How to Wash Coconut Oil Out of Hair: A Complete Guide

Coconut oil is often touted as a nourishing hair treatment that can add shine, softness and moisture to your locks. However, if you’ve ever used a bit too much coconut oil on your strands, you probably know how difficult it can be to fully wash out! Coconut oil is not water-soluble so it can be tricky to remove completely from your hair.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide tips and techniques to help you easily wash coconut oil out of your hair. We’ll also share how long to leave it in, how much to use and what ingredients help remove it.

Why Use Coconut Oil on Hair?

Before diving into how to remove coconut oil from your hair, let’s first go over why it’s used in the first place. Here are some of the top benefits:

• Moisturizes hair – The fatty acids in coconut oil penetrate the hair shaft to deeply hydrate parched strands. This helps reduce protein loss and protect against damage.

• Adds shine – Coconut oil smooths down the hair cuticle to reflect more light and give your hair a glossy, luminous look.

• Prevents breakage – The lauric acid in coconut oil strengthens and reinforces the hair fibers to help minimize breakage and split ends.

• Tames frizz – Coconut oil acts as a natural conditioner and emollient to fight frizz and flyaways, especially in humid weather.

• Protects against heat – Applying a small amount of coconut oil before heat styling functions as a heat protectant shield.

• Boosts growth – Some studies have found the nutrients in coconut oil may stimulate hair growth.

• Fights dandruff – The antimicrobial and exfoliating properties of coconut oil can help combat dandruff and an itchy, flaky scalp.

So in moderation, coconut oil offers many benefits! Now let’s look at how much to use.

How Much Coconut Oil to Apply to Hair

When using coconut oil in your hair regimen, moderation is key. Using too much can make hair greasy and be difficult to remove. As a general rule:

• For short hair – Use 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil.

• For medium length hair – Use 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil.

• For long hair – Use 3-5 tablespoons of coconut oil.

Focus application on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, not directly on the scalp which can get greasy very quickly. Always start with less and add more if needed. It’s better to use too little than too much.

How Long to Leave Coconut Oil in Hair

Another important factor is how long you allow the coconut oil to remain on your strands before washing out. Recommended timeframes include:

• As a pre-wash treatment – 30 minutes to 1 hour

• As an overnight treatment – Apply before bed, wash out in the morning

• As a daily moisturizer – 10-30 minutes

Leaving coconut oil on for 1-2 hours or overnight allows your hair maximum time to soak up the benefits. But don’t leave it on for multiple days as it could lead to buildup and greasiness.

Now let’s get into the techniques for removing excess coconut oil from your locks.

How to Wash Coconut Oil Out of Hair

Getting every last bit of oil out of your strands can take some work but is very possible with the right approach. Here are the best tips for removing coconut oil from your hair:

1. Use Clarifying Shampoo

One of the most effective ways to wash away coconut oil is to use a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos contain stronger surfactants that cut through oil, dirt and product residue that regular shampoos leave behind.

Look for clarifying shampoos with ingredients like sulfates, citric acid or apple cider vinegar. Apply to wet hair, create a lather concentrating on the roots, let sit 1-2 minutes and rinse well. We recommend following up with a hydrating conditioner.

Some top-rated clarifying shampoos include:

• Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo
• Maple Holistics Clarifying Shampoo
• L’Oréal Paris Elvive Clarifying Shampoo

2. Use an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps dissolve grease and emulsify coconut oil trapped in your hair. Make a rinse by mixing 1 part apple cider vinegar with 1-2 parts water. After shampooing, pour the rinse through your hair and let sit for 2-3 minutes before rinsing out.

You can also add the ACV rinse to your shampoo. Just add 2 tablespoons ACV to your usual amount of shampoo and use as normal. This helps cut through the oil during cleansing.

3. Try a Baking Soda Treatment

The mild abrasiveness of baking soda makes it a great oil-removing ingredient. Make a paste by mixing 1 tablespoon baking soda with enough water to form a spreadable consistency. Apply it from roots to ends, let sit for 2-3 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

Be careful not to overuse baking soda as it can dry out your hair. Use a conditioner after to restore moisture.

4. Use Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is an easy way to absorb excess oil between washes. Focus on applying it to the roots and scalp where grease tends to accumulate. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes then brush through to remove oil and refresh your strands.

Look for dry shampoos made for dark hair like Batiste for Dark Hair Dry Shampoo or Klorane for Dark Hair with Oat Milk Dry Shampoo to avoid white residue.

5. Try DIY Shampoo

You can make your own natural oil-removing shampoo at home with ingredients like:

• Baking soda – 2 tablespoons

• Apple cider vinegar – 2 tablespoons

• Water – 1 cup

• Essential oils (optional) – 5-10 drops for fragrance

Mix the ingredients into a paste and use in place of your regular shampoo. This works well to dissolve oils and clarify hair without harsh detergents.

6. Use an Egg Yolk Treatment

Eggs can help draw out excess oils thanks to their emulsifying properties. Separate one egg and beat the yolk until frothy. Apply the yolk to your dry hair and allow to soak for 20 minutes before rinsing out. Shampoo as normal.

7. Try a Clay Mask Treatment

Clays like bentonite and rhassoul clay naturally absorb oil and grime. Create a mask by mixing clay powder with water or apple cider vinegar to form a spreadable paste. Apply it to your scalp and lengths and rinse after 20 minutes.

Clay masks help detoxify and purify, leaving hair deeply cleansed. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.

Tips for Preventing Coconut Oil Buildup

To avoid having to go through the intensive process of removing coconut oil, follow these handy tips:

• Apply coconut oil only from mid-shaft to ends, avoiding the roots which get greasy fast.

• Use the smallest amount needed to get the job done and avoid overdoing it.

• Wash out coconut oil within 1-2 hours and don’t leave it in for days.

• Use lighter oils like grapeseed or argan oil on your roots and scalp.

• Shampoo twice to ensure you have rinsed away all traces of coconut oil.

• Alternate with other nourishing hair treatments like avocado, olive oil or hair masks.

How to Store Coconut Oil for Hair

To get the most longevity out of your coconut oil and prevent it from spoiling, store it properly between uses.

• Purchase small containers instead of large tubs which can oxidize faster.

• Store coconut oil in a cool, dark place like a cupboard away from heat, light or moisture.

• Avoid transferring back and forth between containers which can introduce bacteria.

• For bathroom use, transfer some to a smaller jar and keep the bulk of it in the kitchen.

• Check that your product has not expired before each use. Unopened, coconut oil lasts 2 years.

• If the oil develops a yellow tint or strange odor, it has likely gone rancid and should be discarded.

• Make sure to use clean hands and utensils when scooping out the oil to prevent contamination.

By following these coconut oil hair tips and tricks, you can enjoy all the benefits for your strands without the greasy aftermath!

Common Questions about Washing Coconut Oil Out of Hair

How do you get solid coconut oil out of your hair?

To melt solid coconut oil, apply it to your damp hair before washing and allow your body heat to