Yes, it is safe to use coconut oil on your hair daily. Coconut oil is gentle and non-irritating, so it will not damage your hair. In fact, using coconut oil on your hair and dry scalp daily can actually help to improve the health of your hair and reverse hair damage.
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.
"When applied on a regular basis (two to three times per week if your hair type is normal to coarse; less often if you have fine hair), coconut oil can enhance hair's lubrication, making it easier to comb and manage, while increasing shine and preventing frizz," explains GH Beauty Lab senior chemist Sabina Wizemann.
For best results, some haircare experts suggest using coconut oil about two to three times a week.
Although coconut oil can also be bad for hair when you leave unrefined oil on the roots and scalp for too long – if it's absorbed into the scalp, hair growth can slow down, and your hair will be getting greasy much faster.
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.
In short: Yes, coconut oil can support hair growth. "Coconut oil will definitely help your hair grow healthier, thicker, and longer," Brown confirms. "The vitamins and fatty acids in coconut oil help nourish your scalp and penetrates the cuticle of the hair.
Allow the coconut oil to sit on your hair for 20 to 30 minutes after application. If your hair is very dry or porous, you can leave it on longer; some people like to use it as an overnight treatment.
Is it bad to leave coconut oil in your hair overnight? No, putting coconut oil in your hair is not bad. Coconut oil stays in your hair and penetrates into the scalp and the shafts, making it stronger and luscious. Hence, it is always good to leave it overnight and then wash it off the next day.
Oils can cause an increase in naturally occurring yeasts that will exacerbate conditions like Seborrheic Dermatitis. Also oils like castor cause an excessive build-up of dirt and which can clog the hair follicles.
Applying a mix of your regular shampoo or lemon water and aloe vera gel also removes coconut oil. You may leave the mixture on for a few minutes before washing it off. The acidity in lemon is said to remove grease and coconut oil from your hair.
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. This is not ideal to achieve healthy, lustrous and soft hair.
"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.
Hair falling out while oiling is also a common sight. While massaging the oil into your scalp, the fallen hair will stick to your hands. Hair fall during brushing, shampooing or oiling your hair should not bother you as long as the total number of strands that you lose in a day is below 100.
Dry or coarse hair will reject coconut oil, possibly resulting in brittleness and/or breakage. Fine or medium hair will absorb it, increasing growth and density. If you find that the superfood is doing more damage than good, use it for its other benefits like healthy skin, teeth, and diet.
How to Apply a Coconut Oil Hair Mask. 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!)
Whether you are trying to avoid chemicals or are just looking to experiment with some new hair care products, try natural oils such as coconut, argan, jojoba, almond, olive and grapeseed. These are some of the best oils for hair health and can be used directly on the skin and hair.
Coconut oil softens hair and increases shine. Geranium oil strengthens hair. Jojoba oil moisturizes the hair, adds nutrients, and stimulates the scalp. Lavender oil deep conditions the hair, keeps it shiny, and helps control dandruff.
Mineral oil
It is often disguised as petroleum, white petroleum, paraffin, liquid paraffin, and paraffin wax. “Mineral oil should not be applied on the scalp, because it causes a build-up on the strands of the hair and weighs it down, making it very flat and dull.
Remember, coconut oil on its own doesn't whiten teeth. It can, however, make them appear temporarily brighter. With that in mind, if you'd still like to add coconut oil to your oral care routine, Patterson says that it's fine to do so as long as you're not allergic to the ingredient.
Preventing frizz
Coconut oil stops the hair from absorbing water, especially in humid climates, which can help prevent frizz. Damaged hair tends to look frizzy, even in dry weather. As coconut oil can penetrate the hair shaft, it can also help smoothen damaged, uneven hair.