Olive oil benefits for hair

A kitchen staple is finding a second life on bathroom shelves. While most people know olive oil from cooking, fewer think to use it on their hair. Pressed from olives grown in Mediterranean climates, this thick, nourishing oil contains a blend of nutrients that can do more than flavour your food.

Used for centuries in traditional hair care, olive oil can help hydrate, strengthen, and revive tired strands. And the best part? There's a good chance it's already in your cupboard.

What are some olive oil benefits for hair?

Olive oil is extracted from the fruit of the olive tree and is widely recognised for its nutritional properties. If your hair feels dry, lacks volume, or shows signs of heat damage, olive oil—especially the extra virgin variety—might offer some relief.

It contains vitamin E, oleic acid, squalene, and palmitic acid—compounds known as emollients that soften and add shine to hair². Since olive oil is also rich in monounsaturated fats, it can be absorbed by the hair shafts and help retain moisture. When used across the scalp, it may also help relieve dryness and flakiness².

How to use olive oil for hair

Although many olive oil-infused products exist on the market, applying pure olive oil can be just as effective. Here's a simple way to do it at home:

Measure it out carefully before applying

Applying too much may leave your hair oily rather than soft and smooth. If you're targeting split ends, a tablespoon should suffice. For full-head coverage, about 1/4 cup is usually enough—possibly more for thicker or longer hair.

Apply to dry hair and massage in

Since oil and water don’t mix well, it's best to apply olive oil to dry hair. Massage it in gently using your fingertips, then cover your hair with a shower cap for at least 15 minutes.

Comb your hair out

Before rinsing, comb your hair with a fine-toothed comb to evenly distribute the oil and detangle knots or curls.

Shampoo twice

Proper rinsing is key to avoiding excess greasiness. Use a gentle shampoo and wash twice. You probably won’t need conditioner afterwards, as olive oil acts as a natural conditioner.

This treatment can be especially beneficial for individuals with thick, curly, or frizz-prone hair. You can also use a few drops to tame flyaways when styling in the morning.

The final say

Does it matter what kind of olive oil you use? In general, any type will help with manageability and shine.

Still, for better results, go with an extra virgin or organic type that’s free from additives and chemicals. If you’d rather not deal with the mess of an at-home treatment, look for hair care products that already contain olive oil in them—like shampoos, conditioners or masks.

Disclaimer

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. When using olive oil as hair oil for the first time be sure to do a patch test to ensure it’s suitable for you. Be wary of allergens with nut-based oils. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Sources

• Flori L, Donnini S, Calderone V, Zinnai A, Taglieri I, Venturi F, et al. The Nutraceutical Value of Olive Oil and Its Bioactive Constituents on the Cardiovascular System. Focusing on Main Strategies to Slow Down Its Quality Decay during Production and Storage. Nutrients [Internet]. 2019 Aug 21;11(9). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770508/
• Mysore V, Arghya A. Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited. International Journal of Trichology [Internet]. 2022 May 1;14(3):84–90. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35755964/