How to Use Coconut Milk for The Hair: Recipes and Benefits

The tales of the miraculous coconut oil are well-known across the world. But did you know that even coconut milk is beneficial for your hair? A coconut milk hair mask is one of the best ways to achieve thick and soft hair.

Coconut milk contains fats, proteins, vitamins E, C, and B 2/nutrients' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >12, and zinc (1). Nutrients like vitamin E help protect your hair from free radical damage (2). The best part is, you can prepare coconut milk easily at home. Read on to know how to prepare and use coconut milk hair treatments to improve hair growth and shine.

  • How To Make Coconut Milk
  • 9 Best Coconut Milk Treatments For Hair Growth
  • Benefits Of Coconut Milk For The Hair
  • Are There Any Side Effects Of Coconut Milk For The Hair?

How To Make Coconut Milk

Although coconut milk is available in canned and powdered forms, studies have shown that volatiles in canned coconut milk change over time (3). Hence, it is best to opt for 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 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.

You can use this coconut milk in any of the hair care treatments listed below.

9 Best Coconut Milk Treatments For Hair Growth

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.
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 curdle a bit. This does not mean it has perished or its effectiveness has reduced.

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 oleuropein, 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' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >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' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >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 lecithin, 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.

These are the 9 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

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.

Conclusion

Coconut milk treatment is a great way to boost hair growth and rejuvenate dry and damaged hair. Apply the coconut milk hair masks mentioned above once a week to make your hair thicker, smoother, and softer. However, if your hair fall persists, consult a doctor to address the underlying issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is coconut milk or coconut oil better for your hair?

Both coconut milk and coconut oil help nourish your hair. They help treat dry and damaged hair and reduce hair loss.

Is homemade coconut milk better than the readymade ones?

Yes. Homemade coconut milk is pure and does not contain preservatives or additives. The readymade ones might contain chemicals, or the processing can strip some of the essential nutrients.

Is there any time limit for storing coconut milk?

Use coconut milk within 2 days of its preparation.

Can consuming coconut milk promote hair growth?

No, consuming coconut milk may not promote hair growth. Consume fish, soybean, legumes, mushrooms, chicken, eggs, nuts, seeds, dates, prunes, and green veggies to promote hair growth.

Can you leave coconut milk on your hair overnight?

No, do not leave coconut milk on your hair overnight. Over moisturizing can weigh your hair down. If you need an overnight leave-on mask, apply coconut oil.

Read more on: coconut, hair