HOW TO USE OLIVE OIL TO MAXIMIZE HAIR GROWTH

Chefs have embraced olive oil for years, and these days, hairstylists are doing so too. Extracted from the olive fruit, olive oil contains good-for-your-hair monounsaturated fatty acid, a type of lipid that keeps strands soft and hydrated. “The lipids in plant-based olive oil are small in nature, allowing for easier penetration into the hair shaft,” says Kristina Collins, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Austin Skin.

Meet Our Expert

Ready to get your hair looking healthier and shinier? Next time you reach into the pantry for some olive oil to drizzle over your salad, consider using it on your hair as well. Here, our experts share how.

The Benefits of Using Olive Oil on Hair

Rich in oleic, linoleic, and palmitic fatty acids, along with antioxidants like vitamins E and K, olive oil increases hydration and improves shine while taming frizz. “The results are softer, smoother, and shinier hair that’s easier to manage,” shares Jack Panico, owner of Panico Salon.  

Who Should (and Shouldn't Be) Putting Olive Oil on Their Hair

It depends on your hair type and how much oil your hair naturally retains. “Olive oil is great for dry, thick hair, especially if it’s been colored, treated, or relaxed,” shares Panico. “It’s also ideal for hair exhibiting breakage and splitting due to the use of heat appliances.” But those with fine hair should consider passing on olive oil. “This hair type doesn’t usually have enough internal mass to absorb oil, and the result can be hair that’s greasy and limp,” says Jay Small, a trichologist and co-founder of Arey. Agrees Panico, “In these cases, it’s best to avoid olive oil altogether or use it in a small amount as a targeted treatment, instead of an all-over application.”

The Best Type of Olive Oil to Use on Your Hair

While research is limited on the type of olive oil that’s most effective on the hair, a high-quality, extra virgin olive oil is likely best. “EVOO contains the highest levels of antioxidants,” shares Dr. Collins. Ones to try: Olio Piro, Moor’s Head Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Colavita Premium Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil

How to Apply Olive Oil to Your Hair

It's best to use olive oil as a pre-shampoo treatment. “Start by massaging a small amount between your palms, about half a teaspoon for short hair, a teaspoon for longer hair,” says Panico. “Apply it from the mid-section of your hair shaft to the ends, avoiding the roots and scalp. Then use a wide-toothed comb to gently comb through the oil to ensure an even distribution.” Panico suggests leaving it on for about 15 to 30 minutes, then shampooing. “You can also use it as a leave-in treatment on dry ends,” he says, recommending an olive oil spray which can make application less messy. To disguise any odor, Small likes to add in a few drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil to the olive oil and prefers a small paint or sponge brush for a clean, precise application.

The Best Way to Rinse Olive Oil Out of Your Hair

Olive oil can be messy. “Apply a clarifying shampoo or perform a double shampoo using your regular cleanser to remove olive oil from the hair,” advises Panico, who likes to finish with a scented conditioner or hair mist to help neutralize any lingering odor. Short recommends a gentle clarifying shampoo. “You want to preserve the benefits of the olive oil and not strip everything away after application.”

Shampoos that contain olive oil deliver fatty acids and antioxidants while cleansing the hair, including Kiehl’s Nourishing Olive Fruit Oil Shampoo, Seek Bamboo Natural Shampoo Bar with Olive Oil, and Whole Blends Legendary Olive Replenishing Shampoo.

Olive Oil and the Scalp

Our experts caution against applying olive oil directly to the scalp. “It can exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis, otherwise known as dandruff, and promote yeast and fungus growth, especially if someone sweats a lot or has an oily scalp,” warns Dr. Collins. Agrees Small, “It’s a misconception you need to moisturize and hydrate a dry, itchy scalp. In fact, it can be quite the opposite—you may have an abundance of oil and dead skin cells that need to be removed.”

The Risks

Although allergic skin reactions are rare when it comes to olive oil, it’s advised to do a patch test when trying any new ingredient. “Circle an area on your inner forearm with a marker, then apply the olive oil inside that area twice a day for three days. If the skin becomes red or itchy, take a pass,” says Dr. Collins.

You also need to be mindful when you’re on wet tile. "Be sure to rub some soap on the bottoms of your feet to remove any oil that’s come off your hair so you don't slip,” says Kseniya Kobets, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic dermatology, Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use olive oil as a deep conditioner?

Yes. Apply a few drops of slightly warmed-up olive oil from the mid-shaft of your hair to the ends and let it sit for ten to twenty minutes before shampooing. Dr. Collins suggests covering your hair with a thin microfiber towel and then going over it with a blow dryer with an attached diffuser. “This will help increase penetration,” she says. Or, you can purchase an olive oil-based deep conditioner such as Hårklinikken Hair Mask, Palmer’s Olive Oil Gro Therapy, Korres Pure Greek Olive Nourishing Hair Mask, or Giovanni Ultra-Moist Deep Moisture Hair Mask.

How often should I apply olive oil to my hair?

If you overuse olive oil, you can end up with greasy hair and clogged pores on the scalp. “My advice is to apply it two to four times per month,” says Small.

Can olive oil help with hair growth?

While there are no definitive studies, olive oil does contain oleic acid, a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inhibitor. “DHT is the hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink, leading to finer hair and possibly hair loss,” says Short. Some other reasons olive oil could help with hair growth: its fatty acids and antioxidants may provide nourishment to the hair follicles and scalp and the oil’s antioxidants may reduce free radicals and oxidative stress that cause the hair follicle cells in the scalp to break down. “Theoretically, ingesting olive oil could also aid in hair growth by providing nutritional support, but again nothing has been thoroughly vetted,” says Dr. Collins.

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2024-08-27T20:42:07Z dg43tfdfdgfd