Oils are an essential for those people with dry hair and scalps, and none is more accessible than olive oil. Olive oil is thick and more hydrating than cream-based options and is able to coat hair from the outside in instead of simply sitting on top of it. It delivers undiluted moisture to sooth and promote healing, whether you're experiencing relentless frizz or dandruff. Raid your pantry to regain smooth and manageable hair with olive oil.
Benefits
Olive oil deeply hydrates hair to promote smoothness and shine. Unlike creams and silicones that coat the hair for temporary results, olive oil is fully absorbed into the cuticle for a lasting effect, and it is effective for all hair types. Those with dry and coarse hair find that it enhances shine and manageability. It strengthens hair that is damaged due to heat or chemical processing and soothes the scalp, making it an ideal treatment for dandruff.
Deep-Conditioning Treatment
Applying olive oil as a deep-conditioning treatment is the best way to see immediate results. Coat your hair in olive oil from root to tip and comb it with a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute it. Pull a shower cap over your hair and wear the treatment overnight if you can. If not, wait for a minimum of 30 minutes. For a deep treatment, wrap a towel warm from the dryer around the shower cap. The heat promotes absorption. Rinse the treatment from your hair and massage a gentle shampoo into the roots before rinsing again. This removes heavy residue from your hair without drying it out. Gently towel dry and style as usual. Apply this treatment once a week for damaged hair or once a month for hair that is in good condition.
Leave-In Conditioner
Olive oil tames frizz and flyaways while adding shine when applied to dry hair. Pour a dime-sized amount of olive oil into the palm of your hand and gently smooth it over your hair, avoiding the root to prevent a heavy look. It can also help to detangle wet hair after a shower. Smooth it through hair while soaking wet and comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb. The oil absorbs into the hair while wet, and there is less risk of it weighing down your hair.
Variations
Olive oil can be combined with other natural ingredients to target specific hair concerns. To strengthen weak hair, mix 1 egg with 1/2 cup of olive oil in a blender and apply it as a mask. For fine hair, combine 1/4 cup of coconut oil with 1/4 cup of olive oil and leave it on overnight before rinsing it out with warm water in the morning. Coconut oil is lightweight and prevents your hair from becoming too heavy.
References
Writer Bio
Celeigh O'Neil has been writing professionally since 2008. She has a Bachelor of fine arts from the University of Ottawa, as well as degrees in fashion illustration/design, digital arts and certification in hair and makeup artistry. O'Neil was a frequent contributor to Toronto's "Dialog" newspaper and has worked as an instructional writer, creating lessons in fashion, art and English for students of all ages.