Olive Oil As Grey Hair Remedy: Fact Or A Myth?

Learn the facts before deciding upon the beneficial properties of this oil for your grays.

Reviewed by Tiffany Young, Certified Trichology Practitioner
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE

Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc

Fact-checked by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach • Jul 7, 2023

Olive Oil As Grey Hair Remedy: Fact Or A Myth?

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Hair oiling and oil massage have long been thought to be effective against hair dryness, graying, and hair loss. Massage with olive oil for gray hair, most specifically, has been known as one of the most effective ancient methods for preventing gray hair. It has also been used to reduce hair dryness, restore natural hair color, and improve hair strength and shine.

However, does it really work? And if yes, what is the mechanism by which olive oil can reduce gray hair? We find out all that and more right here in this article. So, keep reading!

In This Article

A Factual Guide To Olive Oil Hair Darkening Benefits:

While olive oil is sure a scalp nourisher, is it also a remedy against gray hair? You must have dug deep into your head to find the answer to this question and might have ended up totally confused.

Let me take you to the world of facts and help you recur the correct answer to olive oil for gray hair as an anti-gray agent or a myth.

1. Remedies Gray Hair Due To Dandruff:

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Olive oil offers deep nourishment to dry and damaged scalp. It might also restore the sebaceous glands on the scalp, and if you have a dry scalp, chances are it can become a warehouse to common hair problems, such as frizz, dandruff, and lost sheen. It might be interesting for you to know that dandruff is one of the major reasons for gray hair occurring at a young age. Dandruff deteriorates hair, making it weak and can lead to hair loss (1). This leaves the hair open to further damage like hair lightening. Olive oil powerfully cures the problem of dandruff due to dryness.

Quick Tip

Massage olive oil on your scalp for 10 minutes, cover it with a shower cap and leave it on for as long as possible. Wash it off with a clarifying shampoo.

2. Repairs Sun Damage To Regain The Hair Color:

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It is amazing to realize that the sun is not only a life giver; it is also a life taker. The oil can seep into hair cuticles and strengthen and color the hair in the form of vitamin D (that can control the production of Pheomelanin- the hair graying and whitening pigment). It also makes hair gray when they get exposed to direct sunlight for longer hours by making them dry. Olive oil contains nutrients such as vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and amino acids that help repair sun damage by reinventing the lost moisture and hydration in dry hair.

3. Restores pH Level Of Hair Follicles:

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It makes hair moist and keeps safe of further sun damage too. It ensures that hair that turned gray due to sun damage is restored back to its natural color. This basically happens as the pH level of hair follicles is restored. Once olive oil restores the pH level of hair follicles, melanin starts working efficiently. Hence, a normal balance between Eumelanin and Pheomelanin (the two hair coloring pigments) is restored. It restores the lost color of hair as well. Olive oil also contains hair protein that might help revive damaged hair and make them healthy to revive the hair growth cycle.

4. Fights Back Chemically Damaged Hair:

Olive oil helps conbat chemically-damaged hair

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The next amazing fact to olive oil’s power of restoring natural hair color relies on its enmity for chemical damage, or gray hair can also be the reason for change in hormones. Excessive styling makes hair chemically damaged. Chemically damaged hair loses its natural hair color and turns gray. This usually happens, as chemically damaged hair has damaged hair follicles and scalp. Olive oil fights back chemical damage by re-strengthening weak hair shafts. Side by side, it also restores the upset pH level of the scalp and hair follicles. Hence, melanin finds optimal hair conditions to ensure Pheomelanin’s production is hampered and Eumelanin’s production is triggered. Lesser Pheomelanin darkens gray hair and increased Eumelanin makes them even darker (tones them to their natural color). Since chemical damage can disrupt the texture of hair, certain minerals in olive oil such as squalene and oleic acid might help in smoothing the hair.

5. Delays Premature Aging:

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It is even more enticing to realize the impact of olive oil for premature gray hair that it is not just powerful enough to prevent premature gray hair issues; it is also equally powerful in reversing the damage. Is it to be believed then that olive oil can bestow hair youth forever? Has this hair oil been blessed with natural armors against whitening due to aging as well? Unfortunately, you will be disappointed to know that nothing can prevent aging. Age-related graying or senescence is a natural process that makes cells and tissues weaker. Olive oil contains enzymes such as polyphenols and antioxidants that promote collagen production, which can surely delay the signs of hair whitening. Oxidative stress may have an impact on scalp health, hair graying, and hair loss. Vitamin E and oleuropein, two potent antioxidants found in extra virgin olive oil, can lessen the damaging effects of oxidative stress on hair. It can certainly help you in keeping your hair stronger and shinier with age as well, but cannot keep them black/dark forever. Since olive oil contains vitamin E and A, it will protect the keratin in hair that helps provide strength and shine in hair.

The above-listed factual guide is a personal surety on olive oil and gray hair, on how olive oil can prevent and cure premature hair whitening. However, it is also a surety that it cannot defy hair whitening due to aging, but can only delay it.

Quick Tip

Grey hair is finer, fragile, and vulnerable to split ends. If you have a greasy scalp, apply olive oil from mid-shaft to the tips to ensure stronger hair strands.

Infographic: 4 Benefits Of Olive Oil For Gray Hair

Olive oil is known for its effectiveness in preventing hair dryness and loss and promoting overall hair health. Moreover, it is also said to be an effective remedy for reducing gray hair. Check out the infographic below to learn more.

5 benefits of olive oil for gray hair (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Clearly, olive oil is extremely beneficial for your hair. This ingredient moisturizes dry scalps, prevents dandruff, repairs sun-damaged hair, and restores follicle pH level. In addition, it rejuvenates chemically-damaged tresses, prevents premature graying of hair, and boosts overall hair health. And you thought you could only use olive oil for gray hair! Not only does it restore your natural hair color, but it also makes your hair shiny, moisturized, and strong. So, if you want dark, strong, and beautiful tresses, apply olive oil to your hair and scalp regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave olive oil in my hair all day?

Yes. You can leave olive oil on your hair for about 30 minutes to an hour or even overnight.

Which is better – coconut oil or olive oil for hair?

Coconut oil is better for your hair. Coconut oil penetrates the hair strands and protects them from UV rays, prevents protein loss, and strengthens the hair follicles. Olive oil can penetrate the hair follicles only when heated.

Does olive oil fade hair color?

Olive oil can penetrate the hair strands and remove lightly faded added hair color. It can also be used to add a warm tone to your hair color.

Which oil is best for turning gray hair black?

Castor oil is said to improve hair health and appearance effectively. You should oil your hair and massage your scalp at least once a week, consistently, to prevent premature graying.

Key Takeaways

Olive oil can be used to treat dandruff, sun damage, and chemically-damaged gray hair.
It restores the eumelanin and pheomelanin color pigments in your hair.
Massaging olive oil in your hair may help in improving blood circulation and prevent premature gray hair.