Complete Guide to Olive Oil for Hair: Uses, Benefits, and More

When you think of olive oil, you think of it as a common kitchen ingredient. But what if we told you it’s the best-kept hair care secret? Until a few years ago, the only thing I’d ever associated olive oil with was cooking, until recently when I stumbled upon a very informative read on how this oil works wonders for your tresses. So I had to put it to the test, and my hair has never felt softer and manageable (oh, and shiny too!) But how does olive oil help in softening your tresses? The answer lies in its composition. Olive oil is composed of oleic acid and squalene, both of which are emollients that penetrate deep into the hair strands moisturising them from the inside out.

Apart from that, olive oil is rich in stearic acid which contains fatty acids that offer multiple hair care benefits. Now you know why Australian model Miranda Kerr swears by this kitchen essential for her hair care regime. Whether it’s thickness you’re worried about or breakage, olive oil is the answer to most of your hair woes. Still not convinced if olive oil is good for your hair? Then you need to read this because you’re about to have a revelation.

10 Benefits Of Olive Oil For Hair

1. Deep Hydration

Olive oil is rich in oleic acid, a kind of fatty acid. This is combined with linoleic and palmitic acid, antioxidants, and lipids that come together to moisturise the hair strands. It penetrates deep into every strand to offer thorough hydration from within.

2. Prevents Split Ends

The moisturising properties of olive oil extend its benefits beyond giving your hair an added shine. It also improves hair’s elasticity by strengthening it from within, reducing chances of breakage and split ends and also preventing tangling. Apply olive oil to the ends of the hair during champi sessions.

3. Improves Hair Growth

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is cited as the prime cause of hair loss as it weakens the follicles. Using olive oil regularly in the right amount can help block the production of this hormone, aiding in reducing hair loss. Nutrients such as oleic acid also stimulate blood flow to the scalp, which encourages the growth of hair follicles.

4. Reduces Dandruff

The ultra-moisturising benefits of olive oil mean you can say goodbye to your dry, flaky scalp. It also has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that stop the growth of dandruff-causing bacteria to make your scalp healthier and prevent irritation.

5. Adds Shine

Olive oil contains natural lipids that coat your hair cuticle. This seals in moisture and makes the hair look shiny and feel silky smooth. Even if you have dull hair, olive oil will add an enviable glossy sheen that will improve the appearance of your hair along with its health.

6. Combats Frizz

The hydrating properties of olive oil make it the number one enemy of frizz. No matter how unruly your hair strands are, olive oil is sure to make it manageable. It is particularly effective for defining textured hair and improving curl patterns.

7. Protects The Tresses

Olive oil has antioxidants that create a protective barrier around your tresses. This prevents environmental damage due to exposure to the sun’s UV rays, pollution, and heat. It also shields the hair from stressors to keep it strong and healthy.

8. Makes Strands Strong

Olive oil is rich in vitamins A and E, meaning it strengthens the hair strands and repairs damage to the follicles. Regular use of olive oil ensures that your hair is stronger and less prone to breakage. It is especially beneficial for those with dry, brittle hair strands that break easily.

9. Soothes Scalp

Whether you have a sensitive scalp or have been facing irritation brought on by the dry winter weather, olive oil is the answer to your woes. It adds a soothing feel to your scalp with its anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil also reduces itching or redness and promotes a balanced environment for the healthy growth of hair.

10. Enhances Elasticity

The fatty acids in olive oil improve the elasticity of your hair strands, meaning your hair does not snap under tension. This also makes your hair resistant to damage caused by heated styling tools. However, it is still recommended to use heat protectant sprays and limit the use of heating hair tools to maintain your hair health.

Is Olive Oil Good For Every Hair Type?

When it comes to hair care, using regular olive oil is a complete no-no! It is advised to use extra-virgin olive oil to derive the best results from this product. Although, as amazing as olive oil may be for hair, it doesn’t work the same way for every hair type. People with extremely dry, coarse hair will benefit the most from using this, whereas olive oil will weigh down medium to fine hair.

Unruly, curly hair types should say yes to this hair oil, whereas people with fine, straight hair should take a back seat, as it will make their hair look greasy. To sum it up, hair types that are highly porous will benefit the most from this oil. Also, olive oil should not be used on colour-treated hair. We suggest consulting your stylist before opting for any hair products.

How To Use Olive Oil For Hair?

Here’s how to use olive oil for hair in 8 easy steps:

1. Warm The Oil: Gently heat a few tablespoons of your olive oil till slightly warm to the touch. Don’t go overboard, you only need to warm it for a few seconds.
2. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into manageable parts and ensure your scalp is exposed.
3. Apply The Oil: Dip your fingers in the oil and apply it to the scalp in sections.
4. Massage: Slowly massage your scalp in circular motions to stimulate the hair follicles and improve blood circulation.
5. Coat Hair Length: After a 5 to 10-minute massage, focus on the hair lengths and apply oil to any particularly dry areas and the hair lengths.
6. Wrap: Use a towel or shower cap to trap the heat and let the oil soak in. You can also use a towel dipped in warm water to recreate a spa-like feel at home.
7. Leave It: Wait for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to an hour before washing your hair to allow the oil to penetrate the scalp and hair cuticle.
8. Wash Thoroughly: While olive oil is great for the hair, it can only harm when left in the hair for long hours. Ensure you wash it off thoroughly with a mild shampoo and conditioner.

10 Best Olive Oil For Hair

The most important point to remember when opting for olive oil for hair is to choose a cold-pressed, extra-virgin option. This olive oil is unrefined and at its most raw state. Apply it only on the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair and massage it in well. If you have an extremely dry scalp, you can use a small amount and gently massage it into your scalp. Let it sit for 15 minutes, or keep it on overnight if you’re looking for an extra boost of moisturisation.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of everything you need to know about olive oil and its uses for hair, here are some recommendations from Nykaa to include in your care routine.

Tips For Using Olive Oil On Hair

Here are some additional tips for using olive oil on your hair:

1. Opt for cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oil as this type has the highest nutrient content.
2. Use only a few tablespoons depending on hair length and avoid overusing olive oil.
3. Warming the oil slightly helps with better absorption of the oil into your scalp. However, make sure it is at a skin-safe temperature.
4. Mix olive oil with other carrier oils such as coconut, jojoba, castor, or Bringhraj for multiple benefits.
5. Wear a towel or shower cap to allow the olive oil to penetrate better.

Parting Thoughts

Olive oil is a natural remedy for hair concerns like dryness, reduced growth, hair loss, dandruff, and frizz. It is a versatile option for those suffering from multiple hair issues and who want a holistic solution for their hair woes. Incorporating olive oil into your hair care routine will help you achieve healthy, shiny, and strong hair that looks and feels smooth. However, consistency is key and you should apply olive oil to your hair regularly for best results.

FAQs

1. Can all hair types use olive oil?

   Yes! Olive oil is beneficial for all hair types.

2. How often should I use olive oil?

   Apply olive oil once a week for best results.

3. Can olive oil make my hair greasy?

   Overuse of olive oil can make the hair greasy. However, applying it once a week and washing it off regularly should help you avoid greasiness.

4. Does olive oil promote hair growth?

   Yes. The nutrients and vitamins in olive oil improve scalp health and help promote hair growth.

5. Can I leave olive oil in the hair overnight?

   While you can leave olive oil in your hair overnight, it is best to wash the oil off with shampoo after one hour of application to prevent dust accumulation in the hair.