, Clavaud C, et al.Longitudinal study of the scalp microbiome suggests coconut oil to enrich healthy scalp commensals.Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):7220. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-86454-1Kaushik V, Kumar A, Gosvami NN, Gode V, Mhaskar S, Kamath Y.Benefit of coconut-based hair oil via hair porosity quantification.Int J Cosmet Sci. 2022 Jun;44(3):289-298. doi:10.1111/ics.12774.Lourenço CB, Gasparin RM, Thomaz FM, da Silva GC, Martin AA, Paiva-Santos AC, Mazzola PG.Impact of hair damage on the penetration profile of coconut, avocado, and argan oils into caucasian hair fibers.Cosmetics. 2024;11(2):64. doi:10.3390/cosmetics11020064Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL.Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070Kim S, Jang JE, Kim J, et al.Enhanced barrier functions and anti-inflammatory effect of cultured coconut extract on human skin.Food Chem Toxicol. 2017;106(Pt A):367-375. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.05.060Sureka P, Agrawal T, Majumder S, Ritambhara K.A method to measure oil penetration into hair and correlation to tensile strength.Int J Trichology. 2022;14(4):128-134. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_122_20Ng YJ, Tham PE, Khoo KS, Cheng CK, Chew KW, Show PL.A comprehensive review on the techniques for coconut oil extraction and its application.Bioprocess Biosyst Eng. 2021;44(9):1807-1818. doi:10.1007/s00449-021-02577-9Wallace TC.Health effects of coconut oil-a narrative review of current evidence.J Am Coll Nutr. 2019 Feb;38(2):97-107. doi:10.1080/07315724.2018.1497562.Kaushik V, Chogale R, Mhaskar S.Alternative protocol for hair damage assessment and comparison of hair care treatments.Int J Trichology. 2020 Jan-Feb;12(1):7-15. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_3_20.Gala MY, Muchhala SS, Charugulla SN, et al.Evaluation of comedogenic potential of a moisturizer venusia max lotion (PAMA free).PI Indian J Clin Exp Dermatol. 2022;8(1):28–31. doi:10.18231/j.ijced.2022.006Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.Coconut allergy.Nille GC, Chaudhary AK.Potential implications of Ayurveda in Psoriasis: A clinical case study.J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2021;12(1):172-177. doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2020.11.009
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sergi D, Luscombe-Marsh N, Naumovski N, Abeywardena M, O’Callaghan N.Palmitic acid, but not lauric acid, induces metabolic inflammation, mitochondrial fragmentation, and a drop in mitochondrial membrane potential in human primary myotubes.Front Nutr. 2021;8:663838. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.663838Cloete E, Khumalo NP, Van wyk JC, Ngoepe MN.Systems approach to human hair fibers: interdependence between physical, mechanical, biochemical and geometric properties of natural healthy hair.Front Physiol. 2019;10:112. doi:10.3389/fphys.2019.00112Saxena R, Mittal P, Clavaud C, et al.Longitudinal study of the scalp microbiome suggests coconut oil to enrich healthy scalp commensals.Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):7220. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-86454-1Kaushik V, Kumar A, Gosvami NN, Gode V, Mhaskar S, Kamath Y.Benefit of coconut-based hair oil via hair porosity quantification.Int J Cosmet Sci. 2022 Jun;44(3):289-298. doi:10.1111/ics.12774.Lourenço CB, Gasparin RM, Thomaz FM, da Silva GC, Martin AA, Paiva-Santos AC, Mazzola PG.Impact of hair damage on the penetration profile of coconut, avocado, and argan oils into caucasian hair fibers.Cosmetics. 2024;11(2):64. doi:10.3390/cosmetics11020064Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL.Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070Kim S, Jang JE, Kim J, et al.Enhanced barrier functions and anti-inflammatory effect of cultured coconut extract on human skin.Food Chem Toxicol. 2017;106(Pt A):367-375. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.05.060Sureka P, Agrawal T, Majumder S, Ritambhara K.A method to measure oil penetration into hair and correlation to tensile strength.Int J Trichology. 2022;14(4):128-134. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_122_20Ng YJ, Tham PE, Khoo KS, Cheng CK, Chew KW, Show PL.A comprehensive review on the techniques for coconut oil extraction and its application.Bioprocess Biosyst Eng. 2021;44(9):1807-1818. doi:10.1007/s00449-021-02577-9Wallace TC.Health effects of coconut oil-a narrative review of current evidence.J Am Coll Nutr. 2019 Feb;38(2):97-107. doi:10.1080/07315724.2018.1497562.Kaushik V, Chogale R, Mhaskar S.Alternative protocol for hair damage assessment and comparison of hair care treatments.Int J Trichology. 2020 Jan-Feb;12(1):7-15. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_3_20.Gala MY, Muchhala SS, Charugulla SN, et al.Evaluation of comedogenic potential of a moisturizer venusia max lotion (PAMA free).PI Indian J Clin Exp Dermatol. 2022;8(1):28–31. doi:10.18231/j.ijced.2022.006Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.Coconut allergy.Nille GC, Chaudhary AK.Potential implications of Ayurveda in Psoriasis: A clinical case study.J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2021;12(1):172-177. doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2020.11.009
Sergi D, Luscombe-Marsh N, Naumovski N, Abeywardena M, O’Callaghan N.Palmitic acid, but not lauric acid, induces metabolic inflammation, mitochondrial fragmentation, and a drop in mitochondrial membrane potential in human primary myotubes.Front Nutr. 2021;8:663838. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.663838
Cloete E, Khumalo NP, Van wyk JC, Ngoepe MN.Systems approach to human hair fibers: interdependence between physical, mechanical, biochemical and geometric properties of natural healthy hair.Front Physiol. 2019;10:112. doi:10.3389/fphys.2019.00112
Saxena R, Mittal P, Clavaud C, et al.Longitudinal study of the scalp microbiome suggests coconut oil to enrich healthy scalp commensals.Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):7220. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-86454-1
Kaushik V, Kumar A, Gosvami NN, Gode V, Mhaskar S, Kamath Y.Benefit of coconut-based hair oil via hair porosity quantification.Int J Cosmet Sci. 2022 Jun;44(3):289-298. doi:10.1111/ics.12774.
Lourenço CB, Gasparin RM, Thomaz FM, da Silva GC, Martin AA, Paiva-Santos AC, Mazzola PG.Impact of hair damage on the penetration profile of coconut, avocado, and argan oils into caucasian hair fibers.Cosmetics. 2024;11(2):64. doi:10.3390/cosmetics11020064
Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL.Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070
Kim S, Jang JE, Kim J, et al.Enhanced barrier functions and anti-inflammatory effect of cultured coconut extract on human skin.Food Chem Toxicol. 2017;106(Pt A):367-375. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.05.060
Sureka P, Agrawal T, Majumder S, Ritambhara K.A method to measure oil penetration into hair and correlation to tensile strength.Int J Trichology. 2022;14(4):128-134. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_122_20
Ng YJ, Tham PE, Khoo KS, Cheng CK, Chew KW, Show PL.A comprehensive review on the techniques for coconut oil extraction and its application.Bioprocess Biosyst Eng. 2021;44(9):1807-1818. doi:10.1007/s00449-021-02577-9
Wallace TC.Health effects of coconut oil-a narrative review of current evidence.J Am Coll Nutr. 2019 Feb;38(2):97-107. doi:10.1080/07315724.2018.1497562.
Kaushik V, Chogale R, Mhaskar S.Alternative protocol for hair damage assessment and comparison of hair care treatments.Int J Trichology. 2020 Jan-Feb;12(1):7-15. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_3_20.
Gala MY, Muchhala SS, Charugulla SN, et al.Evaluation of comedogenic potential of a moisturizer venusia max lotion (PAMA free).PI Indian J Clin Exp Dermatol. 2022;8(1):28–31. doi:10.18231/j.ijced.2022.006
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.Coconut allergy.
Nille GC, Chaudhary AK.Potential implications of Ayurveda in Psoriasis: A clinical case study.J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2021;12(1):172-177. doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2020.11.009
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
