Coconut Oil for Hair Growth: Does It Actually Work?

Coconut oil has many uses, from skincare to cooking. But what about using coconut oil for hair growth? Can coconut oil reduce hair loss, or is that just wishful thinking?

Many people swear by using oils for hair growth, including castor oil, rosemary oil, and more. While certain oils can moisturize your hair, there’s little research to show that these oils can actually boost hair growth. Coconut oil is no exception. 

Before you start slathering your scalp with tropical goodness, let’s dispense with the hype and unpack exactly what coconut oil does for your hair, how it might support growth and thickness, and the best way to use it.

First, the honest truth: Coconut oil isn't a miracle hair-growth potion. It won't help you sprout new follicles overnight or magically reverse genetic hair loss. 

While you might’ve seen some TikToks claiming that coconut oil could save your hairline, there’s no study to back this up. There is no research on whether coconut oil can prevent male pattern baldness — or any other form of hair loss, for that matter.

But (and it’s a significant but), coconut oil can support your hair’s overall health, strength, and appearance, which can indirectly contribute to healthier, longer locks over time.

Think of coconut oil as a trusty sidekick rather than the protagonist in your hair-growth journey. While it can't turn thin hair into thick hair overnight, it might help your hair look and feel healthier, which is crucial if you're aiming for growth and thickness.

So why does everyone rave about coconut oil for hair health? It may not help with hair loss, but it can provide other benefits.

1. It’s Highly Moisturizing 

Keeping your hair and scalp moisturized is an important part of keeping them healthy. 

A dry scalp can hinder healthy hair growth. Dry hair can look less shiny and lush — plus it may also become more brittle, fragile, and prone to split ends.

Coconut oil is well-known for its moisturizing properties, which is why it’s often used in skincare. It can help hydrate your scalp, combating dryness, itchiness, and flakiness. Less irritation equals a healthier hair environment.  

For this reason, you could use coconut oil as a deep conditioning hair treatment.

2. It Might Reduce Protein Loss

Your hair is made up of protein. Protein loss can cause dryness, not to mention frizzy hair, breakage, and split ends. 

A 2015 review found that, compared to other hair oils, coconut oil had the best penetration into the hair shaft. It doesn’t just coat hair strands; it seals the hair cuticle.

A further review found that the lauric acid in coconut oil may help reduce protein loss in hair by reinforcing the hair shaft from within. 

Combatting protein loss — possibly with coconut oil and other treatments — could help keep your hair strong and healthy. 

3. It Has Antimicrobial Benefits

You might have heard that coconut oil may have some antibacterial and antifungal properties. This is partly why coconut oil is often used as a home remedy for dandruff. Dandruff is usually caused by a fungal overgrowth on the scalp. And while dandruff doesn’t cause hair loss, an inflamed or infected scalp may be more prone to hair fall. 

Some research suggests that coconut oil might support a healthy scalp environment. However, we need more research on whether coconut oil actually can improve dandruff or not. 

Interested in giving coconut oil a spin? First things first: You’ll want to choose quality coconut oil — consider opting for extra virgin coconut oil. Unrefined, pure coconut oil also has the benefit of smelling great. 

Once you have your product, there are a few ways you can incorporate it into your hair care routine. 

• Massage it into your scalp. A scalp massage is a great way to boost circulation and promote relaxation. 

• Create a DIY hair mask. Apply coconut oil to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before shampooing your hair.  

• Dab some on your split ends. Use a small amount of coconut oil to smooth split ends or frizz before styling your hair.  

How often should you use coconut oil? Generally, once a week is enough. Too much oil can weigh your hair down or cause buildup. 

If the oil is solid and hard to manage, just rub some between your palms. Coconut oil should melt easily between your hands. It might even turn to liquid in warm weather. 

For most people, coconut oil is safe and beneficial. Still, a few considerations are worth keeping in mind.

Here are some potential side effects:

• Clogged pores and acne. If you’re acne-prone, coconut oil might exacerbate breakouts along your hairline or forehead.

• Allergic reactions. This is rare, but some individuals may experience scalp irritation or allergies. Do a patch test first if you’re unsure. 

• Heavy buildup. Overuse can leave hair feeling greasy or heavy, especially if you don’t wash your hair thoroughly after applying the oil. 

If coconut oil doesn’t work for your hair type, consider using a more lightweight hair oil like olive, sunflower or jojoba oil. 

Coconut oil can definitely be a nourishing hair treatment — but if you’re dealing with significant hair loss, it’s important to manage expectations. It likely won’t fix conditions like male pattern baldness on its own.

If you're looking to enhance hair thickness or address hair loss more aggressively, consider using a combination of healthy hair habits and proven hair loss treatments.

You can try: 

• Minoxidil (Rogaine^®). This FDA-approved topical treatment stimulates hair follicles and boosts hair growth. You can buy minoxidil foam and minoxidil solution without a prescription. 

• Finasteride (Propecia). Another FDA-approved hair loss treatment, finasteride can slow down male pattern hair loss. 

• Thickening hair products. Some hair care products contain ingredients that counteract hair loss, like our thickening shampoo with saw palmetto. 

• Eat a healthy diet. Foods rich in protein, iron, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids can significantly boost your hair’s health from within.

• Hair growth supplements. Nutritional deficiencies — including biotin, vitamin D, or iron deficiencies — can trigger hair loss. If you’re struggling to meet your nutritional needs, consider supplements.

In terms of hair care, prioritize the following:

• Gentle hair care habits. Minimize hair breakage by being gentle with your hair — avoid excessive heat styling, damaging chemical treatments, and handling wet hair roughly, as this can damage your locks.

• Scalp care. Scalp health equals hair health, so practice good scalp care by keeping it clean and addressing any infections or dryness. 

If you think you’re experiencing hair loss, make an appointment with a healthcare professional (like a GP or dermatologist). Don’t delay — the sooner you treat hair loss, the better.

Curious about this topic? Check out our blog post on natural hair growth tips and our guide on how to get thicker hair.

So, can coconut oil help with hair growth? Probably not — but it still might be worth adding to your hair care routine.

• Coconut oil doesn’t seem to boost hair growth. We’re sad to say there’s no research proving that coconut oil helps your hair grow faster or thicker.

• But there are benefits. This nourishing oil has a range of benefits for your hair and scalp. It could help keep your hair strands strong, healthy, and moisturized. 

• Try other treatments for hair growth. Coconut oil isn’t the answer to your hair loss, but other options — like minoxidil or finasteride — just might be. 

While coconut oil won't single-handedly regrow hair or reverse balding, it can improve your hair’s health, strength, and appearance.

But if you need something a little stronger, consider making an appointment with a healthcare professional to discuss your hair loss treatment options.