Beautiful healthy hair grows from a clean and healthy scalp. Each strand of healthy hair should have a shine or sheen that seems to come from within the hair shaft, with an intact cuticle. Healthy hair has few split or damaged ends. Unfortunately, many things, including certain medical conditions and the use of some medications can lead to damaged and or dry hair. The good news is damaged hair can be rescued with olive oil.
Affordable Hair Repair
Olive oil is a very affordable alternative to expensive commercially prepared hair repair treatments. According David N. Russell, Ph.D., M.F.A. – Eastern & Integrative Medicine Expert, olive oil is one of the great healers of the plant kingdom. It is rich in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that work to help the body build cells and repair damage and worn out tissues.
How Olive Oil Helps Hair
Besides being an ideal hair conditioning treatment, when consumed olive oil also helps hair from the inside out. Nutritional deficiencies can result in dull, lifeless hair. In fact, the hair growth can be slowed down and in some cases some hair loss can result. Olive oil can not only revive the shine of hair by protecting it from the oxidation of keratin protein, this oil is also rich in vitamins A, B-1, B-2, C, D, E and K and in iron.
Olive Oil Hair Treatments
Olive can be used as a deep conditioner or even as a hot oil treatment that can soften your hair and help repair any damage to it. One olive oil treatment method is to pour a small amount of the oil into a shallow bowl. Part your hair into small sections, then dip your fingertips into the oil and massage the oil into your scalp. After covering the scalp you should saturate the entire length of your hair. Next, wrap your head with a towel or a plastic bag to keep it warm. Wait approximately 30 minutes and then shampoo hair thoroughly. Be prepared to shampoo twice in order to remove all traces of the oil.
Choosing The Right Olive Oil
There are four basic types of olive oil: extra virgin, virgin, pure, and extra light. Extra virgin is considered the best because it is the least processed and the oil is comprised from the first pressing of the olives. Virgin olive oil is from the second pressing and pure olive oil goes through filtering, refining and other processes. Extra light olive oil has undergone substantial processing. Extra virgin olive oil is the better choice for both cosmetic and nutritional use.
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Writer Bio
Debbie Allen has been a professional freelance writer since 2006. She has numerous books published and a background in psychiatric nursing, nurse education and organizational development. She holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Spalding University and attended the University of Louisville.