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It’s better known for cooking, but could drizzling olive oil on your hair hold any benefits? Find out why people are talking about it and how to use it yourself
A staple for most kitchens is slowly making its way into people’s bathroom shelves. You might have used olive oil in recipes, but have you ever thought about putting olive oil on your hair? This thick oil hails from the balmy Mediterranean region, and it’s a source of numerous nutrients.
When it comes to hair care, olive oil has been used for centuries in some parts of the world to moisturise, strengthen, and add shine to tired locks. And the best thing? You’ve likely already got some in your pantry…
What are some olive oil benefits for hair?
This type of oil is extracted from the fruit of the olive tree, and it’s well-known for its beneficial properties. If you’ve noticed your hair looks a little limp, dry or heat damaged, using an extra virgin olive oil treatment might help give it a new lease of life. As well as being a brilliant source of vitamin E, olive oil contains oleic acid, squalene, and palmitic acid.1
These are all forms of emollient, meaning they can soften the hair and make it appear silkier.2 Olive oil is additionally a type of monounsaturated fat. This form of fat can be absorbed by hair and will help lock in any moisture. When applied across the entire head, olive oil can also help soothe and moisturise the scalp.2
How to use olive oil for hair
While you’ll find lots of olive oil products on the market, including Dr Organic Virgin Olive Oil Shampoo, you may want to try applying some in its raw form. If this is the case, follow these four easy steps:
Measure it out carefully before applying
Too much oil will leave your hair looking greasy rather than smooth and silky! Keen to just moisturise your split ends? A tablespoon should be enough. For your entire head, ¼ of a cup of olive oil is typically a good amount (although you may need more if you have thick or lengthy hair).
Apply to dry hair and massage in
As water repels oil, you’ll want to use olive oil on your hair when it’s dry. Massage it in with your fingertips for a few minutes and then put your hair in a shower cap for at least 15 minutes.
Comb your hair out
Before you rinse the olive oil out of your hair, it’s a good idea to brush it with a fine-toothed comb first. This will help distribute the oil and untangle any curls or knots.
Shampoo twice
You must rinse out the olive oil properly as otherwise it’ll make your hair (and the skin it touches) look ultra-greasy. Try shampooing more than once with something gentle. As olive oil is a conditioning treatment, you shouldn’t need to use your regular conditioner afterwards.
Olive oil could be a brilliant moisturising treatment for people prone to frizz or those with thick, curly hair. Alternatively, why not rub a little into your hands when you’re getting ready in the mornings and use it to slick back any flyaways?
The final say
So does the type of olive oil you use matter? In principle, any kind of olive oil should do the trick of taming your locks.
Nevertheless, for the best results, it’s a good idea to go for high-quality, organic version such as an extra virgin olive oil. They will usually contain no additional additives or chemicals. If you’d rather avoid the mess of a home hair treatment, consider a shampoo, conditioner or hair mask infused with olive oil.
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. When using olive oil as hair oil for the first time be sure to do a patch test to ensure it’s suitable for you. Be wary of allergens with nut-based oils. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
- Flori L, Donnini S, Calderone V, Zinnai A, Taglieri I, Venturi F, et al. The Nutraceutical Value of Olive Oil and Its Bioactive Constituents on the Cardiovascular System. Focusing on Main Strategies to Slow Down Its Quality Decay during Production and Storage. Nutrients [Internet]. 2019 Aug 21;11(9). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770508/
- Mysore V, Arghya A. Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited. International Journal of Trichology [Internet]. 2022 May 1;14(3):84–90. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35755964/
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