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Coconut Oil For Hair Loss

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Hair loss happens. It is certainly normal to loose strands of hair every day, sometimes hundreds. These strands regrow as part of the normal growth and loss cycle. Typically, this is not a cause for concern, until it is. If you have ever been the victim of clumps of hair coming out throughout the day, you know how scary an experience this is.

Are you tired of hair loss remedies that don’t work? Did you know that there is a simple way to prevent hair loss and re-grow hair? I’m talking about coconut oil for hair loss. But before we get to that….

Before and after photos of hair loss after trying coconut oil for baldness.

What Might Cause Permanent Hair Loss?

  • Hormonal problems. An overactive or underactive thyroid gland may result in hair falling out and can typically be reversed by normalizing thyroid hormone levels. Female or male hormone imbalances can also cause hair loss. Women can experience hair loss following a sudden drop in estrogen levels after discontinuing the birth control pill, after childbirth and after entering the menopause. Low progesterone levels have also been implicated. Male pattern baldness (MPB), also known as androgenetic alopecia, is thought to develop when the male hormone, testosterone, is converted to another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). An excess of DHT may cause the hair follicles to shrink, resulting in thinner hair and eventually baldness.
  • Nutritional deficiencies. A suboptimal intake of a number of nutrients may have a negative impact on the health of your hair.
  • Lupus erythematosus and Alopecia areata. These are examples of autoimmune diseases, whereby a person’s immune system creates antibodies, which, instead of protecting the body from bacteria, viruses and other germs, mistakenly attacks the person’s own body tissues. This can lead to a range of symptoms and, if the hair follicles are attacked, can also result in hair loss. This is what happens in lupus, which is associated with a range of symptoms, including hair loss, in approximately 50% of the sufferers, whereas Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where the immune attack is directed at the hair follicles only.
  • Heredity
  • Aging
  • Fungal infections of the scalp
  • Dermatological skin conditions

What Might Cause Temporary Hair Loss

  • Hormonal issues related to pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Iron Deficiency. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world and is a known cause of hair loss. Women experiencing perimenopause and menopause are at risk of iron deficiency, as are vegans, vegetarians, and people with certain conditions, such as celiac disease. In a study on mice, the reversal of iron deficiency also leads to the restoration of hair growth.
  • Drugs. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can result in hair loss as an unwanted side effect, which often stops when the medication is stopped. Examples of drug categories that may cause hair loss include blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs and medications used to treat gout and high blood pressure.
  • Physical or severe emotional stress associated with illness or major surgery can result in a sudden loss of a large amount of hair. Chronic (long-term) stress can also cause excessive hair loss.
  • Hair treatments, including chemical dyes, bleaches, straightening/curling agents and extreme pulling of hair.
  • Rapid weight loss.

Coconut Oil For Hair Loss

Coconut oil may not work for everyone. However, there is a lot of evidence that suggests it may potentially slow or stop hair loss for certain people. Here’s how:

  1. The lauric acid found in coconut oil binds to the protein in hair and protects both the roots and strands of hair from breakage. It also reduces protein loss in the hair both in damaged and healthy hair.
  2. Coconut oil is known to mimic Sebum. Sebum is the body’s own natural oil that helps keep the scalp from drying out and also coats hair roots to protect them from damage. A well-oiled scalp with happy follicles is key to stopping continued hair loss.
  3. Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft, protecting it against environmental impurities and excess heat.
  4. The natural antioxidants and nutrients (vitamin E, vitamin K and iron) found in coconut oil boosts hair growth and regrowth.
  5. Coconut oil contains both antifungal and antibacterial properties to protect against potential fungal or bacterial problems that limit hair growth.
  6. When you massage your scalp with coconut oil it improves the blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, which helps hair follicles to absorb the valuable nutrients in the oil necessary for hair re-growth.
A brunette man showing bald spot and holding hair that fell out alongside hair in the bathroom sink. He wants a simple way to prevent hair loss and regrow hair.

How To Properly Use Coconut Oil For Hair Loss

This method works well for preventing further hair loss (aka slowing hair loss) and may even stop it completely. We address the question of ” does coconut oil regrow hair” in a moment.

  1. If your coconut oil is in a solid or semi-solid state, place the jar in hot water until it turns to a liquid.
  2. Dampen your hair with warm (not hot) water.
  3. Wake up the pores in your scalp by vigorously rubbing it with your fingertips.
  4. Pour some coconut oil into your hands and apply directly to your roots. Be sure to cover your entire scalp.
  5. Massage the coconut oil into your scalp for at least three minutes. Nothing rough – a nice gentle massage.
  6. Put your oiled hair in a shower cap and let it set. Ideally, you will leave this on overnight but at the very least, keep it on for 30 minutes.
  7. After your desired length of treatment, wash the oil out with a gentle, ‘non-shampoo’ like the ones from Morrocco Method.
  8. Repeat at least once per week. Twice is ideal.

Does coconut oil regrow hair?

Loaded. Question.

If you are into studies, then you will have a tough time finding one that says yes, coconut oil regrows hair. It has been proven to slow hair loss but not actually regrow hair.

Anecdotally you can find a LOT of people talking about how they used coconut oil for thinning hair (not genetic hair loss). Many people battling hair loss report that coconut oil appears to be counteracting hair loss and promoting hair growth. After regular use for about 2-3 months, these people have noticed that they are no longer losing their hair. Receding hairlines are filling in.

While this is exciting I in no way want to give you false hope. I personally believe that coconut oil DOES have the potential to support the scalp in hair growth. But I won’t promise that it will work for everyone out there.

If you liked this post, don’t forget to check out the many uses of coconut oil in this post!

Wondering what coconut oil I use and love? Check out my coconut oil recommendations here.

 

Sources for this article include:

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Comments

    • I am trying to grow my hair back with coconut oil. I think some of the medicines I take was taking it out. But I oiled my scalp this evening and I will leave my cap on over night and wash it out 2 morrow. I know what baldness is like and I can relate to you. And good luck with your hair growing back.

      Reply

  4. I’ve been trying it for almost 3 weeks now and I see a huge different on my bald head, my hair is starting to grow where bald was. And I believe in 2months to come I will be a happy man again.

    Reply

      • I’m 16 and have really thin hair. Is it coconut oil or coco butter? And if coconut oil where do i buy it at? Can I buy it from Wal-Mart? My hair started getting thin about mid eighth grade year and I get made fun of a lot. Helppp

        Reply

        • Hi Tristan! Yes, it is coconut oil and you can purchase it wherever you would like. Wal-Mart carries several brands. Purchase it in the food section though…sometimes they sell watered down versions in the beauty department. Keep on eye on my website… I will be writing more about hair loss soon.

          Reply

  5. Does anyone notice shedding when they massage coconut oil into the scalp? It’s weird because when I massage coconut oil into my scalp, I shed like crazy during the massage sesh, but then I shed less throughout the day . . . any help or advice?

    Reply

    • i’d also like to know. Any time that i have massaged my scalp with anything for more than a minute it starts to fall. When my hair is oily it seems like the hair loss is worse. I want to try but i’m scared.

      Reply

  6. Your hair will fall out from massage just like with brushing. We shed, hair breaks etc. Don’t sweat it. THE COCONUT OIL WORKS FOR ME! I was a total non believer in the coconut. Wrong! I swear it has stopped the loss. Even a slight regrowth. Very slight but it’s worth trying for sure. I just put a couple Pea size drops in immediately out of the shower. Gentle massage in. Keeps the scalp happy. Would make a good hair styling option too.

    Reply

  7. NEARLY MIRACULOUS RESULTS FROM COCONUT OIL ON MY MALE PATTERN BALDNESS!
    I am a 61 year old man with some hair receding in the front, some thinning in the front and a large (about 6 inches around) area of male pattern baldness on the crown of my head. It started thinning there in my late 30s and has grown larger and more bald over time. Tried Rogaine a few times with limited results. Couldn’t justify hair transplants so I had resigned myself that I would be totally bald on top like my father and brother some day soon. Not the end of the world, y know? But my hair was dry and dull looking and no shampoos or conditioners seemed to help. I did some research and read about preconditioning before shampooing and also about extra virgin coconut oil being beneficial. I applied the evco to my scalp and hair every other day and left it on for about an hour before shampooing. It made my hair softer and more manageable so I kept doing it. THEN THE MIRACLE BEGAN! I began to notice new hair growth working it’s way in on my bald spot, first around the edges. After about six weeks my bald spot is about half the size it was with nearly full regrowth around the perimeter and a thinner layer of hair in the middle. There is still more hair coming in, i can feel the “stuble”. The top front has even grown some new hair. No regrowth at all on the front where it had receded. I don’t know if this will work for everybody, I live a very healthy lifestyle but hadn’t changed anything else so I know know it has something to do with the coconut oil! Give it try and if it works tell others. HEALTH-GIVE IT AWAY TO KEEP IT

    Reply

  8. I am a boy of 18… i Had gone through chemical straightening for 3 times …bt now when i am having long hairs .. i am suffering from severe hair loss…lots ot hairs loss when i go for shampoo and also any mean time…..plz help me out…

    Reply

    • I assume you have stopped the chemical straightening? The damage from that will take time to reverse. Use lots of coconut oil and try to only wash your hair a couple of times per week. The less you do thee quicker your scalp can heal. Eat a clean diet with lots of healthy fats to help your scalp regenerate itself.

      Reply

    • It is definitely not bad although your hair might get a bit of a greasy build up if you don’t wash your hair at least a few times per week. 😉 My friend uses it daily without issue though. The more you use it, the more likely you will see results faster.

      Reply

  11. i’m using the EVCO for about a month for my immune system which cure your body. this is new to me that EVCO is also for hair regrow so i give it a try and apply it every day on my sculpt, leave it for a few hours and then shampoo. result are amazing, my hair showing sign of regrow just about a week after 1st use. I’m so happy to find this article…

    Reply

  12. i have been losing clumps of hair in the shower since going on lexapro will this help me to stop the hairloss

    Reply

  13. I was very pleased to find this site.Everything here is just top notch,The information is absolutely amazing.

    Reply

  16. I am so happy ,My age is 29 and i am using coconut oil from 2 month and now i can see tiny hairs regrowth in front of head in baled area now i have dark hair and i suggest to all bald men that use coconut oil daily and massage 3 mint with hand and use wooden comb hardly in scalp after massage.

    Reply

  17. The one i have is emilly coconut oil,what if i use it on my scalp and not wash it out,wont it regrow my hair on the scalp..applying it everyday

    Reply

    • Any coconut oil is better than no coconut oil and that brand is fine. Yes, you can leave it on your scalp without washing it out. Many people do that.

      Reply

  18. I have a bald head..no hair at the front..im a female its really embarrassing,i reside in nigeria,please help me out..what do i do,which treatment do i use to give me a nice result within 40 days

    Reply

  20. Am a male 27 years old, unfortunately my forhead has started becoming big which is the sign of balding, how do i get access to your e-book? advise me the type of food i supposed to eat that can rebuild the loss of my hair

    Reply

  21. Greetings and Blessings 🙂

    I have had dreadlocks for 20 years. Because of the weight and pulling, I have lost a lot of hair around my hairline and the side of my head. I recently cut my hair in fear of going comletely bald. I just tried coconut oil massage today. Do you recommend doing this everyday and is it necessary to wash out every day. How much of a build up will it leave if I don’t wash it out. I am hoing to be able to get some regrowth and start my locks again. Any help would be appreciated.
    One Love and Jah bless,
    Sistahlevi

    Reply

    • Hi Sistah Levi. So sorry to hear about this but yes…coconut oil should help a lot, especially used daily. You do not need to wash it out although depending on your hair texture it will make things a little greasy after a while. I put coconut oil in after I wash my hair and then daily and only wash every 3-4 days. I don’t end up greasy in that timeframe as my hair and scalp absorbs it well. Experiment and see how long you can go before needing to wash.

      Reply

  22. It’s really true:”A lot of people battling baldness report that coconut oil appears to be counteracting hair loss and promoting hair growth. After regular use for about 2-3 months, these people have noticed that they are no longer losing their hair.”

    Reply

  23. I am guy of 20 and i have shifted to new place to live and the water here is very unfit due to which i was losing my hairs every day 50 around so i cut my full hairs and got bald now give me some suggestions for my new hairs so that they may not fall and grow healthy!!

    Reply

    • Can you wash your hair with filtered water or get a shower filter? I would wash as little as possible…maybe only 2 times per week. Use coconut oil on your scalp and brush your hair daily. Brushing helps with hair regrowth.

      Reply

  24. Little confused between lot of brands of coconut oil., Plz suggest which one is best for my hair., Actually i have too much thin hair and in center point scalp is fully visible.., plz suggest me a best treatment…!! Thx a lot

    Reply

  25. I’m 18 years old, i have a bald spot on my head, can i regrow hair there with coconut oil? If yes so how please tell me procedure!
    Thanks

    Reply

  26. I apply coconut oil daily, I’m 18 years old. It’useful for me if I applied it daily. And I have bald spot from 2 3 years I want to recover it.
    Am not get it on point no 4 last line that ” Be sure to cover your entire scalp” please reply me

    Reply

  27. Hello,my grandma gave me coconut oil that she makes in her home with some fenugreek seeds inside it,it is so thick and greasy, shall I use it or purchase coconut oil from market which is a lot thinner and has good fragrance as well

    Reply

  29. What do you mean by:

    After your desired length of treatment, wash the oil out with a gentle, ‘non-shampoo’ like the ones from Morrocco Method….

    Could I just you water to rinse or do I need to use something else?

    Thanks!

    Reply

  30. Hello! I’m 22 years old this year and have undergone chemotherapy in 2013. I have since made a full recovery. In the past, my hair used to be very thick and full. However, close to 4 years since my treatment, the hair that has grown back is very thin and sparse. The hair specialist I have seen said there’s no medical cure. I have no hair loss problem but it’s very sparse especially at the top of my head. I was wondering what you would advice to promote hair growth and regrowth?

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • I am so sorry to hear this but am very happy to hear that you have made a full recovery! Aside from coconut oil, I would actually look into this line of hair care products: https://hybridrastamama.com/new-start-here/ I lost a lot of hair during to medical issues and these shampoos have absolutely made a huge difference in hair regrowth! Customer service is also awesome at helping you tailor the right package of products!

      Reply

  31. plz hlp me jennifer i hv done a mistake i have mixed hot coconut oil and camphor and applied that hot mixture on my hair and from then onwards my hair is falling at a very high rate i want a remedy of it plz any dear who knows any solution of it

    Reply

    • Right now take a break from using all products! Just wash your hair with a gentle conditioner. No shampoo. Try to only wash your hair every 3 days. Do this for a month and see if it slows the hair loss down. I am so sorry this happened!

      Reply

  33. forget to mention thanks for ur valuable reply just make sure to plz give the correct remedy otherwise give me any other professional hair expert id or blog who can aid me out i hope so u wont mind

    Reply

    • My dad has male pattern baldness and has used coconut oil. He actually has these little stray hairs popping up! I don’t think it is going to give him a full head of hair but if you start using it early enough in the process it might just help a bit.

      Reply

  35. My hair is so thin and I need help, I’m 16. I’m tired of a receding hairline and being made fun of. Does this really work and if so can I buy it at Wal-Mart?

    Reply

  36. Hi Jennifer how are you. My name is Shahrukh when I was born and journey to my 23 years there is some hair on my head but very thin and too baldness on my head what I can do please help me.

    Reply

    • Hi Sharukh! Basically, just follow the suggestions in my post. I am working with a new product right now to see if it really works and will provide an update once I know for sure.

      Reply

    • You can use a coconut shampoo but the main issue with that is chemical exposure. This won’t help you in your quest to regrow hair. You need to go as natural as possible. The shampoo in and of itself will not help with hair regrowth. Not enough coconut oil.

      Reply

  39. I have a question about shampooing and using conditioner after leaving the coconut oil in my hair, will it be ok ?

    Reply

  41. You can try applying jojoba or coconut oil to your scalp for hair growth. Not just these, but you can also try various different home remedies that we have discussed in this article. If none of these help, then you can always reach out to a doctor and take a medical treatment for the same. Hope this helps; do let us know!

    Reply

  42. I’m 35 year old I’ve been losing hair more than half year now I have try different kinds of shampoos for hair loss so far nothing works my question is coconut virgins oil the one I should be using thanks.

    Reply

  43. Hii jennifer this is hrithik…. u r doing a great job.. mam i have read an article which states that by mixing castor oil and coconut oil will be beneficial
    Shall i do… please suggest me i have very thin hairs and also becoming bald on the crown of head due to hair loss

    Reply

  44. I’m glad you talked about how to prevent hair loss when one uses coconut oil and other natural products to encourage hair growth. I’m going through a phase of baldness myself, and I’ve been searching for alternative natural options in order to stimulate hair growth. It’s uncomfortable when people look at your hairline and make remarks about it, so I’ve taken it upon myself to look for options that work to restore missing hair.

    Reply

  45. Essential oils for skin and hair care are very famous on the internet but when I asked my doctor she said did not recommend it to me because, according to her, essential oils are processed chemically. What is your opinion about it?

    Reply

    • Hi there. Real essential oils are NOT processed chemically. There are several distillation methods but the reputable brands (like the ones I link to) are NOT processed chemically.

      Reply

  46. Hello Jen, can coconut oil work if I am facing baldness due to hereditary issues? My father went bald when he was 25 and so did my paternal grandfather

    Reply

  47. I have been growing out my gray hair for months and so far it has only grown out about two inches. I feel that coloring my hair has damaged it. I get it trimmed every six weeks. Still growing out blond hair and sure takes patience! For years my hair brushes always have a lot of hair. I take Vitamins & Biotin. I will try coconut oil tomorrow. Just took it out of my kitchen! Thanks for the idea.

    Reply

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