Now that we know why coconut oil is so beneficial, let’s look at which coconut oils are best for your hair. Not all coconut oil products are equal. Factors like purity, processing method, and packaging can make a difference.
We’ve selected five of the best coconut oil products for hair in 2025, each with its own strengths. Whether you have fine hair that gets weighed down easily or coarse curls craving moisture, there’s an option here for you.
1. Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil – Best Overall
Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Product Type: Unrefined (Extra Virgin), Cold-Pressed, Food Grade (also suitable for beauty)
Size: 16 oz, 32 oz, or 54 oz jar options
Key Features: USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Cold-Pressed from fresh coconuts, no additives.
Amazon Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (31,000+ reviews)
Yuka Score: 100/100 (Excellent – single ingredient, no chemicals)
Trust & Reputation: Viva Naturals is a well-known brand for high-quality natural supplements and oils. It’s often Amazon’s Choice for coconut oil, reflecting strong customer satisfaction and trust. Certified organic and keto-friendly, it’s a pure product with a loyal following.
Viva Naturals Extra Virgin Coconut Oil checks all the boxes. It’s pure, high-quality, and versatile. This oil is unrefined, meaning it retains all the natural nutrients and a delicious light coconut aroma. For hair, that means you’re getting maximum antioxidants and fatty acids intact to nourish your strands. Users report that a small scoop of this oil can transform dry, dull hair into soft, shiny locks overnight. It’s great for deep conditioning treatments – for example, you can melt a tablespoon, work it through your hair, and leave it on as a mask (more on that in the usage guide). Because it’s cold-pressed from fresh coconut meat, it contains the lauric acid that research shows is responsible for strengthening hair and reducing protein loss
Viva Naturals oil has a smooth, creamy texture when solid (below ~76°F) and melts clear when warmed up. It spreads easily through hair. We found it particularly effective on damaged or color-treated hair. Another plus? it’s multi-purpose. After using it on your hair, you can apply any extra to your skin, cuticles, or even use it for oil pulling for dental health. Many women keep this jar in their bathroom because it’s a go-to for hair masks, removing makeup, moisturizing legs, you name it.
As a pure coconut oil, it will solidify in cooler temperatures. That’s normal (actually a sign it’s truly unrefined coconut oil). You may need to scoop it with a spoon or warm the jar in your hands for a minute to liquefy it. Also, if you don’t love a coconut scent, remember that unrefined oils like this do have a mild coconut fragrance (which most find pleasant and not overpowering).
2. COCO & CO. Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil – Best Premium Beauty Grade
COCO & CO. Pure Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Product Type: Unrefined, Extra Virgin, “Beauty Grade” coconut oil (food-safe but specifically marketed for hair/skin)
Size: 8 oz jar (with optional smaller travel sizes)
Key Features: 100% Raw & Organic, Small-batch production, Lab-tested purity, light texture.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (900+ reviews on main listing; 1,300+ if including all sizes)
Yuka Score: 100/100 (Excellent)
Trust & Reputation: COCO & CO. is a boutique brand focused on high-end coconut oil-based beauty products. They pride themselves on quality – their oil is often cited as “silkier” and more refined in texture than regular grocery store coconut oils. They have glowing customer reviews and a bit of a cult-following in the beauty community (despite the higher price tag).
If you’re looking for the best beauty grade of coconut oils for your hair, COCO & CO. is it. This oil is marketed as ultra-pure and specifically formulated for cosmetic use. What does that mean in practice? Users often notice COCO & CO.’s oil feels lighter, absorbs faster, and is less greasy than typical coconut oil. The brand claims to use a special extraction process to create a consistently silky, fine-textured oil. In our experience, this translates to easier application and less residue on the hair, a big plus if you have hair that’s on the finer side or if you want to use coconut oil as a leave-in serum.
For damaged hair or skin, COCO & CO. shines. Many reviewers (and some of our team) found it excellent for reducing split ends and smoothing frizz. It gives hair a healthy sheen without weighing it down. It’s also a favorite for scalp treatments because of its purity; if you have a sensitive scalp or are wary of contaminants, this product’s lab-tested purity is reassuring. In fact, COCO & CO. highlights that their oil is tested for heavy metals and impurities, and consistently comes out 100% pure. They even package it in a UV-protective glass jar to preserve antioxidants. All these little quality touches make a difference for someone who wants the best experience and is willing to pay a bit more.
3. Handcraft Blends Fractionated Coconut Oil – Best for Scalp & Fine Hair (Lightweight)
Handcraft Blends Fractionated Coconut Oil
Product Type: Fractionated Coconut Oil (liquid at room temperature)
Size: 8 oz bottle (comes with flip-top or pump); also available in larger 16 oz bottle
Key Features: 100% Pure, Premium grade, Hexane-free, Odorless and clear.
Amazon Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (10,000+ reviews)
Yuka Score: 100/100 (Excellent)
Trust & Reputation: Handcraft Blends is a small American brand known for carrier oils and essential oils. Their fractionated coconut oil is a bestseller in the beauty category, often praised for quality and value. They emphasize no added preservatives or chemicals. While not a big corporate name, the brand enjoys excellent reviews and word-of-mouth among DIY beauty enthusiasts
Fractionated coconut oil is a game-changer for certain hair types and uses. “Fractionated” means this oil has had the long-chain fatty acids removed, leaving only medium-chain triglycerides (mostly caprylic and capric acids). The result? The oil stays liquid even in cool temperatures and is extremely lightweight and non-greasy. Handcraft Blends’ product leverages these traits perfectly. If you have fine, thin, or oily-prone hair that gets weighed down by richer oils, this is the coconut oil for you. It provides the nourishment of coconut oil without the heaviness.
This oil is excellent for scalp care. Because it’s so light, you can really work it into your scalp to moisturize and deliver nutrients without clogging pores. In fact, many use fractionated coconut oil to dilute essential oils, for scalp massage to promote growth. Handcraft’s oil absorbs quickly and washes out easily with shampoo. It’s also completely odorless and colorless – all the coconut aroma compounds are removed in the fractionation process. So if you prefer no scent, you’ll appreciate this.
Another big advantage is convenience: Since it’s liquid, there’s no need to melt it or scoop from a jar. It comes in a bottle, and Handcraft Blends often includes a pump in the package, making it super easy to dispense just what you need. We found that for daily or frequent use, the liquid format is much more user-friendly. Also, fractionated oil has a longer shelf life and is less prone to oxidation compared to virgin coconut oil, so it’s great for those who take a while to use up a bottle.
4. SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil – Best for Curly or Coarse Hair
SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil
Product Type: Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil (food grade, but marketed for hair/skin use)
Size: 15 oz jar
Key Features: Sustainably produced, Fair Trade ingredient focus, no parabens/phthalates (although pure oil has none anyway), ethically traded coconut oil.
Amazon/Store Rating: ~4.7 out of 5 stars (SheaMoisture’s site and retail reviews)
Yuka Score: 100/100 (Excellent)
SheaMoisture is a beloved beauty brand, especially in the Black and curly hair communities. With a legacy dating back to 1912, this brand is known for using natural ingredients and addressing the needs of textured hair. This 100% Virgin Coconut Oil is part of their “Head-to-Toe” collection. SheaMoisture has a very positive reputation (many loyal fans), emphasizing family heritage and community commerce. While a big brand, they maintain trust through consistent quality and ethical sourcing.
This product is essentially pure unrefined coconut oil, similar in content to our other virgin picks, but it’s positioned as a hair and skin moisturizer specifically by a haircare brand. That means it often can be found in the hair care aisle, and it’s targeted at those who want to incorporate coconut oil into their established hair routines.
For curly, coily, or coarse hair types, SheaMoisture’s coconut oil is a fantastic choice. These hair types often crave heavy moisture, and this oil delivers. It can be used as a pre-poo (pre-shampoo) treatment, a deep conditioner additive, or a styling aid to seal in moisture on wet hair. Curly-haired women often scrunch a bit of this oil into their ends after applying leave-in conditioner to lock in hydration and add shine. Also, because SheaMoisture is a brand trusted for curls, you can feel confident this pure oil will play nicely with other SheaMoisture products.
We particularly recommend this for thick or very dry hair that needs intense conditioning. It’s superb for overnight hair mask treatments: coat your hair, wrap it in a silk scarf or bonnet, and wash in the morning for softer, more manageable curls. The oil itself has that natural coconut smell and solidifies in the jar – it actually looks and feels much like a high-quality cooking coconut oil (because it is!). Some users even use this same jar in DIY recipes, mixing a bit of the coconut oil into their conditioners or whipping it with shea butter to create a super-rich hair butter.
5. Sky Organics Organic Coconut Oil (Unrefined) – Best for Sensitive Scalp & DIY Beauty
Sky Organics Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Product Type: Unrefined, Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil (organic food grade)
Size: 16 oz jar
Key Features: USDA Organic, Cruelty-Free, Vegan; packaged in a BPA-free jar.
Amazon Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (5,000+ reviews)
Yuka Score: 100/100 (Excellent)
Trust & Reputation: Sky Organics is a popular organic beauty brand that focuses on simple, natural ingredients. They’re known for carrier oils, butters, and DIY beauty staples. Sky Organics products are often found in health food stores and pharmacies, and they have a solid reputation for quality at a budget-friendly price.
Sky Organics Coconut Oil offers great bang for your buck without compromising on quality. If you have a sensitive scalp or sensitive skin in general, using an organic, additive-free oil like this is ideal. We highlight it for sensitive scalps because sometimes cheap refined oils or those with residues can irritate – with Sky Organics, you know you’re putting a pure, clean product on your skin.
Many people with scalp conditions (eczema, minor dermatitis) have reported that using this coconut oil as a scalp pack calms itching and reduces flaking, thanks to its gentle moisturizing effect. Of course, as a virgin coconut oil, it’s also delivering all the hair strengthening and conditioning benefits we discussed earlier.This oil is also excellent for the DIY beauty enthusiast. If you love mixing up your own hair masks or oil blends, S
Sky Organics is a perfect base. It’s affordable enough that you won’t feel like you’re “wasting” an expensive specialty product when you mix in other ingredients (like honey or aloe for a hair mask). Yet, it’s high-grade so you’ll get a great result. For example a popular hair mask recipe is coconut oil + honey + a few drops of rosemary oil – using Sky Organics coconut oil here gives you a smooth, easy-to-mix base.
You can also infuse this oil with herbs (some people soak curry leaves or hibiscus in warm coconut oil to create a growth tonic – a tradition in Ayurvedic hair care). Sky Organics’ quality ensures these DIY recipes turn out well.In daily use, this coconut oil works wonderfully as a pre-shampoo treatment or a conditioner booster. Scoop a small amount, melt it between your palms, and massage into your scalp and through your hair. Leave for 20-30 minutes (or overnight with a cap) and wash out – your hair will be softer and less frizzy.
Because it’s rich in lauric acid and vitamin E, it nourishes both the hair shaft and the scalp, potentially helping with issues like dandruff or brittle strands. We also like that Sky Organics is food-grade – so yes, you can cook with it too or add it to smoothies, getting internal benefits (healthy fats) that might indirectly help hair and skin.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Hair
Using coconut oil for hair is not one-size-fits-all. The way you apply it can depend on your hair type and your hair goals. Below, we break down the best ways to use coconut oil on your hair and scalp. Feel free to mix and match methods to create a routine that works for you:
1. As a Pre-Wash Hair Mask or Treatment
Purpose: Deep conditioning, damage prevention, and hair growth support
Before shampooing, apply coconut oil to your hair and let it sit. Scoop 1–3 teaspoons of coconut oil (more for very long or thick hair). Warm it between your hands until it melts into a liquid. Apply it from mid-length to ends first, coating the dry sections of your hair, then work any remaining oil up towards the roots.
For extra benefits, gently massage some into your scalp as well (this can help lift dandruff and improve scalp circulation). Leave the oil in for 15–30 minutes minimum. Some people prefer to leave it for a few hours, or even overnight for a very intensive treatment. (If leaving overnight, wear a shower cap or cover your pillow with a towel to avoid oil stains)
After the treatment time, wash your hair with shampoo (you may need to lather twice to fully remove the oil) and condition as usual. You’ll likely notice your hair feels softer and less tangled right away.
Pre-wash coconut oil treatments help because the oil penetrates the hair shaft and minimizes water absorption when you later wash. This means less swelling and contracting of the hair (which is what causes damage during washing). It’s an excellent habit if you’re trying to grow your hair longer; one study noted hair treated with coconut oil once or twice a week had less breakage and was healthier than hair that wasn’t treated
2. As a Conditioner or Conditioner-Boost
Purpose: Moisturizing and strengthening the hair after shampooing; detangling.
You can use coconut oil in place of a traditional conditioner or alongside it. After shampooing in the shower, take a small amount of melted coconut oil and work it through your hair (again, focusing on the lengths and ends). If using instead of conditioner, apply a slightly larger amount (about a teaspoon for shoulder-length hair), let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse with warm water. If using with conditioner, you can mix a few drops of coconut oil into your conditioner in your palm, or condition first, rinse, and then do a quick coconut oil rinse after.
Coconut oil as a conditioner helps smooth the cuticle and makes hair feel very soft. It’s especially useful if you’re going silicone-free in your hair routine and need something to give slip for detangling – coconut oil can provide that slip naturally.Another idea is to use coconut oil as a leave-in conditioner on wet hair.
After washing and conditioning, when hair is towel-dried, rub a tiny amount of oil between your hands and gently scrunch or comb it through the ends. This locks in moisture as your hair dries. Be very sparing if your hair is fine; curly and coarse hair can handle a bit more
This can be done every wash if it works for you. If you notice any heaviness or buildup, reduce the amount or frequency. Some people alternate – one wash they use regular conditioner, next wash they use coconut oil, and so on.
3. As a Leave-In Serum for Frizz & Shine
Purpose: Tame frizz, add shine, protect hair from everyday wear
Less is more here. Take a drop or two of coconut oil (if solid, you’ll need to melt a pea-sized amount) and rub it between your fingers/hands. Lightly glide your hands over the surface of your hair, especially focusing on frizzy patches or flyaways. You can also twirl the oiled fingers around split ends or dry tips to smooth them. This is best done on dry hair as a finishing step after styling, or on second-day hair to revive it. Coconut oil is rich but if you use just a hint, it acts like a natural shine serum. It can also calm down puffiness in hair caused by humidity.
For those with curly hair, you can scrunch a tiny bit of coconut oil into your curls after they’re dry to break the “cast” of gel and make the curls soft and bouncy with definition. Just be cautious, too much will make curls limp. If you flat iron or blow-dry your hair, you might apply a little coconut oil afterwards for shine, but do not use pure coconut oil before heat styling as it can actually “fry” the oil and hair – it’s not a heat protectant on its own (it heats up and can cook the hair if directly flat ironed). Use it after heat styling to impart shine and smoothness.
4. As a Scalp Massage Oil (Night Treatment)
Purpose: Improve scalp health, possibly promote hair growth by increasing blood flow and combating dryness or dandruff.
Choose a time when you can wash your hair afterwards (nighttime is ideal). Part your hair into sections and apply a small amount of coconut oil directly to your scalp. You can use your fingertips or a dropper. Massage gently using circular motions. Spend a good 5-10 minutes massaging your whole scalp – this action itself boosts circulation to the hair follicles, which can encourage growth.
The coconut oil will meanwhile start to penetrate and moisturize your scalp. If you have flaky areas, focus there – coconut oil may help loosen and lift dandruff and has that anti-fungal property that could help reduce yeast on the scalp.
After massaging, you can leave the oil on for a few hours or overnight. (If you’re acne-prone on your forehead, you might want to wash after an hour or two, as leaving heavy oil on the scalp that long could in some cases clog pores at the hairline. Monitor what works for you.)When you’re done, wash your hair thoroughly.
Use a gentle shampoo to remove the oil (sometimes two washes are needed). Done once a week or so, scalp oil massages with coconut oil can keep the scalp hydrated and less itchy, and some women report it helps hair feel thicker over time. At the very least, it’s relaxing and can relieve tension.
For a supercharged growth treatment, you can mix a few drops of an essential oil like rosemary oil (which has research suggesting it can help hair growth similar to minoxidil in some cases) into the coconut oil. Coconut oil acts as a carrier that dilutes the potent essential oil and helps deliver it to the scalp safely.
A mix of coconut + a couple drops of peppermint oil can also give a nice tingly, blood-flow-boosting scalp massage (and can help with dandruff too). Always do a patch test with essential oils to ensure you don’t have a reaction, and don’t overdo the essential oils (a few drops in a tablespoon of coconut oil is enough).
Once a week is a common frequency for scalp massage treatments. If you have a very dry scalp or stubborn dandruff, you could do it twice a week
5. As a Treatment for Split Ends and Edges
Purpose: Targeted repair and protection of the most damage-prone parts of your hair.
Split ends are basically broken fibers in the hair – while no product can truly “heal” a split end once it’s split (except trimming it off), coconut oil can temporarily smooth and bind split ends together, making them less visible and preventing them from worsening. Take a tiny dab of coconut oil and apply it to the very tips of your hair where you see splits.
Rub it in between your thumb and forefinger along the split strand; it will help the split pieces stick together so they don’t snag on things. This is a quick fix to make ends look healthier. It also provides lubrication so the splits don’t travel further up the strand as easily. Consider this a stop-gap until you can get a trim.
If you’re trying to grow out your hair, you might be stretching time between trims – oiling your ends can help you go longer without them looking totally fried. Combine this with a regular pre-wash mask routine, and you’ll fend off a lot of damage.For those with natural or textured hair, coconut oil on your edges (hairline) can be useful. Hair at the temples or nape that’s pulled (from ponytails, braids, etc.) can weaken.
Gently massaging a bit of coconut oil into those baby hairs and edges at night can keep them supple and possibly reduce breakage. Just be sure to wash or co-wash periodically so buildup doesn’t occur on your hairline.
You can apply to split ends daily if needed. It’s most effective right after styling or as a finishing step. For edges, a few times a week or whenever you feel they’re dry. Many like to tie a satin scarf after oiling edges to let the oil penetrate and prevent it from just rubbing off.
Tips for Using Coconut Oil Effectively (and Avoiding Greasy Hair)
- Start with a small amount: Coconut oil is rich. It’s easier to add more if needed than to remove excess. For example, begin with a pea-sized dab for leave-in use. If conditioning, a teaspoon might be enough for mid-length hair. Using too much is a common mistake and can lead to limp, oily-looking hair. When in doubt, less is more – you can always do another light application if you feel you didn’t use enough
- Warm the oil before applying: This makes it easier to distribute evenly. If your coconut oil is solid, scoop what you need into a bowl and warm it up slightly. You can use the double boiler method (placing the bowl in hot water) or microwave for a few seconds (avoid overheating – you just want it melted, not hot). Do not apply scalding oil to your scalp; it should be comfortably warm. Liquid (fractionated) coconut oil can be used as-is, no warming needed, though slightly warm oil does spread faster on the scalp and through hair
- Apply to damp hair for easier spread: For certain methods (like as a conditioner or leave-in), applying oil to damp hair helps. Damp hair allows the oil to move through strands more easily and also traps some water in your hair (which the oil then seals in). If you’re doing a quick pre-wash, you can even mist your hair with water before oiling; some experts say oil on damp hair = double the hydration because you’re adding oil and water together. However, for scalp massages or heavy masks, dry hair application is fine too.
- Comb or massage through: Use a wide-tooth comb to gently distribute oil after applying, especially for longer hair to ensure every strand gets love. If you’re focusing on scalp, a gentle massage with your fingertips (not nails) for a few minutes increases absorption and blood flow.
- Use shampoo to remove (and shampoo twice if needed): One downside of coconut oil is that it can be tricky to wash out if you use a lot. Don’t be afraid to do a second round of shampoo if your hair still feels oily after one wash. Using warm (not super hot) water will help melt the oil out. Some people find using a clarifying shampoo once a month helpful if they do frequent oil treatments, just to prevent any lingering film. If you prefer co-washing (washing with conditioner) and do heavy oil masks, you may need to incorporate the occasional shampoo, since conditioner alone might not cut the grease.
- Blend with other ingredients for extra benefits: As mentioned, coconut oil plays well with others. Mix in a few drops of argan oil or jojoba oil for additional shine and slip. For a protein boost (if your hair likes protein), mix coconut oil with a beaten egg or some yogurt and use as a strengthening mask (though note: protein treatments are a whole other topic – not everyone’s hair responds well to them). For hydration, blend coconut oil with honey or aloe vera gel and let it sit as a mask – both honey and aloe are humectants that draw moisture into the hair, while coconut locks it in.
Wrapping Up
Always remember to enjoy the process. Hair care with coconut oil can be a relaxing, feel-good ritual. The scent, the scalp massage, the shine – it’s not just about vanity, it’s about self-care. We hope this guide has empowered you with knowledge to improve your hair’s health, body, shine, and growth using coconut oil. Here’s to stronger, more radiant hair ahead!
Leave a comment