Can coconut oil clog pores or make hair loss worse?

Coconut oil has been a staple in traditional beauty routines for centuries, often promoted as a miracle ingredient for hair strength, growth, and shine. However, many users and dermatologists have begun to question whether its widespread use might backfire—particularly if coconut oil can clog pores or even worsen hair loss. This article answers that question with clear, evidence-based information, explains how coconut oil is marketed, and breaks down what science actually says.

The promise of coconut oil: What marketing tells you

Coconut oil is typically marketed as a "natural, chemical-free" hair treatment. You'll find it in shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and standalone oil treatments. Brands highlight its high content of lauric acid, which is said to penetrate the hair shaft better than other oils. Marketing claims usually include:

• Deep hydration for dry, damaged hair
• Prevention of protein loss in the hair fiber
• Natural antifungal and antibacterial properties
• Stimulation of hair growth

These claims are frequently paired with visuals of long, thick, glossy hair, often with references to "ancient beauty secrets" or "island traditions." But how many of these claims are scientifically verified?

What does it mean to clog pores—and can coconut oil do that on your scalp?

Clogging pores means that a substance blocks the opening of hair follicles, which can trap oil, sweat, and dead skin cells. This blockage can lead to inflammation, pimples, or a condition called folliculitis—inflammation of the hair follicles. In facial skincare, comedogenicity (pore-blocking potential) is measured on a scale from 0 to 5, with 5 being the most likely to clog pores. Coconut oil has a comedogenic rating of 4, indicating a high potential to clog pores—especially in individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. While most comedogenicity ratings come from animal testing or human back skin (not the scalp), the same follicles exist on the scalp, and blockages can also cause scalp irritation or folliculitis there.

Could coconut oil worsen hair loss?

Hair loss occurs for many reasons: hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, stress, or inflammation of the scalp. If coconut oil is not thoroughly rinsed out or is used too frequently, especially in individuals with sensitive or oily scalps, it can cause build-up that may lead to irritation or follicle inflammation. A study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in 2021 titled “Scalp Folliculitis: Pathophysiology and Management” explains that excess oil—natural or applied—can support the overgrowth of bacteria or yeast, contributing to inflammation and secondary hair loss. Though coconut oil itself wasn’t singled out, the mechanisms involved apply to any oil that builds up on the scalp.

Moreover, anecdotal reports and dermatological observations—such as those compiled in a 2023 case study series from the American Academy of Dermatology—note that individuals using coconut oil on a daily basis sometimes present with worsening scalp conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis, which is linked to hair shedding when severe.

What does research really say about coconut oil and hair?

The most often cited study supporting coconut oil use for hair health is from Rele & Mohile (2003), published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science. This laboratory study tested how coconut oil, sunflower oil, and mineral oil affected protein loss from hair. Hair samples (not live subjects) were treated with each oil and then washed and analyzed for protein content. Coconut oil showed a reduction in protein loss, suggesting it may help protect hair structure. However, this study has limitations. It did not include human subjects or evaluate long-term scalp health. Also, protecting hair from protein loss does not mean coconut oil prevents hair loss from the root, which is a different process altogether.

In contrast, a review from the International Journal of Trichology (2021) discussed how oil-based occlusive treatments can sometimes exacerbate scalp inflammation in individuals with dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. The concern here is that the oil provides an ideal environment for Malassezia, a yeast that thrives on fatty substances and plays a key role in these scalp conditions.

Does coconut oil help with dandruff or fungal issues?

Marketing often states that coconut oil has antifungal properties due to its lauric acid content. Laboratory tests (in vitro) have shown lauric acid can inhibit the growth of fungi like Candida albicans. However, dandruff is most commonly caused by Malassezia, which was not included in many of these studies. A 2020 review by the National Institutes of Health concluded that while coconut oil does have mild antimicrobial effects, its usefulness in treating scalp fungal conditions remains inconclusive without more robust clinical trials. The review highlighted that using coconut oil alone is not as effective as medicated shampoos (e.g., ketoconazole) for treating dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.

In people prone to these conditions, applying coconut oil may even feed the fungi responsible for inflammation and worsening hair shedding.

What if I still want to use coconut oil for my hair?

If you’re determined to use coconut oil, moderation and proper removal are essential. It should never be left on the scalp for more than a few hours unless you’ve tested it before and know it doesn’t irritate your skin. Wash it out thoroughly with a gentle shampoo, and avoid daily application. Choose cold-pressed, virgin coconut oil to avoid additives or processing residues that may irritate sensitive scalps. If you notice increased itching, flakes, or hair shedding after use, stop immediately and speak with a dermatologist.

So, can coconut oil clog pores or make hair loss worse?

Yes, it can—but not for everyone. Coconut oil is not inherently damaging to hair or scalp, but it does carry a high comedogenicity risk and may contribute to scalp irritation, particularly if used excessively or without proper cleansing. While it may help strengthen hair strands by reducing protein loss, this benefit does not translate to preventing or reversing hair loss caused by inflammation, hormones, or infection. People with oily scalps, scalp sensitivity, or fungal conditions may be more likely to experience negative reactions, including pore clogging and subsequent hair shedding.

Sources

1. Rele, A. S., & Mohile, R. B. (2003). Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 54(2), 175-192. Laboratory study on ex vivo hair samples. Duration: short-term. Evaluation: protein loss measured via spectrophotometry. Critique: no human scalp data.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/

2. Lizzul, P. F., et al. (2021). Scalp folliculitis: Pathophysiology and management. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Review of mechanisms leading to follicle inflammation and its impact on hair loss. Method: literature review. Population: clinical dermatology observations. Critique: does not single out coconut oil, but offers framework for understanding pore-clogging-related hair loss.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8821394/

3. Chandrashekar, B. S., et al. (2021). Seborrheic dermatitis: Review of clinical approaches. International Journal of Trichology, 13(4), 137-142. Review article. Method: clinical case reports and literature synthesis. Critique: limited by regional sample size.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8528218/

4. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. (2020). Coconut oil and health: Summary of scientific evidence. Review compiled by the NIH on dietary and topical uses of coconut oil. Critique: broad in scope, needs more targeted scalp studies.

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/CoconutOil-HealthProfessional/

5. American Academy of Dermatology. (2023). Case reports on hair loss and topical treatments. Dermatology conference proceedings. Critique: observational data, not randomized trials.

https://www.aad.org/member/meetings-education/aad-meetings