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How to Wash Coconut Oil Out of Your Hair (Without clogging your drain)

As great as coconut oil might be for your hair (and for a lot of other things, too), nobody wants to use it in the bathroom at the expense of their plumbing. Coconut oil is nothing short of a miracle food, and while it is excellent when used in cooking, it can also have some incredible benefits as part of your beauty regimen. This tropical oil is gaining in popularity for use as a hair care product, and for good reason.

Unfortunately, some people find that after a bit of time using coconut oil on their hair, they end up with clogged drains. Coconut oil hardens at around 76 degrees, making it possible for it to clog your pipes, especially if you live in a cold climate. In this article, we’ll talk about how to wash coconut oil out of your hair without clogging your drains, but still reaping the impressive hair benefits of this superfood.

Quick Run-Down of Why Coconut Oil Makes For a Perfect Hair Care Product

Coconut oil is an incredible oil for hair care, and here’s why:

1. Hair Loss

If you are one of those people who excessively brushes and/or washes your hair, you might be at risk for premature hair loss. Coconut oil nourishes the hair shaft and can help to ensure this doesn’t happen (1).

2. Dry Hair and Scalp

Whether it’s due to over-grooming, not using the right products for your hair or the climate you live in, nobody enjoys overly dry hair that breaks easily. Coconut works to moisturize your hair and protect it against environmental factors such as sun, smoke and wind (2).

3. Protection From Damage

Coconut oil can protect your hair from damage in a few ways. First, if you use it on your hair before a wash it can work to protect it from damage done via shampoo and washing. Interestingly, our hair is most vulnerable to damage when it’s wet, as the structural make-up actually changes. Coconut oil can help the hair not absorb as much water as it otherwise would, therefore leaving it less prone to damage (3).

How Much Coconut Oil Should I Use in My Hair?

This really depends on the type of hair you have, how much you have and how long it is. You should experiment with the amount of coconut oil that is best for you, as you don’t want coconut oil to leave your hair feeling greasy, but you do want enough to let it work its magic. Start with a small amount (perhaps 1-2 tablespoons in the palm of your hand), and increase or decrease as needed (4).

How Should I Wash it Out?

Some people seem to have no problem washing coconut oil out of their hair, and others see. This also could depend on what type of hair you have, but also what kind of shampoo you use. Some people find they need a couple of washes to completely get the coconut oil out of their hair after a hair mask or use to protect it from damage during washing.

Another trick of the trade is mixing one egg with water and massaging it into your hair and scalp. Leave the egg mixture on for about 5 minutes and rinse, followed by a castille soap, like Dr. Bronner’s.

You can also try only using conditioner, as some people claim this works better than shampoo.

How Can I Keep My Drains Unclogged?

Now, here’s the tricky part. You’ve achieved shiny, beautiful hair with coconut oil, but are hesitant to continue using it in the shower because you’re afraid it will clog your drains. Don’t worry, there are a few simple solutions to this (potential) problem.

1. Take Really Hot Showers

As mentioned above, coconut oil hardens around 76 degrees fahrenheit. If you live in a hot climate, you are unlikely to experience this hardening in your drains, but you could if you live in a cold-winter climate. Hot showers help to keep coconut oil in liquid form. Since most of us take hot showers anyway, this naturally reduces the risk of clogged drains.

2. Pour Extra Hot Water Down the Drain

If you prefer cooler water in your showers for whatever reason, no problem. Simply run hot water down your drains for about 30 seconds post-shower (the hotter, the better), and this should prevent clogging from coconut oil, as well.

3. Use Fractionated Coconut Oil

Some people choose to use fractionated coconut oil, which is a version of coconut oil that has had certain fatty acids removed and stays liquid even at cold temperatures. This type of coconut oil does keep certain health and hair benefits in tact (it still contains medium chain triglycerides), but its lauric acid content has been removed. Lauric acid has been shown to work as a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent (5), so using fractionated coconut oil in your hair will not work for dandruff or dry scalp as well as regular coconut oil. However, it will definitely not clog your drains.

Don’t let a fear of drain clogging keep you from achieving healthy hair with coconut oil. Follow these easy tips for how to wash out coconut oil in the shower, and keep your hair beautiful and your drains running smoothly.