Is coconut oil good for coily hair?

Megan Dominion

Coily hair is one of the dryest hair types. Your hair’s twists and turns make it difficult for the natural oils produced by your scalp to travel down your ringlets. While you may have an oily scalp, your hair may look and feel dry as you get closer to your ends. That’s why it is essential to replenish nutrients with the best hair oil for your coily hair even if you have a carefully curated lineup of natural hair care products.

Introducing: Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a great natural moisturizer that can help tame frizzies hair and promote healthy growth, especially for those with type 4 type coily hair.

In this article, we will present the benefits of using coconut oil on coily hair, and how to apply it to maximise the benefits.

Why is coconut oil good for coily hair?

Coconut oil is an amazing natural product that can help your hair grow faster, feel softer, and smell better. Unlike most oils, it doesn’t just sit on top of your hair; instead, it goes deep inside the roots, helping repair damage and adding strength.

Coily hair is often dry and brittle and can be difficult to style. Coconut oil can help by:

  • Moisturising your hair: Coconut oil can help prevent protein loss, leading to dry, brittle hair.
  • Reducing frizz: The saturated fats in coconut oil can help to smooth down the hair shaft, reducing frizz and making your hair easier to style.
  • Stimulating hair growth: Coconut oil contains vitamin E, B6, and zinc, which promote healthy hair growth. Coconut oil also helps prevent dandruff because it moisturizes the scalp.
  • Protecting your hair: Coconut oil can help to protect your hair from damage caused by UV rays, heat styling, and chemicals.

Read also: The Basics of 4C Hair Care

How to use coconut oil for coily hair?

You can use coconut oil for your coily hair in a few different ways. You can use it as a:

  • Pre-shampoo treatment: Applying coconut oil to your hair before shampooing can help to prevent protein loss. Massage your hair and scalp with coconut oil, and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before shampooing.
  • Conditioner: Coconut oil can be used as a conditioner to help hydrate and soften your coily hair. Apply it to your hair after shampooing, and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off. You can also add a few drops of coconut oil to your regular conditioner to boost its moisturizing power.

There is no doubt that coconut oil is a wonderful ingredient for all hair types. However, it is especially effective in deep conditioning treatments because the fatty acids penetrate past the surface layers (the cuticles) and strengthen follicles from within.

In addition, you can add it to your favorite conditioner for a deep conditioning treatment.

Other natural ingredients that you can use along with the coconut oil for coily hair:

  • aloe vera
  • a whole egg or egg white
  • avocado
  • argan oil
  • olive oil

Which is the best coconut oil to use?

Many different types of coconut oil are available on the market, but the best type for your coily hair is raw, unrefined, virgin coconut oil. This coconut oil has the most nutrients and the best texture for coily hair. You can find it solid and sold in jars.

Coconut oil available as liquid has been refined and processed further, so some of its beneficial properties have been removed.

FAQs about coconut oil

Will coconut oil make my hair curlier?

No, coconut oil will not make your hair curlier. In fact, it can actually help to tame frizz and make your hair easier to style.

Can I leave coconut oil in my hair overnight?

Yes, you can leave coconut oil in your hair overnight. Just be sure to cover your hair with a shower cap or silk scarf to prevent your pillow from getting oily. You can add heat if you want the oil to absorb better. Wash your hair the next day.

Can I use coconut oil every day?

Yes, you can use coconut oil every day. Just be sure to use a small amount, as too much can make your hair greasy.

Will my hair become greasy if I use coconut oil?

No, your hair will not become greasy if you use coconut oil in small amounts. In fact, it can actually help to control grease and oil production.

My hair is dehydrated. Will coconut oil help?

Yes, coconut oil can help to hydrate and moisturize dry hair.

Can I use coconut oil on color-treated hair?

Yes, you can use coconut oil on color-treated hair. In fact, coconut oil can actually help to protect your hair from damage caused by UV rays, heat styling, and chemicals.

Can I use coconut oil if I have dandruff?

Yes, you can use coconut oil if you have dandruff. Coconut oil can help to moisturize the scalp and reduce dandruff.

Bottom line

Coconut oil is an excellent natural product for your coily hair type. It can help to moisturize, reduce frizz, stimulate hair growth, and protect your hair from damage.

Megan Dominion

Megan Dominion is SILKUP's Managing Editor. She's been down both the curly hair and skincare rabbit holes many times and loves that there's always something new to learn; a new science, method, product or personal experience.