Coconut oil is a not-so-well-kept secret online. But does coconut oil work well on wavy hair? Keep reading for how to use coconut oil on wavy hair. Keep reading to learn how to prep your hair, prep the coconut oil, and application. I’ll let you in on not just the coconut oil part, but how to remove coconut oil residue from your hair, how to keep the moisture in, and how I shower after doing a coconut oil hair mask on my wavy hair!
I recommend a cold pressed, unrefined coconut oil like this one. I get a giant tub of it and then use for cooking, hair (this), and also on my skin. In fact, with my daughter coconut oil is the only thing I used on her skin when she was a baby (I did begin to use this lotion on our youngest, but coconut oil is still awesome!).
The easiest way I melt coconut oil for a hair mask is to put a few tablespoons of coconut oil into a small glass container (get these 4 for $7!) then warm it indirectly. I always use containers with lids so you can save any extra in the fridge for a future use! The way I heat the coconut oil indirectly this is to fill a bowl with HOT water, then set the small glass container of oil inside of it. Coconut oil has a very low melting temperature, so the heat from the hot water will eventually go through the glass to melt the coconut oil. This does take a few minutes, so as your coconut oil warms up, let’s prep your waves!
Detangle your hair dry. The best way to do this is with a tangle teezer or wet brush. Carefully work from the bottom up, one inch at a time. This step is really important for once you get in the shower to remove the coconut oil. Dealing with coconut oil covered hair is already a bit of a pain (bet no one’s really told you THAT before!), but tangly coconut oil covered wavy hair can be a nightmare.
Get your hair as detangled as you can. Don’t worry about it straightening out, in fact that’s actually a good thing to get even coconut oil distribution.
Once the coconut oil is melted and your hair is dentalged, you’re ready! Do yourself a favor and don’t wear anything you absolutely loved. Even one drop of coconut oil can ruin a shirt or jeans that you love. I wear an old tshirt that probably wont make it out of the house.
For LONG hair: dip the ends of your hair into your glass container and work the oil upwards with your hands. Concentrate on the ends, but do bring the oil all the way up to your scalp. Then, gently squeeze extra oil out of your hair (so it doesn’t drip everywhere), then twist your hair into a bun and secure with a hair tie.
For Medium/Short Hair: dip your fingertips into the coconut oil and rub between your hands. Then apply thin layers to your hair until full coated. Squeeze out any excess (so you don’t drip!), then clip your hair up in sections until it is all up. Sometimes this technique is referred to as “medusa clipping.”
For everyone: Allow the warm coconut oil to sit on your hair for at least 15 minutes, but not more than 2 hours. What I’ve found over the years of these treatments is that if the coconut oil “dries” on your hair, it is a PAIN to remove and can leave more residue. I typically will put on the coconut oil, watch a TV show (or do some chores), then shower. I do NOT recommend an overnight coconut oil mask on wavy hair. Your hair for the next week will thank me. And so will your pillowcases.
This step is where things get a little unconventional. You are going to apply a small bit of shampoo to your DRY hair (with the set in coconut oil). Only do this at the scalp. This helps break down the coconut oil before you rinse out the hair mask. Immediately rinse the shampoo and coconut oil out. Then, shampoo your scalp as normal.
Allow for extra time to rinse your shampoo. The coconut oil is awesome in wavy hair, but it can take awhile to remove. Also keep in mind to allow plenty of shampoo and water down your drain as well.
tip: rinse a squirt of dish soap down your drain with hot water once you’ve showered. You really don’t want coconut oil buildup down the shower drain.
While you condition your waves after a coconut oil hair mask, be careful while you detangle your hair. Once you’ve shampooed, use a bit extra conditioner and gently detangle. You may want to use a detangling product here like KCKT . Then rinse out the conditioner/coconut oil/detangler and condition the lengths of your hair as normal. Rinse as normal, just know it might also take a bit longer.
The main note I have for styling is to use a light hand. If there is any residue of coconut oil it will weigh your hair down. Especially if this is one of the first few times you try a coconut oil hair mask, use less product. I use about half the normal amount of my curl enhancer, and then mousse as normal. I highly recommend NOT using any type of curl cream or gel on wavy hair after a coconut oil mask. It’s too heavy! Once you’ve added the styler, you’re done! Enjoy your shiny, moisturized waves 🙂
I hope you’ve found a great affordable way to deep condition your wavy hair with coconut oil. This is a process that takes some getting the hang of but is absolutely worth it once you’ve got a routine. Good Luck! -Rachel
