How to use Olive Oil for Hair Benefits?

Facts About Olive Oil and Its Benefits for Hair 1. Ancient Origins: Olive oil has been used since ancient times, especially in Mediterranean cultures, for its nourishing and healing properties. It was a staple in hair care routines for Greeks and Romans, who valued its ability to strengthen and moisturise hair. 2. Rich in Nutrients: Olive oil contains essential nutrients like Vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids. These nutrients penetrate the hair shaft, providing deep hydration and repairing damage. These nutrients help improve hair elasticity, reduce breakage, and promote overall hair health. 3. Natural Conditioner: Due to its emollient properties, olive oil acts as a natural conditioner, sealing the hair cuticle and locking in moisture. This makes hair softer, smoother, and more manageable, especially for dry and damaged hair types. 4. Protects Against UV Damage: Olive oil contains hydroxytyrosol, a powerful polyphenol that protects hair from UV damage. It helps reduce oxidative stress caused by sun exposure, shielding the hair from environmental harm and maintaining its natural shine. 5. Antifungal and Antimicrobial: Olive oil's antifungal properties effectively combat scalp conditions like dandruff and head lice. It helps soothe the scalp, reduce inflammation, and create a healthier environment for hair growth. 6. Versatile Use: Olive oil can be used in various ways, including hot oil treatments, scalp massages, and deep conditioning masks. Its versatility makes it popular for those seeking a natural and effective solution for various hair concerns.

How often do you wake up to find hair all over your pillow? It’s a major sign of thinning hair and poor hair quality. Sometimes, you could try a dozen medications, but not all are effective. This is when natural hair care remedies can help. Olive oil is considered one of the best ingredients for hair.

Is olive oil good for hair? Olive oil for hair benefits is massive. It can promote hair growth, nourish hair, and prevent hair breakage. The oil can also assist with good scalp health, reduction in split ends, and scalp hydration. So, if you are considering how to enjoy this olive oil for hair men, read below.

List of Olive Oil Benefits for Hair Care And Growth

Here is the list what does olive oil do for hair:

• Olive Oil for Scalp Health
• Smoothens Split Ends
• More Manageable Hair
• Encourages Hair Strength
• Eliminates Head Lice

Olive Oil for Scalp Health

Scalp infections like dandruff can be harmful to your hair health. It can cause your hair to get dry and become more susceptible to split ends and hair loss. Dandruff can also make your hair itchy and turn your gorgeous hair weak. But this is not the only type of scalp infection to watch out for. Lice can also culminate with growth in dandruff on your scalp. Such scalp infections only worsen your hair health. However, olive oil can provide an instant remedy against it. 

Olive oil's antifungal properties can easily soothe an irritated scalp. The oil promises to seep into your scalp and rehydrate it, reducing the fungal infection and exponentially decreasing dandruff. This may also help resolve many other hair and scalp-related issues. 

Smoothens Split Ends

Split ends can make your hair brittle and dry. It is the tip of your hair that becomes excessively rough to touch and looks spike-like. Split ends are a sign of damaged hair, which can make your hair stagnant, too. Although most experts recommend trimming the split ends, one of the healthiest ways to combat it is using Olive oil. 

Applying olive oil in the right quantities on your hair can smooth out the edges and eradicate split-end problems forever. Since Olive oil is a natural conditioner for your hair, using it consistently can soften your tips and improve hair quality. 

More Manageable Hair

You can put on your favourite outfit to go out. But if your hair does not look presentable enough, you are bound to look unpleasant. Manageable hair may seem easier with the use of versatile hair styling tools. But these can do more harm than good. Your hair tends to become drier, and the dependency on these styling tools increases. 

Olive oil is not just a natural hair care solution. It is also a more effective remedy for your hair. When you apply it properly, it can allow your hair to look more manageable and party-ready.

Encourages Hair Strength

Strong hair can help with better hair growth. It implies good hair quality too. Thankfully, Olive oil can work well to promote hair strength. This oil is packed with antioxidants that not only condition your hair but also nourish it. Due to this, hair damage is prevented on time which eventually results in better hair strength. But it is important to focus on the amount of hair oil you apply and how frequently it is done. Both of them can result in hair strength accordingly. 

Eliminates Head Lice

Did you know that head lice becomes common when you suffer from a variety of scalp infections? In fact, the increase in dandruff can also cause an increase in head lice. Head-to-head contact with any individual who is already suffering from head lice can also be a problem. But no matter what causes head lice, the symptoms can be equally grave.

Experts suggest that people with head lice suffer from hair growth problems. Their scalp quality deteriorates, and hair weakens too. If you do not want to experience this, it is best to opt for Olive oil and see the difference in your hair. This oil can seep into your hair and nourish it, causing a reduction in head lice. By soothing your scalp, the quantity of head lice reduces automatically. So, if you are consistent with the hair oil, you are likely to get rid of head lice soon enough. 

3 Steps to Use the Best Olive Oil For Hair Growth

Here are the olive oil uses for hair: 

Egg And Olive Oil 

When worried about how to use Olive oil for hair, this combination can work wonders. Take two medium-sized eggs and whisk out the Whites for use. Make sure it turns into a smooth paste to apply to your scalp. Mix it with two tablespoons of Olive oil and wrap your hair in a shower cap. The shower cap will soak in the moisture and keep your hair nourished. After leaving it on for 20 minutes, rinse off the mixture properly with a mild shampoo. You do not necessarily need a conditioner as both eggs and Olive oil have great hair conditioning properties to offer. 

Neem, Olive Oil, And Basil

You may have heard that all these three ingredients are outstanding for your hair care. But when they work together as an Olive oil hair mask, the benefits are boundless. Take some Neem leaves along with the leaves of Holy Basil. Grind them all together in a mixer and create a power form. Now, add Tulsi powder to this mixture. Mix all of them well to form a smooth paste for use. Make sure you gently massage your hair with the mixture at least 2 to 3 times. For this purpose, you can use your fingertips in circular motions. Leave it on for nearly 30 minutes before you rinse it off with a mild shampoo.

In addition to this if you are looking for a reliable herbal oil then you must try our pure Ayurvedic onion oil, which is made of onion seed and other potent ingredients.

Olive Oil And Coconut Oil

When you are looking for a hair loss remedy, you can also add Coconut oil for added goodness. Take two tablespoons of Olive oil with three tablespoons of Coconut oil. Mix them together in a bowl. You can warm them before application but keep in mind that it is not too hot for your scalp. Now, start massaging the oil gently into your scalp using circular motions to promote better oil absorption. 

Remember to apply the oil from your tips all the way up to your hair roots. If you want, you can keep the oil on your hair overnight and wash it off the next morning. However, avoid keeping it on for too long. Trying this at least two to three times every week can help you abstain from head lice and promote better hair growth soon. So, the next time you are wondering or searching on how to use Olive oil for hair, you know what to do!

Although all of these combinations with Olive oil can work wonders for your hair, sometimes they may not be enough. If you want to amp up your hair growth speed, Zandu Hair Growth Vitalizer can be a great solution to opt for in need. It is an ayurvedic product with 100% natural ingredients that promise to promote good hair growth and prevent head lice and other scalp infections too. Learn more about it below! 

Olive Oil Effects on Hair - Scientific Studies & Evidence

Olive oil offers several benefits for hair and skin due to its unique properties:

• Emollient Effect: Olive oil is a natural moisturiser that seals the hair cuticle and locks in moisture. However, coconut oil is considered slightly better at this job.
• UV Protection: Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, helps protect against UVB rays. It contains hydroxytyrosol, a polyphenol that combats cell damage caused by UV light, reducing harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS).
• Antifungal Properties: Olive oil protects against certain fungi like Microsporum Gypseum and Trichophyton Vanbreuseghemii, which cause scalp infections. Its antifungal action may work as a barrier, blocking the fungi’s entry into the hair. Recent studies also found that olive components, like hexanal and (E)-2-nonenal, effectively fight off fungi like Trichophyton and Candida strains.
• Psoriasis Relief: When combined with honey and beeswax, olive oil has significantly reduced symptoms of psoriasis, such as redness, scaling, and itching. This is due to its antioxidant properties and ability to reduce damaged skin cell growth. Link to study

How to Use Olive Oil for Hair?

Here are the uses of olive oil for hair:

Step 1: Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Apply olive oil to your hair before a head bath as a pre-shampoo routine. Lightly warm 3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil to make it more penetrating. Massage this thoroughly from roots to tips. Cover hair with a shower cap for at least 30 minutes up to overnight. Then, shampoo and condition as usual—the oil will facilitate gentle cleansing.

Step 2: Deep Conditioning Mask

Prepare an intensive olive oil hair mask to nourish and repair dry, damaged hair from mid-lengths to ends. Whisk 4 tbsp olive oil, 1 egg yolk, 2 tsp honey and a few drops of rosemary essential oil. Apply all over washed, damp hair post-shampoo. Allow the mask to penetrate under a shower cap for 20-30 minutes before rinsing and conditioning. Know more benefits of using Rosemary oil on hair.

Step 3: Hot Oil Treatment

Give your hair an olive oil hot oil treatment pre-wash or as standalone conditioning therapy for extra nourishment. Heat 1/4 cup oil until warm. Section your hair and apply warm oil thoroughly from roots to tips, sealing in with a shower cap. Allow it to penetrate deeply for 45 mins. Finally, shampoo out and condition hair nicely.

Step 4: Soothing Scalp Massage

Massaging lukewarm olive oil regularly can relieve dandruff, itchy scalp, and infections. Additionally, the base oil can add antimicrobial essential oils like tea tree, thyme, or eucalyptus. Rub the oil mix gently onto the scalp using finger pads, focusing on the affected areas. Let it soak for an hour before washing it off with mild shampoo.

Effects of Olive Oil on Different Hair Types

Olive oil is a versatile natural remedy that has been used for centuries to nourish and treat hair. Its rich content of vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids makes it suitable for various hair types, each benefiting differently from its unique properties. Here’s a detailed look at how olive oil affects different hair types:

Dry and Brittle Hair

• Deep Moisturisation: Olive oil is packed with essential fatty acids that penetrate the hair shaft, providing intense hydration. This helps to soften and restore moisture to dry and brittle hair, making it look healthier and shinier.
• Prevents Breakage: Olive oil's emollient properties form a protective layer around the hair strands, reducing friction and preventing breakage during combing and styling.

Curly and Coarse Hair

• Defines Curls: Olive oil is excellent for curly hair. It enhances curl definition by adding weight and reducing frizz. It tames unruly curls, making them more manageable and defined.
• Reduces Frizz: Olive oil can help minimise frizz, a common issue with curly and coarse hair, by sealing in moisture. It smooths the cuticle layer, leading to softer, more controlled curls.

Fine and Straight Hair

• Adds Shine Without Weighing Down: Olive oil can be used sparingly on fine and straight hair to add a natural shine without making it look greasy. A small amount goes a long way, providing gloss and a healthy look.
• Improves Manageability: Olive oil helps detangle fine hair, which often tangles easily, and makes it smoother, thereby reducing damage caused by brushing.

Colour-Treated or Chemically Processed Hair

• Repairs Damage: Olive oil is a natural solution for chemically treated hair that is often prone to dryness and damage. Its nourishing properties help repair the hair cuticle, restoring vitality and smoothness.
• Prolong Colour: Olive oil helps maintain colour-treated hair by providing moisture and reducing hair dye fading. It also protects the hair from further damage caused by heat styling and environmental factors.

Oily Hair

• Scalp Health Improvement: While olive oil is not traditionally recommended for oily hair, it can still benefit the scalp by addressing issues like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. A light, targeted application on the scalp can balance oil production and promote a healthier scalp environment.
• Clarifying Treatment: Olive oil can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment to help remove excess sebum buildup. It helps dissolve and lift oil from the scalp, which can be thoroughly washed out with shampoo.

Thick and Textured Hair

• Softens and Smoothens: Thick and textured hair often feels rough and can be difficult to manage. Olive oil softens the texture, making it more pliable and easier to style.
• Promotes Growth: Regular olive oil stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, promoting hair growth. It nourishes the roots and strengthens the hair, reducing hair fall and promoting thicker growth.

Damaged and Split Ends

• Seals Split Ends: Olive oil is a temporary sealant for split ends, preventing further damage. While it won’t repair split ends permanently, it can help improve their appearance and prevent them from worsening until your next trim.
• Protects from Heat Damage: When used before heat styling, olive oil provides a protective barrier that shields the hair from high temperatures, reducing the risk of further damage.

Scalp Conditions

• Fights Dandruff: Olive oil helps loosen dandruff flakes and soothe an itchy, irritated scalp. Its anti-inflammatory properties alleviate symptoms of scalp conditions, promoting overall scalp health.
• Nourishes the Scalp: Olive oil keeps the scalp hydrated and can help reduce dryness and flakiness. This particularly benefits those with dry scalp conditions, as it nourishes and replenishes lost moisture.

Side Effects and Precautions of Applying Olive Oil on Hair

Here are the possible side effects and precautions of applying olive oil to hair:

Allergic Reactions

Some people may experience allergic reactions after applying olive oil, such as irritation, itching, or redness on the scalp. This may be due to sensitivity to oleic acid or pollen allergies that cross-react. So for best result, do a patch test before first use. Discontinue if any abnormal symptoms arise.

Greasiness and Heaviness

Excess olive oil left on hair without washing can lead to visibly oily, limp, and flat hair with greasy residues near the roots in those prone to these issues. Use only the required quantity of shampoo thoroughly after treatment.

Clogged Hair Follicles

Overloading hair with oil can lead to clogged pores and follicles, especially on fine hair. This impedes natural hair growth and makes the scalp appear congested. Balance frequency and quantity to avoid this.

Fungal Infections Risk

While olive oil fights certain fungal activity, some sources caution against its usage for those prone to Malassezia or Candida growth as its oiliness may feed overgrowth. However, this risk is unconfirmed. But take precautions if you are very prone.

Interaction with Chemical Treatments

Using olive oil too soon before or after chemical smoothing or colouring treatments can reportedly react with ingredients and skew results. Maintain a sufficient buffer period before/after such salon procedures as per the stylist's advice.

Flaking and Acne Risk

Heavy olive oil application causes some users to report occasional flaking or clogged pores with sebum buildup. This indicates the pores fail to absorb the oil adequately. Reduce quantity and wash out thoroughly if you notice such problems.

Ayurvedic Perspective of Olive Oil

From an Ayurvedic perspective, olive oil is considered a valuable and versatile oil that balances the body's doshas, particularly Vata and Pitta. It is known for its warming and moisturising properties, making it ideal for nourishing dry skin, soothing inflammation, and calming the nervous system. In Ayurveda, olive oil is often used for massage, known as "Abhyanga," which helps improve circulation, relax muscles, and promote overall well-being.

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, which support digestive health and boost immunity. It is also believed to aid in balancing hormones and reducing stress, making it beneficial for mental and physical health. The oil’s gentle nature makes it suitable for cooking, enhancing the nutritional value of meals and aiding in better digestion.

In skincare, Ayurvedic practitioners use olive oil for its ability to hydrate and heal. It is often applied to the skin to soothe conditions like dryness, minor burns, and sun damage. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it a go-to for treating mild skin irritations and promoting a healthy, glowing complexion. Overall, olive oil is seen as a powerful, natural remedy in Ayurveda, offering numerous benefits for the body, mind, and skin

Olive Hair Oil Alternatives

Olive oil is undoubtedly beneficial for our hair. However, for those who find the oil too heavy or react poorly to it, other excellent natural oils can be used instead with similar results:

Coconut Oil

Like olive oil, coconut oil moisturises hair strands, protects from protein loss and penetrates the shaft well without greasiness in most people. Its lauric acid also lends antimicrobial properties.

Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil equals olive oil for hair conditioning while adding shine and smoothness. Owing to vitamin E, it also suits sensitive scalps. Its light texture prevents residue buildup.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil mimics natural sebum and moisturises hair perfectly without clogging follicles. Regular use creates a glossy look while treating split ends and effectively controlling frizz.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil's linoleic acid nourishes hair beautifully. This non-greasy oil also improves hair elasticity and strength when used regularly as part of your hair care regimen.

Argan Oil

Much like olive oil, Moroccan argan oil penetrates hair shafts quickly to deeply condition dry, damaged hair. It is gentle on frizz and makes hair softer.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is light but hugely effective for hair fall control, boosting growth and repairing split ends and breakage when used consistently. It makes hair smooth and more manageable with regular usage.

Zandu Care- Hair Growth Vitalizer

Mental stress, pollution, and exposure to harsh weather conditions are some of the most common reasons for poor hair quality and weak hair growth. But that is not all. The reasons may differ depending on the lifestyle of each individual. This means that hair problems will also differ from individual to individual. But if you want an all-in-one solution for your hair care, Zandu Hair Growth Vitalizer can be a wise pick. 

This ayurvedic product comes in a capsule form priced at Rs. 379 for 60 capsules. But this product is not just affordable. It is also very efficient as it is made of 100% organic ingredients, mainly Bhringaraja, Amlaki, Nagkesara, and Brahmi. It also contains Godanti Bhasma, Ashwagandha, and Abhrak Bhasma as its core ingredients. You are also likely to find Manjishtha in it.

Also read:

• Steps on how to use Coconut oil for hair
• Check out amazing benefits of Mustard oil for hair
• List of Almond oil benefits for strong and long hair
• Best Ayurvedic hair oils

The Bottom Line 

We have laid out a comprehensive guide above for this purpose. The benefits of using this oil are also discussed in detail above. But if you are looking to speed up your hair growth, do not forget to focus on the benefits of Zandu Care’s Hair Growth Vitalizer. 

The ayurvedic product at Zandu Care contains no gelatin, is toxin-free, and is also highly efficient for hair care. If you want the best results, then try it out now!

FAQs

1. What are the main benefits of using olive oil for hair?

Olive oil helps promote hair growth, nourishes the scalp, prevents hair breakage, smoothens split ends, and improves overall scalp health. It also helps reduce dandruff and can eliminate head lice, making it an excellent natural remedy for maintaining healthy hair.

2. How does olive oil improve scalp health?

Olive oil contains antifungal properties that can soothe an irritated scalp, reduce dandruff, and prevent infections. It penetrates the scalp to rehydrate it, promoting better overall health and reducing hair-related issues.

3. Can olive oil help with split ends?

Yes, olive oil acts as a natural conditioner that smoothens split ends. Applying it regularly can soften hair tips, reduce brittleness, and improve the overall quality of your hair, minimising split-end problems.

4. Is olive oil suitable for curly and coarse hair?

Olive oil is great for curly and coarse hair as it helps define curls, reduces frizz, and adds manageability. Its moisturising properties smooth the cuticle layer, leading to softer and more controlled curls.

5. How does olive oil benefit fine and straight hair?

Olive oil adds a natural shine to fine and straight hair without making it greasy. It also improves manageability, helps detangle hair, and reduces damage caused by brushing.

6. Can olive oil be used on color-treated or chemically processed-hair?

Yes, olive oil is beneficial for color-treated or chemically processed hair. It helps repair damage, restore moisture, and prolong hair colour by protecting it from further damage caused by heat styling and environmental factors.

7. How should olive oil be used for hair growth?

Olive oil can be used in various ways, such as a pre-shampoo treatment, a deep conditioning mask, or a hot oil treatment. Applying these methods regularly can nourish the hair, promote growth, and improve overall hair quality.

8. Does olive oil have any protective effects against UV damage?

Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, provides some protection against UV damage due to its hydroxytyrosol content. This polyphenol helps combat cell damage caused by UV light and reduces harmful effects from sun exposure.

9. Is olive oil effective against scalp conditions like dandruff and lice?

Olive oil's antifungal and moisturising properties effectively treat dandruff and head lice. It helps soothe the scalp, reduces fungal growth, and improves scalp health, which can reduce dandruff and lice problems.

10. Are there any precautions to consider when using olive oil on hair?

While olive oil is generally safe, too much can make hair greasy or clog hair follicles. It's important to apply the right amount, wash it thoroughly after use, and avoid excessive application, especially if prone to oily hair or scalp conditions.