Olive oil may be an everyday kitchen staple, but this natural elixir is also an amazing ingredient for your hair. Packed with beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants, it can boost the strength of your strands.
Try a hot olive oil treatment or use an all-natural hair care product that incorporates this wonder oil (like Bur Bur’s Olive Oil Hair Mask or Oribe’s Gold Lust). Just remember to use cold-pressed, early harvested EVOO for the best results.
It Repairs Damaged Hair
The damage caused by pollution, hair styling chemicals and the excessive use of a hair dryer are some of the most common causes of brittle and dull strands. The antioxidants and fatty acids in olive oil nourish the roots and hair follicles to strengthen them and help prevent further damage. Moreover, the oil moisturizes the strands and helps reduce frizz.
It helps repair split ends, preventing them from further splitting and leaving your mane softer and smoother. Regular use of the oil also nourishes dry hair, preventing it from becoming too frizzy or brittle.
Unlike other oils, the oil is able to penetrate the hair strands and restore moisture. This helps in reducing the swelling that occurs when strands absorb too much water, as per Shape magazine. Moreover, the oil can also treat dandruff, as it soothes the scalp and makes it a healthier place for new growth to occur. To treat damaged hair, massage the oil onto your strands and leave it for 30-60 minutes before washing your hair. This treatment can be repeated twice a week for best results. It also works wonders for dry hair, nourishing it and leaving it with an incredible shine. For a more intense treatment, combine the olive oil with other essential oils and apply it on your mane regularly.
It Reduces Frizz
Olive oil, also known as zaitoon, helps reduce frizz and flyaways while leaving hair smooth and silky. It moisturizes each hair strand and protects against humidity, making it a great post-shampoo treatment for those with wavy, curly, or thick hair. Its presence of emollients also ensures that hair will be soft to the touch and easier to comb through. The oil’s conditioning properties help repair split ends, too.
Unlike hair conditioner, which is typically made of chemicals and perfumes, zaitoon is all-natural and suitable for use on all hair types. For best results, try to use first cold-press extra virgin olive oil from Tunisia like Terra Delysa to reap the most benefits from this natural product.
Applying olive oil as a beauty treatment is easy. Simply warm up a small amount of the oil in your palm and gently massage it into your scalp, paying special attention to dry areas or frizz-prone sections. Be careful not to use too much oil, as it can make your hair feel weighed down and greasy.
Olive oil can be used for all types of hair, although it is particularly beneficial for textured and curly locks. It enhances the elasticity of curls, defines them, and tames frizz for a sleek, straight look. It can also be used on fine strands to boost moisture and shine, while preventing breakage and reducing the appearance of tangles. It can also be used to balance the production of oil in oily hair, reducing excess sebum.
Some people recommend using olive oil as a heat protectant, but Zito warns against this because the oil has a smoking point of only about 320 degrees Fahrenheit and many flat irons, wands, and curling irons reach temperatures far higher than that. Furthermore, the oil can promote dandruff when it comes into contact with the scalp or skin, so it’s best not to use it on irritated or acne-prone areas.
Adding some zaitoon to your shampoo can also be effective, though it may not provide as deep of a condition as an olive oil treatment. Simply measure out a cup of your favorite shampoo and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil for normal hair, or 1 tablespoon for oily or fine hair. Then, wash your hair as usual, and rinse well.
It Soothes the Scalp
Olive oil is an excellent conditioner, softening and moisturizing hair strands. It also forms a protective layer around the strands, protecting them from damage and frizz. This makes it an excellent natural remedy for dry scalp and dandruff, as well as for preventing hair breakage and reducing hair loss.
It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce irritation and itchiness of the scalp. This is especially beneficial for those who suffer from dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It can also be used to soothe irritated skin on the head, neck or shoulders, due to psoriasis or eczema. It is best to use extra virgin olive oil (also known as zaitoon), which has a higher concentration of phenols, which are responsible for many of the oil’s healing properties.
The oil’s emollient properties make it an excellent moisturizer for both the hair and the scalp, and its antimicrobial properties can help treat infections like fungal or bacterial growth that can cause scalp itchiness and scabs. Its soothing qualities can also help relieve itching caused by lice infestations, and its nourishing properties can help promote overall scalp health and encourage healthy hair growth.
Regular oil massages can improve circulation to the scalp, which can prevent weakening of the hair follicles and promote new hair growth. This will also help to remove toxins from the scalp and reduce clogged pores, which are a common cause of itchy and flaky scalps.
Adding olive oil to your shampoo can help condition and moisturize your hair and scalp, but be careful not to add too much or it can make your hair greasy or clog the pores. To avoid this, you can try mixing a small amount of oil with your shampoo in a glass bottle. This way, you can adjust the ratio of oil and shampoo to suit your hair type.
For example, if you have fine hair, you can use 1 tablespoon of olive oil with your shampoo, while those with oily or thicker hair can use 2 tablespoons. It is also best to store the oil in a dark, cool place to keep it fresh.
It Prevents Hair Loss
Olive oil for hair is a natural solution to many common hair concerns. It nourishes and strengthens each strand, reduces frizz, and seals split ends to improve texture. It also soothes dandruff and calms irritation to promote a healthy scalp and vibrant hair.
Hair loss is caused by weakened hair follicles and clogged pores on the scalp. Zaitoon oil prevents hair loss by nourishing the scalp and strengthening each strand. It also supports healthy growth by delivering essential nutrients straight to the roots.
While both coconut oil and zaitoon oil are good for your hair, the former is better for people with thin or fine hair as it won’t weigh it down. The latter, on the other hand, is a great choice for thick or voluminous locks as it can penetrate them deeply. Oils that can penetrate strands are more effective at preventing the swelling that happens when they absorb water, according to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science. So, if you want to get the most out of your zaitoon oil for hair, use it sparingly to avoid oversaturating the hair.
