Q&A for How to Use Coconut Oil As a Conditioner

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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.
    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.
  • 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.
    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.
  • 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.
    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.
  • Question
    Can I leave my hair wet for a week with the coconut oil on it?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    No, this isn't possible. Your hair will eventually dry, unless you wet it multiple times every day. You can apply coconut oil daily, but be aware that your hair will be very oily after a week of continuously applying it without shampooing it out.
  • Question
    Should you blow dry your hair when you are done washing the shampoo off?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can blow dry your hair afterwards or let it air dry. It's your choice. If you decide to blow dry it, be sure to apply a heat protectant product to your hair first.
  • Question
    Is it necessary to rinse off coconut oil?
    Community Answer
    No, but you should.
  • Question
    Do I need to shampoo my hair before applying coconut oil?
    Ayyat Khurram
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    What are the harmful effects of using hydrogenated coconut oil as a conditioner?
    Community Answer
    I am not sure that there are any negative effects, but by hydrogenating an oil or fat you are changing the chemical structure, adding more hydrogens and removing double bonds between the carbon atoms. This makes the oil more unhealthy when consumed: it becomes a saturated fat instead of unsaturated—it is saturated with hydrogens and is more processed. This also causes it to solidify at higher temperatures, depending on how much it was hydrogenated.
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