How do I use this coconut oil differently on skin versus hair?

On skin, apply a small amount to clean, slightly damp skin — this helps the oil spread more evenly and lock in surface moisture. Focus on areas prone to roughness: elbows, knees, heels, hands, and cuticles. For fine dehydration lines, pat a thin layer after your usual moisturizer. Because coconut oil is occlusive, it works best as a final step in your routine, not under water-based serums.

On hair, there are three main approaches. As a pre-wash mask, apply a generous amount to dry lengths and ends, leave for 20–30 minutes (or overnight with a towel on the pillow), then shampoo twice to remove residue. As a leave-in for dry ends after washing, use a pea-sized amount warmed between palms and smooth only over the lower third of the hair. As a finishing touch for frizz or flyaways, use the tiniest trace — literally a fingertip dab — on dry hair. Avoid the scalp and roots unless your scalp is very dry, as the oil can weigh hair down and look greasy.

In both cases, start with less than you think you need. Coconut oil solidifies below ~24°C; if the bottle is solid, scoop a little with a clean fingertip or spatula and warm it between your hands until liquid.