There are so many hair treatments out there that it seems impossible to keep up. Still, coconut oil, in particular, is gaining a reputation among users for its myriad benefits, from cooking to skin care to teeth whitening. Along with castor oil, which is also a natural hair oil, coconut oil seems to be a cure-all for many beauty concerns. But like many critical consumers, we began to ask ourselves: more specifically, does just a few drops of this oil blended well really work for our hair?

To answer these questions and more, we tapped star hairstylist Cynthia Alvarez and Stephanie Brown, master stylist and colorist at IGK Salon. They confirmed that coconut oil really does benefit hair health in a variety of ways. It's important to start with a small amount (as with any oil) and increase as needed, but if you use coconut oil in the right balance, it will take your hair from sad to happy in no time. Read on to learn how to use coconut oil, what benefits you can expect, and which coconut oil-infused products to add to your shopping cart ASAP.

In short: Yes. Coconut oil definitely makes your hair grow healthier, thicker, and longer. The vitamins and fatty acids in coconut oil nourish the scalp and penetrate the hair cuticle, and a 5-10 minute treatment mask every 1-2 weeks works wonders." (5]

Alvarez concurs, adding that incorporating coconut oil into one's routine creates an optimal environment for hair growth. She explains, "Vitamins and essential fatty acids also help remove sebum buildup in hair follicles, which accelerates growth."

It is a well-known fact that chemicals, heat treatments, and pollution can dry and damage hair. Says Brown, "If your hair is a little dry or damaged, coconut oil is a good pre-shampoo treatment to prevent shampoo from stripping all the oils from your hair."

Alvarez noted that "coconut oil is a natural SPF, protecting hair and skin from harmful sun rays," adding that applying coconut oil before spending time in the sun may be a good idea. Similarly, he said, incorporating it into one's pre-dyeing routine can help protect hair from bleach damage. 'It's a good idea because it helps protect your hair from bleach,' he said."

Coconut oil is not only great to have on your bathroom shelf for hair emergencies, but also in your daily routine. Alvarez explains, "Coconut oil gives your hair great slip and makes it so much easier to unwind." It's also a great oil to comb through your hair when you're on the go and want to add shine to your hair, he says.

Coconut oil is also helpful if you are trying to hide pesky split ends or frizzy hair until you can get to the salon. Says Alvarez, "Coconut oil smoothes out the cuticles of split ends so they don't look frayed." She adds, "It also helps tame frizz caused by split ends and humid weather," explaining that the oil "rehydrates the hair," preventing frizz in the first place.

If you suffer from dandruff, scalp irritation, or dry scalp, coconut can help, too. Brown advises, "If you want to fight dandruff, apply coconut oil to your scalp for five minutes before shampooing," explaining that one should continue this practice until the dandruff begins to subside. Alvarez concurred, adding that massaging coconut oil into the scalp improves overall scalp health and thus actively reduces flaking.

As a curly girl, I can't live without leave-in conditioners. Brown says coconut oil is an excellent natural leave-in option to consider, especially during the warmer months. 'I love using coconut oil as a leave-in treatment in the summer,' she says. 'The heat from the sun opens up the cuticles so the oil can penetrate more into the hair. The ingredients in coconut oil contain natural protectants that help protect hair from sun damage. Coconut oil also protects hair from the dryness and brittleness caused by salt water and chlorine."

First and foremost, it is important to consult a doctor if you have a lice infestation. If coconut oil is a good anti-lice treatment, Alvarez recommends "mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil to kill lice and neutralize their eggs." She explains that "coconut oil alone will not completely kill the nits that lice lay in your hair."

After using this mixture, Brown recommends "using an apple cider rinse to kill any remaining eggs and lice."

"Coconut oil works well for people with soft, fine hair and medium to thick hair," notes Alvarez. 'Its protein retention ability gives such hair textures fullness and volume, minimizing damage and breakage when combing and styling.' But if your hair is dry, stiff, brittle, or coarse, Alvarez says you should avoid regular use. "With repeated use, coconut oil can cause protein buildup, making your hair firmer, tougher, and less elastic. If you are concerned about protein buildup or want to prevent it, incorporate clarifying shampoo into your routine.