Coconut Oil for Curly Baby Hair: A Simple Routine
Curly and coily baby hair can dry out fast between baths. Coconut Baby is just three oils: organic coconut, sunflower and grapeseed. Smooth a little through damp curls to keep them soft and easier to comb.
How to use coconut oil on curly baby hair
- Start with damp hair. After the bath, pat curls with a towel so they're damp, not dripping.
- Warm a little in your hands. Rub a small amount of Coconut Baby between your palms. It melts as it warms.
- Smooth it on. Smooth it over the curls from the ends up, then gently over the scalp. Go easy over the soft spot.
- Detangle gently. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends and working up.
- Leave it in. A thin layer can stay in until the next bath. Wash it out with a gentle baby shampoo when you're ready.
Try a small area first. Start small and add more only if curls still feel dry. Too much can look greasy.
Which oil for which hair?
| Thick, curly or coily hair | Coconut Baby. A rich, scoopable blend that melts in your hands. |
| Fine hair or loose waves | Moisturizing Baby Oil by Coconut Essentials. A light liquid that's 100% fractionated coconut oil. A few drops go a long way. |
| Dry, flaky scalp | That may be cradle cap. See our cradle cap routine. |
What's in Coconut Baby
| Organic coconut oil | Cold-pressed. The base of the blend. |
| Organic sunflower oil | Helps it spread easily. |
| Organic grape seed oil | A light oil that rounds out the blend. |
Just three oils. No mineral oil and no added fragrance.
Coconut Baby is soft and scoopable in a cool room and melts when it's warm. Either way, it's the same oil.
What parents say about curls
“It's great for his curls and also smells amazing 😍”Verified Amazon customer, January 16, 2026
“…it leaves his hair so pretty and soft. It has a great smell to it as well. It lasts longer than the other products that I have used. His little curls are back poppin' LOL. I would recommend this product 100%. We are a black family as well. I wanted to include that b/c I know some products does not work on all hair textures.”Verified Amazon customer, February 19, 2026
“Can tell the difference it made in my baby’s hair. Looks and feels hydrated and shiny. Smells great!”Verified Amazon customer, February 9, 2026
“Light weight , a little goes a long way .”Gabrielle, review on coconutessentials.com, March 19, 2026
Coconut Baby has 5 reviews on our site, with an average of 5.0. Quotes are from individual customers, shown word for word (… marks a shortened quote). Results vary from baby to baby.
Get Coconut Baby
Coconut Baby
Our rich blend for curly and coily hair, scalp and skin. 2, 4 or 8 oz.
Shop Coconut Baby
Moisturizing Baby Oil by Coconut Essentials
A light liquid oil for fine hair and all-over massage. 6 oz.
Shop Baby OilQuestions about coconut oil for curly baby hair
Is coconut oil good for curly baby hair?
Many parents use it to keep curls soft and easier to comb. Coconut Baby is a rich blend made for baby hair and skin. Try a small area first.
How much should I use?
Start with a little on your fingertips. Add more only if curls still feel dry. Too much can look greasy.
Wet or dry hair?
Damp hair right after the bath is easiest. You can also smooth a little over dry curls between baths.
Do I need to wash it out?
No. A thin layer can stay in. Wash it out at the next bath with a gentle baby shampoo.
Can I use it on my newborn's hair?
Many parents do. Start with a few drops and try a small area first. If your baby has a skin condition, check with your pediatrician.
Will it make my baby's hair grow?
No. Coconut Baby is a moisturizer, not a hair growth product. It helps keep hair and scalp soft.
My baby's scalp has flakes. What should I do?
Yellow or white flakes on the scalp may be cradle cap. See our cradle cap routine.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your pediatrician if the scalp looks red, swollen, cracked or weepy, if your baby seems itchy or uncomfortable, or if you're worried about hair loss.
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