If you don’t yet coat your strands in coconut oil, you’re probably wondering what makes it such a hair care mainstay (subtle hint: versatility, moisture, and shine). Below, we explain what makes coconut oil so nourishing for hair and exactly how to apply it for maximum benefits. It can also help the hair retain protein: Because the specific type of fatty acid in coconut oil is drawn toward protein (it’s called “lauric acid,” according to celebrity hairstylist Nick Stenson, artistic director of Matrix), your strands are able to hold on to those proteins2 better when they’re coated in coconut. All that is to say, the oil makes for a pretty effective hair care treatment. “Melt a few tablespoons of coconut oil over low heat, and transfer to a bowl,” she says. “Apply warm coconut oil to hair—section by section—massaging into the roots and saturating hair throughout the tips. Then run a wide-toothed comb throughout your entire hair to gently detangle. Cover hair with a shower cap or warm towel, and relax for 10 to 30 minutes. Use a curl-friendly shampoo to wash out the coconut oil in warm water, and rinse in cool water.” Don’t sleep on that last step: You’ll want to thoroughly wash out the oil, so as to not accumulate any buildup. Generally, scalp massages themselves have been shown to promote hair growth3, as they encourage blood circulation to the area, which helps deliver vital nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicle. Nonetheless, using coconut oil is a scalp-healthy add. You can even use the oil in between washes to help curls keep their spring. “To replenish curls, a coconut oil product brings brilliant shine while protecting hair against seasonal elements,” Branch adds. Branch also notes that if your hair is oily or you don’t typically reach for any type of oil in your hair care regimen, “it’s best to not use coconut oil.” Better to start with a more lightweight option if you’re making your first foray into using hair oils (perhaps jojoba since it’s the closest to your skin’s own sebum). And, of course, if you have a coconut allergy, don’t use coconut oil in your hair care routine. Even if you consume coconut all the time, you might want to patch test and see how it works on your skin—some people can face irritation from using those same ingredients topically.
