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Q&A for How to Use Coconut Oil on Your Hair and Skin

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Question

Can you put coconut oil in 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

Yes, coconut oil can be used on damp or dry hair for shine, hydration, and protection. If you have fine hair, use a small amount and avoid putting it on the roots.

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Question

Will coconut oil make my hair on my body overgrow if I'm using it as a moisturizer?

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

No, in fact, it will soften the hair making it less noticeable and prickly.

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Question

Do I still need to condition my hair after shampooing out the oil?

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

No, after an oil treatment you can just shampoo, no additional conditioning is needed.

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Question

Can coconut oil help reduce the cracks of your lips?

Community Answer

Yes, as stated coconut oil is a moisturiser and can prevent and sooth cracked lips. Rub your finger onto the coconut oil (as a solid) and apply to your lips. Remember to apply the oil whenever you feel your lips are dry.

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Question

Can coconut oil reduce stretch marks?

Community Answer

Yes, coconut oil can reduce scars and stretch marks. They may not completely disappear but they will fade over time with regular use.

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Question

Where can I buy coconut oil from?

Community Answer

You can buy it from most grocery stores and other food markets.

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Question

Can you leave coconut oil on your hair all night?

Community Answer

Yes, that way it has more time to absorb and heal your hair.

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Question

Where can I get unrefined coconut oil?

Community Answer

You can find it at health food stores. You could possibly find it at a normal grocery store as well.

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Question

Don't you smell like coconuts?

Community Answer

Only for a little while, and most of the time you can't smell it unless you try. It isn't very noticeable.

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Question

How often should I use it as a deep conditioning treatment?

Community Answer

Anywhere from once a week to once every two months depending on how dry your hair is.

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Question

Can it have any effect on the body?

Community Answer

There should be only positive effects, such as smooth, moisturized skin. But if you are allergic to coconuts, do not use coconut oil as it may turn your skin itchy and red. Please only use the methods described in the article if you know that you are not allergic to coconuts.

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Question

For long thick hair, will the coconut oil make my hair look greasy or will it just exfoliate my hair?

Community Answer

As long as you wash out your hair, it does not make it look greasy. If you are having problems, massage the shampoo onto your scalp before getting it wet, then wash out normally.

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Question

Can it be used as a moisturizer after shaving, or instead of shaving cream?

Community Answer

Yes, it can. It is a great moisturizer. I've also seen it used as shaving cream, and it works.

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Question

Can you use coconut oil to moisturize your nostrils?

Community Answer

Coconut oil moisturizes anywhere you put it, including your nose.

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Question

Is coconut oil good for extra-dry skin?

Community Answer

Yes, it is. It provides moisture and has nutrients to help relieve dry skin.

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Question

Can I leave coconut oil in my hair, without washing it out?

Community Answer

Wash it out every day and wait an hour before re-applying the oil. This will allow your scalp to breathe.

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Question

Can I use coconut oil as hair cream and body cream for my 2 year old baby girl?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Coconut oil is a natural vegetable oil and is safe to use on all ages unless the child has an allergy to coconut products.

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Question

If coconut oil is good for hair growth, won't it make unwanted facial and body hair grow faster, too?

Community Answer

Not necessarily. Coconut oil moisturizes, boosts blood circulation, provides nutrients, and is antibacterial. It doesn't speed up hair growth, but makes your hair healthier.

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Question

Will coconut oil remove pigmentation on the face from extreme sun exposure?

Community Answer

It may make them appear less, but they won't disappear. You also could hide them with make-up.

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Question

Is it true coconut oil is good for dry mouth (and bad breath)? If so, can you please tell me how to make it liquid enough like mouthwash and should I not swallow it?

Community Answer

Yes, it is. You can put about one tablespoon in your mouth and swish vigorously between your teeth until it's melted and liquid-y like oil. Do not spit out until 20 minutes have passed. Do this every morning after you brush your teeth. This will make your teeth whiter, your mouth feeling fresh, and reduces germs.

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Question

Can coconut oil be used to turn grey hair black?

Community Answer

No. You need a hair dye for that.

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Question

Should I put coconut on my oily hair overnight and then wash it the next morning?

Community Answer

This could work well for an at-home conditioning treatment, but be cautious of how much you use. If too much is put in your hair, it'll weigh it down and make it appear greasy even after being washed out. This treatment should only be used at the ends of your hair, with nothing close to the roots.

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Question

Is coconut oil good for your feet?

Community Answer

Yes; it can help your feet. Lather your feet in a nice layer of coconut oil and put on a good pair of fluffy socks before bed. The next morning they'll be super soft.

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Question

Is using refined coconut oil okay for my face?

Community Answer

Yes, it is. Its completely natural and will soften and smooth your face, too.

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Question

Should you wash your hair before you use the coconut oil as a deep conditioning treatment?

Community Answer

Washing your hair first makes your hair extra silky and smooth, but some people with African style hair prefer to deep condition on dry hair.

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Question

Will I have a breakout if I rub it all over my face?

Community Answer

Most likely, yes, it will clog your pores and result in acne, but it really depends on your skin type.

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Question

I have hair coconut oil, can I use it for my face, or do I need a different kind of coconut oil?

Community Answer

If the product is specifically made for your hair, do not use it on your face! This can cause bad breakouts and is unhealthy for your skin. It is recommended for you to buy another one that works for both, like plain virgin coconut oil.

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