Extra virgin olive oil is often praised for its health benefits in our diets. but many people also turn to it as a simple and natural hair care solution.
You have Lots of hair products these days contain olive oil too. But what does it actually do for your locks?
Some say extra virgin olive oil can help hair grow, while others believe it’s not good to put it directly on your hair and scalp.
So we’re going to get to the bottom of this. We will share all the things we have researched about using extra virgin olive oil on hair including benefits, possible side effects, and how to use it the right way.
Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil Good for Hair?
Yes, applying extra virgin olive oil on hair and scalp is considered beneficial for hair. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can nourish the scalp and hair, promote hair growth, and improve the strength and shine of your hair.
Extra virgin olive oil is obtained by cold-pressing olives without heat or chemicals. This preserves its flavor, aroma, and nutrients.
It’s the purest form of olive oil, rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, beneficial for heart health. Nutrients in extra virgin olive oil can help moisturize dry strands, reduce frizz, and soothe an itchy scalp. Those nutrients include:
- Vitamins A, E, and K: Vital for maintaining hair health, these vitamins aid in moisture retention, strengthen hair to prevent breakage, and protect against environmental damage.
- Antioxidants: The oil’s antioxidants combat free radicals that can weaken hair strands, contribute to scalp aging, and lead to hair loss.
- Essential Fatty Acids: Olive oil is rich in oleic acid and linoleic acid, essential for hair growth. They keep the hair moisturized, prevent split ends, and enhance shine.
Benefits of Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Your Hair
I was surprised by the endless benefits of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). It didn’t take me long to make way for it in my hair routine.
Here are some of the benefits of this miraculous oil:
Highly Moisturizing
Olive oil contains high amounts of oleic acid. This component is an exceptional moisturizing agent. It penetrates the shafts to restore moisture from the inside out.
Not only that, but olive oil also contains squalane. You’ve probably seen this emollient in many skincare products. It’s capable of hydrating your skin in no time.
Fights Split Ends
From using too much heat to applying strong chemicals, we all get too harsh on our hair from time to time. And if you have delicate hair like mine, you’re probably struggling with split ends too.
EVOO is an essential component in my split ends treatment, and let me tell you why: Olive oil has the astounding ability to make your hair stronger and softer, which prevents split ends.
Pro tip: I use EVOO along with aloe vera and coconut oil to help my hair stay healthy and shiny.
Adds a Shine to Your Hair
Olive oil isn’t just a remedy for your dry hair. It can make your hair glisten like the night stars!
Right after applying olive oil to your hair, you’ll notice that it gives it a thicker, healthier look. The oil also adds a shine that reflects light.
Might Stimulate Hair Growth
While it hasn’t been scientifically proven, olive oil may stimulate your hair to grow. That’s because the oil contains high amounts of nutrients and vitamins.
Sad news: You can’t rely on olive oil to save the day. It’s not strong enough to stimulate hair growth on its own, not to mention that hormones and genetics play a strong role in this process.
How to Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Hair
Here are two ways you can use olive oil on your hair:
Hair Mask
I personally love adding olive oil to my hair masks since it checks all the boxes.
Olive oil goes well in a combination of yogurt, honey, and egg whites. So, mix these ingredients together in a bowl. Then, apply the mixture to your hair and make sure your scalp gets some love too.
To get the best results, let the mask sit for at least 20 minutes and then rinse it out with your typical shampoo and water.
Olive Oil Conditioner
Since extra virgin olive oil contains tons of nutrients and has an oily consistency, it’s a perfect balm for your precious hair.
Preparing the conditioner is fairly simple. You’ll need to heat a small amount of oil over the stove on low to medium heat. You can also put it in a bowl and microwave it for a few seconds.
Ideally, you want the oil to be slightly warm. You should never use hot oil on your hair.
After warming up the oil, put on your gloves and start spreading it all over your hair. You want each strand to get enough oil, but be careful not to use too much. It can get greasy!
Make sure to give some special attention to your scalp by massaging it with the oil too. Finally, leave the oil in for around 15 minutes, and then go through with your usual shampoo routine.
Can You Apply Cooking Olive Oil to Your Hair?
Yes, you can use the same extra virgin olive oil from your kitchen that is used for cooking.
But that doesn’t mean you can use the oil that has been already used for cooking, only fresh and raw EVOO can be applied to hair.
In fact, extra virgin oils marketed for cooking are generally safer for your hair as there are lesser chance of containing harmful chemicals.
The Effect of Olive Oil on Different Hair Types
In theory, olive oil is beneficial for all hair types. However, some hair types can benefit from the oil more than others.
Generally, if you have thick dry hair, olive oil will be perfect for you. It’ll keep your hair strong, soft, and moist. But an oily scalp will get greasy if you use extra virgin oil on it.
Alternatively, if you have thinner hair, the oil might weigh it down. Still, it’ll provide your hair with many nutrients and vitamins.
Aside from that, any hair type that goes through harsh conditions could use the extra moisture that the oil provides.
Potential Side Effects of Using Olive Oil on Hair
Olive oil might not be your knight in shining armor after all. Here are some potential side effects you need to know about:
Not Ideal for Oily Hair
You shouldn’t go for olive oil if you have oily hair and scalp. Since you already have enough natural oil, adding more will cause your hair to be greasy.
Olive oil can be challenging to rinse out completely, often requiring multiple washes, which might strip natural oils from your hair, leading to dryness.
Might Make Dandruff Worse
Although EVOO has antibacterial properties, there have been many concerns that it can make dandruff worse. The problem is that dandruff is a fungus, and it’ll feed on the fatty acids that olive oil contains.
Fades Hair Color
For those with colored or chemically treated hair, olive oil might affect the hair dye or interact with the chemicals, potentially altering the color or causing damage.
Allergies
Having an olive oil allergy is rare, but it can still happen. In addition, your skin might react to the application of the oil.
That’s why I highly recommend doing a patch test before applying anything to your hair and scalp. It’s better to be safe than to be sorry, especially when you have sensitive skin.
Summary
Extra virgin olive oil can provide your hair with all the moisture it needs. You’ll instantly see the difference, as it adds a shine to your hair, making it look thicker and healthier.
You can use EVOO by warming it up for a few seconds in your microwave and spreading it on your hair.
However, if you have oily hair and scalp, you should skip out on this one!