Coconut oil made my hair fall out...?

Apr 28, 2013

Jessica D.

Since I see so many girls raving on how fantastic coconut oil is for your hair, I finally decided to give it a shot myself. While I was working it through, I noticed my hair was coming out in my hands in crazy amounts (like, worse than if I were to use a cheap shampoo/conditioner). It didn't feel/sound like it was breaking and I was barely pulling. Can anyone tell me what happened, if this is normal, and if I should be concerned? :/

Please and thank you, ladies. <3

Apr 28, 2013

Megan R.

That's strange it's always been great for my hair

Apr 28, 2013

Sarah M.

How long since you last brushed your hair? Is it naturally curly? What products did you have in it before you used the coc. Oil? Also- was it dry?

Apr 28, 2013

Jessica D.

I'm not sure exactly what brand right off the top of my head, but I know it's an organic, virgin kind.

Yes, my hair was dry. I thought that wet hair would keep it from soaking in, maybe slipping off. Should I have wet it first?

I brushed it directly before the application. I'm not sure what my normal hair is like (when it's short, it's very wavy, almost curly. but since I have it long now, it's heavy and mostly straight, maybe wavy occasionally. But either way, I wouldn't claim "curly").... Why would that make a difference, though? lol

And, I don't think I had any product in. If ANYTHING, maybe a bit of hair spray. It was pretty dirty though. Could that have been it?

Apr 28, 2013

Jessica D.

Dirty as in I hadn't washed it in about 5 days. I rarely put product in it, so I don't think there was any in there, but if there was, it was days-old hair spray.

Apr 28, 2013

Erin M.

Your hair may not like it. Not everything works for everybody. I would say try applying it wet to see what it does and if your hair is still coming out to stop using it.

Apr 28, 2013

Jessica D.

It made my hair super soft, though... lol, does that still mean it didn't like it?

Apr 28, 2013

Karla F.

Applying oil to your hair when its dry is a bad idea. Try applying it when its wet and also make sure the coconut oil is actual coconut oil and not a product that claims it is and really is made up of chemicals.

Apr 28, 2013

Hannah B.

Well, that happens to mine too but it grows back fast and healthy! lol Don't worry too much since you are just now trying it out...especially if you did this on dry hair. Update me in a week? also brushing your hair before makes it fall out more.

Apr 29, 2013

Courtney B.

Oh gosh I just asked about coconut oil...now I'm nervous to even try it 😁

Apr 29, 2013

Jessica D.

Courtney, I wouldn't be too afraid. Other than lots of hair coming out during application, it didn't continue to fall out, and it made it super soft and shiny. Plus, everyone's saying my case is rare, so you'd probably be fine. Just takes these nice ladies' tips and see how it goes. :)

Apr 29, 2013

Jessica D.

Thank you everyone for your input! It really was helpful. :)

Aug 29, 2013

Sadia J.

Omg I've been searching for an aswer!! Finally! Its not only me.. Everytime I apply coconut oil my hair comes out.. I've applied it 3 times so far and every time I do, more fallout! This time ut came to a point where I was close to tears.. Thats how much came out! I've decided I won't use it now.. Did you come to any conclusion or find out why it was causing urs to come out?? Xxxx

Oct 18, 2013

Jessica D.

Hi, Sadia. :) sorry it took me so long to get back to you.

But yes, I think I did come to a conclusion. My friend and I looked it up, and it said something about how some heads of hair don't like protein treatments, and that's how they reject it. It's something along those lines that your hair doesn't like it. It's definitely on the internet somewhere for a good clear answer. :)

Feb 11, 2014

Bayly J.

Jessica d I actually just posted the exact same thing happening to me tonight. It was gross clogged my tub, filled my hand up, and the brush. I guess it isn't for everyone

Apr 1, 2015

Melissa K.

I know this is an old topic but I have to add...I'm not crazy! I just decided to do this to my hair tonight after over processing this week. My hair was dry and brittle so I was excited to do a coconut oil treatment. I found a recipe that you use 2 parts coconut oil to 1 part EXtra Virgin Olive Oil. I lathered all over my hair and put a cap on it for an hour. When I started washing it if couldn't believe how much hair was falling out. Large clumps and little short pieces. I didn't panic yet but kept washing to make sure it was all out. Each time large chunks and so much hair fell out. Now I have short tiny pieces at my roots. It's pretty bad :( I wish I found this first but I read so many positive reviews about it and figured it would be perfect for me but I have a ton of fine hair and It obviously wasn't good for me. I definitely recommend applying with caution!!

Jun 8, 2016

Jennifer R.

The same thing is happening to me as we speak. I'm having a panic attack.

I didn't realize I was slowly losing hair with a natural coconut based shampoo and conditioner I found at Walgreens. My scalp has been very itchy lately. So I searched on Pinterest for a natural remedy to calm the itch. There were so many suggestions to use coconut oil. I put pure coconut oil on my scalp for about 10 minutes when I thought to myself, "if the coconut shampoo is causing my hair loss, perhaps the oil will too." I immediately went on a crazed mission to wash it out using a basic Suave shampoo, baking soda, Neutrogena T-Gel... Everything I could get my hands on. But it was too late. I lost a handful of hair. My scalp looks so thin. I want to cry.

Please tell me this is reversible. Has anyone had their hair regrow since?? Help please! I have an appointment with a dermatologist in two days.

Jul 3, 2016

Mila D.

Hi Jennifer,

Same here. Last month, after hearing so many people raved about coconut oil, I decided to give it a go. But it turned out really bad, I guess my hair just didn't like it, in fact, i have tried to use it as makeup remover and my skin did not like it either. Castor oil is a little bit greasy but it works like a charm, at least for me. I have been using the sulfate-free shampoo bar that I bought on Etsy, apply egg yolk + castor oil mask on my hair twice or three times a week, let my hair air dry, massage my scalp with lavender essential oil afterwards. Remember diet is the key, I have been taking some vitamins (biotin got me break out badly), and spirulina lately and I literally saw the difference in just two weeks. Don't panic Rome was not built in a day. I know you have heard this over and over again but don't forget to stay hydrated.

Nov 10, 2016

Alexandra V.

I have had mid-length hair for a while and it was always very thick and had a ton of volume without me even having to try. I've been using the L'Oreal total repairs extraordinary oil for the past 2 years (because I got a free sample of it lol) and I never saw much of a change in my hair except it keeping my hair relatively non-frizzy which I like. But recently I finally ran out and thought I'd buy some coconut oil. I think it has some other stuff in there too besides just being pure but it wasn't anything alarming or chemical-like. I used it after washing my hair on wet hair and did this 2 times after washing my hair. After those 2 times my hair has never been flatter. On the FIRST day of me washing it it looks as if I haven't taken a shower in 7 days and was out in the rain for an hour. My hair has also begun falling out a lot more. Used to having thick hair I was used to this but then it got to an alarming rate. I blamed it on the stress induced by my internship but I've had way more stress in my life before and my body did not react like this. I no longer let my conditioner sit in my hair for longer than one minute and it still doesn't help. I haven't used the coconut oil in like 2 weeks but I've seen no changes. Someone please help because I'm terrified of losing my hair. That's one of the only things I actually loved about myself.

Jul 23, 2017

Charona L.

I agree. Coconut oil supplements made me shed a lot of hair. One I stop using it my hair stop shedding. Too bad because it gave me soft skin and soft hair. It seems like it works for some people and not for others.

Sep 25, 2017

Devon S.

I hope every one in need sees this; I went through the same trouble of my hair falling out from the root after using coconut oil just to find out later that I am allergic to all tree nuts! The same could go for some of you because coconut is not something people consume on the regular. For others that are not allergic I have heard from a beauty insider that coconut oil tends to clog your pours... If you absolutly can't stay away, you should try blending it with other oils. For example, jojaba, olive, almond, avacado or castor oil. The more the marrier!