Image of a lady with healthy hair depicting benefits of best olive oil for hair
Image of a lady with healthy hair

From ancient times, people have used olive oil in cooking and as a home remedy. However, this kitchen mainstay has recently gained popularity in hair and skin care as well. Olive oil’s components, particularly oleic and stearic acids, are popular to be beneficial to hair. These fatty acids have health benefits when consumed. But they may also have cosmetic benefits when applied topically to your hair. While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to back up olive oil’s hair benefits, there’s a lack of scientific evidence. However, the three potential benefits of olive oil for hair may be experienced with the best olive oil for hair. Let’s begin with the best olive oil on the market, followed by the benefits it will provide. In addition, a myth that will cost you.

Which Olive Oil Is Best for Hair?

Pure olive oil is suitable for use as a hair and skin oil rather than for cooking. Extra virgin and refined olive oil are combined to make pure olive oil. We don’t recommend pure olive for cooking because it emits an unpleasant odor when heated. It is, however, beneficial to the scalp, hair, and skin.

OKAY Olive 100% All Natural Pure Oil

OKAY Olive 100% all natural pure oil product contains pure olive oil (as the name suggests) leaves hair and skin soft, moisturized, nourished, and protected. Cold pressed and unfiltered, this oil is collected from small organic farmers in Greece. This olive oil comes to the market in small batches to maintain its rich, iconic flavors from start to finish. It is certified with a protected designation of origin seal.

You probably already know how beneficial olive oil is to your skin and hair. You’ll love it because it works as a deep conditioner, nourishing, revitalizing, moisturizing, and healing your hair and skin. It helps in maintaining the health and condition of the skin and hair.  Why? Made with 100% Pure Olive Oil, which is high in anti-aging antioxidants and hydrating squalene, definitely makes it ideal for hair, skin, and even nails.

How to Use as A Deep Conditioner?

  1. Microwave for about 20 seconds about 1/4 cup olive oil in a microwave safe dish.
  2. Place a small amount of oil in the palms of your hands and massage it into your hair, making sure the oil is not too hot. Note:  Apply a small amount of olive oil to your scalp if you have a dry scalp. Massage the olive oil into your hair, staying 1/2″ away from the scalp, if you have oily hair.
  3. Massage your hair until it’s completely covered in oil.
  4. Then, loosely wrap your hair in a shower or plastic cap and cover it.
  5. Allow 30 minutes for the olive oil to penetrate deeply into the hair.
  6. Use a light conditioner after shampooing to remove the olive oil.

Can Olive Oil Moisturize Hair?

Yes.

Olive oil’s hair smoothing and strengthening properties are beginning to gain popularity around the world. Whereas scientific evidence is little, olive oil’s chemical composition suggests that it may have moisturizing properties when applied to the hair or skin.

This is due to the fact that olive oil contains oleic acid and squalane.

Squalane commonly features in skincare products due to its ability to hydrate skin. Oleic acid on the other hand is an emollient with softening and moisturizing properties may help to keep hair moisturized. Olive oil’s high oleic acid content is ideal to help moisturize hair by penetrating the hair shaft and restoring moisture.

Try an olive oil hair pack if you want to bring your lifeless tresses back to life. You’ll need 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, and a protein-rich egg yolk for this. To make a smooth paste, thoroughly mix the ingredients. Apply the paste to your hair and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it away with cold water. Twice a week, adhere to the routine to get visible results.

Will Olive Oil Help My Hair Grow?

Yes, but not as much as you may think.

According to many, using olive oil to promote hair growth is a good idea. Matter of fact, research says that oleuropein, a compound present in olives, seems to promote hair growth in mice. Other than that, Tocotrienols, an E-group vitamin in olives, help increase the number of hairs that grow out. On the other hand, vitamin E can help to smooth hair and reduce frizz, giving the appearance of hair growth. Apart from that, no other study has confirmed the oil’s applicability for hair regrowth. Nonetheless, all the mentioned vitamins, as well as fatty acids, are considered hair essentials. Their deficiency is linked to various types of alopecia. So, at the very least, we can recommend olive oil for hair loss prevention, and a little nourishment will likely speed up the growth of your tresses.

To promote hair growth, you can try a hair mask with olive oil and avocado. Cut an avocado in half, scoop out the fruit, and puree in a blender. Blend in about a tablespoon of olive oil until everything is smooth. Make sure there are no lumps in your mixture. When blending, add a tablespoon of water for a lump-free, smooth mixture that is also great for application. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture once it’s in a bowl. Run your fingers through your hair strands with the mixture. Tie your hair in a ponytail and leave it in place for 20 minutes. After that, give it a thorough rinse. But keep in mind that you’ll need to rinse a few times to get rid of all the grease.

Does Olive Oil Prevent Split Ends?

Yes.

Even if you dress in the best winter outfits and wear the best winter shoes, did you know that as the weather gets colder, your hair becomes more prone to breakage and split ends? Some say that olive oil add weight and moisture to your hair and is perfect as a quick fix. However, according to Fabio Scalia, a certified cosmetologist and owner of Fabio Scalia salons, olive oil cannot repair split ends once they have occurred.

Try taking one or two drops of olive oil between your fingers every day before and during winter (or even on a daily basis if you like) and run them through the ends of your tresses thoroughly. The oil will act as a serum and, when used on a regular basis, it will prevent new ones from forming. Warm some olive oil, massage it into your scalp, and leave it on overnight to nourish your hair fibers when you have some spare time.

MYTH

Can Olive Oil Help in Eliminating Dandruff?NO!

You might be surprised to learn that despite popular belief, olive oil does not reduce dandruff. In fact, if you have dandruff, you should avoid using olive oil in your hair because it promotes the growth of the yeast that causes dandruff. However, if you prefer to control dandruff with natural oils, research has shown that essential oils like bergamot, lemongrass, tea tree, and thyme can be effective.

“In individuals prone to dandruff, [olive oil] can actually worsen the condition like throwing kerosine onto a fire,” Patrick Zito, DO, PharmD, a voluntary assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine says. “The more often you apply it, the greater the chance of exacerbating the condition.”

Which Is Better for Hair Coconut or Olive Oil?

Olive oil.

Both olive and coconut oils are beneficial to hair. These oils’ fats, vitamins, and minerals aid in hair thickness, shine, and softness. Coconut oil, on the other hand, has an advantage over olive oil in terms of reducing protein loss and damage caused by hair swelling and shrinking cycles. However, it is deficient in Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as vitamin E. Therefore, when deciding between olive oil and coconut oil for hair, the former may be a better option.

Conclusion

As a summary, olive oil is best used as a moisturizing treatment for people with dry, coarse, or frizzy hair, but it should be avoided if you have dandruff. Work a small amount of olive oil through your hair from the middle to the ends and then wash it out with shampoo if you want to try it on your hair.

It is also worth mentioning that, though most people suggest that olive oil is beneficial for hair care based on the experience, there is very little research to back up these claims. More research is needed before people think of this oil as a hair cure-all. But, on the other hand, olive oil contains moisturizing fatty acids and vitamins that may protect your hair from split ends and make it look softer and healthier. Using the best olive oil on the hair as a skincare routine is certainly safe and simple unless a person has an allergy to this oil or doesn’t want to feel greasy when applied.