Can You Use Coconut Oil for Hair Growth & Thickness? We Asked a Few Dermatologists

There are many different ways to use coconut oil on your hair, but before you do anything, Maiman says to stick tounrefined, virgin coconut oil(or even extra virgin coconut oil) for the best results. OK, ready for some recommendations for incorporating the hydrating ingredient into your routine?

1. "You can apply coconut oil directly before or afterwashing your hairto protect against damage and seal in essential moisture," offers Shapirpo.

2. "Use it asa hair masktwo to three times per week. To do this, simply warm the coconut oil and apply it to dry hair, using a wide-tooth comb to distribute the oil evenly, starting at the midsection of your hair and continuing to the ends. For a quick treatment, leave it on for 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition your hair as usual. For extra hydration, leave it on overnight with your hair wrapped in a shower cap or silk scarf. Then, shower and shampoo in the morning.

3. Try it as a finishing oil to minimize the appearance ofsplit ends,reduce frizzand tame flyaways. (This is particularly helpful for those with curly, coarse or otherwise porous strands.) On damp hair, run a small amount of coconut oil through the ends or take it up slightly higher to the midsection, being careful to avoid the roots so you don't end up with a greasy scalp.

"The main precaution to take is for patients with acne-prone skin, as coconut oil is considered to be comedogenic, meaning it willclog pores," warns Maiman. "Consequently, it may actually make acne worse for some people, so I advise staying away from it if this is at all a concern. Even when application is limited to just the scalp, it can easily migrate and cause breakouts along the hairline and forehead."

“Using too much coconut oil can also make your hair look greasy,” cautions Shapiro. “Always start with the smallest amount (i.e., no larger than a dime-sized scoop) and see how your hair responds to it first. You can always add more later. Or, you can use acoconut oil-infused hair product相反,它给你额外的莫伊sture you’re looking for without without the mess or residue."

Are There Any Other Ingredients You Recommend for Hair Growth?

“Green tea extract,saw palmetto berryandcaffeine extractare all extremely beneficial for hair growth, especially for men and women dealing with thin, damaged hair or hair loss. These ingredients can help fight DHT, the hair loss-triggering hormone that is believed to contribute to scarring and shrinking of hair follicles. By fighting DHT at the scalp, these natural extracts can help them work at peak capacity,” explains Shapiro.

“Minoxidil is another great addition for peopledealing with hair loss or thinningand it’s backed by decades of experience for both men and women. It’s easy to use topically is one of only two solutions officially approved by the FDA to treat hair loss.” (See below for a shopping guide to hair growth products.)

“When I work with hair loss patients, these are some of my go-to ingredients. They’re research-backed, and because many of them (i.e., coconut oil and green tea extract) are natural ingredients, I feel great recommending them to almost anyone concerned about their hair health and hair loss,” he adds.

Bottom Line

So, can coconut oil can help with hair growth? Yes, in that it helps to create a healthier environment for your scalp and thus, hair.

As we’vecovered before, hair growth is a multi-factorial process that requires a holistic approach that targets any underlying causes ofhair thinningor loss such as stress, hormones, gut health, nutrition and other environmental factors. On its own, coconut oil—or any single ingredient for that matter—likely won’t solve all of your hair loss woes. Rather, it can be a supporting factor.

Aside from hair growth, most people can safely use coconut oil as a moisturizing ingredient in their routine to tame and hydrate dry strands. Just remember to use it as directed (start with a small amount and add as needed) to avoid clogging your follicles.

What Are Some Products That Can Boost Hair Growth?