Coconut Oil and Its Uses: Benefits for Natural Hair, Skin, and Everyday Care

Originally Published: November 4, 2012 | Refreshed October 2026

By Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks

A Little Coconut Oil Goes a Long Way!

Greetings, my beautiful naturalistas!

Ladies, if you've been on your natural hair journey for a while, chances are you've heard someone singing the praises of coconut oil!

From conditioning treatments to dry skin care, coconut oil became one of the most talked-about natural beauty ingredients during the early years of the natural hair movement.

And back in November 2012, I was just as curious about its many uses.

At the time, I came across an article discussing 80 different ways to use coconut oil. Some of the suggestions were interesting, while others made coconut oil sound like a miracle remedy for practically everything!

Well, ladies, we've learned quite a bit since then.

Today, we're revisiting this popular ingredient with a fresh perspective, separating its practical benefits from some of the exaggerated claims.

Because when it comes to caring for our beautiful crowns, good information is just as important as good products!

What Exactly Is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is extracted from the mature flesh, or kernel, of coconuts.

It contains a high proportion of saturated fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, which gives coconut oil some of its distinctive properties.

Unlike many liquid oils, coconut oil can become solid or semi-solid at cooler room temperatures and melt when warmed.

You may encounter several varieties, including virgin coconut oil and refined coconut oil.

Virgin coconut oil generally retains a noticeable coconut aroma, while refined varieties often have a milder scent.

Both can be used in appropriate hair-care formulations, although individual preferences and results vary.

1. Coconut Oil as a Pre-Shampoo Treatment

One of the most useful ways to incorporate coconut oil into a natural hair routine is as a pre-shampoo treatment.

A small amount of coconut oil applied before washing may help reduce some of the protein loss associated with grooming and washing.

Research on coconut oil's interaction with the hair fiber suggests that its composition allows it to penetrate hair more effectively than certain other oils.

But remember, ladies, this does not mean coconut oil can permanently repair damaged strands or prevent every kind of breakage.

How to try it: Apply a small amount of coconut oil to your hair lengths and ends before shampooing. Allow it to sit for a short period, then cleanse and condition your hair as usual.

Start lightly, especially if your strands are fine or easily weighed down.

2. Coconut Oil for Softness and Shine

Natural hair can appear dull when the outer surface of the strands becomes rough or when products accumulate.

A small amount of oil may help provide lubrication and a smoother appearance.

For some women, coconut oil helps their strands feel softer and more manageable.

Others find that it makes their hair feel coated, stiff, or heavy.

And that's perfectly fine!

Every head of natural hair has its own characteristics.

The secret isn't forcing a popular ingredient into your routine. It's learning what your hair responds to best.

3. Coconut Oil and Moisture: Understanding the Difference

Now, ladies, let's talk about something important.

Coconut oil is not the same thing as water or a water-based moisturizer.

Although oils can reduce friction and sometimes help limit moisture loss, they don't provide the water that our hair needs.

If your curls feel dry, consider your cleansing, conditioning, and leave-in routine before reaching for additional oil.

Applying more and more oil to already-dry hair may simply create buildup without addressing the underlying problem.

For my fine 3C/4A curls, I prefer paying attention to how much product I use rather than assuming more is always better.

A little can truly go a long way!

4. Using Coconut Oil on Hair Ends

The ends of our hair are the oldest portions of our strands.

They've experienced years of styling, washing, brushing, and exposure to the environment.

Using a small amount of coconut oil on the ends may help with lubrication and reduce friction during styling.

However, oil cannot permanently mend split ends.

If your ends are severely split or damaged, trimming the affected hair may be necessary.

Gentle handling, appropriate conditioning, and reducing unnecessary heat or tension can help minimize future damage.

5. Coconut Oil as a Body Moisturizer

Coconut oil isn't limited to hair care.

Some people enjoy using it as an emollient on dry areas of the body.

It may help soften skin and reduce the feeling of dryness.

However, coconut oil isn't ideal for everyone. It can aggravate breakouts in acne-prone areas, and some people may experience irritation or an allergic reaction.

If you're trying it for the first time, begin with a small area of intact skin.

For persistent rashes, eczema, or other skin conditions, choose treatment based on appropriate medical advice rather than relying on a kitchen oil as a cure.

6. Coconut Oil for Gentle Hair Styling

Some naturalistas enjoy using a small amount of coconut oil while separating twists, fluffing curls, or gently styling their hair.

Its lubricating properties may make strands easier to handle.

But for fine hair, too much oil may reduce volume or leave curls feeling weighed down.

I recommend beginning with just a little, spreading it between your palms, and applying it sparingly.

The results should guide how much you use.

7. Coconut Oil in the Kitchen

Of course, coconut oil has also been used in cooking and baking.

Its distinctive flavor can complement certain dishes, particularly when using virgin coconut oil.

However, coconut oil contains substantial amounts of saturated fat.

For everyday heart health, oils higher in unsaturated fats, such as olive or canola oil, are generally preferred.

And unlike the recommendations in the original 2012 article, there is no medically established daily tablespoon dosage of coconut oil based on body weight.

There's no need to consume large amounts of coconut oil to obtain beautiful hair.

A varied, balanced diet is a much better foundation for overall health.

Coconut Oil Myths We Can Leave Behind

As we've learned more about natural beauty ingredients, it's become easier to recognize when a claim sounds too good to be true.

Coconut oil is not a proven cure for hair loss, dandruff, eczema, infections, or other medical conditions.

It also should not replace sunscreen, toothpaste, medical treatments, or prescribed medications.

Avoid putting homemade coconut oil mixtures into the ears or eyes, and don't use coconut oil as a lubricant with latex condoms because oils can damage latex.

Ladies, a product can be useful without having to do everything!

When Coconut Oil May Not Be Right for Your Hair

Some naturalistas absolutely love coconut oil.

Others discover that their hair responds better to another oil, a lightweight serum, or a water-based conditioning product.

You may want to reconsider how you're using coconut oil if you notice persistent heaviness, buildup, discomfort, or an unpleasant coated feeling.

You don't have to use an ingredient simply because it's popular.

And remember, essential oils and fragrance ingredients added to homemade mixtures can increase the risk of irritation.

Simplicity is often the better choice.

My Thoughts After Revisiting This 2012 Article

Looking back on my early blogging years, I'm reminded of how exciting it was to discover natural ingredients and exchange hair-care information with other women.

We were learning, experimenting, and finding our way through the world of natural hair.

But one of the greatest lessons I've learned is that caring for our hair doesn't require miracle ingredients or complicated routines.

A good cleansing product, a suitable conditioner, a manageable styling routine, and consistent gentle care can make a meaningful difference.

Coconut oil may be a helpful addition for some women, but it is only one option among many.

The goal isn't to use everything. The goal is to discover what works for your beautiful crown.

Continue Your Natural Hair Journey

If you're exploring oils, moisture, and gentle natural hair care, you may enjoy these articles:

1. 10 Ways to Keep Your Natural Hair Moisturized

Explore simple ways to support softer, more manageable natural curls.

2. Water, Water, Water! The Secret to Healthy, Hydrated Natural Hair

Discover why water and an effective conditioning routine matter.

3. Combating Frizz: Why Your Natural Hair Gets Frizzy

Learn how gentle styling and appropriate products can help manage frizz.

Let's Talk, Ladies!

Are you a coconut oil lover, or have you discovered that your curls prefer something else?

Do you use it before shampooing, on your ends, or as part of your body-care routine?

I'd love to hear what you've discovered through your own natural hair journey.

And remember, ladies:

Beautiful natural hair isn't about following every trend. It's about learning, growing, and embracing the unique beauty of your crown!

Until next time…

Happy Curls to You, My Friend!

Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks

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