How to Wash Coconut Oil Out of Hair

If you’ve been a long reader of mine, you’ll know that I am an advocate of hair oiling. Growing up, my Pakistani mom used to force me to sit down and put oil in my hair. It’s a labor-of-love activity that my family passed on to us that I still do and cherish even now that I am a mom. 

Hair oiling is so simple to do, but offers tons of benefits. It help nourish the hair and scalp, moisturize and strengthen strands, boost shine and growth, and protect the hair against damage and hair loss.

And there are also many kinds of oils to do it with, like argan oil, jojoba, avocado and more. I tried most of them and my true favorite? Coconut oil.

Except, washing out hair oil can be like trying to get rid of a stubborn stain on your favorite shirt — it’s hard. You can’t get the oil out of your hair (even with a double rinse), especially if you use coconut oil.

Coconut oil is well known for its ability to deeply penetrate your hair, making it sometimes challenging to remove it. But do you know that there are secret tricks to get coconut oil out of your hair?

Since I’ve been doing hair oiling once a week, I found a technique that works for me to remove it easier and faster. And today, I’ll share it with you.

The Best Way to Get Coconut Oil Out of Hair

#1. Use Detox and Clarifying Shampoo

Why Detox or Clarifying shampoo is the best way get oil out of hair?

This is how I remove coconut oil from my hair for a long time, so I vouch for this kind of trick. Detox or clarifying shampoo is effective in removing oil and product buildup from the scalp. Just make sure that you only use this once a week to avoid over-cleansing and stripping your natural oils. That’s too much!

What is the difference between detox and clarifying shampoo?

Detox and clarifying shampoos may both cleanse the hair and scalp, but they still have differences. Detox often contains natural ingredients like activated charcoal or clay to remove impurities and buildup from both the surface and within the hair shaft. It is used occasionally for a thorough cleanse, particularly beneficial for oily hair or heavy product users.

While clarifying shampoos primarily target surface buildup from styling products, hard water minerals, and chlorine. It can also help to lift away excess oil from the hair.

The choice between the two depends on your individual hair needs and concerns. Even though clarifying is mostly made with synthetic ingredients, it’s milder compared to detox.

How to use detox and clarifying shampoo?

To use it, you just need to apply a small amount of shampoo to your fingertips and massage it into your scalp, working it through to the ends of your hair. Then lather the shampoo well, and leave it again on for a few minutes before you rinse it out completely.

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You can also use warm water when washing your hair to open your hair cuticles and enhance cleansing.

For my favorite detox shampoos, I use K18 Peptide Prep and Ouia.

For clarifying, I use Unite Weekender.

It’s also recommended to use a moisturizing conditioner to replenish any lost moisture from your hair.

You have the freedom to choose what conditioner works for you, but if you want some recommendations, I like the Olaplex Bond as an in-shower conditioner.

However, if you skip the shower conditioner, you can use my favorite leave in mask which is proven to repair damage from color treated and damaged hair. I swear, the K18 hair mask is my holy grail hair product.

All of my favorite hair products are available on Amazon here. 

#2. Use the Double Shampoo Method

Should you double shampoo after oiling hair?

Yes, if you don’t have detox or clarifying available when you oil your hair, you can just use the double shampoo method. The instructions are simple: you simply shampoo your hair twice to ensure that coconut oil is completely removed.

First, you just use a small amount of shampoo then gently massage until it lathers. You need to focus on the scalp and leave it for a few minutes to dissolve the oil and product buildup. Rinse the shampoo completely then repeat the process for the second time. 

My favorite shampoo is the Keretase Nutritive Bain Satin Shampoo. But don’t forget to use conditioner after you do this. 

Related: Holy Grail Hair Products

#3. Cheap Conditioner to Wash Out Hair Oil

Can you wash out hair oil with conditioner?

I saw this trick on a YouTube video of Erica Sager and the comments from people are positive so I think it’s a great idea to add it here. 

You need to buy a cheap conditioner from Target or any store. It’s recommended to choose the cheaper one because you’ll use a lot of products. And the last thing you want is to spend a lot of money on a thing that you’ll use one time. 

Now, put a large amount of conditioner on your palm and put it all over your hair. I know it feels weird but let’s trust the process, bestie!

After leaving it for a few minutes, take a shower to remove the conditioner completely. Then do how you normally shampoo and moisturize your hair.

#4. Fastest and Easiest Way to Get Rid Oil Using Dry Shampoo

Can dry shampoo remove oil from hair?

Dry shampoo kinda helps soak up some of the extra coconut oil in your hair, giving you a quick fix until you can wash your hair properly. It works by sucking up the oil and making your hair look less greasy and more bouncy.

But here’s the deal — it’s not like detox or clarifying shampoo that washes everything away with water. It’s more like a band-aid solution to make your hair look fresher until you can take a proper shower with water and regular shampoo.

If you’ve got a quick appointment and don’t want your hair looking all greasy, spray it on and you’re good to go. It won’t replace a proper wash, but it’s a handy option when time is tight.

Related: Why Dry Shampoo Doesn’t Work For You?

Why do you need to remove coconut oil from your hair?

I know you may ask this question but the simple response for this is, it is not recommended. Leaving coconut oil in your hair for an extended period of time will lead you to pitfalls.

Coconut oil and other hair oils in general are only appropriate as a treatment or weekly hair care routine. The maximum time you can leave it on your scalp is overnight. 

Also, coconut oil is known as highly comedogenic. It means it has a high likelihood of causing such pore-clogging issues, which hinders your hair pores from breathing. As a result, you become prone to acne and dandruff. It will leave you hair looking greasy and dirty. 

Just as you wouldn’t let makeup sit on your face for too long to prevent clogged pores, it’s best to avoid letting highly comedogenic substances like coconut oil stay on your hair for extended periods.

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Your Hair

You have a variety of options you can pick when you do hair oiling. There is coconut, jojoba, avocado, rosemary, and many more. But take note that every oil listed here may apply to specific hair concerns, so you’ll just choose what type is suitable for your hair. 

But there’s no doubt that the most popular hair oil used by people is coconut. Coconut oil is known as the best hair oil because of its versatility. It is readily available, more affordable, and suitable for various hair types. My favorite one is here.

It is also good at moisturizing and nourishing your scalp. The fatty acids in coconut oil penetrate easily into your hair shaft, making your hair hydrating and curing frizz. 

If your hair is dry, damaged, and has been chemically treated, then I recommend using coconut oil on your hair. 

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Jojoba Oil

Final Thoughts About Removing Coconut Oil from Your Hair

I know removing coconut oil from your hair may feel tiring, especially if the oil sticks to your scalp deeply. But don’t let it hold you back to try from hair oiling. I promise, your hair will thank you for doing this weekly.

If you want a short tutorial on how I oil my long hair, you can watch this video. I hope these tips I share can help you make your hair oiling easier.