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Olive Oil Benefits for Hair

Our hair is like a crown for us. We love it when our hair behaves well, especially on a special day. But, bad hair day becomes common daily as we lack in following a proper hair care routine and maintaining our general health by detoxifying and eating healthy.

Ayurveda has been a blessing to us as we have rediscovered the benefits of the herbs and plants mentioned in ancient texts. The pandemic further instilled in us the need to strengthen our overall immunity for better health. But, not every beneficial component is native to the Indian subcontinent. Some came from across borders and have stayed with us, providing us with its beneficial aspects. One such component is olive oil. In this article, we will learn more about this oil and know olive oil benefits for hair along with some disadvantages.

What is Olive Oil?

In order to know about the olive oil benefits for hair, you need to know more about olive oil and what makes it such a great hair care product. We have always known olive oil to be a must when cooking Italian dishes. We have seen olive oil be said to be a vital ingredient in many salads and has been touted to be healthy for people looking to lose weight without compromising on taste. But, little has been known about the olive oil benefits for hair.

Olive oil is extracted by pressing olives (also known as zaitoon or jaitun), and the process of pressing and extraction determines the type of olive oil you get. Extra-virgin olive oil is considered the best among the other types of olive oils found in the market. This is because extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is extracted via the process of cold-press and is done mechanically without using heat techniques or any other chemicals for distilling the oil. Hence, this oil is rich in phenols and all the other essential phytochemicals present in the olives.

Let us now know the advantages and disadvantages of olive oil for hair and what can be added to the olive oil to make it more beneficial.

Advantages of Olive Oil for Hair

The most common and abundant phytochemical found in olive oil is Oleuropein. This compound is known to rescue blood pressure and also help purify the blood. But the effects of this compound on hair is still been scientifically tested, but we now do bring to you all tried and tested facts that have been passed on from generation. Hence, the olive oil benefits for hair are as listed below and vouched for by many grandmothers:

Treats Dandruff

When your scalp becomes dry, it results in the formation of extra dead cells that are seen as white flakes sprinkled all over your hair and shoulders. It is an embarrassing situation, especially during the winter. The good news is that you can say goodbye to this situation by treating your scalp with olive oil massage twice daily before shampooing. In fact, dandruff treatment is the most important olive oil benefits for hair that makes people rush for this oil.

Treats Split Ends

Split-ends are another sign that your hair is getting damaged from within. If you do not nourish your hair and provide adequate protein and moisture, your hair will become brittle and dry. Adding to it all, the excessive styling and drying techniques we use further damage the hair’s health. Olive oil is a great source of protein that provides nourishment and deep conditioning.

Strengthens Your Hair

Weakening of the hair strands and excessive hair fall are due to weak hair follicles and clogged pores on the scalp, which also causes the hair follicles to weaken. Pollution also plays its part in damaging the scalp and the roots even more. The antioxidants present in olive oil help fight these build-ups and boost sebum production to ensure the scalp is nourished and the hair follicles are stronger.

Repairs Damaged Hair

Pollution, hair styling chemicals, excessive use of the hair dryer, and using heat to curl or straighten hair almost regularly damages the hair. All these factors further damage the hair, which results in excessive hair fall. Olive oil provides all the nourishment required to reverse hair damage and makes the hair regain its luster and volume. Also, if your hair is nourished, you can manage it easily.

Boosts Scalp Health

If your scalp is not treated and made healthy, your overall hair health will suffer. Conditions like dandruff, excessively oily hair and stagnant hair growth stem from the scalp not being properly nourished and maintained. Olive oil can be mixed with castor oil and coconut oil to provide that nourishment to your scalp. The antimicrobial properties of olive oil further help treat fungal and bacterial growth that reduces scalp rashes and scabs.

Controls DHT Production

Another one of olive oil benefits for hair is actually due to the flavonoid present in this oil. DHT, or Dihydrotestosterone, is a steroid hormone produced by the body. This male androgen hormone can lead to excessive hair fall and ultimately lead to baldness. The hormone works by attaching itself to the hair follicle and loosening it from the scalp. When you use extra virgin olive oil, the oil enters the follicles and creates a protective layer that will prevent the hormone from attaching itself to the roots.

Conditions Hair

Having bouncy and lively yet manageable hair should not be a dream that can only be fulfilled by purchasing expensive hair treatment products. When your hair is conditioned, and the oil balance is maintained, you can have the bouncy hair of your dreams. Olive oil, especially extra-virgin, is packed with all the needed nutrients that promote scalp health and boost hair growth. The strands are also made stronger and thicker.

If you have curly or wavy hair, you will be more prone to deal with tangled hair. If you routinely opt for olive oil massage, you can keep your hair detangled and moist to avoid frizz.

Some Common Olive Oil Hair Packs

As we have seen above, there are various olive oil benefits for hair. And you can make your own hair packs that will help you deal with specific needs. But, the overall need to have nourished and conditioned hair is a must to tackle all of the hair problems. Hence, the two most commonly used hair treatments are listed below.

Hot Olive Oil Treatment

For this, you can either use just olive oil or make a mixture of equal amounts of olive oil, castor oil, amla (Indian gooseberry) oil, and coconut oil. Add all these to a container and heat it till it warms up so you can dip your fingers in it. Now, dip your fingertips into this mixture and massage the scalp thoroughly. Make sure to pay extra attention to the center of your head, as that area is the seat for bettering blood circulation.

Then, take the rest of the mixture (or as much as required) and generously apply it to your hair till the tips. If you suffer from split ends, dip the tips in the mixture. Once your hair is massaged, keep the oil either overnight or at least for 2 hours before washing it away with mild shampoo and warm water.

Egg, Honey, and Olive Oil Hair Mask

This may sound like a mayonnaise recipe, but this is actually an effective pack to restore protein and boost keratin production in your hair. Eggs meet the protein requirement, while honey acts as a scalp conditioner and provides antimicrobial properties. To make the hair mask, you will need 1 egg, 2 teaspoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix it thoroughly and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for the time it takes the pack to dry. Wash it with cold water. If you do not have eggs, you can replace t with curd. Just replace 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of curd. The protein requirement would be met just the same.

Are There Any Disadvantages of Olive Oil for Hair?

There are both good and bad associated with olive oil. While the olive oil benefits for hair are numerous and can bypass the disadvantages any day, the crucial ones are listed below to help you make an informed choice as to whether olive oil will be the correct hair care routine for you.

Olive oil is not recommended for thin or oily hair. In fact, the olive oil benefits for hair will become a nightmare if you apply oil to an already oily scalp. Your scalp will become greasy and oily, causing even more dandruff and head pimples.
Long hair and oily skin can cause acne breakouts if the oil-coated locks touch your face and skin.
Hair styling products such as straighteners, dryers, and other hair styling products should never be used after using olive oil, as it has a very low burning temperature and may harm your hair.

Conclusion

We have seen the essential advantages and disadvantages of olive oil for hair. But what matters is the proper knowledge of your own hair and if any product will suit it or not. Using natural solutions for your hair problems is always better than chemical ones. You should always consult a dermatologist before using any natural products. The best way to prevent infections and further damage to your hair is to learn about your hair type and the skin on your scalp. Hope this article on olive oil benefits for hair will help you make an informed decision about switching to natural products.

FAQs

Can olive oil consumption help treat hair conditions?

Olive oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids along with protein. Adding olive oil to your diet will definitely help not only provide a better hair care solution from within but it will also help your overall health become better and boost cell regeneration to give you glowing skin. But, you also need to consult a doctor before adding olive oil to your diet, as over-consumption can be bad.

Can almond oil be used with olive oil?

Both almonds and olives are known to provide conditioning to the scalp. Almond oil can be added to olive oil and used as a hot oil treatment. But you need to be aware of the fact that almond oil heats up faster, so you need to be careful when dipping your fingers. Also, if you are allergic to almonds or nuts, you should avoid the usage of almond oil.