“You can oil when your hair is damp or dry, but your hair and scalp have to be clean, or the oil won't have a chance to be absorbed,” says Dr Gupta. For heavier oils like coconut oil, applying it on dry hair is best, as the larger molecules may not penetrate the shaft of wet hair as well it can dry hair.
Moisturizing dry hair and scalp
Most oils sit on the surface of the hair, but research shows that coconut oil penetrates more deeply into the hair shaft, which may lead the hair to feel softer and smoother.
Styling aid: Just a dab of coconut oil can go a long way when it comes to taming frizz. For easier absorption and styling, make sure to apply the oil to damp hair.
Plus, you can use it on dry or wet hair, depending on whether you want a finishing product or something more moisturizing. The ability to deeply penetrate the hair shaft comes from the many fatty acids found in coconut oil, like lauric acid.
For a hair mask, you'll want to apply coconut oil to your hair before washing, being sure to shampoo, condition and thoroughly rinse out all oil after masking. (And yes, it will likely take an extra shampoo to get it all out!)
Simply leave it on for 30 minutes, then wash your hair like normal. Or, for an extra-hydrating hair mask, leave your coconut oil hair treatment on overnight. Simply wrap your hair up in a shower cap (we love the KITSCH Luxury Shower Cap) before sleeping to make sure you don't get it all over your pillow.
Absolutely. Applying the oil while the hair is wet will nourish and protect it from frizz and pollution as it dries into a subtly shiny version of its natural texture. Once the hair is dry, you may pump a touch more oil into your palm, rub it between your hands and smooth it over your lengths and ends.
Here's a trick that's particularly helpful for folks with dry or curly hair: Avoiding the scalp, coat dry hair with a glob of coconut oil an hour or so before hitting the shower. The oil protects each strand from drying out while you shampoo.
Coconut oil can help seal the cuticle and reduce water absorption into the hair, especially in humidity. Reducing water absorption into the hair, helps to smoothen the cuticle and stop frizzy hair.
Choose raw coconut oil, like Garden of Life Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. Smooth coconut oil onto hair and comb it through dry hair. Leave it on for at 15 to 30 minutes to let it absorb. Thoroughly wash hair with a great shampoo (you may need to shampoo twice to remove all of the oil) and conditioning as usual.
If you put the oil in wet hair, it will help to lock in nutrients and moisture to keep your hair healthy and smooth. They're both good options, so feel free to use it with either wet or dry hair. You can even use it in your dry hair, shower an hour later, and reapply it to get the best of both worlds!
How to get coconut oil out of your hair? For this purpose, you should add 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar in a cup of water, which should be applied on your hair. Let it do its work for some time, as the mixture needs to reach your scalp. Wash the hair with lukewarm water and this way you will get rid of the coconut oil.
"The reason some people experience dryness with coconut oil — especially when using it alone as a treatment — is that it can penetrate the hair cuticle, taking up space within the strands," says cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson.
“For less porous types, coconut oil can prevent moisture and make hair feel a bit more like straw.” If you have very fine hair, opt for an oil that stays liquid at room temperature, like argan or jojoba.
Coconut oil can cause protein buildup for these hair types, blocking your hair from much-needed moisture which makes your hair even drier, stiffer, and less elastic. And less elasticity means more breakage when combing or styling.
Argan oil, also known as Morrocon Oil in its purest form does wonders for frizzy hair and hair prone to breakage. Packed with natural components such as vitamin E, fatty acids, antioxidants and ferulic acids, Argan Oil helps to keep moisture locked in the hair, combatting the main source of frizzy hair.
Should You Oil Your Hair Everyday? Leaving oil on your hair everyday for too long can cause product build-up on your scalp. It may also clog your pores, attract dirt and accumulate dandruff. Oiling your hair everyday also means that you have to wash it with shampoo everyday.
And whilst there are many products on the market that are enriched with coconut oil, you can also use raw coconut oil on your hair as an excellent leave-in conditioner. If you have dry or curly hair you are best using coconut oil on dry hair, applying to the mid-lengths and leaving for an hour or so before rinsing.
Leaving aloe vera and coconut oil overnight on your hair can prove to be a relaxing and deep conditioning hair mask for your tresses. Experts recommend oiling your hair overnight at a frequency of two to three times per week, to nourish your hair and allow the moisture to settle in.
The use of coconut oil on hair helps reduce protein loss in all hair types. And, because this oil is rich in lauric acid and easily penetrates inside the hair shaft it is great to use as a daily conditioner.
“Oils can be applied to the ends of the hair, and then washed out after several hours,” notes Dr. Khetarpal. “It's best to apply to dry hair and use a small amount.”
It is to be completely avoided by people who tend to get body allergies, cold, cough, asthma, sinusitis, neck pain and neck muscle stiffness. Oiling overnight will cause dust accumulation and thus weakening of hair.”
As a regular practice, it is natural to reach out for your comb right after oiling your hair to remove tangles. But this is a common mistake and you should avoid it. After a good oil massage, you scalp becomes relaxed and fragile, combing your hair immediately after can cause hair breakage and hair loss.
Too much coconut oil on your hair may make it greasy and attract dust particles. Leaving coconut oil on the hair and scalp may cause sebum buildup and choke the hair follicles, causing hair fall.