Coconut oil lovers - do you use on dry or wet hair?

[divinedobbie]

In distant past I had always tried coconut oil as a "pre-poo" on dry hair or sometimes deep treatment which usually involved large amounts of oil, again on dry hair. I was never very pleased by the results and the coconut oil would smell rancid if I left it very long or didn't wash out every last bit.

Well, I decided to give it another go and bought a jar. I used it "more sparingly" as a pre-poo followed by deep conditioner soak and my hair felt really nice, but hard to say which product caused that. My hair did have hints of coconut oil gone bad smell the next day though.

Then I decided to put a little bit on wet hair after using my leave-in spray. I was worried it would dry greasy looking even though I only used a small amount. But it looked great! And even more importantly felt great! My ends weren't as dry and my nape hairs not as tangly. And you can't smell it!

So how do you apply your coconut oil?

[Sarahlabyrinth]

I put mine on dry hair the night before wash day.

[TatsuOni]

On dry hair one day or more before wash.

[lapushka]

I tried plain CO, fractionated CO, Dabur Vatika CO. The latter one seemed to be OK, the rest; uh-uh. No good.

[spidermom]

I put mine on dry hair the night before wash day.

Me too. I've never noticed a smell after washing.

[Alibran]

Only ever on wet hair. If I put oil on my hair when it's dry, it just sits on the surface and does nothing. Coconut oil's way too expensive to waste like that!

I've been using it alone on wet hair for the last couple of years, but recently I've tried mixing some with a water-based cream in my hand before applying it, and that's giving me even better results. I've also tried oil rinses, but I haven't figured out what my best option is there yet. My hair likes a lot of oil, so I've been trying to use olive oil for rinses and just use coconut if I'm leaving it in, but I don't know if I can convince my hair to agree.

[valkyrie90]

the coconut oil would smell rancid if I left it very long or didn't wash out every last bit.

Thisssss !!! OMG . If I leave it over-night it will smell strange plus my hair feels heavier and greasier . But if I just leave ỉt for 3-4 hours on dry hair then wash it off with herbs solution , the result is crazy !!! Hair comes out soft and shiny like never before . love me some coconut oil . :D

[hobbitlocks]

My hair seems to like all oils at anytime, but I often use coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment (often mixed with EOs for scent). I don't use that much though. More than if I'm applying damp after a wash, but not so much that my hair is greasy to the touch. Just shiny.I use a variety of oils on my damp hair, some of which contain coconut oil.

[Obsidian]

Curious, for those of you who notice a bad smell, are you using virgin oil or refined?
I find the scent of coconut has a very fine line between smelling good and vomit.

[Dendra]

I use mine on dry hair the night before a wash.

[Alibran]

Curious, for those of you who notice a bad smell, are you using virgin oil or refined?
I find the scent of coconut has a very fine line between smelling good and vomit.

I don't notice a bad smell, and neither has anyone else, but I thought I'd answer anyway. Virgin, raw, food grade. The best I can buy.

[divinedobbie]

Curious, for those of you who notice a bad smell, are you using virgin oil or refined?
I find the scent of coconut has a very fine line between smelling good and vomit.

I am using virgin coconut oil as well, food grade.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

I use virgin coconut oil.

[Obsidian]

I am using virgin coconut oil as well, food grade.

You might try refined food grade, it has absolutely no scent. Coconut oil has a very long shelf life so its not going rancid on your head, its most likely the natural scent morphing to something unpleasant.

[esfand]

Speaking of the rancid smell, it has to do with your body chemistry. Some people's chemistry just clashes with coconut oil. I found that it doesn't smell if I put it just on the strands, but once it reaches my scalp - yuck!

[Ophidian]

I use virgin unrefined coconut oil and store it in the fridge. I bought a huge jar of it from Costco for cheap so I'll be set for I dunno, the next 5 years ;). I keep a small container of it out at room temp to use and refill as needed.

I chose on wet hair with no other products (since I damp oil my hair lightly after washing), pre-poo on dry hair (since I oil my ends most nights before bed), and deep treatment on dry hair since occasionally I will oil more heavily. I prefer to use it frequently and lightly rather than a lot all at once though.

[mira-chan]

I use it the same as other oils, mostly before wash on dry hair. Never on wet hair.

[Rebeccalaurenxx]

I don't really use coconut oil. Like you, I had several issues with it. It was never worth the hassle, every which way tried it on dry or wet hair. I do however mix it with other oils and it seems to work that way much better, for me at least. I mix it with avocado oil, grape seed and olive oil and then infuse all of that with neem, amala, fenugreek and bhringraj powder. Use that as an oil treatment, on dry hair. I usually over oil, then shamooo it out. I don't use coconut oil ever on its own though, I do not like the way it smells. Ever.!

[leayellena]

Dry hair. It seems that any product I use my hair likes them when it's dry rather than freshly washed.

[Alissalocks]

I use sweet almond most often bc I have so much of it, but when I go back to CO I apply it on dry hair before washing, a few hours to overnight. And I never noticed this smell that folks mention...?

[bumblebums]

I didn't vote in your poll because it doesn't cover what I do--I put a few drops of coconut oil on dry hair, from the ears down, a day after I wash it. I don't oil wet hair because my hair is wavy so it's best left alone when wet.

Regarding the smell, I like both the taste and the smell of coconut oil so I use virgin. It never changes odor when on my hair. It never gets a chance to get near my scalp. I suspect that there is a body chemistry difference between the people who dislike the smell of coconut oil and people who like it; I have no idea what you guys are smelling but I feel kinda sorry that you're missing out on the smell of coconut that I experience. It's like people who can't eat cilantro because it tastes like soap to them, or people who dislike cruciferous vegetables... or, did you know that everyone's pee smells after eating asparagus, but some people are genetically unable to detect the smell? Anyway, veered off-topic there. But you get what I mean, I hope.

[lapushka]

I am now using up 3 bottles of Inecto shampoo that have changed color a bit. I asked and people thought it was the oil (coconut oil) that had made the shampoo turn color. It used to be a transparent white-ish color, and now it is a light caramel. It still smells okay (delightful even) and the consistency is fine. It still washes fine too. I am now just about through the first (500 ml) bottle, and it is going *really* well. I like the shampoo a lot, but these are older bottles, about my oldest bottles in my collection now. I am still using it up - hate waste. Even though I have a crapload of shampoo & conditioner. ;)

[divinedobbie]

I didn't vote in your poll because it doesn't cover what I do--I put a few drops of coconut oil on dry hair, from the ears down, a day after I wash it. I don't oil wet hair because my hair is wavy so it's best left alone when wet.

Regarding the smell, I like both the taste and the smell of coconut oil so I use virgin. It never changes odor when on my hair. It never gets a chance to get near my scalp. I suspect that there is a body chemistry difference between the people who dislike the smell of coconut oil and people who like it; I have no idea what you guys are smelling but I feel kinda sorry that you're missing out on the smell of coconut that I experience. It's like people who can't eat cilantro because it tastes like soap to them, or people who dislike cruciferous vegetables... or, did you know that everyone's pee smells after eating asparagus, but some people are genetically unable to detect the smell? Anyway, veered off-topic there. But you get what I mean, I hope.

I would count what you do under "Pre-poo on dry hair". This category means applying a few drops before washing (so if you apply it a day after wash, it's still before your next wash even if you don't wash it that day necessarily, hence pre-poo). That's why I also created the deep treatmeant/soak on dry hair - for people who do more than a light oiling on dry hair.

Also, I can smell coconut oil just fine. It is lovely (not my favourite but it smells good). I am talking about the smell that develops once it has been on your hair and warmed up (slept on and been cozily tucked into your warm pillow and body for example) and it smells like it has gone rancid.

Haha and yes I am one of the cilantro-haters but I can smell asparagus metabolites.

[ghost pisces]

I've just started using it myself, but I've found that, for me, using it on not-quite dried hair after I wash it works best. I used to do leave-in conditioner when damp and then argan oil when almost-dry, but using just coconut oil seems to be replacing both of them just fine so far. (Plus it's way cheaper since I got it at Costco.)

[Reyn127]

Coconut oil works best for me as a pre-wash treatment, but I put enough on to still have some in my ends after I wash.

[Rockin' Gramma]

I use a light amount of coconut oil on my dry hair at night, so not a deep treatment at all.

[peachyleshy]

I use it as a pre-poo treatment. I've tried to use a little bit neat on dry hair, but it is too heavy and greasy on my hair. Other oils or coconut included in a formulation I can use on dry hair.

[Gem]

I mix virgin coconut oil half-and-half with avocado oil or honey and add a little polysorbate 80 (an emulsifier) for easy rinse-out. I apply a good deal of it to dry hair about two hours before washing.

[triumphator!]

Wet or dry, pre or post wash. But never in conjunction with other products, except maybe olive oil as a pre-wash. When I'm going to the barn I skip conditioner and heavily oil my hair with coconut oil and braid it, so that it soaks in all day and then I can wash all the dirt out at the same time.

[Pumpkin3826]

I apply oil on dry hair. I wash my hair once a week normally on Sundays. I start putting a little bit of oil on the end's on about Tuesday or Wednesday depending on if my hair needs it sooner or not. Then everyday I just add a little bit more to the ends, then once the weekend starts I will drench my hair in coconut oil and wear it up in a bun until Sunday then the process starts all over again. ;) I notice doing it this way helps my lazy wrap bun stay in place during the work week while deep conditioning it. So it is a win win!! I have never applied coconut oil to damp hair so that might be a fun experiment to try one of these days...

[Raevyngoddess]

Night before washing

[lilelf]

Right after a wash when wet AND on dry hair if my hair is feeling tangly AND as a pre-poo, especially in summer. Straight or mixed with EOs , perfume oils or BPALs for scent. I have tiny little jars EVERYWHERE. lol

[Joyful Mystery]

Currently I'm not using oils that often. I like refined coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil. When I use the coconut oil my usual method is putting a small amount on dry hair the night before I wash.

[Phanaferous]

Most often on damp hair after washing, but if I don't get to it on wash day I will add it to dry hair the next day. I use a small amount, not enough to have it look oiled or feel greasy. Also using food grade that has no smell even though I love the smell of coconut and I wish it was scented. We had some in the pantry for cooking and I set some aside in a small jar for my hair.

[humble_knight]

I've always used coconut oil on dry hair.

[Dancing Giant]

I use coconut oil on dry hair. However, I never tried to use it on wet hair. Maybe I should try that out.

[hollygolightly]

i always apply it in dry hair. i feel like if i applied it on wet hair i wouldn't know if i messed up by making it too oily until it's dry.

[Xlena]

I put it like 1 day before I'm washing with sulfates, I do it occasionally but I think I'll start doing it once a week


Coconut oil's way too expensive to waste like that!

I know it's a bit late but as you're from Spain, in Mercadona it's 4,50€ a huuuuuuuuuuge bottle of extra virgin coconut oil

[ravenskey]

I put it on both dry and wet/damp hair as a leave in.

[kamileona]

when i used to treat my hair with coconut oil i applied it to my dry hair, distributed it evenly throughout and slept with it over night! showering the next morning always felt sooo good!

[Platzhalter]

Coconut's one of my dry-hair only oils.

[Lilac Ghostpops]

I cose "as a oil soak on dry hair" but honestly coconut oil works as a pre poo and as a leave in on damp hair for me, my favourite oil by far!

[Peppergirl]

I use small amounts daily wet or dry. Just on finger tips because my hair is still short.

[amyshairjourney]

I use coconut oil on dry hair for about 24 hours before washing although i only use on the lower lengths and ends - if i use any other time it can make my hair too greasy! I have found it to wash out well and i *think* it makes a difference although i also use a conditioner so unsure if it is a combination that makes my hair soft

[RosieFleurNuit]

I usually use coconut oil sparingly on damp ends over a leave-in. I also use a big glob as a deep treatment the day before I'm going to use a dye.

[elisac]

I think I love it most on dry hair, pre poo

[Garnetgem]

I use fractionated coconut oil on dry hair...usually a day or two before washing.

[simply natural]

I usually apply it to dry hair, the night before I shower! I don’t think I have ever tried it on wet hair! I may now though!

[Bryndhildr]

Only in wet hair as part of my deep conditioner or dry hair overnight prior to bleaching. It leaves my hair feeling stringy when I use it any other way.

[Natalia_A00]

I use it on dry hair, sometimes before I go to sleep. I leave it for all the night, and I wash it the next morning

[hanniejayyy]

i apply it on dry hair a couple hours before i wash it, but since joining this forum i’m considering applying on damp hair instead...

[Garnetgem]

I have always applied to dry hair that was when i used it,i tend to find the smell lingers even after a few washes.

[Lokasigdr]

Usually on dry hair from the neck down, before washing. I figure it helps compensate for the oil that doesn't quite reach my ends, and provides a little extra protection from shampoo when rinsing my scalp. Seems to work, but my hair greases back up a little faster when I do it.

If I've had to actually style my hair with any heat or product, or it requires multiple washes to get cleaned, it's used as a leave-in. It gets applied to wet hair from the neck down after washing and combing, and then bundled into a braid. It seems like my hair drinks it up overnight.

[DaughterOfDawn]

It depends what I'm trying to accomplish!

If I am using it as a pre-shampoo treatment: I put it on dry hair [in an attempt] to seal some water out of the hair strand, [in an attempt] to minimize swelling of the hair shaft.

If I am using it as a moisturizer: I apply to damp hair.
For this, I prefer my hair to be damp from full submersion, like a shower vs. damp from a spray bottle. For me, the spray bottle doesn't seem to get enough water INSIDE the strand for the coconut oil to seal in. I believe my hair is low porosity, if that matters to anyone.

[Margrit]

I voted:As a deep treatment/oil soak applied on dry hair

[Makyle]

This was difficult to vote on as I should honestly tick almost all the boxes,

I use coconut oil on dry hair to protect and give softness and shine
I use it on wet hair after washing along with argan oil
I use it as a deep oil treatment and saturate my hair
I use it as a pre poo treatment

I absolutely love what Coconut oil has done for me and I have only been using it for 3 weeks, I may need to plant a coconut tree at the rate I am using this oil :LOL:

[kidari]

I use coconut oil as a pre-poo on days I wash with shampoo. On days I don't wash with shampoo I'll skip the coconut oil for CO washing. However, sometimes I'll leave it in overnight prior to washing and I do put in a couple drops on non-wash days when I brush it out and put it back in a bun.

[Spar]

Dry hair, usually 30mins-1hr before a wash. I LOVE to saturate my hair with oils, my hair drinks it up, although I do have to use a sulfate shampoo (twice) to get rid of all the oil.

[hollygolightly]

This was difficult to vote on as I should honestly tick almost all the boxes,

I use coconut oil on dry hair to protect and give softness and shine
I use it on wet hair after washing along with argan oil
I use it as a deep oil treatment and saturate my hair
I use it as a pre poo treatment

I absolutely love what Coconut oil has done for me and I have only been using it for 3 weeks, I may need to plant a coconut tree at the rate I am using this oil :LOL:

how much do you use after washing? I thought coconut oil was too heavy to wear it as a leave in oil

[Makyle]

how much do you use after washing? I thought coconut oil was too heavy to wear it as a leave in oil

A little bit through the mids and ends, just enough that my fingers are oily. Its different for everyone ... but I can honestly say it saved my hair and my house is NEVER without it.

Coconut oil is great for me because it penetrates and coats and my ends have previous bleach damage (not that anyone can tell anymore though...yay)

[Capybara]

I like to dampen my hair and apply coconut oil, braid it and leave it overnight, then wash in the morning. The result is silky smooth hydrated hair. I don’t have to do this as much during the summer.

[Yousra]

On dry hair, on pre-poo mask or 1-2 drops when brushing.

[Begemot]

Only on dry hair for me. It's tricky to get the right amount when my hair is wet/damp. It gets too oily looking often.

[The-Young-Maid]

I use coconut oil on both wet and dry hair. Sometimes alone but often with other products. I use some after a shower and layer a serum on top. And I take my makeup off with it can put the extra oil on my hair before a shower. I also use it one braids during the day.

[Belgrade Beauty]

Put it on my hair scalp and length night before washing and on ends every day.

[zahraomer05]

I use it on both wet and dry hair. On wet hair it absorbs very easily and helps with hair growth.

[purple_omelette]

On dry hair an hour or two before washing. I can't sleep with oil in my hair, I'm unfortunately a light sleeper and find having a wrap around my head very uncomfortable!

[Madhair04]

I use on dry hair

[blackgothicdoll]

On dry hair a few hours, or overnight before washing.

[Feral_]

Always on damp hair for me, after washing I comb it I get about 1/4 teaspoon of coconut oil and rub into the ends. It works well if I apply before plaiting too. I don’t wash it out.

[Spitfire]

Damp hair, leave-in, dry hair, leave in, and sometimes before shampoo. I don't use it very often, but when I do it's one of those three ways. :p

[Feral_]

On damp hair after water only washing.

[Carrie's hair]

For 2 years I was applying coconut oil after aloe vera gel. Now my hair doesn't like moisture so much. Rather, I use only the oil on dry hair. I watch my hair and give it what it needs.

[Fiorentina]

Coconut oil on wet hair with no other products

[Glitch]

I use coconut oil on both dry and wet hair! It's the only "hair product" I use :) Works for me!

[Death-Within-Me]

I basically do this to myself a few hours before washing once a week. Except for the lice-picking of course. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U7mwMqRkDY&t=562s&ab_channel=NenuMeeShruthi)