People have been applying olive oil to their hair for ages to promote hair growth and health. While applying oil to your hair has several advantages, if done incorrectly, it might do more damage than good.
We searched through various study papers and spoke with haircare industry specialists and dermatologists in order to determine the scientifically validated method of oiling hair.
We have detailed the procedure and the research underlying it in the following sections.
Table of Contents
What Science says of Olive Oil’s Benefits on Hair?
The main chemical components of olive oil are squalene, palmitic acid, and oleic acid. All of these products are emollients, which means they soften the hair. In reality, synthetic emollients may be found in numerous shampoos, conditioners, and pomades, but it is always better to stick to natural haircare.
The amazing organoleptic and nutritional properties of olive oil were discovered in 2017 research.
Hair may be softened and strengthened by using olive oil since it penetrates the hair shaft and retains moisture. Olive oil may be responsible for the hair’s shine since it smooths the hair’s outer cuticle.
Olive oil may have a significant role in preserving hair from damage, according to 2015 research. As a result of their ability to permeate the hair and minimize the volume of moisture the hair absorbs, some oils like olive oil help to keep hair from swelling.
Olive oil contains oleuropein, a polyphenolic molecule. A team of Korean researchers recently discovered that it stimulates the development of anagen hair in telogen follicles. Oleuropein may have increased the expression of numerous growth factors, which led to these findings. The Wnt10b/-catenin pathway was similarly influenced by oleoresin.
How to Apply Olive Oil to Hair in 6 Steps: As per Science
Olive oil applied to the surface of the hair does nothing for it and will result in a greasy scalp. To receive the maximum benefit from oiling your hair, you must understand how to do it properly.
We have detailed the procedure and the research underlying it in the following portions.
Step 1: Prepare your Hair
To begin, we’ll prepare the hair by detangling and removing the knots using a wide-toothed comb. This contributes to fewer hair breaks during oil application. This also aids in the application and dispersion of oil more evenly.
Divide your hair into two sections (four sections if you have wavy or thick hair) and straighten it from top to bottom.
Step 2: Prepare the Olive Oil
Due to olive oil’s nutrient properties, its individual molecules are relatively big in comparison to the hair follicles on the scalp. As a result, room temperature olive oil will be unable of penetrating the hair follicle and providing the required advantages.
This may be remedied by warming the olive oil, which breaks down the individual oil molecules and allows for more effective penetration into the scalp and hair. Warming olive oil enhances its nourishing properties, which is particularly good for damaged or color-treated hair. Another little-known advantage of heated olive oil treatments is that they seal the hair’s cuticle, retaining moisture.
Because hot oil treatments are not suitable for everyone, it is suggested that you see your physician or dermatologist prior to use.
In a microwave-safe dish, warm 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil (glass bowl is recommended). Once the oil is ready, do a patch test on your hand to check it is not too hot and that no allergic response occurs.
Step 3: Apply the Olive Oil
We will begin by applying olive oil to the scalp and work our way down to the crown region and then the rest of the hair. Gently massage the olive oil into your scalp with your fingers in a circular manner. Before you begin oiling your hair, carefully massage and cover the whole scalp.
Apply just a little quantity of olive oil and then quit. Excess oil results in excessive shampooing, negating all of the oiling advantages. Shampooing too often depletes your hair’s nourishment and natural oils, leaving it damaged, lifeless, and dry.
Step 4: Get Rid of Knots
Again, we’ll use the wide-toothed comb to carefully remove any knots that formed during the oil application. This will result in reduced hair breakage during washing and will also help distribute the oil to neglected areas of hair.
Bear in mind that you must be very patient when combing since your hair cortex and roots are relaxed after the massage and are more prone to damage.
Step 5: Cover your Head
For the next 15 to 20 minutes, we must cover the head with a shower hat or cotton t-shirt. This produces a steamy effect and causes the pores on your scalp and cuticles to open. This will guarantee that the olive oil penetrates your scalp and hair follicles more deeply.
Avoid covering your head with towels since they are fairly rough and the friction might cause damage to your hair.
Step 6: Wash Off the Olive Oil
We’re now going to finish the oiling procedure by rinsing the hair with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water. The lukewarm water will assist open the pores and aid in the removal of excess oil and grime.
Now it’s time to wash our hair with cold water to seal the opening pores and lock in the moisture.
How to Choose the Best Olive Oil?
All of the aforementioned studies and research demonstrate that olive oil may be incredibly helpful to the health of your hair. However, you will not get any of these advantages unless the olive oil is of good quality. Always keep the following criteria in mind while selecting the ideal olive oil for your hair:
- Verify that the olive oil is formulated for cosmetic purposes. It is often labelled on the container’s rear.
- Always ensure that the olive oil container is made of glass and has a dark hue. The dark tint of the container helps the olive oil retain its potency by resisting ambient light.
- Always use unrefined organic olive oil that is 100 percent pure. Unrefined olive oil will have the label “virgin.”
- If feasible, use a well-known brand.
How to Use Olive Oil to Promote Hair Growth, Increase Density, and Prevent Hair Loss
According to the study, olive oil prevents hair loss and may result in increased hair development and fuller hair.
If your main goal is to utilize olive oil to increase the thickness and development of your hair, you should apply the oil to your scalp. In this situation, applying the oil to your hair is optional, since the growth factor is regulated by the individual hair shaft situated underneath the scalp.
- Microwave 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil.
- With your fingers, gently massage the olive oil into the scalp in a circular manner.
- Leave it covered with a shower hat or t-shirt for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse it gently with lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo.
- Rewash with cold water to seal the pores.
What to mix with olive oil for hair growth?
Castor oil, according to research, is the finest oil to use with olive oil for hair development. This is because castor oil has a high concentration of ricinoleic acid. Each month, the average person’s hair grows between 0.5 and 1.7 cm.
Castor oil has been shown to increase the rate of hair growth. As usual, it is advisable to warm the olive and castor oil combination for increased penetration into the hair shaft.
How to use olive oil as conditioner?
Olive oil is quite flexible and may even be used as a conditioner. Olive oil when used as a hair conditioner leaves your hair silky, soft, and tangle-free.
- Warm the olive oil and thoroughly apply it to your scalp and hair.
- Continue massaging your scalp and hair with your fingertips until they are completely coated.
- Wrap your hair in a shower hat or t-shirt for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Wash it with regular water to allow a little amount of olive oil residue to remain.
FAQ
When should we apply olive oil on hair? Wet or dry hair?
Always use olive oil on dry hair. Before you begin, ensure that you have at least an hour available. This is because the molecules of olive oil are bigger than the pores on your scalp and need at least an hour to penetrate.
Avoid applying olive oil to wet hair, since the moisture in the hair shaft and scalp pores will make the olive oil molecules resistant to penetration.
Can we apply olive oil directly to hair?
Yes, you may use olive oil directly on your scalp and hair. It is fully natural and non-irritating when used topically. However, you may increase olive oil’s potency by combining it with other powerful hair oils.
How long should you leave olive oil in your hair?
According to hair care experts and studies, you should keep olive oil on your hair for an hour to two before shampooing. However, the final duration will be determined by your specific requirements and hair type.
Due to the high potency of olive oil, the application should be limited to less than 10 hours. Allowing olive oil to sit on the scalp for an extended period of time may cause scalp irritation, dryness, and can also clog the pores.
To know more, check the detailed article on How Long do I Leave Olive Oil in My Hair?
Can you put olive oil in your hair every day? How often should you apply olive oil to your hair?
Only if you have dry hair should you apply olive oil to your hair on a daily basis. If you have oily hair, you should only use olive oil once a week at the most, according to the experts. Individuals with normal hair may use the product up to twice a week.
Is too much olive oil bad for hair?
Yes, too much olive oil may be detrimental to your hair, as excessive oil necessitates excessive washing. And, as you are probably aware, excessive washing strips your hair of its natural oil and causes your scalp and hair to become dry. This negates all of the advantages of hair oiling and may result in further damage.
Excessive olive oil on the scalp may also clog your pores, resulting in hair loss.
Can you sleep with olive oil in your hair? Can I leave olive oil overnight?
Yes, you may sleep with olive oil in your hair, but not for more than 8 hours, and immediately wash it out when you wake up. If olive oil is left on the scalp for more than 8 hours, it may block the hair follicles and cause scalp irritation and inflammation. Allowing olive oil to sit on your hair for an extended period of time may also cause it to accumulate dust and function as a barrier to hair development.
Creative, versatile, and passionate about her craft, Rupa Das is a well-recognized name in the world of fashion and makeup! This is a woman who has been in the fashion and makeup industry for 24 years and is still one of the leading international makeup artist in the circuit! She has worked in big brands like Lakme, Green Trends, Colors and transitioned to become a Beauty (Hair & Skin) Trainer.