Olive oil is often used as an ingredient for cooking foods that are beneficial to the health of our bodies.
However, apart from cooking, olive oil is actually great for getting healthier, shiny, and anti-frizz hair.
” Olive oil is one of the oldest known moisturizers,” says hairstylist at Fekkai Soho Salon in New York, Dmitry Irshinskiy.
“This oil was used as a skin care product by royalty in ancient Greece and Rome.”
“It is still considered one of the most powerful and effective skin care ingredients,” he explains.
When it comes to moisturizing ingredients, Irshinskiy adds, usually what's good for the skin is also good for the hair, because basically our hair is an extension of our skin.
According to a dermatologist and founder of Dermadoctor Skincare, Audrey Kunin, MD, olive oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants so it can nourish the scalp.
“Hair itself is made up of dead keratin, so olive oil can help coat hair and create softness and shine,” she says.
However, before applying high-quality olive oil or also known as extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) to the hair, we need to understand a few things.
Starting from the best way to use it, what to pay attention to when applying it to get the best results, and what kind of hair care products are suitable for use.
So , quoted from the Women's Health page, here is a basic guide in all things olive oil to make hair healthier and shiny.
Benefits of olive oil for hair
If our hair is dry or brittle, a little olive oil can really help.
“Olive oil contains fatty acids, antioxidants, and nutrients that can condition, soften, and moisturize hair.”
So says Jennifer Korab, a New Jersey-based hairstylist and owner of Renaissance Salon & Spa and Revival Barber Shop.
“Those with drier scalps may find olive oil soothing, as it can help relieve itching and dryness,” she continues.
For Irshinskiy, olive oil — or any olive oil-based product — is a must-have for dealing with frizz.
“This oil is also a lifesaver when it comes to frizz protection for coarse, unruly hair,” she explains.
Because of this, almost anyone can try an olive oil treatment, or use a product with olive oil as the main ingredient.
A typical kitchen staple, olive oil is also quite inexpensive, especially when used sparingly, which experts advise to avoid looking greasy.
However, Kunin warns that for those of us who are prone to dandruff or have oily scalps, using olive oil is not an ideal choice.
People with very fine hair may also want to skip the olive oil.
“These oils tend to be heavy and weigh the hair down,” says celebrity hairstylist Glenn Ellis.
“This treatment is good for people with thicker, coarser, and drier hair,” she says.
The risks of using olive oil for hair
Although Kunin says that olive oil is known to pose no risks to hair, a patch test is always recommended before trying a new product.
For hair, we should also use olive oil in moderation, about once a week or more, with the same frequency that we use for hair masks or conditioners.
“Overusing olive oil can lead to buildup as well as not cleaning it thoroughly,” says Ellis.
“If we use too much, olive oil can leave a slip on the hair which makes hair feel heavy and difficult to style,” he continued.
Also, don't use olive oil for styling, especially for heat protection.
“Olive oil is not a styling product,” says Irshinskiy.
“However, products that contain olive oil extract as the main ingredient are safe to use according to the instructions,” he added.
The best way to apply olive oil on hair
Olive oil can nourish hair strands, but how it is applied is very important to achieve this effect.
If you choose to DIY, look for the cold-pressed, unrefined variety of olive oil, which research shows retains more nutrients.
Pour enough oil into your hands to gently coat them, then massage into your hair.
Focus your efforts on the shaft and ends of your hair rather than the scalp, which can allow olive oil's fatty acids to flood your hair, especially if you have an oily scalp.
Irshinskiy said, it's best to consult a doctor if we want to try EVOO as a scalp conditioner, because it can trigger dandruff or clogged follicles.
“We just need to dab a little on the middle and ends of the hair,” says Ellis.
“Also, as with many hair products, a little goes a long way, so we only need about one to two tablespoons of olive oil,” she explains.
Meanwhile, for deep conditioning treatments, Ellis suggests letting the oil sit for about 20 minutes.
“I recommend mixing it with a little conditioner and then applying it, again avoiding the scalp,” she says.
“This will help us rinse it off more easily until we get used to the amount of oil we want to use on its own,” he says.
You can also use olive oil as an overnight treatment, as long as you wash it thoroughly the next morning.
According to Irshinskiy, olive oil is also often found in hair care products.
“There are many choices, such as shampoo, hair mask, hair oil, to serum,” he explained.
Irshinskiy favors formulas that contain crude oil, or better yet, olive oil extract, which are lighter in weight and won't make strands feel dirty.
