How to Use Coconut Oil on Your Hair and Skin

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Using coconut oil is a wonderful natural way to make your hair and skin soft, radiant, and healthy. [1] Coconut oil is natural and contains no harmful chemicals. Toss out your deep conditioners, under-eye creams, and lotions - you don't need them anymore! A jar of unrefined coconut oil is an all-purpose moisturizer great for all skin and hair variations. If you want to learn how to use coconut oil on your hair and skin, keep reading.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Conditioning Your Hair

PDF download Download Article
  1. Coconut oil can get a little drippy, so put on an old t-shirt or drape a towel around your shoulders to prevent it from getting on your nice clothes. It's best to start the conditioning treatment in your bathroom, but you'll be able to move around while you let it soak into your hair for a few hours.
  2. You can use a plastic shower cap, a large sheet of plastic wrap, or a second old t-shirt to wrap up your hair. Choose something you'll be able to keep in place for several hours, or even overnight.
    Advertisement
  3. The amount of coconut oil you'll need depends on the length and thickness of your hair. If you have long, thick hair, use 5; if your hair is shorter and thinner, you only need 3 or 4.
    • Use unrefined, cold pressed (not refined or solvent extracted). Refined coconut oil has additives and is put through processes that remove some of the natural compounds that make it so healthy for your hair and skin. Unrefined coconut oil is complete in its natural, healthy goodness. Similarly, solvent extracted oil usually contains traces of the hazardous hexane solvent.
    • Make sure not to use too much; focus the oil on the middle section and bottom of your hair. If too much is used, especially near the scalp, this can cause the hair to look greasy even when washed out thoroughly. Your hair produces its own natural oils that come from the scalp.
  4. Avoid the microwave oven as it can destroy the bio-active compounds.
    • You can melt coconut oil with your hands. Melt one tablespoon at a time by holding it between your palms and gently rubbing them together. Coconut oil melts with very little heat.
    • Heat a small saucepan or bowl on the stove. Remove from flame and pour the oil into the bowl. Let it melt and get warm.
    • You can also heat up coconut oil on the stove. Scoop it into a small saucepan and heat it up over low heat until it has just melted.
    • You can also heat up coconut oil by running the jar under hot water in a sink until it melts which will only take a few seconds.
    EXPERT TIP

    Courtney Foster

    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.
    Courtney Foster
    Licensed Cosmetologist

    Expert Trick: Mix the coconut oil with other nourishing oils to deep-condition your hair. Coconut oil works best when you use it as a carrier oil. For instance, you might make a deep conditioner out of coconut oil, olive oil, black seed oil, and rosemary oil.

  5. Pour the coconut oil into your hand and then start applying it to the ends of your hair first. [2] Use your fingers to massage it in and smooth it down your hair shaft all the way to the strands. Avoid applying the oil to your scalp. Continue massaging it into your hair until your hair is completely drenched in coconut oil.
    • You can use a comb to help you distribute the oil evenly. Pull it down from your roots to your tips.
    • You may just want to condition the ends of your hair, rather than the roots. [3] If that's the case, apply the coconut oil to the ends of your hair instead of pouring it over your scalp. Massage it in with your hands.
    • If you have fine hair, then only apply the oil to the tips of your hair.
  6. Place your shower cap, plastic wrap, or old t-shirt over your head and wrap it up so that your hair is completely covered.
    • You can secure your hair with a loose hair band to help it all stay wrapped up on top of your head.
    • Use a towel to wipe away drips that might have gotten on your face during the wrapping process.
    • For fine hair, wrap your hair before piling it on your head to avoid getting the oil on your roots.
  7. [4] The longer you keep it in your hair, the more conditioned your hair will be. Wait as long as you can manage for best effect.
  8. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to wash out the coconut oil. Wash it two or three times, until your hair no longer feels oily.
    EXPERT TIP

    Courtney Foster

    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.
    Courtney Foster
    Licensed Cosmetologist

    Be sure to wash the oil out thoroughly. Coconut oil is hydrating, but because it solidifies at room temperature, the oil will dry out on the hair strand. If you don't rinse it out, that dried oil will tend to cause breakage.

  9. Let it air dry or blow it dry to see the effects of the conditioning treatment. It should be soft, shiny and gleaming after this special coconut oil application.
    10. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Hydrating Your Face

PDF download Download Article
  1. Whether you lightly splash your face with water, exfoliate it with a brush, or use the oil cleansing method, go ahead and wash your face. Pat it dry with a soft towel, making sure not to pull at your skin - your facial skin is fragile, and a lot of pulling and tugging can cause damage.
  2. Coconut oil is a wonderful undereye cream. It helps moisturize that paper-thin skin, improving dark circles and keeping wrinkles at bay. Use your fingertip to pat—don't rub—a tiny amount under your eyes, focusing on areas that have wrinkles. Then, gently run your finger along your undereye area to distribute the oil. [5]
    • You probably only need a pea-sized amount for each eye. Take care not to use too much.
    • Avoid getting the coconut oil in your eyes. It will thinly coat your eyes, making your vision blurry for a little while!
  3. If you tend to get a very dry patch between your eyebrows, at your temples, or in another spot, apply a small amount of coconut oil there. Rub it in gently using a circular motion.
  4. [6] As a treatment or raw. Unrefined coconut oil will soften and moisturize chapped lips. It's completely edible, so there's no need to worry about ingesting a little. In fact, eating coconut oil is great for your health. If you want to make a sugar scrub, combine 1 part brown sugar, 1 part coconut oil, and 1 part honey. Mix and apply to lips. Remove excess.
  5. If you have dry skin, then you might consider applying coconut oil as a face cream. However, do not apply oil before applying makeup because it will affect the look of your makeup. Put it on after a shower or after washing your face. Let it absorb into your skin for 10 minutes before applying makeup. You only need about a dime-sized amount to cover your whole face.
    • Some people experience breakouts when they use coconut oil all over. Experiment by using coconut oil on just one patch of skin for a few days. If you like the effect and see no signs of the breakout, use it all over.
    • You can use coconut oil for the oil cleansing method, too. [7] Again, be careful if your pores are prone to get clogged. You can cut coconut oil with castor oil if you're worried it will be too rich for your skin.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Moisturizing Your Body

PDF download Download Article
  1. [8] When your skin is still warm and supple from your bath or shower, the coconut oil will be more readily absorbed.
  2. Scoop out a tablespoon and place it on your arm. Start at your elbows and work the oil all over your arms. Use your opposite hand to rub it in until the coconut oil has melted over your skin. Smooth it on evenly and keep rubbing until it's all gone. Repeat with the other arm.
  3. Scoop out two tablespoons and rub them into your thigh, knee area, lower leg, and foot. Keep rubbing until the scoops have melted into your skin. Repeat with the other leg.
  4. Rub it over your back, buttocks, stomach, breasts, and anywhere else you'd like to moisturize. You can use coconut oil just as you would any other lotion.
  5. It might take about 15 minutes for the oil to completely get absorbed into your skin. In the meantime, hang out in your bathroom or put on a bathrobe so you don't get oil on your nice clothes or furniture.
  6. Place about an ounce (shot glass) full of coconut oil in the warm almost hot bath and swish it around the tub to dissolve it. Then soak for a while. Do this for a few weeks about once or twice a week, until you notice your skin is no longer so dry.
    7. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using Coconut Oil in Other Ways

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use coconut oil as massage oil . You can scent coconut oil with a few drops of essential oil like lavender or rose, then rub it all over yourself or your partner for a sensual homemade massage oil.
  2. Rub a pea-sized amount of coconut oil between your hands and smooth it over your hair to get rid of pesky flyaways and frizz.
  3. Rub a liberal amount of coconut oil over your scar. Repeat twice daily. Over time you'll see the scar reduce in size and blend in with your skin.
  4. Try coconut oil for treating eczema . [9] Rub coconut oil over dry, inflamed patches of skin to soothe the itchiness and moisturize the area.
  5. Use coconut oil to make hair silky . Pour a little coconut oil in a bowl. Heat it to warm to oil stage, then cools it.
    • Take a little amount of in your hand.
    • Apply it to your scalp. Massage it and tie your hair up.
    • Do this process at night and morning wash your hair. Your hair will become silky and strong.
  6. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Apply coconut oil to cuticles. A pea size amount is enough per hand. Rub into cuticles until fully absorbed.
  7. Heat the coconut oil and ingredients. Allow to cool to room temperature, then apply on the hair scalp by using cotton balls. Give it a light massage and leave in overnight. The next morning, shampoo it. Your hair will be wonderfully shiny and soft.
  8. It acts kind of like a cold cream; just rub it on your face, leave it for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a cloth or tissue and wash your face as normal. Sometimes it works better than those makeup wipes on stubborn eyeliner and mascara. [10]
    9. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I use coconut oil on my skin?
    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 be used as a skin moisturizer but it can also clog pores. If you have acne-prone skin, you shouldn't use it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 12
  • Question
    What does coconut oil do to your hair and skin?
    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 softens your hair and adds shine. It hydrates your skin and can help fade scars. Coconut oil does not fully absorb into the hair or skin, so it may clog pores.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
  • Question
    Do you apply coconut oil to wet or dry 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 works best when applied to dry hair because it can absorb more fully. You can also apply it to towel-dried hair.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 12
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Reader Videos

      Tips

      • A small amount of this oil goes a long way. Be careful not to use too much.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      • Apply coconut oil to your hair 2-3 times a week and wash out. You will soon see results of smoother, softer, silkier hair.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
      • If you color your hair at home, coconut oil can be used to help reduce the damage from the chemicals by adding moisture. Apply a couple drops in your dye bottle and mix it well before using.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • You can also use coconut oil orally with "oil pulling" - some people believe that it helps cleanse and whiten your teeth, but you should check with your dentist first. Simply swish the oil around your mouth for 20 minutes!
      • I like to mix 3 teaspoons of coconut oil with 2 teaspoons of avocado oil and 3 teaspoons of honey. This mask works great on my skin to prevent dry skin and breakouts! :)
      • For me, coconut oil makes a fantastic substitute for shaving cream! It makes your legs feel soft and silky, and moisturising them won't be necessary afterwards.
      • Freezing coconut oil and beeswax into an empty eos container can make a diy moisturizing lip balm. (Organic too!)
      • You can also use coconut oil in your smoothies, chocolate or fruit snacks!
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Warm coconut oil treatment is good, but avoid making it too hot. It may burn your skin.
        Thanks
        Helpful 464 Not Helpful 72
      • You may not want to microwave coconut oil; it can leach out the nutrients that help with conditioning. Place the container of oil under a stream of hot water instead.
        Thanks
        Helpful 54 Not Helpful 12
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Use Castor Oil to Promote Healthy Hair
      How to
      Make Rosemary Hair Oil
      How to
      Use Sea Salt Spray
      How to
      Gel Your Hair
      How to
      Use Coconut Oil for Your Hair
      How to
      Make Your Hair Stand Up
      How to
      Use a Dyson Airwrap
      How to
      Make Flaxseed Hair Gel
      3 Ways to Use Vaseline for Your Hair
      How to
      Style Curly Hair for Volume
      How to
      Use Brylcreem
      How to
      Add Volume to Your Hair
      How to
      Determine if a Hair Product is Curly Girl Approved
      How to
      Apply Conditioner to Your Hair
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12715094
      2. ↑ https://www.thecut.com/2017/12/how-to-coconut-oil-hair.html
      3. ↑ https://www.thecut.com/2017/12/how-to-coconut-oil-hair.html
      4. ↑ https://naturalbeautytips.co/coconut-oil-hair-treatment-overnight/
      5. ↑ https://www.thecut.com/2014/08/how-to-correctly-apply-eye-cream.html
      6. ↑ https://fashionista.com/2013/08/heres-what-happened-when-our-writer-replaced-her-entire-beauty-regimen-with-coconut-oil
      7. ↑ https://www.byrdie.com/can-you-use-coconut-oil-as-a-makeup-remover
      8. ↑ \ https://www.allure.com/story/beauty-uses-for-coconut-oil
      9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518179/
      1. ↑ https://www.byrdie.com/can-you-use-coconut-oil-as-a-makeup-remover

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To use coconut oil on your hair, warm 3 to 5 tablespoons of coconut oil in a pot on the stove until it melts. Then, massage the melted oil into your hair, starting at the ends. Once you've finished, cover your hair with a shower cap or old t-shirt and leave the coconut oil in for 2 hours. After 2 hours, wash your hair in the shower to remove the oil, and you're done! To learn how to use coconut oil on your skin, read the article!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 9,250,852 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Grace Claudius

        May 5, 2016

        "The section on how to take care of color treated hair was useful. It was very basic information about the same. ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement