Olive oil is not only a great addition to a salad and the very healthy Mediterranean diet, but it can also be beneficial to hair health. It is liquid monounsaturated fat and rich in antioxidants, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. One of the main fatty acids in olive oil is oleic acid, but others are present, including linolein, palmatin, and arachin [1].
This processed olive product can be found in skincare products, and it can also be used to ameliorate a variety of hair concerns, including dullness, over-processing, breakage, and split ends. As Marie Claire magazine indicates, olive oil can help to reduce damage and hair breakage. It can also increase hair moisture by sealing the outer layer of the hair (the cuticle); this fat product may improve softness and shine [1]. People with dry hair may benefit from utilizing olive oil as part of their hair care regimen. Generally speaking, individuals with Type 3 or Type 4 hair (curly or coily hair, respectively) often experience hair dryness. This is because the wavier or curlier hair is, the harder it is for the oils produced in the oil glands of the hair follicles in the scalp to make their way down the hair shaft. People with Type 1 hair (straight hair) typically have the opposite issue; they often deal with greasy or oily hair. As such, olive oil applications may not be beneficial for such individuals [1]. It can also weigh hair down, so those with fine hair may also not benefit from its use; people with coarse or thick hair may be better candidates for its use as a hair care product [2].
Moreover, olive oil has anti-fungal properties [1]; some scalp conditions, such as scalp ringworm, are caused by fungi. As an antioxidant, it can help to protect hair against environmental factors, such as against damage from the sun’s rays [1].
If you are going to try to use olive oil on your hair, make sure you do not apply it directly to the scalp, as doing so can promote yeast overgrowth and may lead to dandruff. If you are someone who experiences acne breakouts, you may also want to avoid olive oil treatments altogether since the oil could clog your pores if it comes into contact with your skin [1].
There are hair care products that contain olive oil as an ingredient, or you can use it directly on your hair. Olive oil can be applied to the ends of the hair for 20-35 minutes and then rinsed out. This can be repeated on a weekly basis [2].
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to be used for diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment purposes. This is not medical advice. Please see your physician or care provider with any questions or concerns.
Sources
[1]. Ulubay, Gabrielle. (2023, January 5). Olive oil for hair: how to use it, according to experts [Online]. Available: https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/olive-oil-for-hair/
[2]. Cherry, Renee. (2022, December 15). Everything you should know about using olive oil for your hair [Online]. Available: https://www.shape.com/olive-oil-hair-6891394
