Olive oil in your hair? Give it a try!
Even as far back as 4000 BC, people were using olive oil. Initially, it was mainly used in the kitchen, but later, it found its way into hair care. But is olive oil good for your hair, and can you apply it directly from the bottle?
Hydration:
For healthy hair, it’s essential to keep it hydrated and nourished. This is especially true for those who frequently use straighteners or hair dryers, as these can leave your hair exhausted and needing some TLC.
Olive oil can help hydrate your hair. Not because the oil itself is hydrating – it doesn’t contain water – but because it helps your hair retain moisture. Therefore, always use a water-based cream in combination with olive oil.
Protection against damage:
Another wonderful characteristic of olive oil is that it contains antioxidants, specifically vitamins E and K. These help combat hair ageing. Olive oil can also provide protection against damage. You might not expect it, but our hair is most vulnerable during washing as wet hair is more delicate. This includes vigorous scrubbing of the scalp. This is why applying a bit of olive oil to your hair before washing can be beneficial.
Not suitable for every hair type:
Olive oil is not suitable for every hair type. If you have fine and straight hair, it’s not recommended. This is because oil is quite heavy and can make your hair appear greasy. In such cases, opting for lighter oils like argan oil, for example, would be a better choice.
If you have dandruff, you should also be cautious. Dandruff is caused by yeast on our scalp, and olive oil can nourish that yeast. Additionally, consider the colour of your hair. Excessive use of olive oil can make it appear slightly yellowish.
If you have extremely dry hair or curls, you and olive oil are going to be great friends.
How do you apply it? If your hair is extremely dry, apply olive oil to your scalp and hair before showering. If your hair is not excessively dry, it’s better to focus on applying oil only to the tips. Use a small amount and comb it through the ends of your hair using your fingers.
