Benefits of Olive Oil for Hair

10 Miraculous Ways to Use Olive Oil for Hair

Olive Oil for Hair
Who doesn’t want to have naturally healthy and gorgeous hair? But, due to some factors like chemicals, UV rays, etc., it gets damaged (1).

Though there are numerous methods like medication, surgery, etc., to solve these problems, but you don’t have to waste a lot of money on these treatments when you can solve it with just one readily available ingredient, i.e., olive oil.

It can treat almost all the problems that are related to the scalp. Let’s have a look at what this ingredient can offer and what are the ways to use it for beautiful, thick, and long hair.

Is Olive Oil Good for Your Hair?

Olive oil is loaded with antioxidants that protect the scalp and provide strength to your hair (2). It offers a lot of benefits and is considered to be the safest oil for hair. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that give numerous health benefits too (3). It has antimicrobial qualities as well, which are an added advantage.

So, there is no doubt that the oil is loaded with the components that are good for our hair, but with so many positive effects, there are negative impacts, as well. Some of the researches reveal that the excess of the oil may cause pathogens due to the growth of dandruff in some individuals. It is experienced more commonly by using olive oil than others (4).

Benefits Of Olive Oil For Hair

1. Fights Hair Fall

Hair fall is a common problem to everyone, regardless of the age or gender. It can be caused due to heredity, stress, other diseases like cancer, thyroid (or hypothyroidism), anemia, etc. (5). A dry scalp can also result in hair loss.

Olive oil counters the production of DHT hormone that is responsible for hair loss. Therefore, the oil prevents the loss to a great extent ().

2. Lice Treatment

Olive oil also helps eliminate lice. When applied to the scalp, it makes the removal of nits easy (7). The oil also has some antibacterial and antifungal properties that help kill the lice effectively.

3. Makes Strands Thick and Treats Split Ends

Olive oil not only controls hair fall but also makes the strands strong (8). It is loaded with vitamin E that is essential for the skin and hair. The oil penetrates deep into the roots and provides volume and sheen to them (9). It also solves one of the common problems of split ends.

4. Cleanses the Scalp and Removes Dandruff

One of the amazing benefits that this oil offers is that it cleanses the scalp and thus, stops the accumulation of dirt and dust. It is antioxidant in nature and removes dandruff with ease (10).

Apart from these, the oil also reduces dryness of the scalp, treats rough and dry hair, and itchy or flaky scalp and eventually makes them manageable.

How to Use Olive Oil for Hair?

1. Olive Oil

You will just need olive oil for this method. Since olive oil controls the DHT hormone, it promotes the growth and makes the hair shaft strong so as to prevent falling (11).

To use olive oil for hair growth, just warm some of the oil, and apply it thoroughly to your scalp and strands. Massage for a few minutes in a circular motion, and cover your head with a wet towel for some time. Remove the towel and wash off the oil with a mild shampoo the next day. Repeat the process at least once a week to avail maximum benefits.

2. Olive Oil Intake

The easiest way to get the minerals and vitamins of this wonderful oil is by consuming it. The olive oil consumption has been reported to treat a number of problems of hair (12). You can consume the oil in several ways. Mix 1 tbsp of olive oil and a few drops of lemon juice in a glass of water and drink it every day.

Alternatively, you can add it as a dressing on your salad.
Or else, eat 1 tbsp of olive oil daily.
3. Olive Oil, Egg White, and Honey

Egg white is packed with essential components that no other single compound can offer. It promotes growth and eventually reduces hair fall (13). Honey acts as a natural conditioner and makes hair super smooth, silky, and adds luster to them (14).

Just beat 1 egg white and add 1 tsp both of honey and olive oil to it. Stir until no lumps are left. Now, apply it to your hair working from your roots towards the tips. Let it stay for about 25- 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly afterward.

Or, you can add 1 tbsp of warm coconut oil to the mixture, and let the mask rest for 20-30 minutes.
Alternatively, you can also mix 1 tsp of raw almond oil in egg white and honey.
4. Olive Oil and Cayenne Pepper

It might sound weird to use cayenne pepper on your hair, but it works exceptionally well. It contains capsaicin, which is responsible for its effect and is also recommended in dermatology (15). Hence, it can treat the problem of dandruff.

Firstly, heat up ½ cup of olive oil and when done, add 1 tsp of cayenne pepper to it. Stir well and make sure that lumps are not formed. Apply the prepared mixture on your head and massage gently. Now, leave it for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight (as desired). Rinse thoroughly with a mild shampoo.

Alternatively, mix 1 tsp of the pepper powder with 2 tsp of olive oil. Apply in the same fashion and wash off after 10 minutes.
Note: This method can cause a bit of irritation, but it is totally normal.

5. Egg Yolk and Mustard with Olive Oil

Mustard powder and oil is proven to be effective against dermatophytes, as studies suggest (16). Egg yolk, on the other hand, takes away the dryness and locks the essential nutrients in your scalp, as they contain the most important vitamin, i.e., biotin or vitamin H (17).

To prepare this wonderful mixture, combine 2 tbsp of hot water, 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1 egg yolk, 1 tsp of cayenne pepper powder, and 1 tsp of mustard powder (or oil) together. Spread this on your head using a hair brush and keep on massaging gently with your fingers. Leave it for about 20 minutes before washing. Repeat it, not more than 3 times a week.

6. Olive Oil with Garlic

This is one of the best methods to solve all the problems related to hair.

Garlic is an antibacterial agent and is filled with several components due to which, it has numerous uses like controlling hair fall and preventing dandruff (18). The process will improve the blood circulation and thus, aid the process of growth.

Grab 4 to 5 garlic cloves and crush them properly. Now, heat 3 tbsp of olive oil in a pan and add the cloves. Let them change the color slightly and turn off the flame. When it attains a lukewarm temperature, massage it gently on your tresses and scalp for a few minutes. Let it stay for at least an hour so that all the nutrients are absorbed.

Alternatively, you can diffuse 4-5 garlic cloves in a ½ cup of olive oil (preferably extra virgin). Keep it in a jar for 2 weeks so that the properties of the garlic are acquired by the oil. Strain and warm it a little bit before the use.
7. Olive Oil and Banana Mix

Bananas are rich sources of vitamin H or biotin, and hence, it is a wonderful ingredient that helps keep our mane healthy (19, 20).

For this, you will need 1 banana and 1 avocado. Mash both the fruits to obtain a smooth paste. Add 1-2 tbsp of olive oil to it, and apply the mixture all over your head. Coat each strand and make a bun. Leave the mask for about ½ an hour and wash thoroughly with regular water first and then, with a mild shampoo to get gorgeous and stunning hair.

Avocados in this mask provide vitamin E, K, potassium, etc. (21) to our hair, and thus, this pack is the best for several hair problems.

8. Olive Oil with Other Oils

This oil mixture will promote hair growth, and at the same time, add volume to them by preventing hair loss. Avocado oil is basically used for deep conditioning and rejuvenating the strands (). On the other hand, castor oil locks the moisture and prevents the scalp from drying.

All you will need is 1 tbsp each of olive, castor, and avocado oil. Smear the oil in your roots & follicles and then, massage gently for a few minutes.

You can also blend 1 tbsp of castor oil with 4 tbsp of olive oil (preferably extra virgin). Apply it on hair and scalp thoroughly by gently massaging. Leave it for a few hours and wash off thoroughly.
9. Olive Oil with Honey and Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has been used for managing hair loss for decades and is one of the most popular remedies for several diseases, as well (23).

On the other hand, honey is a natural conditioner, which gives shine (24) and avocados are loaded with vitamins that enhance growth.

So, to get natural, long, and beautiful tresses, mix 2 tbsp of olive oil with 1 pureed avocado, a few drops of lavender oil, and 2 tbsp of honey.

Wear this mask (covering each strand) for about 30 minutes or more and wash off with regular water afterward. You can repeat this 2 or 3 times a week.

10. Coconut and Olive Oil Blend

Coconut oil has lots of compounds that make it the best oil for your scalp. One important element, lauric acid, makes it penetrate inside hair shaft (25). At the same time, olive oil increases the length and provides strength to the follicles.

Just mix 2 tbsp of coconut oil in 1 tbsp of olive oil, and massage it gently in your roots working towards the ends. Leave it for some time or overnight and rinse off with a mild shampoo. Repeat the procedure every alternate day or thrice a week for the best results.

Note: Do not use this method if you are allergic to coconut oil.