Coconut Oil Stinks!

[ForestRose]

It really does. How does everyone deal with the smell?

Its like it goes rancid in my hair after a few days. I recently switched from a stronger smelling one to one that is less strong and the only difference is that it takes longer to start smelling. I'm thinking about ditching it atm.

 

[ForestRose]

So I'm the only one with this issue??

 

[overtherainbow]

What brand are you using? Is there an expiration date? How often are you shampooing it out?

I use EVCO all the time and I never get the rancid smell. I used cold pressed and organic exclusively because I love the smell. Maybe youre just sensitive to that particular scent?

 

[curlicarib]

I bought a 5-gal bucket of coconut oil 3 years ago. I'm down to the last gallon, it's still not rancid and it has yet to smell. I store it in my garage in the winter and bring in the house in the summer. No smell. I use it in my hair weekly when I wash my hair. No smell. I live in the desert where it routinely get up past 100 deg F during the day and still no smell.

Try checking expiration dates and/or changing brands.

 

[curlyTisME]

The Trader Joe's brand has been my favorite brand since I started using it on my hair and skin years ago. The smell is light and not too overwhelming. Which brand are you using and how are you storing it prior to use?

 

[ForestRose]

Its after I put it on my hair that it smells. After a few days. Recently I started washing once a week.

 

[ForestRose]

Its usually a cold pressed oil. The first one was aimed at eating but the second one is aimed at a variety of stuff.

 

[BGT]

Coconut oil has no distinct smell or taste to me.

 

[sherrimberri]

OP, it stinks to me as well. I only use it once per week in my prepoo. I wash it out after 2 hours. It does wonders for my hair but I have to wash it out because eventually it smells like baby vomit or similac. I can't quite figure the smell out. But people say I have a sensitive nose lol! A lot of smells bother me.

 

[curlicarib]

Maybe it's interacting with some other product that you're using?

 

[krissyhair]

Maybe your nose is sensitive after a few days.

This thread should help

https://longhaircareforum.com/threads/shelf-life-of-various-oils.664555/

 

[yaya24]

Thought I was alone!! Smells like similac- after a couple of days that its in my hair.
I've tried various brands of EVCO. I do not like it.

I'm VERY sensitive to smells.

 

[SimplyLive]

I dont like the smell of coconut oil. I only use it as a detangling pre mud wash. I cant stand olive oil smell either

 

[ForestRose]

OP, it stinks to me as well. I only use it once per week in my prepoo. I wash it out after 2 hours. It does wonders for my hair but I have to wash it out because eventually it smells like baby vomit or similac. I can't quite figure the smell out. But people say I have a sensitive nose lol! A lot of smells bother me.

This exactly. Maybe we do just have sensitive noses...
I'm also thinking about reserving it for pre-poo/detangling only.

 

[Kurlee]

Coconut oil has no distinct smell or taste to me.

it's probably refined, then. Be careful with the refined coconut oil if you're ingesting it.

 

[anartist4u2001]

Thought I was alone!! Smells like similac- after a couple of days that its in my hair.
I've tried various brands of EVCO. I do not like it.

I'm VERY sensitive to smells.

 

[anartist4u2001]

Not to me. I love the smell. Now, Olive oil is the one that stinks to me. Lol

 

[snoop]

OP, are you bagging with it in?

 

[Gryphyn]

Some brands need to be refrigerated or else they'll go off if they're at room temp or higher. Check the packaging to see what it says. I buy a brand that doesn't require refrigeration so I can keep it in my bathroom.

 

[Crackers Phinn]

It depends on the brand and if it's refined. I order gold label virgin coconut oil from Tropical Tradition once a year and theirs smells like piña colada through the entire use. They sell a odor free refined version as well.

 

[ForestRose]

OP, are you bagging with it in?

No not at all. I literally use water then that and after 2 days my night headscarfs stink. My hair stinks. But the actual coconutoil in the container smells fine. I tried mixing it with lotions (that have the antimicrobial agents in them) and it still smelt.

I'm thinking how can people be raving about this oil lool. At least I know I'm not the only one now.

 

[Nazaneen]

yes, it will develop a sour vomit like smell after being in the hair a while
gross
just use another oil...

 

[Nazaneen]

OP, it stinks to me as well. I only use it once per week in my prepoo. I wash it out after 2 hours. It does wonders for my hair but I have to wash it out because eventually it smells like baby vomit or similac. I can't quite figure the smell out. But people say I have a sensitive nose lol! A lot of smells bother me.

yup that sounds like the smell
idk how baby vomit smells but the coconut oil develops a sour odor
idk that i've ever smelled that smell while its in the container
but when its in the hair it eventually stinks

 

[Supervixen]

Op, Ii agree with you. It smells like baby vomit to me too.

 

[tomnikids3]

I have used unrefined coconut oil in my hair for a couple of years and never has it had anything but a good coconut smell, it never smelled bad even after being in my hair a week. I used the Spectrum brand.

 

[fatimablush]

It depends on the brand and if it's refined. I order gold label virgin coconut oil from Tropical Tradition once a year and theirs smells like piña colada through the entire use. They sell a odor free refined version as well.

i am going to try that brand next...it seems like everyone has their favorite brand..when i try those they smell yucky. so i am going to order some from Tropical Tradition. if it smells awful..i am giving up coconut oil . as of right now i have to add essential oils or perfume oils.

 

[Britt]

yes, it will develop a sour vomit like smell after being in the hair a while
gross
just use another oil...

Yep! I remember washing my hair and using it to oil my scalp and my mom told me my hair had a sour smell. I was besides myself bc I didn't smell it and she told me nicely my hair didn't have that sweet smell it usually has. There was nothing wrong with the coconut oil I was using either. I asked my SO to tell me the truth and he said yeah, my hair didn't smell terrible but he could smell why my mother was smelling.
A few years ago I gave a friend a small amount of Evco and she used it on her wrapped hair, she told me her hair was sooooo smelly and gross. At the time I thought she was being b!tchy and extra ... But after having others smell Evco in my head I believe her.

 

[Miss*Tress]

It could be that coconut oil doesn't agree with your body chemistry which is why it smells after a couple of days. You could try lighter oils like wheat germ, jojoba, vitamin E, etc.

 

[fasika]

Coconut oil smells. I LOVE what it does for my hair, but I can't leave it for more than 1 day, 2 at most, before I start smelling that rancid vomit smell.

I abandoned it for a long time because of this. I've totally stopped using it on my skin , but I've now found 2 uses for it for my hair:

1- As part of my prepoo mix.
2- I use a small dab as part of my wash and go, UNDER all the conditioner I pile on top of it. I do EVCO, then conditioner, then gel (if needed). I redo my WNG every 2 days so it gets rinsed off thoroughly and then I reapply a fresh coat. All I smell is conditioner.

I've had the jar I use now since Dec 2013 - it smells perfect in the jar. The problem begins when it hits my hair. I cannot use it just by itself; it goes rancid super fast, and I end up having to wash my pillowcases, scarf AND scrunchies.

Those who've said they don't smell it on themselves - ask people around you for their honest opinions. I think you'll be shocked .

eta: I use the Trader Joe's one. In the past, I've used some brand I found at Walmart (don't remember the name). Makes no difference.

 

[Embyra]

If you are getting water in your oil then yes it smells rancid