This article was co-authored by Martin Nepton. Martin Nepton is a Professional Hair Stylist and Colorist at Bang Bang LA in Los Angeles, California. With over 11 years of experience, Martin specializes in helping clients express their Queer identity through hair. Martin offers personalized haircuts and color and style services with non-gender prices based on hair length. Martin holds a BA from the University of Québec at Montréal and is a Licensed Hair Stylist in California.
There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Coconut oil is a great natural hair treatment for strengthening the hair shaft, removing dandruff, and adding a healthy shine. However, because it is so thick and oily, it can be difficult to wash out with just water and shampoo. To get rid of the excess oil, try dry-hair solutions such as dry shampoo, cornstarch, or baby powder. You can also use leave-in treatments such as an egg wash, lemon juice, or baking soda. When you rinse them out, these solutions should take the coconut oil with them, leaving your hair clean and hydrated.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:Rinsing with Natural Solutions
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1Cut through the oil with the citric acid in lemon juice. Squeeze the juice of 2 fresh lemons into a bowl, then mix in 8 fluid ounces (240 ml) of water. Pour this mixture over your hair and scalp, wait a few minutes, and then rinse it out with warm water. The excess coconut oil should wash out with it.[1]
- You can also add a few tablespoons of honey to the mixture to soften your hair.[2]
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2Add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of aloe vera gel to your normal shampoo. Work the mixture through your hair and scalp, into a lather. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then wash it out. The coconut oil should rinse out with the aloe and shampoo.[3]
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3Make a baking soda paste for your scalp. Mix 1-2 tablespoons (7-14 g) of baking soda with just enough water to form a fairly thick paste. While your hair is dry, apply the paste to your roots and scalp. Focus on the oiliest areas, like the crown of the head. Once you’ve covered the oily areas, rinse out the paste with warm water. It should wash out easily and take the coconut oil with it.[4]
- Don’t work this paste through the rest of your hair--focus only on your scalp.
- The baking soda will bond with the coconut oil, but won’t stick too firmly to your hair.
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4Use an egg wash to remove the oil and boost healthy hair protein. Beat 2-3 eggs together in a bowl. Add 32 fluid ounces (950 ml) of water and mix together, forming an egg wash. Pour this egg wash over dry hair and rub it in. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then wash it out with lukewarm water. The coconut oil should be gone by the time you finish rinsing.[5]
- Do not use hot or even lukewarm water to rinse the egg wash out, because the heat will cook the eggs in your hair. To avoid the scrambled egg effect, make sure the water is cool.[6]
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:Using a No-Rinse Powder Solution
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1Choose a dry shampoo or powder to soak up the oil. Whether in aerosol or powder form, dry shampoo is perfect for refreshing your hair and getting rid of the excess coconut oil.
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2Apply the powder to your roots. When your hair is completely dry, sprinkle some powder around the crown of the head. Start with a small amount and add more as needed, up to 1 teaspoon. Focus on the roots, since this is where most of the oil will be.
- Don’t add more than a teaspoon of dry shampoo because it will dry out the scalp.
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3Comb through your hair until the powder soaks up the oil. Keep combing until the powder blends into your hair and you achieve the level of shine you want. If you have darker hair, these lighter powders may leave a white residue or cast to your hair.
- To get rid of this white cast, use a liquid shampoo to lather and rinse your hair.
Community Q&A
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QuestionDo I have to wash coconut oil out of my hair?
Martin NeptonMartin Nepton is a Professional Hair Stylist and Colorist at Bang Bang LA in Los Angeles, California. With over 11 years of experience, Martin specializes in helping clients express their Queer identity through hair. Martin offers personalized haircuts and color and style services with non-gender prices based on hair length. Martin holds a BA from the University of Québec at Montréal and is a Licensed Hair Stylist in California.
Professional Hair StylistLeaving coconut oil in your hair can make it oversaturated and cause your hair to break or snap.
Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionCan you wash your hair with coconut oil?
Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistCoconut oil is a moisturizing and protecting ingredient. You may see it listed as one ingredient in a shampoo, but it is not cleansing.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionCan you leave coconut oil in your hair all night?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistYou can, but you should apply it to hair at least an inch away from the scalp so it doesn't clog the hair follicles.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionCan you leave coconut oil in your hair?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistIf you have damaged hair that is medium or coarse textured, you can add a small amount of coconut oil to the ends for protection, moisture, and shine.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionCan coconut oil ruin your hair?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistCoconut oil can potentially clog the hair follicles if it's applied directly to the scalp and not washed away. Coconut oil is nourishing, not damaging, to the hair.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionDoes chlorine get it out as well?
Community AnswerIt will probably make your hair become brittle. Chlorine is not good for your hair. Just stick to the methods in the article. -
QuestionCan I use lime instead of lemons?
Community AnswerYes, you can use lime. -
QuestionHow long can I leave coconut oil in my hair? Is there such a thing as too long?
Community AnswerCoconut oil is best left overnight to give the best effect. If left too long, your scalp may start to smell unpleasant. Otherwise, there are no averse effects. -
QuestionCan hairspray get it out?
Community AnswerNo. Hairspray will only make the mess worse, so the methods above are most advisable. -
QuestionDo I have to use powder in my hair? Can I just use dry shampoo?
Vanessa Renee EavesCommunity AnswerIf dry shampoo does the trick, there’s really no reason to use powder.
Warnings
- Avoid leaving coconut oil in your hair since it can add too much protein and make your hair weak.[10]Thanks!
Things You’ll Need
- 2 lemons
- 2-3 eggs
- Baking soda
- Dry shampoo
- Cornstarch/baby powder/baking soda/arrowroot powder
References
- ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/coconut-oil-out-of-hair.html
- ↑ http://www.health.com/beauty/9-surprising-beauty-uses-of-raw-honey
- ↑ https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera
- ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/coconut-oil-out-of-hair.html
- ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/coconut-oil-out-of-hair.html
- ↑ http://stayhealthyways.com/how-to-wash-coconut-oil-out-of-hair/
- ↑ https://abeautifulmess.com/2014/02/dry-shampoo-101.html
- ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/baby-powder-lawsuit-johnsons-baby-powder-not-safe
- ↑ http://stayhealthyways.com/how-to-wash-coconut-oil-out-of-hair/
- ↑ Martin Nepton. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 November 2020.
About This Article
To wash coconut oil out of your hair, first combine the juice from 2 fresh lemons and 8 fluid ounces of water in a bowl. Then, pour the mixture over your hair and leave it in for a minute or 2. Once the mixture has soaked into your hair, wash it out with warm water to remove the oil. Alternatively, add a teaspoon of aloe vera gel to your normal shampoo. Rub the shampoo into your hair and let it sit. After 10 to 15 minutes, wash your shampoo out as you normally would. For tips on how to remove coconut oil with a baking soda paste, keep reading!
