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As far as multi-tasking beauty products go, coconut oil is undoubtedly among the most versatile (I mean, you can even cook with the stuff). Not only can it be used to remove makeup, moisturize your body, and keep your mouth clean, but it also makes for a fantastic hair mask. Choosing the best coconut oil for your hair is pretty straightforward if you plan on using it as a mask since all you're really looking for is one key ingredient. However, if you're looking for a coconut oil-based leave-in treatment or styling product, your options widen up a bit.
Aside from using coconut oil as a hair mask, you can also buy it in spray or serum form. Usually, however, these formulas will be mixed with other ingredients — so if you're interested in the pure stuff, stick with a good old tub of cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil; it's one of the best things you could put on your hair, anyhow. That said, the options on this list comprise of a great, leave-in oil for daily nourishment, an easy-to-use spray to detangle knots and fight frizz, and a set of travel-friendly hair masks in single-use packets. Whatever coconut oil formula you wind up choosing, you'll be fast on your way to smoother, healthier hair in no time.
1
The Best Coconut Oil For Your Hair (& Everything Else)
For a standard tub of unrefined, cold-pressed, extra-virgin coconut oil that you can use for everything (cooking, skin care, et cetera), this pick from Viva Naturals checks all the most important boxes and then some. The coconut oil is USDA certified organic, non-GMO, and packaged in a large, 16-ounce jar — pretty impressive for an affordable option.
For the softest, healthiest hair of your dreams, apply this coconut oil on freshly-washed hair and leave it on for anywhere from 10 minutes to overnight. To avoid getting it all over your pillow, pick up a pack of these handy processing caps (a 100-pack will set you back just a few dollars). Apply the oil, put on the cap, and go to sleep; when you wake up, rinse the oil out, and be amazed at how smooth and soft your hair is. This is especially recommended for anyone with dry or damaged hair — trying doing a coconut oil mask once a week.
According to a reviewer: “I used it as a hair treatment, and my hair is now soooo soft!”
2
Best Leave-In Coconut Oil
The coconut serum from Perfect Hair is packed with ingredients your strands will love. Along with coconut oil to moisturize hair and seal split ends, it’s made with antioxidant-rich ingredients like aloe, olive oil, and almond oil. Plus, it includes keratin, a protein that can help strengthen and fortify hair. In addition to providing moisture and nourishment, this leave-in oil helps promote thicker, fuller hair and stronger roots. The best part? Reviewers say the weightless formula won’t make hair greasy. Just add one pump of serum to damp hair after shampooing and conditioning.
According to a reviewer: “It didn't make my hair oily at all, but rather it was soft and smooth! I loved running my hands through my hair. I only wash my hair every 2-3 days and the entire next day my hair wasn't oily either. Also my hair is generally frizzy due to some natural wave, but I didn't have the same frizz using this. I'm loving it!”
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Best Leave-In Coconut Oil Spray
If convenience is your top priority, you'll love this hassle-free spray from Shea Moisture. In this formula, coconut oil and coconut milk combine to fight frizz, detangle knots, and soften hair. Other key moisturizing ingredients include argan oil, sweet almond oil, rosehip oil, and keratin, which work together to restore hydration and enhance shine. Spray this treatment on damp hair and proceed to style or air dry as usual. It's a great choice for any hair type, and it smells delicious too.
According to a reviewer: "Moisturizes and defines curls beautifully without extra weight. Smells great too."
4
Best Fractionated Coconut Oil
Without getting too technical, fractionated coconut oil is basically coconut oil in liquid form (unlike extra-virgin coconut oil, which is solid at room temperature). That's why usually it's sold in a bottle, as opposed to a jar. This fractionated coconut oil from Viva Naturals provides the same moisturizing benefits as extra-virgin coconut oil in a more user-friendly form.
For those who are into creating their own DIY skin and hair products, this USDA certified organic coconut oil is the perfect carrier oil. Trying mixing some with tea tree and/or rosemary essential oil to create your very own scalp serum.
According to a reviewer: “I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this stuff. I bought it for one purpose and one purpose only. For my hair. Which it works AMAZING. [...] This stuff makes my hair feel and look amazing. I will never use anything else. GREAT BUY.”
5
Best Coconut Oil Hair Mask For Travel
Though it's not pure coconut oil, this hair mask from Palmer’s still offers serious deep-conditioning benefits. Packaged in convenient, single-use packets, the formula contains a blend of botanical ingredients, like jojoba oil, cocoa butter, and gardenia extract, which work to soften hair, repair split ends, tame frizz, and enhance shine. Coconut oil is listed second on the ingredients list (after water), meaning that's the most predominate ingredient in the formula, so you're definitely getting those hair-strengthening benefits. It's a two-step formula: Use the conditioning mask first, then follow up with the five-minute rinse-out glaze to seal cuticles.
According to a reviewer: “My hair is very dry, thick and wavy. I just tried this product today for the first time and I absolutely loved it. My hair feels so soft and looks super shiny and healthy. I highly recommended.”
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