Olive oil is one of the oldest remedies for hair care. People have used it for thousands of years. According to those who have tried olive oil for hair, the remedy adds shine, softness, and texture to your hair.
All of the primary compounds of olive oil are emollients, meaning they have softening qualities. Any shampoo and conditioner nowadays have some lab-made version of emollients.
While there is no scientific study to back up the claims that olive oil for hair works, the testimonials of many satisfied customers are enough to try it. You can experiment, and see if it works for you or not. With that in mind, we will talk about how much olive oil to use, how to use olive oil as a hair treatment, and how much you can add.
Chapter Overview
How much olive oil to use?
If you have never experimented with natural remedies for hair care, you might find it strange to measure how much olive oil you need. With that in mind, a tablespoon or two is enough for your first treatment.
Once you try it, you can adjust your measurements. It all depends on how deeply you want to moisturize your hair and where. Your roots require more oil, while the ends do not require more than one tablespoon.
If you are treating your entire hair, you will need a ¼ cup of olive oil. For those with very long and thick hair, you might need to add some more.
Should you use olive oil?
Olive oil is not the right ingredient for all hair types. But in most cases, it can help you. We will talk about the benefits of olive oil for hair later on.
For now, let’s talk about the types of hair that work with olive oil.
If you have thick and dry hair, olive oil is tailor-made for you. Being that it keeps your hair moist and strong, olive oil will be all the conditioning you need. If you have thinner hair, do not use olive oil, as it can weigh it down.
Next on the list are people with processed hair. Heavily processed hair lacks moisture. But be careful, wait at least 72 hours after the processing treatment to apply olive oil. For bleached hair, do a strand test to make sure the oil will not leave a trace.
Last, but not least, if you have broken or burned ends on your hair, olive oil is a great remedy. Apply to the last two inches of the damaged hair, and you will see results quickly.
Benefits of olive oil
It is time to talk about the benefits of olive oil. Or in other words, why should you apply the oil onto your hair?
Well, simple, the benefits are just too amazing to ignore.
- Olive oil can help combat, prevent, and treat dandruff. Being that dandruff is mostly caused by dry scalp, olive oil can help provide moisture. You can use it on its own, or combine with other anti-dandruff ingredients
- We mentioned you can use to treat damaged and split ends. If your hair is prone to breaking, olive oil will combat that and give your hair the smooth look you crave
- Olive oil also helps strengthen your hair. Unlike some shampoos, olive oil is free of chemicals but rich in vitamin A, vitamin E, and antioxidants. All of these protect the keratin in your hair and seal the moisture in
- Last, but not least, olive oil can help you style and manage your hair. If your hair looks lifeless, just coat it with some olive oil, and you will see the difference
How to use olive oil for hair?
There are many olive oil hair masks you can try. In some cases, you can even use olive oil on its own. But we recommend trying some of the hair masks on this list.
Honey and olive oil
Honey helps trap moisture in, and olive oil provides a ton of moisture for your hair. Is there a better combo for your dry hair? And at the same time, honey provides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Basically, this mask will help your hair look shiny, get moisture, and prevent any issues like dandruff. Not to mention, it will unclog pores and provide a perfect environment for healthy hair grow.
Just be careful, if you have oily hair, apply from the mid-lengths of your hair.
- Mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 vitamin E capsule in a bowl
- Wash your hair with a shampoo, and then wait for it to dry. Apply the mixture with your hands, and ensure you cover the entire head
- Wrap your hair in a shower cap. Wait between 30 and 60 minutes, and then wash off with a shampoo
- Apply the mixture two times per week if you have dry hair, and once per week if you have oily hair
Olive oil and eggs
Packed with protein and nutrients that will nourish your hair, eggs are a natural and logical ingredient for hair health. Yolks are rich in fatty acids, while egg whites contain enzymes that will balance excess oil production.
Depending on your hair type, you can use yolks or whites. Egg yolks work for dry hair, while egg whites work for oily hair. For normal hair, use a full egg.
- Mix 2 egg yolks/whites and 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Apply the mixture on damp hair. Put your hair in a bun, and wait for the mask to work its magic for 20 minutes
- Rinse with cool water and then let your hair air dry. Repeat two times per week
Olive oil and banana hair mask
If your hair requires nourishment, banana is one of the best ingredients for a hair mask. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, bananas can help strengthen your hair and add some much-needed shine.
Most importantly, this mask will prevent hair fall and minimize the loss of moisture.
- Mash one ripe banana, and then add one tablespoon of olive oil
- Mix the ingredients until you have a smooth paste
- Shampoo your hair as usual, and then rinse. While your hair is damp, apply the mask
- Cover with a shower cap, and wait for 30 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Repeat once per week to repair hair damage
Olive oil and avocado
Avocado is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and other unsaturated fats. Your hair needs fatty acids to grow naturally, but also for nourishment. In the same time, avocado provides conditioning for your hair.
- Start by scooping out one ripe avocado and mashing it in a bowl
- Once there are no lumps in the mixture, add two tablespoons of olive oil
- Damp your hair, and then apply the mask
- Cover with a hot and damp towel and wait 30 minutes
- Wash thoroughly with shampoo and apply conditioner afterward
Olive oil and mayonnaise
The only downside of this mask is that you can use it only once per two weeks. That is because it is heavy, and can weigh your hair down if used more often. Mayo contains eggs, oils, and fats that provide nourishment and moisture for your hair.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of full-fat mayo and 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Apply to your dry hair, and leave it to stay for 20 minutes
- Rinse with shampoo. Apply conditioner afterward
- Repeat once per two weeks
Extra tips for hair
To make sure you have healthy and shiny hair, we want to give you some bonus tips. Follow these, apply olive oil for hair, and your hair will thank you.
- Use only sulfate-free shampoos that are gentler to your hair. They might not lather up as much as other shampoos, but they are effective
- Do not towel dry your hair
- Let your hair air dry, or use a blow dryer on cool settings
- If you have to use a blow dryer in a hurry, keep it moving at a safe distance from your hair
- Wash your hair with water before applying a hair mask, to remove the buildup of dirt, oils, and other impurities