7, April 2025
COCONUT OIL FOR HAIR
Coconut oil has been a popular treatment for hair and scalp for centuries. Its use in haircare can be traced back to Ayurvedic traditions that originated in India thousands of years ago. Today, this tropical oil is one of the most-loved haircare ingredients in the world. Here's why...
WHAT IS COCONUT OIL?
Coconut oil comes from the kernels and flesh of coconuts, which are drupes (a type of fruit with one seed in the middle). These drupes grow on coconut trees, a species of palm that’s native to tropical environments. At room temperature, the oil is a white, solid fat, but it turns to a clear liquid when it’s warmer than about 25°C.
IS COCONUT OIL GOOD FOR YOUR HAIR?
In a word: Yes! Coconut oil is a highly hydrating, natural ingredient that’s brimming with benefits for hair and scalp. It’s especially good for hair that’s dry or damaged, but may not be great for oily scalps or hair that’s fine, thin or low-porosity. Curious about the benefits of coconut oil? Keep reading to find out how it can help thirsty hair.
WHAT DOES COCONUT OIL DO FOR YOUR HAIR?
It can help hydrate and condition dry hair. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, predominantly lauric acid. This saturated fatty acid has a unique molecular structure which means it is easily absorbed by the hair shaft. It moisturises strands on a deep level, helping to protect them and leave hair feeling soft and looking glossy.
It is known to reduce protein loss, helping to prevent breakage. Hair is made mainly of keratin, a type of protein. When strands lose protein, they can become brittle, dull and prone to breakage and split ends. Lauric acid forms a protective barrier that helps stop strands from becoming damaged, which can lead to protein loss. After this study, scientists remarked that coconut oil reduced protein loss ‘remarkably’.
It can help strengthen the cuticle and protect hair. Coconut oil’s unique ability to penetrate hair strands is known to help strengthen the hair cuticle. The oil is also an emollient, which means it leaves a protective layer on the hair that can help prevent water loss and may help protect tresses from damage. Coconut oil is also packed with antioxidants, which are known to help protect hair from free radicals.
It can help tame frizz and increase shine. The deeply moisturising and smoothing action of coconut oil on hair means it is famed for being an effective frizz protector. That coating it leaves on the outside of strands is known to help protect tresses from airborne moisture in humid weather.
COCONUT OIL FOR SCALP
The fatty acids in coconut oil have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which may help maintain a balanced scalp microbiome. A microbiome is an ecosystem of microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria and viruses – and we have them all over and in our bodies. The scalp microbiome is crucial not just to a healthy scalp, but to healthy hair.
As well as being deeply moisturising, coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties – this study showed that it may help hydrate and soothe dry or flaky scalps in the short term. It’s worth noting that coconut oil is comedogenic (meaning it blocks pores) so it’s best not to leave it on the scalp for long periods. If your scalp is sore or irritated, seek medical advice before applying any new product or substance to it.
DOES COCONUT OIL HELP HAIR GROWTH?
Sadly, coconut oil isn’t a magic potion for hair growth – but it is known to moisturise tresses and leave them feeling softer, stronger and shinier. Its shown damage-prevention properties may mean fewer haircuts, which could make it feel like your hair is getting longer more quickly. Plus, it’s known to help maintain equilibrium on the scalp – and a healthy scalp lays the foundation for healthy hair.
HOW TO USE COCONUT OIL FOR HAIR
So, you want to introduce coconut oil to your haircare routine – but how exactly do you use it? Using any oil can be messy and time-consuming, so you may prefer to use products that already contain coconut oil (scroll down to read about those!) If you do want to use coconut oil straight from the jar, you could try using it as:
A pre-shampoo treatment: To prevent moisture loss on wash days, some people recommend using coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment. This means running coconut oil through the lengths and ends and leaving it for up to an hour before washing hair as normal.
A hair mask: Comb coconut oil through the lengths and ends of damp or dry hair (avoiding the roots and scalp) and leave from 30 minutes to overnight.
A scalp massage oil: Treat your scalp (and yourself!) to a head massage using coconut oil. If your scalp is dry (but not sore or irritated), you might like to leave the oil on for 20 minutes, before washing off. Avoid leaving it on for any longer, as it may block pores.
A leave-in conditioner: Run a small amount of coconut oil through the mid-lengths and ends of hair while it is damp for combability and shine. Don’t use heat tools afterwards as they could cause damage.
A frizz-calmer: Apply a tiny amount of coconut oil to flyaways and the very tips of dry hair to smooth them. Use very sparingly to avoid hair looking greasy.
HAIRCARE MADE WITH ORGANIC COCONUT OIL
We use certified organic coconut oil in our Coconut haircare range. Each of the liquid products in the range is 99.5% natural origin and expertly formulated with our base blend of organic active naturals, chosen for their known benefits to hair and scalp. Like all our hair products, this collection is vegan, cruelty-free, contains no silicones, parabens, SLS or SLES.
COCONUT OIL SHAMPOO
Our hydrating Coconut Shampoo is formulated for dry hair and scalp. It has a delicate, natural origin aroma to transport you to the tropics while you lather up.
COCONUT SHAMPOO BAR
As well as organic coconut oil, our hydrating Coconut & Shea Butter Shampoo Bar harnesses the benefits of shea butter for hair. This zero-waste bar comes in 100% recycled and recyclable cardboard box, helping you to cut down on your plastic consumption.
COCONUT OIL CONDITIONER
Formulated for dry hair and scalp, our hydrating Coconut Conditioner has plenty of slip to help detangle your tresses. It has the same tropical aroma as the shampoo, to uplift wash days and leave hair feeling fresh.
COCONUT OIL HAIR MASK
Don't fancy slathering coconut oil on to your scalp and tresses? Our Coconut & Shea Butter Hydrating Hair Mask is a specially formulated, deep treatment for dry hair and scalp with the same tropical aroma as the Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner. It harnesses the power of coconut oil, as well as another natural hair hero: wild-harvested, organic shea butter. Wondering when you should use it? Read this: How Often Should You Use a Hair Mask?
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