Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Coconut Oil to Your Scalp for Stunning Results!

_{Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I’m only recommending products that I personally use daily and in my oil recipes. Learn more on my privacy policy page. Thank you.}

How South Asians Have Long, Thick, Shiny Hair- We Routinely Massage Coconut Oil into our Scalps Weekly!

Learning how to apply coconut oil step by step to your scalp can revolutionize your hair care routine. This time-tested practice is what I do and offers a host of benefits, from deep hydration and dandruff reduction to promoting hair growth and protecting against environmental damage. In this post I’m going to guide you through the step-by-step process of applying coconut oil to your scalp, ensuring you can enjoy its full potential for healthier, more vibrant hair!

Step 1: Choose the Right Coconut Oil

Try to select high-quality, virgin or extra-virgin coconut oil. This type of oil is unrefined and retains more of its natural nutrients. The one I use is highly unrefined, unbleached and free of solvents. As expected, it is the premier coconut oil used in India and it’s the most recognized here in the United States as well.

Step 2: Prepare the Oil

Measure out about one to two cups of coconut oil, depending on how much time you have and how much you want to make. Personally, I like making larger amounts at a time due to the time consuming nature of the process.
Know that sometimes especially in cooler temperatures, due do its properties coconut oil will harden and solidify. You will have to microwave it for about 15 seconds at a time to loosen the oil.
Once you have the oil out, will have to pour your oil (the one to two cups you have) into a saucepan. This is where you’re going to add the ingredients as well.

Step 3: Prepare Your Hair

Start with clean, dry hair. It’s completely fine if your hair is unwashed, I think it’s even better. I would recommend at least trying to get any excess gel or spray dye off. I used a spray dye to get in between my hair appointments all the time so I just use a spray bottle and get whatever I can off my hair. Brush your hair to remove any tangles and to ensure even distribution of the oil.

Step 4: Section Your Hair

Part your hair into sections to ensure even application. You can divide your hair into four sections: front left, front right, back left, and back right. Use hair clips to keep each section separate.

Step 5: Apply the Oil

Dip your fingertips into the warmed coconut oil. Take a small amount at a time to avoid using too much.
Starting at the front sections, apply the oil directly to your scalp. It’s really important to part your hair on your by one fourth inch each and massage the oil as vigorously as you can handle. Some massage treatments recommend gentle motions but most South Asian mamas will scrub that oil in our scalps like we haven’t touched our chores in months! The intensity of the scrub is said to helps improve blood circulation and ensures the oil is absorbed well.

Step 6: Massage Your Scalp

After applying the oil to all sections, spend a few minutes massaging your entire scalp. This helps to further stimulate blood flow and enhance the absorption of the oil.
Continue this process section by section, ensuring that your entire scalp is covered with oil. I’d make sure to get the parts by your temples as these areas tend to thin out, near your ears, the back of your head, and the tops.

Step 7: Distribute the Oil through Your Hair – Repair those Split Ends.

Once your scalp is fully covered, use any remaining oil to coat the lengths and ends of your hair. This provides additional nourishment and helps to protect your hair from damage.

Step 8: Cover Your Hair

For deeper penetration, cover your hair with a shower cap or wrap it in a warm towel. The heat helps the oil to penetrate deeper into the scalp and hair shafts. It’s one of the older tricks in the proverbial “hair book”! Just warm up a small towel and wrap it around your hair as soon as you finish up your oil. Make sure the towel is warm enough so you can feel the warmth on your head, as that ensures the oil is penetrating the roots of your hair.

Step 9: Leave the Oil On

Allow the oil to sit on your scalp and hair for at least four hours. If you’re unable to keep it for 4, at least try for two hours. The more, the merrier! For a more intensive treatment, you can leave it on overnight. If you choose to leave it overnight, make sure to cover your pillow with a towel to avoid staining, and I would keep a shirt or two aside that you can use only for these treatments as your clothes will probably stain as well.

Step 10: Rinse and Wash

After the oil has been on your scalp for the desired amount of time, it’s time to rinse out the oil, then shampoo and conditioner and see how you feel!
Follow up with a gentle shampoo to remove any remaining oil. You may need to shampoo twice to ensure all the oil is washed out. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried this, but I always shampoo twice! The first time you shampoo, it essentially rids the build up and residue from the hair, while the second will actually cleanse and nourish your strands. Try to avoid using a harsh shampoo, as it can strip away the natural oils from your scalp.

Step 11: Condition and Style

After washing out the coconut oil, use a light conditioner if needed. Rinse thoroughly.
Style your hair as usual.

Conclusion

Applying coconut oil to your scalp can be a game-changer for your hair care routine. Its natural properties provide deep hydration, reduce dandruff, promote hair growth, and protect against environmental damage like our heat styling tools! By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this post, you can ensure that you’re using coconut oil effectively to reap the maximum benefits.

This is exactly what I do as part of my hair care regimen. Incorporating coconut oil into my routine 1-2 times a week has made a significant difference in the health and appearance of my hair. Don’t be afraid to experiment by adding essential oils or herbs to your coconut oil for enhanced benefits tailored to your specific needs.

Remember, consistency is key. By making this practice a regular part of your hair care routine, you’ll start to see noticeable improvements. I hope you found this guide helpful and that it inspires you to embrace the natural goodness of coconut oil for your scalp and hair health.

If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!