Is Olive Oil Effective For Dry Hair?

Is Olive Oil Good For Your Hair?

Yes. Olive oil leaves a thin film on the hair strands to reduce friction (1). It also controls frizz and improves the shine and health of your hair. Olive oil is traditionally used for topical application and is highly preferred for its emollientⁱ  XA substance that helps soothe, soften, and moisturize skin or hair. properties. In the next section, we have discussed olive oil’s benefits and how it works on your hair.

Benefits Of Olive Oil For Hair: Understanding How It Works

1. Hydrates Dry Hair

Olive oil is an excellent hair conditioner and has emollient properties (2). It can improve hair hydration, minimize frizz, and improve its softness and smoothness.

2. Promotes Hair Growth

Olive oil contains oleuropeinⁱ  XA polyphenolic (naturally found in plants) compound found in olive oil and leaves of the olive tree. . Animal studies have found that topical application of oleuropein regulates the anagen (growth) phase of hair and can promote hair growth (3).

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 issues and help retain the hair length.

4. Prevents Oxidative Damage

Oleuropein and other phenolic compoundsⁱ  XA class of natural molecules found in plants that have anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. in olive oil are free radical scavengers (4). The reactive oxygen species are responsible for oxidative stress and cause premature graying (5). Olive oil may minimize oxidative stressⁱ  XAn imbalance between the production of unstable oxygen molecules and the ability of the body to detoxify them. and preventing premature graying. However, this aspect needs 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 the skin membranes (6). Olive oil can soothe the sensitive scalp and keep it healthy.

To incorporate olive oil into your hair care regimen, follow the DIY formulations made of natural ingredients in the next section.

Trivia

Besides using olive oil in hair masks, you can also add olive oil to your deep conditioning products to enhance hair texture.

How To Use Olive Oil For Healthy Hair And Scalp

1. Calming Olive Oil, Sesame Oil, And Honey Mask

Topical sesame oil can promote hair growth and be an alternative therapy for alopecia areata (7). Honey is an excellent emollient and humectantⁱ  XA substance used to retain or preserve moisture. and soothes the skin (8).

What You Need

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Method

1. Mix the oils and honey in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture gently to your scalp and strands.
3. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes.
4. 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 the hair soft, smooth, and moisturized.

What You Need

• 1 ripe avocado (mashed)
• ¼ cup of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (optional)

Method

1. Blend the avocado and olive oil into a creamy paste.
2. Add the lemon juice and mix (if using).
3. Apply the paste to your strands and leave it on for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse off.

3. Olive Oil And Shea Butter Hair Mask For Detangling

Shea butter is abundant in antioxidants and 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 of olive oil
• ½ cup of unrefined shea butter
• 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

Method

1. Blend all ingredients into a smooth paste.
2. Apply the mixture to the scalp and hair.
3. Keep it on for 45 minutes.
4. Rinse off.

You need to be careful while buying olive oil. Check the label and ensure that you choose the right type of olive oil.

Mary, a YouTuber, shares her DIY olive oil recipe for dry and frizzy hair. She used a mixture of olive oil and honey for deep conditioning hair. She shares that, “After this treatment, my hair feels like it is revived again like it does not feel anything like it did earlier today, you guys can see my curls are definitely popping now (i)!”

What Type Of Olive Oil To Use For 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 do not 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 buying, ensure that the product is:

• Certified organic
• Non-GMO
• Unrefined
• Cold-pressed

You can also use extra virgin olive oil when using the inversion method for hair growth.

Does The Inversion Method Work With Olive Oil?

The inversion method rests on the logic that hanging the head upside down improves blood flow to the hair follicles and promotes hair growth. While there is no scientific proof to support the inversion method, many people follow it. You may use extra virgin olive oil while following this method. To do it:

• Massage the scalp and hair with olive oil for a few minutes.
• Sit on a chair, bend forward, and hang your head below knee level.
• Hold the position for 5 minutes. Discontinue if you feel dizzy and nauseous.
• Rinse your hair.
• Follow the routine daily for a month.

Olive oil is extremely beneficial for your skin and hair, but it may have some adverse effects if not used mindfully.

Quick Tip

Olive oil is difficult to wash out. Always apply it before your hair wash session and use a clarifying shampoo.

The Side Effects Of Using Olive Oil For Hair

Unrefined and pure olive oil may cause:

• Allergic Reactions: A patch test is recommended before use.
• Clogged Skin: Olive oil is heavy, and it may rub off on your forehead, block the pores, and cause breakouts.

Infographic: How To Use Olive Oil For Frizz-Free, Shiny Hair

Olive oil can help in managing frizz and adding luster to the hair. The goodness of this oil, along with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of other ingredients, provides added benefits – from nourishing your locks to stimulating blood flow. Check out the infographic below to learn the best ways to use olive oil for frizz-free and glossy hair.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can olive oil make your hair grow faster?

No. The speed of your hair growth depends on factors like your age and overall health. However, the oleuropein in olive oil may promote new hair growth.

Can cooking olive oil be used for hair?

No. Cooking olive oil is refined and not suitable for topical use.

Do you put olive oil on wet or dry hair?

Any oil must be applied when the hair is dry or damp (not wet) as it helps seal the strands and gets easily absorbed.

Is olive oil suitable for all hair types?

Yes, it is suitable for all hair types.

Can I leave olive oil in my hair without washing it out?

Yes, you can leave it on your hair without washing it out. However, do not leave it on for too long (more than a day or two), as it may accumulate dirt and make the hair and scalp greasy.

Are egg and olive oil good for hair?

Yes. Using egg and olive oil can be used as a pre-shampoo mask to condition hair and add shine to it.

How often should I oil my hair with olive oil?

You may use olive oil twice a week to nourish your hair.

How long does it take for olive oil to work on hair?

Let your hair and scalp soak in the oil for at least an hour. You may leave it on overnight for better penetration and nourishment.

Should I wash my hair before applying olive oil?

No, massage your hair with olive oil and then wash your hair.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Tiffany YoungCertified Trichology Practitioner

     

Tiffany Young is the CEO and founder of ThinHairThick and a certified trichology practitioner with 6 years of experience. She is also a recognized expert in the hair and beauty industry with celebrity clientele. Her own personal struggles with hair loss created an opportunity for her to deep-dive into learning all things related to medical conditions and external factors that...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over two years of experience in writing on health and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach. She writes on skin care and aims to present well-researched...more