Olive oil is most popular for skin and hair care routines from ancient Civilizations to modern-day life. People use olive oil in many different ways. While reading about the benefits and drawbacks of using olive oil on social media, you might feel like you are being caught in a trap. Is the miraculous power of olive oil real or just a myth? Well, olive oil has more potential advantages and a few drawbacks as well.
The pros and cons of olive oil depend on hair type and texture. Olive oil can benefit dry and frizzy hair more than oily or straight hair. Again, the chemical composition of olive oil mostly works to moisturize dry hair. Furthermore, on oily hair, it may feel greasy.
In this informative guide, I’ll reveal all the pros and cons of olive oil in hair with scientific evidence and expert opinions. Also, get ready for a journey to find the effective olive oil hair mask suggestion that best suits your hair.
Olive oil in hair—does it really work?
Using olive oil on hair everyday is incredibly well to nourish and moisturize frizzy and dry hair. Additionally, it aids in avoiding split ends. It’s not just my words!
I was also confused because there are many myths about olive oil’s advantages. I, therefore, do more research into the science involved. Let us investigate the real question of “Does olive oil really work or not.”
1. Does olive oil make your hair soft?
First of all, the chemical composition of olive oil can reveal the secret! Oleic acid, squalene, and palmitic acid are the main components of olive oil. These ingredients all have emollient properties. So, they help to seal the cuticle and trap the moisture inside. Hence, olive oil gives you more softness in your dry hair. ~Source
2. Can olive oil make hair grow faster?
The main cause of hair loss is DHT, which can be decreased by the oleic acid found in olive oil. So, it really works for better hair growth by reducing hair loss. ~Source
Tips: You need to remember that olive oil can’t directly help with instant hair growth. Because hair growth depends on other factors such as genetics, diet, hormones, etc.
Therefore, only applying olive oil won’t give you any benefits. Make sure to include proper nutrition in your daily diet plan as well. Mainly, a protein-rich diet can help accelerate hair growth.
Read More: Home Ingredients for damaged hair
3. Can olive oil reduce split ends?
Olive oil’s ability to prevent split ends and lessen breakage is a further noteworthy benefit. Olive oil is full of antioxidants, moisturizers, and the fatty acids oleic and linoleic acid, which improve elasticity and lessen damage.
Tips: Wait! Applying olive oil will not work if your hair already has split ends or is damaged. You must trim your split ends once a month.
Even though I dispelled all myths with facts, olive oil may still be advantageous depending on some variables—genetics, diet, hair type, hair texture, and the application process. Thus, I’ll discuss these factors below.
4. What hair types should and shouldn’t use olive oil?
While you research the review of applying olive oil, you’ll get positive reviews as well as negative reviews. Some people find success with olive oil, while others only regret using it! Why does this differ?
This difference is just because of hair types and textures. According to Anar Mikailov, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist, “Olive oil has moisturizing benefits, but it’s not right for every hair type and should not be applied directly to the scalp.”
Simply put, dry and coarser hair will benefit more from olive oil. Again, your curly and frizzy textures can get the best result by applying olive oil.
The reason is very clear. Since the textures of curly hair are more porous, they lose moisture more quickly. As a result, they need more moisture to soften.
On the other hand, olive oil is less effective for fine and thinner hair. And, straight hair texture is also in this category. Olive oil will be a heavy option for these types of hair. As a result, using olive oil will weigh down their hair. Also, it has a greasy feeling on straight and thinner hair.
You can’t expect better results for your oily hair with olive oil. It’ll give you more greasy hair.
5. Applying olive oil on hair daily -is it harmful?
Applying olive oil daily if you have dry hair is not harmful, as olive oil coating on hair is greasy after application. So, you need to wash it off properly with a mild shampoo.
Although no evidence says applying olive oil daily is harmful. But, dermatologists recommend oiling hair two or three times a week. Because our scalp already has natural oil. Whenever we wash the scalp, the natural oil gets eliminated. As a result, we also need to apply oil.
If you apply olive oil to your hair regularly, washing it off is also crucial. As a result, over washing can increase sebum and result in acne breakouts.
Read More: Hair Care Myth | Stop Doing Believing Them
For this reason, applying olive oil to the hair daily is bad for oily hair and scalp. Use it less frequently, like two or three times a week. After every application of olive oil, you must wash off your hair after 30-60 minutes.
However, you can use a very small amount of olive oil daily to make your dry hair softer and shiny! Too much oil can weigh down your hair, making it even more weird and greasy!
Note: Olive oil can be more beneficial when it is applied twice or three times a week. I’ll recommend you take olive oil as a weekly treatment.
Pros And Cons Of Olive Oil In Hair
Pros:
There are many advantages to applying olive oil to your hair. Let’s take a look in detail-
1. Hydrates hair
Applying olive oil to your hair once can add moisture to it. It is the most instant result for your dry and frizzy hair. As I have already mentioned, olive oil has moisturizing properties that give your hair softness and nourishment.
2. Improve hair strength and elasticity
Olive oil, which contains Vitamin E and antioxidants, strengthens hair follicles and repairs damage.
Hydroxytyrosol, one of the key polyphenolic components of olive oil, offers protection against harmful UVB rays.
Hence, a coating of olive oil can protect your hair from damage from UV rays. As a result, hair gets stronger from roots and reduces hair loss. ~Source
3. Effective for dry scalp health
You can greatly benefit from massaging olive oil into your dry scalp. Olive oil contains anti-inflammatory properties. ~Source
So, It’ll overcome all your dry scalp problems, such as dryness, itchiness, and flakiness. You will have a healthier scalp as a result, which will encourage hair growth.
4. Reduce split ends
In dry or cold weather, you must struggle with split ends. Applying olive oil to damaged ends is the perfect solution for managing messy hair. It’ll add moisture to your hair.
Cons of Applying Olive Oil to Hair:
There’s also a drawback to using olive oil for hair. You must consider these points before applying. Just have a look-
1. Difficult to wash out
Applying a heavy coat for a long time can cause much greasy. It’s sometimes more difficult to completely wash off the oil from your hair. It’ll feel greasy and be hard to eliminate if applied to oily hair.
Pro tips: I suggest applying a light coat of olive oil to your dry and frizzy hair. Wait 30-60 minutes and wash it off. It is a proper way to wash off the oil easily and get the desired result.
2. Not suitable for all types of hair
As before, I point out and explain why not all hair types will respond well to olive oil. So, expecting a miracle with fine and straight hair will be foolish!
Tips for Using Olive Oil in Hair [4 Home Remedies for the Best Hair Solution]
1. Use extra virgin olive oil.
First, I suggest you find extra virgin olive oil rather than recommending a different method. You can’t expect the desired result with refined olive oil. Chemicals and heat treatment are the primary production methods for refined and light oil.
On the other hand, extra virgin olive oil is a higher-quality oil. It is just filtered without adding any chemicals. As a result, you’ll get all the potential advantages of using Extra virgin olive oil.
2. Use olive oil only
Your hair can be beneficial without adding any elements of olive oil. Olive oil can be applied directly to the hair like other natural oils.
Method: Follow the step-by-step instructions given below.
- You only need to use one to two tablespoons of olive oil at first.
- Warm the oil slightly as it enhances absorption.
- Now, apply a small amount of oil to the scalp and deeply massage it.
- Try to apply a heavy coat to the damaged area, like split ends,
- Leave it for 30- 60 minutes.
- It’s time to wash off the hair gently with mild shampoo and conditioner.
- You might have to shampoo your hair twice to eliminate oil properly.
Best suited for Low porosity hair, curly hair textures, and dry scalps.
Potential advantages you’ll get
- Dandruff will be eliminated.
- The hair will feel thicker and luscious.
- Curly hair textures will get more volume.
- Dry scalp irritation will be gone.
Pro tips: For the best result, apply it once a week.
Review Section: (What I Experience )
I tried this experiment from the Reddit forum, and I got a mesmerizing result in my low-porosity hair. You can read this comment section, where numerous people also appreciate the method! Hopefully, it works best for you too! (Source)
3. Use Olive Oil with Honey
It’s possible to get a super silky, shiny hair look by using a mixture of honey and olive oil. Olive oil has antioxidants that prevent split ends and strengthen hair from root to tip.
In addition, organic honey contains a lot of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that help to prevent split ends and moisturize dry scalp.
Method: Let’s know the preparation and application process of making a hair mask combo of honey and olive oil.
- Take 1 tablespoon of raw honey in a bowl.
- Now add 1 tablespoon of warm water and 2 tablespoons of honey.
- Mix it properly.
- Now, apply it both to the scalp and the hair.
- Let it sit for 30–40 minutes.
- It’s time to clean the hair with a mild shampoo.
Best suited for:
- Dull, dry and damaged hair.
- You can use this hair pack for oily and combination hair, as it will not weigh down your hair.
The potential advantage you’ll get:
- Mostly prevents split ends and damaged hair
- Manage frizzy and dry hair more effectively.
- Give it a luster and shiny look.
- Effectively moisturizes and nourishes the hair.
Pro tips: It should be used once a week to get better results.
Review Section: (What I Experienced)
I was probably frustrated with my dry hair last winter. This hair mask gives me a more soothing result that greatly satisfies me. Every time I use this formula, my split ends are reduced much more effectively, and my hair feels softer.
Before using it, I scrolled over Reddit and noticed positive reviews of this hair mask. Here, one of the users strongly recommended this hair mask. You can take a look at the review section. (Source).
4. Olive oil and egg hair mask
Another magical hair mask you should try once is to have softer, shiny hair. Basically, eggs are rich in protein. Protein helps promote hair growth and improves hair texture. Plus, it will nourish hair from root to tip. And, you already know how effective olive oil is for hair.
Method: Check out the detailed instructions for using an egg mask and olive oil below:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil and an egg in a bowl.
- Once it blends properly, apply the hair mask coat to the hair.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
- Use a suitable conditioner and let it air dry.
Best suited for:
- Frizzy and damaged hair.
- Curly hair textures.
Pro tips: You can use this hair mask for every type of hair with the following tricks below-
Use only an egg yolk on dry hair. Use an egg white for oily hair and a whole egg for normal hair. Try this hair mask once or twice a month for better results.
Review Section: (What I Experienced
Our hair needs a protein mask once a month to regain its softness and moisture. I applied an egg mask with castor and coconut oil twice a week.
However, there are times when my hair cannot be properly moisturized. When I substitute olive oil, the outcome is simply amazing. You can also look at the popular review on Reddit at this link.
FAQs | pros and cons of olive oil in hair
Q 1. is olive oil harmful for hair?
Answer: Olive oil is beneficial for hair because it helps to rehydrate dry, brittle hair. Antioxidants found in abundance in olive oil shield hair from split ends and fortify it from root to tip. Nevertheless, depending on hair type, there may be a drawback. Olive oil weighs the hair down the most, making it unsuitable for oily and fine hair.
Q2. How long should olive oil be left with the hair?
Answer: Olive oil should be left for about 30-60 minutes. If you have more dry hair, leave it to sit for 2-3 hours to get better moisture. Olive oil shouldn’t take longer in oily and fine hair as it weighs down and feels greasy.
Q3. What are the disadvantages of oil for hair?
Answer: Olive oil is thicker and better for straight, fine hair. It feels greasy when applying a heavy coat to oily hair. It is also challenging to completely wash all oils out of the hair. You may have to use shampoo twice to clean your hair properly.
Final words
You get your desired article about pros and cons of olive oil in hair Olive oil won’t act as a miracle overnight! Olive oil can’t give you the WOW result you expect without a proper hair care routine and a nutritious diet. So, try to maintain a regular hair care routine and add protein and vitamins to your daily routine.
Anything left to know? Feel easy to ask me in the comment section. I’m waiting to hear from you!
