Coconut oil is one of the most versatile beauty products out there. You can use this oil for different purposes, and it will never let you down. Whether it’s on your skin or hair, using the right and the best coconut oil for hair will give you a youthful glow that’s becoming increasingly hard to get from other beauty products.
But did you know that there are different types of coconut oils? Yes, coconut comes in different varieties depending on where the oil is extracted and the processes it undergoes before being packaged and sold. This is very important because it directly affects how beneficial and safe the oil is.
In this article, I’ll discuss the benefits of coconut oil for hair, the different types, kinds, and the best brands! I’ll also give you its pros and cons and some coconut oil for hair growth reviews to help you make the right purchase!
How Does Coconut Oil Work in Hair Care?
Oil in hair or sebum is an essential component of our hair. While humans naturally produce sebum, continued wear and tear on our scalps and hair follicles means our oils may not be enough. Scientists have long searched for ways to supplement our natural oil production. This has led to the introduction of various oils into hair care products.
Coconut oil is one of the most prominent oils used in hair care. A study conducted in 2003 found that coconut oil was the best at guarding against protein loss compared to mineral oil and sunflower oil.
Coconut oil is composed mostly of lauric acid, a fatty acid whose thin molecular arrangement makes it easier to absorb than other oils. This means that, unlike other oils that stay on the surface of your head, coconut oil can penetrate your scalp and provide better protection. And compared to other hair products, it’s natural and chemical-free, making it a good fit for almost anybody. Add coconut oil to your hair care routine. Here are some coconut oil benefits:
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Natural, Black, and African American Hair
Coconut Oil is not only a kitchen staple and medicine for Asians and African Americans but also a traditional hair mask. As someone with thick black hair, I love coconut oil. It works best on thicker black hairs as they usually have greater volume. Coconut oil can help reduce the volume and make these black hairs shinier and smoother.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dry, Damaged Hair
Coconut oil is known for taming wild, dry, and frizzy hair. Coconut oil is an unmatched moisturizer delivering moisture directly below your scalp, where it’ll do its best. Thanks to its chemical structure, coconut oil’s lauric acid not only soothes and moisturizes hair more effectively than other oils but also traps moisture and blocks foreign substances from getting into your scalp. The fats in chemical-free coconut oil also contain antioxidants, which help prevent further damage to your hair.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dry Irritated Scalps
Coconut oil’s high-fat content makes it effective at soothing irritated scalps. Because of its chemical composition, coconut oil makes skin more slippery, reducing friction and minimizing irritation caused by rubbing. At the same time, its moisturizing properties allow it to heal itchy, flaky scalps.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dandruff and Other Infections
Coconut oil’s powerful antimicrobial properties effectively treat dandruff and other irritations. Its thick composition means that not only does it effectively purge harmful bacteria from your head, but it also covers and protects points of infection. The same shield coconut oil provides also works against hair pests such as lice or fungi infestations.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Gray Hair
Aside from the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, coconut oil also has anti-aging properties that your hair can benefit from. Coconut oil can help premature hair graying thanks to its high antioxidant content. These antioxidants inactivate oxidants like hydrogen peroxide, one of the leading causes of gray hairs, and protect your hair from further free-radical damage.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair Loss
Coconut oil’s chemical composition makes it very easy to absorb. This leads to powerful protection against most kinds of hair damage. Coconut oil’s high protein retention keeps your hair strong, protecting against hair loss.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair Growth
Last but the most important, coconut oil can help your hair grow stronger and longer. Some people’s main causes of hair loss are their dry under-nourished scalps and hair. Bacterial or fungal infections can also arise from these conditions and contribute to further hair loss.
By including coconut oil in your daily routine, you can address this root problem and protect your scalp from further free radical damage and infection. Once your scalp and hair are moisturized and protected, coconut oil’s nutrients can penetrate your hair and nourish it with vitamins and nutrients needed to grow stronger and longer hair.
Now you know the benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair. Let’s proceed to the best types and kinds of Coconut Oil for hair.
Best Types of Coconut Oil for Hair
There are four major types of coconut oil:
Unrefined or Virgin Coconut Oil
Unrefined coconut oil is a favorite of a lot of people. This type of oil is extracted from mature coconut oils and does not undergo chemical processing. It’s, therefore, very pure and friendly to the user.
The only issue to some people is its coconutty smell. Most prefer their oils without fragrance, so virgin coconut oil may not be for you if you’re one of them.
Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil
Unlike unrefined coconut oil, cold-pressed coconut oil undergoes some processing. The good news is that the processing is carried out from the meat of the coconut directly and at controlled temperatures. As a result, the nutrients of the coconut remain intact.
The smell of cold-pressed coconut oil is faint. Although most nutrients will be lost during the process, many other helpful nutrients are still available. It can be the best choice if the smell is a significant issue, but you still want quality.
Refined or Fractionated Coconut Oil
On the other hand, refined coconut oil is extracted from bleached and sterilized coconut meat. The meat is usually dried before the extraction process. It also undergoes some processing, but most of the nutrients remain intact. However, it is nowhere as virgin as unrefined coconut oil and the other types discussed above.
But the best thing about refined coconut oil is it doesn’t have taste or aroma. It’s usually best for cooking because of its high smoke point. It is the best choice if you don’t like the smell of coconut on your hair.
Organic Coconut Oil
On the other hand, organic coconut oil can be cold-pressed, refined, or unrefined. It means that the raw coconut used to make the coconut oil was produced without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Therefore, organic, extra virgin coconut oil is the purest and freshest form of coconut oil. This allows the user to benefit more from it with minimal to no risks of reactions.
So, What Type or Kind of Coconut Oil is Best for Hair?
If you want the nutrient-rich and best coconut oil for hair, I recommend getting organic unrefined or virgin coconut oil. It is important to read the label of the coconut oil you are purchasing and know what type of oil it is
Best Coconut Oil Brands for Hair
There are a lot of brands selling organic, unrefined virgin coconut oils. Here are just some of the best brands you should look out for:
- VivaNaturals
- Blue Magic
- COCO & Co.
- Dr. Bronner’s
- Nutiva
- Garden of Life
- Majestic Pure
- Premium Nature
I reviewed one product from each brand and gave some of the best types and kinds of coconut oil for hair. Check out the review of each of these products below.
Best Virgin Coconut Oil for Hair Growth
VivaNaturals Virgin Coconut Oil
The Viva Naturals Organic Coconut oil is a multi-purpose oil that can be used on your hair, skin, nails, and even cooking!
The oil is extracted from fresh organic coconuts. It has a very rich nutrient profile making it very beneficial as a natural conditioner and lotion. You will also love it because it does not leave your hair feeling sticky or greasy.
This coconut oil can be used to repair damaged hair. Individuals with extremely dry scalps can also benefit hugely from it.
The Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil is certified by the USDA. It’s also non-GMO and free of gluten, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals. This makes it very safe to use.
How to Use The Viva Naturals Coconut Oil for Hair
Coconut oil can be used in various ways. The most popular method is applying it on freshly-cleaned hair and scalp and massaging it for 5 minutes. You can leave it on for as long as overnight before washing it off.
You can also apply the Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil on the ends of your hair only.
The Viva Naturals Organic Oil can be used twice per week.
Pros
- It’s multi-purpose
- It’s non-greasy
- Fights hair breakage
- No refrigeration is required during storage
Cons
- It can solidify at high temperatures.
Best Coconut Oil Conditioner
Blue Magic Coconut Oil Hair Conditioner
Blue Magic Coconut Oil Review
Blue Magic Hair Care, one of the leading ethnic hair care brands, offers some of the best hair creams and oils for thick black hair. Aside from their famous Argan oil hair grease, they also have a pure coconut oil hair conditioner that leaves your hair soft and moisturized the whole day. It is perfect for keeping black hair shiny and vibrant. Furthermore, if you have a flaky scalp, the Blue Magic Coconut Oil hair conditioner also hydrates and nourishes the dry, itchy scalp.
In addition, they also have a hair growth formula called Blue Magic Super Sure Gro, which conditions your hair, and Blue Magic Super Sure Gro, which doesn’t only condition your hair but also promotes healthy hair growth. It is made of all-natural, hair-nourishing, natural ingredients, including coconut oil, Japanese Tea, shea butter, and jojoba oil.
Blue Magic Coconut Oil Hair Conditioner Benefits
- It prevents dryness by sealing in moisture to your hair
- When your hair is moisturized, it becomes stronger, and you’ll see less hair fall and split ends
- The coconut oil brings back your hair’s shine and luster
How to use Blue Magic Coconut Oil Hair Conditioner?
Get an ample amount of Blue Magic coconut oil and massage it to your hair and scalp. It is best used before going to sleep and leave it on overnight. You can then wash it off in the morning before you go to work.
Can you use Blue Magic Coconut Oil on Skin?
This Blue Magic Hair conditioner can also be used on the skin, but because it contains petroleum, it is greasy.
Where to buy Blue Magic Coconut Oil?
Blue Magic coconut oil is usually available in your local drugstores. But you can also buy it on Amazon online. You can go directly to Amazon to check out the latest price.
No products found.
Best Extra Virgin Coconut Oil for Hair
COCO & Co. Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
COCO & Co Organic Extra Virgin is a popular coconut oil with a rich profile that benefits your hair, skin, and body. The oil packs many essential nutrients, including essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, that moisturize your scalp and skin.
The oil smoothens and softens dry hair strands. It nourishes your hair, making it feel strong, thick, and healthy. Regular use of the oil can also make your hair longer.
The COCO & CO coconut oil is 100% pure and natural. It goes through a unique extraction process that safeguards its nutrients.
It is very smooth, consistent, and crystal clear. It’s non-sticky, non-greasy, and free from the foul odor.
How to Use It
Apply the oil on damp hair and massage it evenly from the roots to the ends. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes, then rinse it with warm water.
The oil can be used 1-3 times per week depending on your hair, i.e., it should be used once per week for oily hair, 1-2 times per week for normal hair, and 2-3 times for dry hair.
Pros
- It’s multi-purpose
- It’s unrefined, so it is very rich in nutrients
- Improves the texture and appearance of hair
- Non-greasy
- It prevents dandruff
Cons
- It hardens with time
- The price is a bit high.
Best Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
Nutiva Virgin Coconut Oil
This cold-pressed coconut oil fulfills multiple roles. It can safely be used for cooking or applied to your skin. It can also be used to nourish your hair, and with its 50% lauric acid content, it’ll do an excellent job of moisturizing and protecting your hair.
Cold-pressed coconut oil comes from pressing coconut meat without any heat. This leads to a light-tasting oil that’s chemical-free. This extraction method also allows the cold-pressed coconut oil to retain more antioxidants than processed coconut oils. Those who enjoy the smell and taste of coconut will be happy to know that cold-pressed coconut oil keeps much of the fruit’s flavor and aroma. Nutiva’s virgin guarantee also ensures that no other chemicals make their way into this product – all you get is pure, cold-pressed coconut oil.
Due to coconut oil’s high-fat content, it’s important to use only a tiny amount for hair care. This is regardless of which coconut oil product you buy. Coconut oil is fatty and thick; too much will make your hair heavy and greasy. Despite this, Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil is an effective product for your culinary, skin care, and health care needs.
Best Natural & Chemical Free Coconut Oil for Hair
Dr. Bronner’s Natural Coconut Oil
This natural and chemical-free coconut oil is marketed more as a cooking oil, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be used for skin care. Dr. Bronner’s is a brand that works closely with its farmers, pressing and processing coconuts as close to the harvest site as possible. This leads to natural and chemical-free coconut oil that’s as fresh as the day it was harvested. Its whole kernel means the brown inner shell is left intact when the coconuts are pressed. This makes Dr. Bronner’s coconut oil smell fresh and fruity – even more so than other coconut oils.
Dr. Bronner’s uses the expeller method for extracting coconut oil. This extraction method utilizes machinery and high heat, producing a refined oil that retains much of its fatty content. Because of this, Dr. Bronner’s natural and chemical free coconut oil boasts excellent moisturizing, rejuvenating, and protective properties for your hair. This product is especially notable for having no added chemicals and being all-natural.
While many customers are happy with the product, the same can’t be said for the shipping. Due to this, I recommend either double-checking with an online seller or, better yet, buying the product firsthand.
Best Organic Coconut Oil for Hair
Garden of Life Coconut Oil
This organic coconut oil also uses the cold-press method. Garden of Life’s organic coconut oil comes with no other processes – no bleaching, refining, deodorizing, or hydrogenating. This leads to pure organic coconut oil that smells wonderful and performs spectacularly, whether used for skin care, cooking, or hair care.
Due to the careful treatment of organic coconut oil, it retains much of its natural properties. A very high medium chain triglyceride and lauric acid content ensure that the oil is slick and slippery and provides maximum protection and moisturizing to your skin and hair. Garden of Life organic coconut oil’s fat content leads to hair that’s both healthy and lustrous.
Like other coconut oils, be wary of how much you’re using. This goes doubly so for hair care use, as organic coconut oil is very fatty, and too much can leave you with greasy, heavy hair.
Garden of Life Coconut Oil is also comparatively cheaper than other coconut oils. While this organic oil is undoubtedly pure and effective, many customers have reported problems with shipping or product sealing. When buying Garden of Life Coconut Oil, it may be best to inspect delivered products first or buy them offline.
Best Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil for Hair Growth
Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil
Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil from Viva Naturals is a versatile oil that can be used on the skin, hair, massage oil, baby oil, and aromatherapy. It can also be used as a carrier oil, so it’s a great addition to your cabinet, especially if you are a DIY person who loves to make hair and skin care products from the comfort of your home.
It helps to hydrate and nourish your hair. It will keep your scalp free from dryness and frizz. It’s also non-greasy and very easy to use, thanks to the non-drip pump.
The coconut oil is all-natural, 100% USDA Organic. This bottle has no chemical fragrances, preservatives, or other additives.
Since it is fractionated, it will not harden when stored at room temperature, as with other coconut oils.
How to Use It
Viva Naturals Organic Fractionated Oil can be used like any other coconut oil. You can also use it as a carrier oil and combine it with other essential oils and herbs for hair growth through DIY beauty recipes.
It can also be used as a hair detangler since it loosens the knots.
Pros
- Multi-purpose
- Cruelty-free
- 100% natural
Cons
- The fragrance can be too strong for some people
Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil
The Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil is another versatile product that can be used as a skin moisturizer, hair shampoo, lip balm, conditioner, makeup remover, shaving cream, massage oil, aromatherapy, etc.
When it comes to hair care, this coconut oil will revitalize your hair, giving it an amazing look and feel. It’s also odorless and non-greasy, so its use should be good for you.
Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil has a long shelf life. It can be stored in a room or in slightly cold temperatures without turning into a solid.
How to Use It
The Fractionated Coconut Oil from Majestic can be used after taking a shower. You can apply it just before bedtime and let it work on your hair for several hours or throughout the night.
Pros
- It’s a multi-purpose product
- Offer a decent shelf life
- It is odorless and non-greasy
- Easy to use
Cons
- The pump tends to get faulty quite quickly.
Premium Nature Fractionated Coconut Oil
This fractionated cold-pressed coconut oil from Premium Nature offers a wide variety of beauty and health benefits. It provides antibacterial and antiviral protection for your hair. It is also rich in antioxidants that protect against harmful free radicals.
The oil enriches your hair with nutrients that support stronger, silky, and generally healthy hair. Individuals struggling with dandruff, itchiness of the scalp, and other similar issues will find the oil very helpful.
This Premium Nature Coconut Oil is 100% natural, so even the most sensitive skin shouldn’t react.
How to Use It
Apply the oil on damp hair and massage it properly until it reaches the scalp. Let it sit for several hours before washing it off. You can use it frequently for the best results.
Pros
- Boosts hair and scalp health
- Hydrates the scalp
- It has a decent shelf life
- Works with all hair types
Cons
- Poor packaging
Pros and Cons of Coconut Oil for Hair
Pros
- Moisturizes Scalp and Hair
- Has Natural Antifungal, Antibacterial, and Antimicrobial Properties
- All-natural and doesn’t contain any allergenic ingredients
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free
- It can tame wild hairs
- It can make your hair smooth and shiny
- It contains nutrients and vitamins that can penetrate and nourish your hair
Cons
- If you have thin hair, natural oils like coconut oil are slightly heavier than other moisturizing hair creams. It can remove hair volume, which is unflattering to some people.
- It can make your scalp greasier
- It has shorter shelf life compared to other hair products.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Hair
There are many ways to use coconut oil for hair and scalp. It can clog your pores and make your hair greasy if you use more than necessary.
If you have dry hair but a greasy scalp, avoid applying directly to the scalp and wash it off to prevent build-up. But depending on your hair issues, there are different ways to use it. Below, I’ve included the best ways to use it according to your hair condition.
To Protect Hair and Add Shine (Normal Hair and Scalp)
Shampoo and wash your hair as usual and pat your hair dry. Get a small amount of (preferably refined) coconut oil and apply it to slightly damp hair. This will seal moisture and protect your hair from sun damage and free radicals.
To Moisturize Dry Hair
Wash your hair with gentle shampoo before you sleep. Pat dry with a towel. Get an ample amount of virgin coconut oil and apply it to slightly damp hair. This will seal in moisture and nourish your hair with nutrients. Leave it on for 1-2 hours or overnight. Use a mild shampoo to rinse it off.
To Moisturize and Heal Scalp
If you also have a dry scalp, you can massage virgin coconut oil and leave it for hours or overnight. You should use the finest unrefined coconut oil as this is the most potent antimicrobial and contains the most nutrients to heal the scalp.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Hair Loss and Hair Growth
Always use gentle or sulfate-free shampoo if you have thinning hair before and after using coconut oil. Lightly massage coconut oil to thinning or balding patches for 20-30 minutes every day. You can add drops of other essential oils, like rosemary oil, to further enhance hair growth.
Where to Buy Coconut Oil for Hair?
All the coconut oil I’ve included in this review can be bought on Amazon. You can click the buttons above to see the latest price of each product. If you haven’t found the best coconut oil for hair above, check out these other best-selling coconut oil for hair growth on Amazon:
- ✔️ Naturally Nourishing Coconut Oil for Hair -...
- ✔️ Hydrate Naturally With Coconut Oil for Skin...
- 100% PURE & NATURAL FRACTIONATED COCONUT OIL - A...
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Coconut Oil for Hair Growth Reviews
According to users who have used the coconut oil products above, coconut oil is an excellent product for hair growth. It helps to improve the health of the hair and promotes faster growth. Most people use coconut oil as a hair mask, leaving the hair soft, smooth, and frizz-free. Some use it on the face, leaving the skin soft and smooth.
FAQs about Coconut Oil for Hair
What is the Best Coconut Oil for Hair?
The 5 best coconut oil for hair that I recommend are:
- Blue Magic Coconut Oil Hair Conditioner
- VivaNaturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- COCO & Co. Organic Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- Premium Nature Fractionated Coconut Oil Massage Oil
- Viva Naturals Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil
What kind of coconut oil is best for natural hair?
The best coconut oil for hair should be unrefined, organic, and cold-pressed. Like the products we’ve included in this list, these products are pure, rich in nutrients, and don’t contain ingredients that may cause allergies or hair damage.
Which coconut oil is best for hair, refined or unrefined?
Refined coconut oil is better for cooking and baking. But if you want to enjoy the benefits of coconut oil, make sure to get unrefined coconut oil,l as this contains the most nutrients which your hair needs.
Which Coconut oil is Best for Hair Growth and Thickness?
Pure, organic, and cold-pressed coconut oil can help promote healthy hair growth. But if you have hair thinning or hair disease like alopecia, coconut oil alone can’t help you fix this problem. Consider buying products that treat your hair loss’s root cause.
Does Coconut Oil Regrow Hair?
No studies have been conducted on coconut oil’s benefits for stimulating hair regrowth. Despite this, coconut oil is undoubtedly an effective product for nourishing and protecting the hair you already have.
Will coconut oil make your hair greasy?
If you live in cold areas, any oils, including coconut oil, can make your hair greasy if you use large amounts on your hair. It is important to note that there are many ways to use it.
Best Coconut Oil for Hair: Verdict
Coconut oils are, without a doubt, a valuable addition to your cabinet. They are super beneficial to your hair and can also be used for skin care, nails, aromatherapy, massage, and even in the kitchen. They will also prove to be very useful for your DIY beauty projects.
However, you can only benefit from the best coconut oils and not just any coconut oil. The above list covers the top 5 coconut oils on the market today. If you choose a different oil, remember to read the label and check what type of coconut oil it is before placing your order.
Have something to add? Send us an e-mail; we’d love to improve this article even more!
Coconut oil is a common ingredient in great shampoos like Laritelle Organic, Catalese Shampoo, and in good Biotin shampoos.
