What are the best coconut oils for curly hair?

Coconut oil is the G.O.A.T. when it comes to natural hair. It seals in moisture, reduces frizz, and adds shine. It’s one of the ultimate staples in every Black girl’s hair care routine, but for many women with curly hair, it’s a necessity.

What Is Coconut Oil?


Coconut oil is a lightweight oil that comes from coconut. You can extract coconut oils from coconut milk, meat or its wick. The oil forms a solid, white mass when left in cooler temperatures. However, warm coconut oil dissolves into a thin, clear liquid to be used for its many health benefits.

What Are The Health Benefits of Coconut Oil?


Coconut oil is rich in nutrients, including vitamin E, plant sterols, and essential fatty acids. It has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, is a great source of antioxidants, and can even help you lose weight.

How To Use Coconut Oil

Because of its rich vitamin and mineral content, there are many uses for coconut oil. You can use it for cooking, as you would any other cooking oil, such as olive oil or grapeseed oil. It does, however, leave a slight coconut taste, which is why many use it for other reasons instead.

Some use it to extract impurities from their mouths, called oil pulling. Just swish a tablespoon of coconut oil inside your mouth for up to 20 minutes before rinsing.

The Best Coconut Oils For Curly Hair

Others use it for their hair because coconut oil provides a number of benefits for your scalp and hair. Excessive styling can damage curly hair, causing it to look and feel frizzy or dry. Fortunately, coconut oil deeply penetrates hair follicles to nourish them and seal in moisture. It helps reduce split ends, tame frizz, and prevent dry scalp. The results are shiny, more defined curls. And now that more and more women are learning about its benefits, more retailers are starting to sell it. So, we compiled a list of our favorite Black-owned coconut oils on the market. Take a look at the five best coconut oils for curly hair:

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“Hydrating Mist” by Pattern

 

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Hair mists are a good tool when your hair needs a quick pick-me-up between wash days. Many include ingredients that hydrate, nourish, and protect your hair follicles for strong and healthy locks.

To combat dry hair, try the “Hydrating Mist” by Pattern. Started by actress Tracee Ellis Ross, Pattern specializes in creating natural hair products for curly, kinky, and coily hair textures. And their hair mist is the perfect complement to curly hair. Its powerful blend of ingredients includes shea butter, sugarcane, coconut oil, and more to promote reactivated and defined curls.

Just spritz the mist all over the hair to rehydrate old, dull hairstyles.

“Farewell Frizz Rosehip, Argan & Coconut Oil Blend” by Briogeo

Briogeo's Farewell Frizz Rosehip, Argan & Coconut Oil Blend
Photo Credit: Briogeo

For a healthy scalp and hair, try “Farewell Frizz” Rosehip, Argan, and Coconut Oil by Briogeo. This blend of oils includes nourishing and moisturizing rosehip oil PLUS argan oil to strengthen the hair shaft and prevent split ends and breakage. And, of course, coconut oil helps seal and protect your strands.

Also, the Black-owned company says that the hair oil is scientifically proven to reduce frizz for up to two days! Even better, the product is free from parabens, silicones, sulfates, and gluten. And for every order you place, you receive samples of free shampoo or other products to test out.

To use, rub a few drops of the oil between your hands. Then rake your hands through your hair, focusing especially on the ends.

“Pure Unrefined Coconut Oil” by Alaffia

A jar of "Pure and Unrefined Coconut Oil" by Alaffia
Photo Credit: Alaffia

Alaffia is a one-stop shop for all your hair and skin necessities. From hair treatment products to deep conditioners, the Black-owned company has everything you need and more. And if you prefer coconut oil in its natural form, Alaffia has you covered. Try their “Pure Unrefined Coconut Oil” made at their co-op in West Africa!

Because the oil is pure and unrefined, it forms a white solid in cooler temperatures. To use, scrape a small amount of coconut oil onto the palm of your hand before rubbing your hands together. The warmth from your hands should melt the mass into a thin oil.

You can then apply it to damp hair to seal in moisture and protect your strands from heat and styling damage. Or apply it to dry hair for added sheen and protection against hair damage.

“Daily Elixir Scalp Oil” by Sienna Naturals

Sienna Naturals is a Black-owned hair care company that provides “clean care for textured hair that actually works.” Co-owned by actress, writer, producer, and comedian Issa Rae, the company has been recognized by major publications such as Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Allure, and Refinery29.

The company sells products with no harsh chemicals for all textured hair types, but their “Daily Elixir Scalp Oil” is especially helpful for curly hair. Its main ingredient, coconut oil, adds a protective barrier to the scalp to prevent impurities from damaging the skin. From hydrating grapeseed oil to strengthening Baobob oil, this product is the perfect addition to your daily hair care routine.

For best results, apply a few drops to the scalp, massaging it in with your fingers. Repeat daily or as needed for healthy hair growth.

“MAGIC 17 Hair & Scalp Oil” by Ooli

 

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Ooli is a Black-owned hair care company that provides quality products with natural ingredients to promote healthy, happy locs. Its natural hair oils, however, are a customer favorite.

For added hair health, try their “MAGIC 17 Hair & Scalp Oil.” As its name suggests, the hair and scalp oil includes a whopping 17 natural oils.

Its main ingredient, sunflower seed oil, is a superfood for your hair. It moisturizes your strands and provides nutrients that help prevent hair loss. And many even report seeing fuller hair with consistent use.

 

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Second on the ingredients list is antibacterial and antifungal castor, then, of course, coconut oil. And its following 14 ingredients are a powerhouse of nutrients for your hair.