Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil Good For Your Hair?

How extra virgin olive oil on hair can protect and nourish your locks

^{Updated January 16th 2025}

The Benefits Of Olive Oil For Your Hair

When you think of extra virgin olive oil, you probably picture it drizzled over a fresh salad or used as a finishing touch in your favorite dishes. But did you know that the same olive oil sitting in your kitchen could be your hair’s new best friend? That’s right—this versatile oil isn’t just a culinary staple; it can also work wonders for hair health!

Whether you’re a beauty enthusiast, a health-conscious consumer, or part of the natural hair care community, here’s why you should consider giving your hair a little extra love with high-quality olive oil.

Why Make It Extra Virgin Olive Oil Every Time?

Not all olive oils are created equal. When it comes to hair care, extra virgin olive oil reigns supreme. It’s the least processed form of olive oil, which means it retains all its natural nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins—all of which are beneficial for your hair.

This golden-green oil is packed with fatty acids and vitamin E, both known for their ability to moisturize and nourish hair. The polyphenols and antioxidants in extra virgin olive oil also help protect your hair against free radicals that can cause dryness and damage.

When shopping for olive oil to use in your hair care routine, always choose extra virgin olive oil. Here’s why it’s the best choice:

• Purity: It’s unrefined and free of additives, ensuring you’re getting the maximum nutrients.
• Cold-Pressed: This process retains the oil’s natural nutrients and antioxidants.
• High Quality: Look for certifications or labels like “Cold Pressed” or “First Press,” and buy from trusted brands to ensure quality.

By regularly applying extra virgin olive oil treatments to your hair, you can benefit from its natural properties that help to keep it looking and feeling great

The benefits of extra virgin olive oil stretch well beyond cooking as this healthy oil has many benefits for your hair as well. The best olive oil is packed with nutrients that can help to nourish and protect your hair. The oil can help to moisturize your scalp and hair, making it softer and more manageable. It can also help to repair damage, such as split ends. In addition, olive oil can promote hair growth and prevent dandruff. Some research even suggests that olive oil may help to protect against premature graying. Of course, not all olive oils are created equal.

For the best results, choose an extra virgin olive oil from a reputable source, such as Morocco Gold. By incorporating olive oil into your hair care routine, you can enjoy healthier, more lustrous hair.

There are so many health and beauty products out there on the market these days that it can quickly become overwhelming – so what makes olive oil stand out as an affordable and natural choice? Storing a quality extra virgin olive oil in your kitchen cupboard could do wonders for your beauty regime… from your skin to your hair.

Olive oil has, in fact, been used for hair care for centuries, with aficionados praising it for adding softness, shine and body to their luscious locks… so if you’ve been looking for a new conditioner and don’t want to spend lots of money on products that may not be that effective, why not give olive oil a go first?

Oleic Acid In Olive Oil For Hair Health

According to Healthine, Olive oil’s primary chemical elements are oleic acid, palmitic acid, and squalene. These are all emollients, which means they have softening qualities. In fact, many shampoos, conditioners, and pomades contain lab-made versions of emollients.Olive oil could add softness and strengthen hair by penetrating the hair shaft and preserving moisture. The shine said to come from olive oil may be due to the oil smoothing the outer cuticle of the hair.

Start off slowly and only use a couple of tablespoons to see what kind of effect it has on your hair. If you have very long or thick hair, you may need to use a bit more but it’ll be trial and error to a certain extent until you know what works for you.

But what is important to remember is that you can’t damage your hair by putting olive oil on it, so you can do your research without having to worry.

Key Benefits of Olive Oil for Hair

Curious how this pantry staple doubles as a beauty must-have? Here are five ways olive oil can elevate your hair health routine.

1. Deep Moisturization

Olive oil is highly emollient, meaning it penetrates deep into the scalp and hair strands to lock in moisture. For dry or brittle hair, this can be a game-changer, leaving your hair hydrated, soft, and shiny.

2. Tame Frizz and Flyaways

Tired of dealing with frizzy hair? Olive oil helps smooth the hair cuticle and seal moisture, making your strands more manageable while giving them a sleek, polished look.

3. Strengthens and Protects Hair

The antioxidants and vitamins in olive oil help fortify your hair against damage caused by heat tools, sun exposure, and environmental pollutants. Regular use can make hair stronger and more resilient.

4. Supports Scalp Health

A healthy scalp is the foundation of hair growth. Olive oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can soothe scalp irritation, reduce dandruff, and promote a balanced, well-nourished scalp environment.

5. Promotes Natural Hair Growth

For those in the natural hair care community, olive oil is prized for its ability to support healthy hair growth. By improving scalp circulation and restoring moisture, it encourages longer, healthier locks.

How to Use Olive Oil in Your Hair Care Routine

Adding olive oil to your hair care routine is simple, and the results can be remarkable. Here are a few easy ways to incorporate it into your regimen:

1. Hot Oil Treatment

Warm up some extra virgin olive oil (but not too hot!) and apply it to your scalp and hair. Massage it in gently, focusing on the ends, and leave it on for 30–45 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with a gentle shampoo.

2. Hair Mask Booster

Mix olive oil with other natural ingredients like honey, avocado, or yogurt to create a nourishing DIY hair mask. Apply generously, leave it on for 20–30 minutes, and then rinse.

3. Leave-in Conditioner

A few drops of olive oil can be used as a lightweight leave-in conditioner. Warm a small amount in your hands and apply it to the tips of your hair to prevent split ends and add shine.

4. Scalp Massage Oil

Use olive oil as a base for a scalp massage. Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or tea tree for added relaxation and scalp benefits.

Simple Steps To Healthier Hair With Extra Virgin Olive Oil

With so many wide and varied options on the market for you to choose from, it’s hard to know which is the best product for your own hair. But, if you’re looking for an all-natural hair care solution, give olive oil a try. Extra virgin olive oil is high in oleic acid, which helps to repair and strengthen hair. Apply it directly to your scalp and hair, leave it in for 30 minutes to an hour, then shampoo and condition as usual. You may need to experiment with the amount of oil you use and how often you apply it to find what works best for you. With just a few simple steps, you can start enjoying healthy hair that looks and feels great!

Can Everyone Use Olive Oil On Hair?

According to Healthline, using oil in general may not be right for every hair type and texture because some hair types retain oil for longer than others. Your body naturally produces oil through glands attached to hair follicles, and this oil tends to travel faster down thin, straight hair than it does down coarse or curly hair.

Olive oil is most beneficial for dry, thick hair. Advocates say it can keep hair moist and strong. Olive oil tends to weigh down thinner hair. Oily hair and scalps simply don’t need the conditioning.

Heavily processed hair — like hair that’s been treated with relaxers, perms, or bleach — especially benefit from extra moisture.

Always wait at least 72 hours after the initial treatment before you apply olive oil. If you’re using olive oil on bleached hair, test a strand to make sure the oil doesn’t leave a trace of its green shade behind.

Natural Hair Care with Olive Oil

For those in the natural hair care community, using natural oils like olive oil aligns with the philosophy of treating your hair with safe, sustainably sourced ingredients. Olive oil works well across all hair types—from curls to straight strands—and complements other natural oils like coconut or jojoba oil.

By incorporating olive oil into your routine, you’re not only promoting healthy hair but also aligning with a sustainable, minimalist approach to beauty.

A Health and Beauty Powerhouse

Extra virgin olive oil isn’t just good for your body; it’s fantastic for your hair too. Its natural properties make it a true multitasking beauty ally, helping with everything from strengthening strands to soothing your scalp.

If you’ve been searching for a go-to natural product for your hair health, olive oil is worth a try. Add it to your beauty routine and watch your hair transform—naturally. Why settle for ordinary when you can go extraordinary? Give your hair the nourishment it deserves, starting today.