Not only for cooking, Coconut oil works wonders when used as a conditioner, i also use it all over my body before i go to bed.
When using as a conditioner or treatment it may be best to use when you wont be seeing anyone the next day, i found after using it and washing it out, it was sort of oily until the next wash, after my second wash my hair was in the best condition it had been in ages.
when i use it on my skin, my skin has this glow about it the next day (totes devine, but it oil, so beware)
No need to use the expensive coconut oil (extra Virgin) you can purchase a small 100ml at a pharmacy, i paid R13 for mine. and then i buy the better quality for cooking with (which is incredible)