A nourished and shiny mane is not just a dream with this oil in your hair care routine.
Dry hair looks brittle, damaged and difficult to style or manage. One of the most popular remedies for dry hair is olive oil. But among the many oils available, is olive oil an effective hair oil for dry hair? In addition to keeping your hair hydrated, this oil contains nutrients that will replenish and protect your hair. Read on to find out the many benefits of using olive oil to treat dry hair. We also discussed different ways to add olive oil to your hair care regimen.
Olive Oil Benefits For Hair: Understanding How It Works
1. Hydrates dry hair
Olive oil is an excellent hair conditioner and has softening properties. It can improve hair hydration, minimize frizz and improve softness and smoothness.
2. Promotes hair growth
Olive oil contains oleuropein. Animal studies have found that topical application of oleuropein regulates the anagen (growth) phase of hair and can promote hair growth.
3. Prevents hair damage
Dry and damaged hair is brittle and prone to breakage and split ends. The emollient properties of olive oil can minimize all these problems and help maintain hair length.
4. Prevents oxidative damage
Oleuropein and other phenolic compounds in olive oil are free radical scavengers. Reactive oxygen species are responsible for oxidative stress and cause premature graying. Olive oil can minimize oxidative stress and prevent premature graying. However, this aspect requires further research.
5. Helps with sensitive scalp and skin
Olive oil has a soothing effect on the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can stabilize skin membranes (6). Olive oil can soothe a sensitive scalp and keep it healthy.
To incorporate olive oil into your hair care regimen, follow the recipes made with natural ingredients in the next section.
Trivia
In addition to using olive oil in hair masks, you can also add olive oil to deep conditioning products to improve the texture of your hair.
How to use olive oil for healthy hair and scalp
1. Soothing olive oil, sesame oil and honey mask
Topical sesame oil can promote hair growth and be an alternative therapy for alopecia areata. Honey is an excellent emollient and moisturizer and soothes the skin.
What you need
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
1 tablespoon of honey
Method
Mix the oils and honey in a bowl.
Apply the mixture gently on the scalp and strands.
Leave on for 15-30 minutes.
Rinse off.
2. Olive oil and avocado mask for frizz-free hair
Avocado is an excellent base for any traditional homemade mask, and together with olive oil, this olive oil hair mask can help keep hair soft, smooth and moisturized.
What you need
1 ripe avocado (mashed)
¼ cup olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Method
Blend the avocado and olive oil into a creamy paste.
Add lemon juice and mix (if using).
Apply the paste to your strands and leave it on for 20 minutes.
Rinse off.
3. Hair mask with olive oil and shea butter for detangling
Shea butter is rich in antioxidants and is widely used in skin and hair care products for its anti-inflammatory properties (9). Apple cider vinegar is often used to add shine to the hair and cleanse the scalp.
What you need
1 ripe avocado (mashed)
¼ cup olive oil
½ cup unrefined shea butter
2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
Method
Blend all the ingredients to a smooth paste.
Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair.
Leave on for 45 minutes.
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Rinse off.
You need to be careful when buying olive oil. Check the label to make sure you’re choosing the right type of olive oil.
What type of olive oil to use on hair
Always use extra virgin olive oil for topical application. Compared to refined and virgin olive oils, extra virgin olive oil contains high levels of nutrients.
If you can’t find extra virgin olive oil, use virgin olive oil. However, avoid refined olive oils as they lack all the beneficial properties of olive oil. Before purchasing, make sure the product is:
*Certified organic
* Non-GMO
* Unrefined
* Cold pressed
You can also use extra virgin olive oil when using the inverse hair growth method.
Does the inversion method work with olive oil?
The inversion method is based on the logic that hanging the head upside down improves blood flow to the hair follicles and promotes hair growth. Although there is no scientific evidence to support the inversion method, many people follow it. You can use extra virgin olive oil when following this method. Do it:
Massage the scalp and hair with olive oil for a few minutes.
Sit in a chair, bend forward and hang your head below the level of your knees.
Hold the position for 5 minutes. Discontinue if dizzy or nauseous.
Rinse your hair.
Follow the routine daily for a month.
Olive oil is extremely beneficial for your skin and hair, but it can have some adverse effects if not used wisely.
Quick tip
Olive oil is difficult to wash off. Always apply it before washing your hair and use a clarifying shampoo.
Side effects of using olive oil on hair
Unrefined and pure olive oil can cause:
Allergic reactions: A patch test is recommended before use.
Congested skin: Olive oil is heavy and can rub on your forehead, clogging pores and causing breakouts.
Infographic: How to use olive oil for shiny, frizz-free hair
Olive oil can help control frizz and add shine to hair.
The good properties of this oil, along with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of other ingredients, provide additional benefits – from nourishing your hair to stimulating blood flow. Check out the infographic below to find out the best ways to use olive oil for frizz-free and shiny hair.
To recap, olive oil is very beneficial for your hair. Covers hair strands to prevent frizz, reduces friction, improves hair health and increases hair shine. Olive oil is also a very effective treatment for dry hair as it has strong emollient properties to keep your hair hydrated. It promotes hair growth, prevents hair damage and soothes the sensitive scalp. You can mix olive oil with other ingredients to make homemade hair masks and wraps to apply to dry hair. A patch test is recommended before using olive oil as it may cause an allergic reaction.
FAQs
Q. Can Olive Oil Make Your Hair Grow Faster?
Ans. No. The rate at which hair grows depends on factors such as your age and overall health. However, the oleuropein in olive oil can promote new hair growth.
Q. Can cooking olive oil be used on hair?
Ans. No. Cooking olive oil is refined and not suitable for topical use.
Q. Do you put olive oil on wet or dry hair?
Ans. Any oil must be applied when the hair is dry or damp (not wet) as it helps to seal the strands and is easily absorbed.
Q. Is olive oil suitable for all hair types?
Ans. Yes, it is suitable for all hair types.
Q. Can I leave olive oil in my hair without washing it?
Ans. Yes, you can leave it on your hair without washing it. However, don’t leave it on for too long (more than a day or two) as it can build up dirt and make your hair and scalp oily.
Q. Are eggs and olive oil good for hair?
Ans. Yes. Using egg and olive oil can be used as a pre-shampoo mask to condition hair and add shine.
Q. How often should I oil my hair with olive oil?
Ans. Twice a week you can use olive oil to nourish your hair.
Q. How long does it take for olive oil to work on hair?
Ans. Let the hair and scalp soak in the oil for at least an hour. You can leave it on overnight for better penetration and nourishment.
Q. Should I wash my hair before applying olive oil?
Ans. No, massage your hair with olive oil and then wash your hair.
Key Points
Olive oil provides hydration, stimulates hair growth and minimizes split ends.
Using extra virgin olive oil with shea butter or avocado as a hair mask keeps hair soft, hydrated and frizz-free.
It is recommended to perform a patch test before using pure olive oil as it may cause an allergic reaction. Follow:
