Kukui Oil for Hair and Curls: How to Use It
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Kukui oil isn’t only popular as a skin oil, it’s also an excellent choice for hair. Its light texture makes it ideal for people who want to nourish their hair without weighing it down.
What does kukui oil do for your hair?
The fatty acids in kukui oil offer specific benefits for hair:
- Linoleic acid wraps around the hair shaft and helps retain moisture
- Omega-3 soothes a dry, irritated scalp
- The light texture provides shine without stickiness
- Reduces frizz by smoothing the cuticle
Kukui oil as a scrunching oil
In the curly hair community, kukui oil is popular as a scrunching oil, an oil applied to wet hair to define curls and add shine.
How to use it:
- Wash your hair as usual
- Gently blot hair dry with a microfiber towel (don’t rub)
- Apply styling products (leave-in, gel)
- Drop 2-3 drops of kukui oil into your palm
- Rub hands together and distribute through hair
- Scrunch hair upward toward your scalp
- Air dry or diffuse on low heat
Tip: Use kukui oil as the last step after other styling products. This seals in all the nourishment and prevents hair from being weighed down.
Read our complete scrunching guide →
Kukui oil as a hair mask
Use kukui oil as a deep conditioning treatment for dry or damaged hair:
- Apply a generous amount of kukui oil to dry hair
- Massage in well, all the way to the ends
- Cover with a plastic cap or towel
- Leave on for 30-60 minutes (or use as an overnight treatment)
- Wash out thoroughly with shampoo (you may need two rounds)
Make your own hair mask with kukui oil →
Anti-frizz use
For dry hair as an anti-frizz finish:
- Use no more than 1-2 drops, too much weighs hair down
- Rub hands together and smooth over the outer layer of hair
- Works best on dry but not overly dry hair
Kukui oil for a dry scalp
Massage a small amount of kukui oil into your scalp. The fatty acids hydrate dry skin and can help with flaking. Leave on for 30 minutes before washing.
Note: Using silicone-free products (curly girl method)? Kukui oil is 100% silicone-free and fits perfectly in the CG method.
Comparing kukui oil to other hair oils
Curious how kukui oil compares to argan, jojoba, avocado, and coconut oil for your curls? Check out our full top 5 best oils for curly hair, honestly compared by porosity and curl type.
More on hair care with oil
- Scrunching with oil: how to define your curls →
- DIY hair mask with oil: 5 recipes →
- Kukui oil vs tsubaki oil: which is better for hair? →
- Kukui oil vs coconut oil: which should you choose? →
Which kukui oil to buy for hair?
The same cold-pressed kukui oil you use on your skin works just as well on your hair. Look for 100% pure oil with no additives.
Frequently asked questions
Is kukui oil good for curls?
Yes, kukui oil is popular in the curly hair community. As a lightweight dry oil, it doesn't weigh hair down and adds shine and softness without a greasy feel. It is widely used as a scrunching oil.
How do I use kukui oil as a scrunching oil?
Apply a few drops of kukui oil to wet hair after washing. Scrunch your hair upward toward your scalp. This helps define curls and adds shine. Use sparingly, too much makes hair sticky.
Can I use kukui oil on dry hair?
Yes, you can apply a small amount (1-2 drops) to dry hair as an anti-frizz serum. Rub it between your palms and gently smooth over the outer layer of hair.