How to Wash Coconut Oil Out of Hair

Co-authored by Martin Nepton

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.

Section 1 of 5:

Rinsing with 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]
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- You can also add a few tablespoons of honey to the mixture to soften your hair.^{[2]
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Section 2 of 5:

Mix Aloe Vera Into Gel Shampoo

Add 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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Section 3 of 5:

Make a Baking Soda Paste

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]
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- 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.

Section 4 of 5:

Use Egg Wash

Use 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]
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- 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]
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Section 5 of 5:

Using a No-Rinse Powder Solution

1
Choose 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.
- For a more natural solution, you can also use cornstarch, baking soda, arrowroot powder, or baby powder.^{[7]
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- Avoid products with talc, which has been linked to extreme health issues.^{[8]
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2
Apply 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.
3
Comb 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.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Do I have to wash coconut oil out of my hair?

Martin Nepton
Professional Hair Stylist
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.

Martin Nepton

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Leaving coconut oil in your hair can make it oversaturated and cause your hair to break or snap.
Question

Can you wash your hair with coconut oil?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

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Coconut oil is a moisturizing and protecting ingredient. You may see it listed as one ingredient in a shampoo, but it is not cleansing.
Question

Can you leave coconut oil in your hair all night?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

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You can, but you should apply it to hair at least an inch away from the scalp so it doesn't clog the hair follicles.

Warnings

Avoid leaving coconut oil in your hair since it can add too much protein and make your hair weak.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Martin Nepton
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 17 November 2020.}

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