How To Use Coconut Milk For The Hair: Recipes And Benefits

Coconut and its byproducts have been a major part of many hair care regimens. But do you know using coconut milk for the hair can offer an array of benefits? It is one of the easiest and effective ways to get soft and thick hair with no potential side effects.

Coconut milk is rich in beneficial nutrients like zinc, fat, proteins, and vitamins B12, C, and E (1). Vitamin E is proven to protect and combat the damage by free radicals (2). You can prepare coconut milk easily at home and add it to your hair care regimen to witness the visible results. Keep reading to know more.

Know Your Ingredient: Coconut Milk

What Is It?
A thick, creamy liquid derived from the tender white flesh of mature coconuts.

What Are Its Benefits?
It nourishes, conditions, and moisturizes dull and damaged hair and improves overall hair health.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone can use it, as it works for all hair types.

How Often?
Few tablespoons daily.

Caution
Overconsumption can lead to allergies, weight gain, and constipation.

How To Make Coconut Milk

Although coconut milk is available in canned and powdered forms, studies have shown that volatilesⁱ  A group of chemical compounds and elements that readily changes from solid or liquid form to vapor. in canned coconut milk change over time (3). Hence, it is best to opt for natural, homemade coconut milk.

Coconut milk is extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts. The extraction process is easy and can be done by following these simple steps:

1. Finely grate fresh coconut.
2. Boil two cups of water.
3. Add the grated coconut to the boiled water. Let it soak for 4-5 minutes.
4. Use a muslin cloth or cheese cloth to sieve the contents into another bowl.
5. Squeeze out the milk by pressing the muslin cloth.
6. Let the milk cool. Freeze it for a night.

Quick Tip

You can repeat the process with the already-used grated coconut to produce thin milk.

10 Best Coconut Milk Treatments For Hair Growth

Coconut milk benefits extend beyond enhancing the flavor richness of your dishes. Here are some ways you can use it to improve your hair health.

1. Coconut Milk For Hair Growth

This coconut milk hair treatment penetrates your scalp to nourish and condition the hair follicles. It moisturizes your hair and makes it healthy.

You Will Need

• 1/4 cup of coconut milk
• Shower cap

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Processing Time: 1 hour

Directions

1. Heat the coconut milk in a bowl until it is slightly warm.
2. Massage the milk onto your scalp for 15 minutes.
3. Work it through your hair from the roots to the tips.
4. Leave it on for 45 minutes.
5. Cover your hair with a shower cap to avoid a mess.
6. Wash your hair with shampoo.
7. Do this once a week.

Keren, a fashion and beauty blogger, shares her experience of using coconut milk for healthy hair growth in a personal interview: “For me, the natural coconut milk oil has helped my hair a lot so I really do recommend it (i).” She adds, “Coconut oil can get rid of the frizz on your hair. It can also treat dry and damaged hair; it’ll help your hair grow faster….”

2. Coconut Milk And Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C (4). It helps reduce dandruff and cleanses the scalp thoroughly.

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons of coconut milk
• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
• Shower cap

Prep Time: 4 hours

Processing Time: 45 minutes

Directions

1. Mix the coconut milk and lemon juice in a bowl and refrigerate this mixture for 4 hours.
2. Apply it to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for 45 minutes.
3. Cover your hair with the shower cap to avoid a mess.
4. Rinse the mixture with shampoo.
5. Apply this hair mask once a week.

Note: The coconut milk might curdleⁱ  A phenomenon that occurs when a liquid like milk gradually turns solid and separates into thick lumps. a bit. This does not mean it has perished or its effectiveness has reduced.

Quick Tip

Homemade coconut milk may last up to 5 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.

3. Coconut Milk And Honey For Deep Conditioning

Honey has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It is an excellent emollient that helps seal moisture and condition your hair (5). Honey can also heal scalp wounds and burns. When used in combination with coconut milk, it amplifies the milk’s positive effects on your hair by sealing in moisture and nutrients.

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons of coconut milk
• 2 teaspoons of honey
• Shower cap

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Processing Time: 1-2 hours

Directions

1. Combine the coconut milk and honey in a bowl to make a smooth mixture.
2. Massage the mixture onto your scalp and work it through your hair from the roots to the tips.
3. Cover your hair with the shower cap and leave it on for an hour or two.
4. Shampoo your hair.
5. Do this once a week.

4. Coconut Milk And Olive Oil

This deep conditioning hair pack makes the hair soft and frizz-free. Olive oil contains oleuropeinⁱ  Bitter micronutrients found in the leaves of the green olive tree and the oil of its skin that promote hair growth. , which was found to induce hair growth in mice (6).

You Will Need

• 4 tablespoons of coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• Shower cap

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Processing Time: 1 hour

Directions

1. Mix the coconut milk, olive oil, and honey in a bowl.
2. Heat the mixture for two minutes.
3. Massage it onto your scalp and hair.
4. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the mixture on for an hour.
5. Shampoo your hair and finish with conditioner.
6. Do this once a week.

5. Coconut Milk And Aloe Vera

Aloe vera can help prevent hair loss and boost hair growth (7) (8). It also maintains scalp health and treats dandruff and irritation.

You Will Need

• 3 tablespoons of coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
• A bunch of tulsi (holy basil) leaves
• Shower cap

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Processing Time: 30 minutes

Directions

1. Blend the coconut milk, aloe vera gel, and a handful of holy basil (tulsi) leaves to a thick, smooth paste.
2. Massage this paste onto your scalp and work it through your hair from the roots to the tips.
3. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
4. Cover your hair with the shower cap to avoid a mess.
5. Rinse the paste with lukewarm water.
6. Do this once or twice a week.

6. Coconut Milk, Camphor, And Yogurt For Hair Growth

Camphor can help reduce hair loss. When used with coconut extracts, it can help treat dandruff, head lice, and an itchy scalp (9). Yogurt is rich in probiotics. A study showed that probiotic bacteria induced shiny hair growth in aged mice (10).

You Will Need

• 5 tablespoons of coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon of yogurt
• 1/4 teaspoon of crushed camphor
• Shower cap

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Processing Time: 1-2 hours

Directions

1. Mix the coconut milk, yogurt, and crushed camphor to a smooth paste.
2. Massage the paste onto your scalp and hair.
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for an hour or two.
4. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
5. Do this once a week.

7. Coconut Milk And Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a popular hair care ingredient. It is rich in protein and helps reduce hair thinning, balding, and hair fall. It also contains lecithinⁱ  A mixture of fats and nutrients essential to the human body cells found in foods like soybeans and eggs. , which strengthens and moisturizes the hair (11). Studies showed that fenugreek extracts could boost hair growth in mice (12).

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seed powder
• 2 tablespoons of coconut milk

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Processing Time: 30 minutes

Directions

1. Mix the coconut milk and fenugreek seed powder into a smooth paste.
2. Rub this mixture gently on your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes.
3. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and finish with a conditioner.
4. Do once or twice a week.

8. Coconut Milk And Gram Flour

Gram flour or besan is an excellent cleansing agent. Anecdotal evidence suggests that gram flour adds shine to the hair and keeps the scalp clean and fresh.

You Will Need

• 1/2 cup of coconut milk
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1/2 cup of gram flour

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Processing Time: 15 minutes

Directions

1. Whisk the coconut milk, lemon juice, and gram flour to get a smooth mixture.
2. Apply the mixture to damp hair. Also, massage your scalp with it.
3. Leave it on for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water.
5. Do this once a week.

Note: The mixture should have a thick consistency. If it gets too thick, add more coconut milk.

9. Coconut Milk And Egg

Eggs are loaded with vitamins E, C, and B12 (13). The deficiency of these nutrients has a connection with hair loss (2). This egg white hair mask is highly effective, especially for oily and combination hair types.

You Will Need

• 1 egg white
• 5 tablespoons of coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil
• Shower cap

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Processing Time: 20 minutes

Directions

1. Use an electric beater to whisk the egg white until it is fluffy.
2. Add the coconut milk and whisk again.
3. Add the vitamin E oil to this mixture.
4. Apply this mask to your scalp and hair.
5. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the mixture sit for 20 minutes.
6. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and cool water. Avoid warm water to prevent ‘cooking’ the egg.
7. Do this once a week.

10. Coconut Milk And Avocado

Avocados contain biotin, which may help fight hair loss and promote hair growth (14), (15). This fruit, when mixed with coconut milk, creates a mask that may keep your hair healthy.

You Will Need

• 1 ripe avocado
• ½ cup of coconut milk

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Processing Time: 20-30 minutes

Directions

1. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl.
2. Use a fork to mash the avocado thoroughly until it becomes smooth.
3. Add the coconut milk to the mashed avocado and mix well until the consistency is creamy and even.
4. Ensure your hair is damp, not wet, before applying this mask.
5. Gently massage the mask on your scalp for a few minutes to allow it to spread evenly.
6. Leave the mixture on your hair for 20-30 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

These are the 10 best coconut milk hair masks that you can easily make at home. Apply them once a week for a few months, and you will reap the following benefits.

Benefits Of Coconut Milk For The Hair

1. Nourishes The Hair: Coconut milk contains lauric acidⁱ  A natural fatty acid found in animal fat and vegetable oils like coconut and palm oil that is very nourishing for the hair. , vitamin B12, iron, zinc, proteins, magnesium, vitamin C, phosphorus, and potassium (15). Studies show that a deficiency in micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, can lead to hair loss (2).

2. Helps Reduce Split Ends: A study shows that coconut and its extracts can reduce hair damage and split ends and rejuvenate dry hair (16).

3. Minimizes Hair Loss And Dandruff: Coconut and its extracts can also help reduce hair loss, baldness, and dandruff (16).

4. Diminishes Protein Loss From The Hair: Coconut milk extracts help reduce protein loss from the hair and prevent hair damage caused by UV rays (17).

5. Suits All Hair Types: From pin-straight to 4C curly hair, coconut milk is suitable for all hair types and textures.

Read on to find if there are any side effects of using coconut milk for the hair.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Coconut Milk For The Hair?

Not much research has been done on the risks of coconut milk’s topical application. However, excessive consumption of coconut milk can lead to allergies, weight gain, and constipation.

Infographic: Quick And Easy DIY Coconut Milk Hair Packs

Coconut milk can help nourish your hair and improve its thickness. It is one of the most hydrating ingredients you can add to your hair care routine. You can follow any of the recipes discussed in the article. However, if you are pressed for time and looking for quick and easy recipes, we got your back. The infographic below covers the easiest and most effective hair recipes you can try with coconut milk. Scroll down to check it out.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I leave coconut milk on my hair?

You can leave coconut milk on your hair for 20 minutes to absorb its goodness. Lastly, rinse it out thoroughly.

How often should you use coconut milk in your hair?

Coconut milk acts as a good conditioner for your hair and improves scalp hydration, and you can use it in your hair once every week for best results.

Can I use coconut milk as a leave-in conditioner?

Yes. You can use coconut milk as a leave-in conditioner as it is less oily when compared with coconut oil and helps add volume to your hair.

Is coconut milk good for black hair?

Yes. Coconut milk is rich in a wide variety of vitamins and minerals and works great on black hair. In addition, anecdotal evidence suggests that the application of hair products rich in coconut milk helps promote growth of black hair.

Illustration: Coconut Milk For The Hair: How To Prepare & Use

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Madison DufourBarber & Cosmetologist

     

Madison Dufour is a licensed and practicing barber and cosmetologist with 10 years of experience, as well as an entrepreneur running several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog. After working behind the chair for several years, she felt the calling to start the non-profit Barber in a Bag that teaches basic hair cutting skills in street and slum communities in South America.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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