Coconut oil for hair: Why we love it and how to use it at home

Okay, let’s be honest: using coconut oil for your hair is nothing new. Women everywhere have been praising the many benefits of this beloved ingredient for years. Especially when it comes to hair maintenance and styling. So, what does coconut oil do for your hair? And more importantly – is it worth the hype?

In a word: yes. Aside from acting as a moisturising agent, this multi-tasking mane essential can also help detangle your locks, and style them into place.

Convinced? Get ready to make some room on your bathroom shelf. ATH reveals exactly why coconut oil deserves a front-and-centre spot in your grooming routine.

It Can Be Used on Your Hair as a Weekly Treatment

Tropical paradise hair, here you come.

If your tresses need a little TLC, try using coconut oil as an intensive hair treatment. One of the most common coconut oil uses for hair, this technique can help your locks feel and look more moisturised.

Simply apply coconut oil to the hair, pop a shower cap on and then wrap a warm towel around your head. Leave this treatment in for up to 10 minutes before washing it out to reveal soft, silky locks.

P.s. If you’ve got frazzled or damaged locks, discover the best treatment for any hair condition with our in-depth guide.

Use Coconut Oil as a Pre-shampoo Treatment

Great hair starts in the shower.

One of the main benefits of coconut oil for hair care is that can help leave your tresses feeling soft and smooth. Sound like something you need? Try using coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment. Whether you have fine locks or dry tresses, this is a great way to give your hair some extra moisture without weighing it down.

Simply apply the pure coconut oil to your damp mane and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Then, wash it out in the shower and say hello to softer-feeling hair.

Editor’s tip: Give your tresses an extra coconut boost by using the TRESemmé Botanique Nourish & Replenish Shampoo and Conditioner. Infused with coconut oil, this duo gently nourishes and smoothes the hair.

It’s Great as Daily Detangler and Moisturiser

So, is coconut oil good for your hair when used daily? Absolutely, especially if you’re using it to untangle knotty tresses. Just take a little scoop of coconut oil, warm it up in your hands and apply to your dry mid-lengths and ends.

This will help protect your hair while you tackle your tangled locks with a wide-tooth comb. The coconut oil works by coating your hair, making it easier to comb out, while also conditioning every strand.

Wet look hair courtesy of coconut oil. Credit: indigitalimages.com

So, can you use coconut oil on your hair when it’s dry? The answer is a resounding yes. When used as a styling product, applying coconut oil to hair that’s dry is the quickest way to achieve on-trend, wet-look tresses.

To achieve the look, just apply a few generous scoops of pure coconut oil directly onto the hair – this will make it look extra shiny and help you style it into place. Then, simply use a comb to pull all your hair back to create a slick, wet look with an ultra high-shine finish.

It’s Great at Minimising Frizz

Forget frizz!

We’re always looking for new ways to keep frizz to a minimum, especially if it’s quick and easy! How you choose to apply the coconut oil to your hair depends on your personal preferences. To give an updo a slick, sleek finish, we suggest applying a small amount to your hands and running them lightly over the top of your hair.

Editor’s tip: If you’ve got loose locks, repeat this step and then comb the hair through afterwards to help it look sleek and secure any pesky flyaways.

Coconut Oil Can Improve the Look and Feel of Damaged Strands

If your locks are looking a little lacklustre due to heat damage or chemical treatments, use coconut oil to help them appear softer and shinier.

Whether you prefer to apply it before shampooing or leave the oil on as a treatment mask, coconut oil will help leave the hair feeling and looking more moisturised, and healthy.

Use Coconut Oil to Add Definition to Curly Hair

Make your curls pop.

Curly hair can often feel drier, due to the coiled nature of the strands making it harder for oils to be distributed. This can lead to a frizzier appearance and less defined spirals. Combat this by using coconut oil as a styling cream on dry hair to give it a wet-look finish.

Alternatively, apply the oil as a treatment to the hair to soften it and help the hair surface appear shinier. The more conditioned your hair looks, the more your curls will appear defined.