10 Everyday Uses of Virgin Coconut Oil for Skin and Hair

A bottle of virgin coconut oil is one of the most useful things in an Indian bathroom. Made from fresh coconut milk, it is light, absorbs quickly and smells of fresh coconut.

For hair

1. Weekly hair oiling: warm 1–2 tablespoons and massage into the scalp; leave 1 hour or overnight.
2. Pre-wash conditioning: coat the lengths 30 minutes before shampoo to reduce dryness.
3. Frizz control: rub a single drop between your palms and smooth over dry ends.
4. Mix-in base: blend with castor or kalonji oil for a richer hair oil.

For skin

5. Body moisturiser: apply on damp skin after a bath.
6. Make-up remover: massage on, wipe off with a warm damp cloth.
7. Lip balm: a dab on dry lips, especially at night.
8. Cracked heels and elbows: massage in at night and wear cotton socks.
9. Cuticle care: rub into nail edges to soften dry cuticles.

For babies

10. Baby massage: a gentle, traditional choice. Always patch test first and check with your paediatrician.

Good to know

• It turns solid below about 24°C – a sign of purity. Warm the bottle in water.
• Those with very oily or acne-prone facial skin may prefer to use it on the body only.
• Choose pure virgin coconut oil with no added fragrance.

For daily family use, the 1 litre pack is the best value.