Benefits Of Coconut Water For The Hair

From hydrating the hair to soothing an itchy scalp - there’s nothing coconut water can’t do!

Medically reviewed by Dr. Rohan Das, MBBS, FAM, FHT Dr. Rohan Das Dr. Rohan DasMBBS, FAM, FHT facebook_iconlinkedin_iconyoutube_icon
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc Eshna Das BA, MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature) Swathi E MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
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People around the globe widely consume coconut water as it can help you fight many health issues and is extremely refreshing. What’s more? The benefits of coconut water for hair are aplenty. Drinking coconut water provides nourishment to your hair and helps with issues, such as itchy scalp, breakage, and dryness. Furthermore, it rejuvenates your health and stimulates hair growth. This article discusses the amazing benefits of coconut water for the hair and how you can include it in your hair care routine. Keep scrolling to know more.

protip_icon Know Your Ingredient: Coconut Water

What Is It?
A slightly sweet, clear liquid inside a fresh coconut.

What Are Its Benefits?
It nourishes your hair strands, treats dry and itchy scalp, stimulates hair growth, and prevents hair breakage.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone with hair issues and scalp infections.

How Often?
Daily or once or twice a week based on your hair care regimen.

Caution
While it is safe and recommended for all hair types, always perform a patch test before using it to avoid allergic reactions.

Coconut Water Benefits For The Hair

We have all heard about the benefits of coconut water for skin and health. But it is equally beneficial for your scalp and hair health. Here are the top benefits you should know about:

  1. Hydrates Your Hair: Coconut water deeply penetrates the hair shafts to keep your tresses hydrated without weighing them down. It nourishes dry strands, leaving them refreshed and appearing voluminous.
  2. Prevents Breakage: It keeps your scalp and hair hydrated, thus enhancing the elasticity of your strands to prevent breakage.
  1. Soothes Itchy, Dry, And Flaky Scalp: The nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut water can help soothe itching in the scalp.

    Woman applying coconut water to soothe itchy, dry, and flaky scalp
    Image: Shutterstock
  2. Reduces Dullness, Frizz, And Spilt Ends: Coconut water keeps your hair hydrated and manageable. This, in turn, reduces issues like frizz and split ends and makes your hair look softer and shinier.
  1. Reduces Dandruff: The hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut water keep the scalp hydrated and reduce dandruff.
Dandruff on woman's T-shirt
Image: Shutterstock

Now that you know how good coconut water is for the hair, let’s explore the various ways we can use it.

Key Takeaways

  • Coconut water works well for all hair types, from curly to color-treated, making it a flexible choice for hair care routines.
  • Massaging fresh coconut water on the scalp may stimulate hair growth.
  • Applying lemon juice with coconut water is an effective way to reduce dandruff.

Different Ways To Use Coconut Water For The Hair

1. Fresh Coconut Water On The Scalp

Massaging your scalp and hair coconut water may help stimulate blood circulation, and improve scalp moisture, which can help strengthen the hair follicles and promote hair growth.

You Will Need

  • 1/2 cup of fresh coconut water

Directions

  1. Massage your scalp with coconut water for about 5 minutes.
  2. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
  3. Wash it off with shampoo and lukewarm water.
protip_icon Quick Tip
You can also mix coconut oil with coconut water to nourish coarse and dry hair.
  1. Repeat 2-3 times a week.

2. Coconut Water And Lemon Juice

Coconut water and lemon juice for hair
Image: Shutterstock

Lemon can help maintain scalp health and reduce dandruff and scalp acne (1).

You Will Need

  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • /2 cup of coconut water

Directions

  1. Mix the coconut water and lemon juice.
  2. Apply this solution to your hair and wait for 20 minutes.
  3. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
  4. Repeat twice a week.

A YouTuber shared her observation about using coconut water and lemon juice on hair. She shared that sometimes she uses it as a rinse or sprays the mixture on her hair. She adds, “I really like how this does not leave my hair any funny smell even if I left it longer on my hair and scalp. Plus, this has made my hair softer and smoother (i).”

3. Coconut Water And Apple Cider Vinegar

Anecdotal evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar helps maintain the pH level of your scalp and enhances the shine of your hair.You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup of coconut water

Directions

  1. Mix the apple cider vinegar and coconut water.
  2. Apply this solution to your hair and leave it on for not more than 10 minutes.
  3. Wash with shampoo and lukewarm water.
  4. Do this once a week.

4. Coconut Water And Honey

Coconut water and honey for hair
Image: Shutterstock

Honey can help soothe itchy scalp, prevent dandruff, and keep your hair conditioned (2).

You Will Need

  •  cup of coconut water
  • 4 tablespoons of honey

Directions

  1. Mix the honey with coconut water to form a thick mixture.
  2. Apply this concoction to your scalp and hair.
  3. Wrap your head with a hot towel to enable the mixture to penetrate deeper into your scalp.
  4. Leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing off.
  5. Do this once a week.

5. Coconut Water And Argan Oil

Argan oil and coconut water for hair growth
Image: Shutterstock

Argan oil may protect your hair against oxidative damage (3). This may prevent hair loss and premature graying.

You Will Need

  • 1 cup of coconut water
  • 3 tablespoons of argan oil

Directions

  1. Mix argan oil and coconut water.
  2. Apply the blend to the hair and scalp and massage gently.
  3. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
  4. Do this once a week.

6. Coconut Water And Banana

Bananas are rich in silicon. This element may help promote natural hair luster and combat hair loss (4).

You Will Need

  • 1 cup of coconut water
  • 1 mashed banana

Directions

  1. Mix coconut water with banana to create a smooth concoction.
  2. Apply the mixture to the scalp and hair.
  3. Leave it on for 30 minutes until it is completely dry. Wash with tepid water.
  4. Do this once a week.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can also add ¼ cup of fresh coconut water to your shampoo or hair conditioner to nourish your hair.

Read on to find out how long you should keep coconut water on your hair for the best results.

How Long Should You Leave Coconut Water On The Hair?

The duration to leave coconut water on your hair depends on the ingredient you are using with it. For strong substances, such as apple cider vinegar, do not exceed 10 minutes. If you use honey, aloe vera, or lemon juice with fresh coconut water, you can keep it on for about 20-30 minutes.

You can also prepare a coconut water hair spritz easily at home. Explore the recipe in the following section.

DIY Coconut Water Hairspray

Woman using DIY coconut water hairspray
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 1/4 cup of coconut water
  • 2 teaspoons of aloe vera juice
  • 2 teaspoons of jojoba oil

Directions

Mix all the ingredients and pour them into a spray bottle. Use this natural spray whenever your hair feels dull and dry. The solution should last for at least 3-4 days. Ensure to use only with fresh coconut water.

Infographic: Top 5 Benefits Of Coconut Water For Hair

The clear liquid found within a coconut is a powerhouse of essential nutrients. It is not only beneficial for your health, but it can also nourish and hydrate your hair. Check out the infographic below for more information.

top 5 benefits of coconut water for hair (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Are you concerned about the beauty of your mane because of dandruff, split ends, and hair loss? If yes, you can incorporate coconut water into your daily routine. Coconut water is high in vitamins and minerals and may aid in treating dry, frizzy hair. Apart from that, it can aid in the growth of long, lustrous tresses and prevent split ends! Coconut water isn’t simply a refreshing drink; it also provides several hair-care benefits. Its regular usage might help repair damage and strengthen and hydrate your hair. Coconut water can be applied directly to your hair and scalp or combined with other helpful substances for improved benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does coconut water thicken hair?

Yes, coconut water helps increase hair volume. A 5-10 minute hair and scalp massage with coconut water promotes blood circulation, strengthens hair follicles, prevents breakage, and promotes hair growth.

Can drinking water help with hair loss?

Yes, drinking water helps maintain the body’s hydration levels and overall hair health, reducing hair loss.

Is coconut a protein for hair?

No. Coconut has only moderate levels of protein in it. However, coconut oil can help prevent protein loss from hair, thus keeping it strong and healthy (5).

Do I need to take any precautions when using coconut water on my hair?

Yes. Always use pure coconut water and do a patch test if you have sensitive skin. Avoid adding too much as it can make your hair feel greasy and sticky.

Illustration: How Coconut Water Is Great For Your Hair

Coconut Water For The Hair

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Coconut water is a natural wonder for hair! Watch this video to learn about its amazing benefits and how it can help your hair look and feel healthier.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/
  2. Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305429/
  3. Argan oil as a pretreatment of human hair before exposure to oxidative damage
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35226791/
  4. Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4938278/
  5. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
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Dr. Rohan Das
Dr. Rohan DasMBBS, FAM, FHT
Dr. Rohan has over 5 years of experience in hair transplant and cosmetic medicine. He pursued MBBS from Midnapore Medical Government College & Hospital, West Bengal, affiliated to West Bengal University of Health Sciences, and has trained under the best aesthetic surgeons.

Read full bio of Dr. Rohan Das
Arshiya Syeda
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.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Eshna Das
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.

Read full bio of Eshna Das
Swathi E
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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