Olive Oil For Hair: Olive Oil Benefits, Types & How To Use It On Hair

Olive oil is used in salads, pasta, hummus and everything healthy. But did you know that olive oil can also be used for hair too? One can probably lose count of the number of products we end up using on our hair for their growth, texture, styling or maintenance. Olive oil for hair has excellent nutritional benefits that can help in softening those dry edges as well as giving your hair a natural sheen. Here is everything you need to know about using olive oil on hair.

Is Olive Oil good for you?

Olive oil for hair, when used in a specific quantity can help retain moisture and strengthen your hair. The following hair types can benefit the most from olive oil:

Dry and thick hair: It adds moisture to dry hair and strengthens them.

Chemically-treated hair: If your hair has been treated with chemicals, perms, relaxers or bleach, it requires hydration that olive oil can provide.

Split ends: When your hair has split ends, they tend to get even drier and weaker. Olive oil can help repair those ends.

Olive oil is beneficial for certain types of hair and when used in calculated amounts. It is not suitable for thin and greasy hair.

How long does it take for olive oil to be effective?

There is no one single answer for this and it depends on several factors because hair texture differs from one person to another. The primary factor is that olive oil should suit one’s scalp. If the oil suits you, it is important to follow the right measurements and techniques while using it. It also depends on how frequently you use olive oil.

Usually, it takes a period of about four to five weeks for the improvements in hair to show.

A step-by-step guide to using olive oil for hair

If are using olive oil on your hair for the first time, here is a step-by-step guide on how to go about it. Ensure you choose a high quality, unrefined, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil for hair.

1. Take one or two tablespoons of oil.

2. Warm the olive oil and apply it to your scalp and hair.

3. Massage the oil well into the roots of your hair.

4. Put a shower cap and leave it for about 15-30 minutes.

5. Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water. Detangle your hair slowly and let them air dry preferably or blow dry on low heat.

Olive Oil for Hair Growth

There are plenty of combinations with olive oil. Here is a simple and easy DIY hair mask using olive oil for hair growth:

Egg Yolk and Olive Oil: This is a great combination for hair growth. Here is a DIY recipe that you can use.

· 1 tbsp olive oil

· 1 egg yolk

· ½ tbsp honey

· 1/4th cup coconut milk

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. You can add a few drops of water for a thinner consistency.

Method: Apply the mask on either dry hair or damp hair starting from the roots and going down to the tips. Cover your hair with a shower cap and keep the mask on for about 15-45 minutes. Rinse with normal or lukewarm water.

For best results, apply this mask once a week.

Benefits of Olive oil for hair

Olive oil benefits for hair are plenty. Here are some of the best ways in which it can help.

1. Excellent hair conditioner: Olive oil is known to work effectively to reduce hair dryness. The nutrients present in the oil leave the hair nourished.

2. Blocks DHT production: Olive oil reduces the production of DHT hormone that is responsible for hair loss.

3. Soothes the scalp: Olive oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which help fight dandruff and aid in unclogging the follicles.

4. Prevents damage: Rich in antioxidants, olive oil enables the reversal of damage that might be caused by free radicals.

5. Strengthens hair: Olive oil also contains Omega-6 fatty acids that prevent hair dryness and breakage.

Overview of different types of oil that can be used on hair

Besides olive oil, here are other hair oils you can try.

Coconut oil: It repairs damaged hair, promotes hair growth and helps in retaining hair moisture.

Bhringaraj oil: It acts as a coolant to the hair, improves blood circulation and revitalises hair follicles.

Sesame oil: It is anti-inflammatory, nourishes the scalp from within and promotes darkening of hair.

Almond oil: It works as an effective moisturiser for hair and prevents them from breakage and hair loss. It also adds shine to the hair.

Every kind of oil has distinctive benefits for the hair and when used in the right way, helps in improving the quality of your hair.

Conclusion

In recent years, olive oil has gained immense popularity in terms of its benefits for hair. It is loaded with antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids, anti-bacterial properties, vitamin E and vitamin K. At a time when it is easy to fall prey to countless hair products, olive oil for your hair is one of the simplest natural remedies that you can use.

FAQ

1. Which is the best Olive Oil for hair?

High-quality virgin or extra virgin olive oil is the best.

2. What are the best benefits of olive oil for hair?

It helps in nourishing the hair due to its moisturising properties, repairs damaged hair and adds lustre to one’s tresses.