Is it good to leave olive oil in your hair?

Oils are good for hair health. Here, we will look at the effectiveness of olive oil in stopping hair loss. Hair fall is a major issue that most of us face in our daily lives. Shedding 50-100 hair strands per day is normal. However, losing more than 100 hair strands signifies an underlying health issue. Olive oil has an excellent nutritional profile that can control hair fall. How? Continue reading to find out all about it.

1. Reduces DHT Production

One of the biggest reasons for hair loss is the production of dihydrotestosterone. This hormone attacks the hair follicle and weakens it, leading to hair loss. Olive oil contains oleic acid that inhibits 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, the high levels of which can cause hair loss (1). The regular use of olive oil helps block the production of DHT and therefore helps reduce hair fall.

2. Prevents Hair Damage

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants (2). These antioxidants help maintain scalp and hair health and protect them from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause cell damage. Antioxidants help stabilize free radicals and prevent damage.

3. Nourishes And Conditions Hair

Olive oil improves blood circulation and nourishes the follicles with essential nutrients and unsaturated fats. It also helps seal moisture in the hair shaft, preventing dryness and making hair more manageable (3).

4. Reduces Hair Breakage

Small bottle of olive oil kept with a combSmall bottle of olive oil kept with a comb

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Since the oil prevents dryness, it also helps keep your hair thick and voluminous by reducing breakage. It does this by conditioning and strengthening the hair shaft with its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, keeping your hair from snapping off.

5. Soothes The Scalp

Olive oil can help soothe an aggravated scalp and treat issues like itching and dandruff (3). Dandruff and clogged follicles are the leading causes of hair loss.

6. Aids Hair Growth

A study showed that the topical application of oleuropein, a constituent of olive oil, induced hair growth (4). Applying olive oil and massaging the scalp also improves blood circulation, which, in turn, promotes hair growth.

Clearly, olive oil is good for hair growth, and you can safely use it to reduce hair loss. Scroll down to learn how to apply olive oil to promote hair growth.

How To Use Olive Oil For Hair Growth

1. Olive Oil And Egg White For Hair Loss

Olive oil and eggs for hair lossOlive oil and eggs for hair loss

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This combination helps normalize oil production while nourishing your scalp (olive oil) and hair with essential proteins for hair growth (5).

You Will Need

  • 2 egg whites
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Shower cap

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

  1. Whisk the egg whites and the oil in a bowl.
  2. Apply this mixture to your scalp and your hair.
  3. Leave the mixture in for 20 minutes. Cover your hair with a shower cap while you wait to avoid a mess.
  4. After 20 minutes have passed, rinse your hair with cool water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

2. Cinnamon, Honey, And Olive Oil For Hair Loss

Cinnamon honey and olive oil for hair lossCinnamon honey and olive oil for hair loss

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Cinnamon is a powerful ingredient that helps improve blood circulation. The topical application of cinnamon oil reduced hair loss and increased hair length and diameter in the laboratory animals (6). In combination with honey, it helps improve hair health and ensures that the new growth is strong and healthy.

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Shower cap

Processing Time

15 minutes

Process

  1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl until you get a smooth, consistent mixture.
  2. Apply this mixture to your hair, starting from your scalp and working it down to the tips of your hair.
  3. Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes. Wear a shower cap to avoid a mess.
  4. After waiting for 15 minutes, rinse your hair out with cool/lukewarm water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

3. Garlic And Olive Oil For Hair Growth

Garlic and olive oil for hair growthGarlic and olive oil for hair growth

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Studies show that garlic can be a rapid and efficient treatment for alopecia areata (hair fall) (7). Here’s how to use garlic and olive oil for hair growth.

You Will Need

  • 10 fresh garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Processing Time

45 minutes

Process

  1. Peel the garlic cloves and blend them with olive oil to get a smooth paste.
  2. Take about 2-3 tablespoons of this paste in a bowl for application.
  3. Apply the paste to your scalp and then work it through the rest of your hair. Focus most on your scalp.
  4. Leave the garlic-oil mix on for about 45 minutes and then rinse your hair with cool/lukewarm water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
  5. Store the remaining garlic and olive oil mixture in an airtight container. Store the container in a cool, dark place.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

4. Rosemary And Olive Oil For Hair Loss

Rosemary and olive oil for hair lossRosemary and
olive oil for hair loss

Shutterstock

This is another perfect treatment for people with oily hair. One study found that rosemary helped promote hair growth in lab animals (8).

You Will Need

  • 2-3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3-4 drops rosemary essential oil

Processing Time

45 minutes

Process

  1. In a bowl, combine the oils to create a rosemary-olive oil blend.
  2. Heat the oil for about 30 seconds until it is slightly warm.
  3. Massage the oil blend into your scalp for 15 minutes.
  4. Once you are done massaging your scalp, work the oil into your hair until it is fully covered.
  5. Leave the oil in your hair for an additional 30 minutes.
  6. Wash your hair with cool/lukewarm water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

5. Ginger And Olive Oil For Hair Loss

Ginger has been traditionally used to stimulate hair growth. A study showed that a herbal gel containing ginger can promote hair growth (9).

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Processing Time

35 minutes

Process

  1. Mix the ginger paste and carrier oil in a bowl.
  2. Start massaging this mixture into your scalp with your fingertips.
  3. Massage for 5 minutes to boost blood circulation.
  4. Work the remaining oil through your hair and leave it in for 30 minutes.
  5. Wash the oil out with cool/lukewarm water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

These are the 5 ways you can use olive oil for hair growth and treat hair loss.

While it is fun to experiment with different hair care products, the best option is to use natural ingredients to maintain its overall health. Olive oil is a natural component that aids in healthy hair growth. In addition, it includes a high level of antioxidants, which helps to keep your scalp healthy. Therefore, you can also use olive oil to stop hair loss and keep it moisturized, soft, and manageable. You will get pure and extra virgin olive oil on the market, but virgin oil has been touted as the best type of olive oil for increasing hair growth and enhancing the attractiveness of your hair. So give it a shot, and you will see results within 4-5 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does olive oil darken hair?

Yes, daily application of olive oil can help darken hair. Olive oil may help stimulate melanin production and the repigmentation of gray hair (10).

Does olive oil make hair gray?

No, olive oil does not make your hair gray. It can help you prevent gray hair.

Is olive oil too heavy for fine hair?

Yes, olive oil is too heavy for fine hair. It may weigh down your hair, making it look greasy.

Is extra virgin olive oil good for the scalp?

The balanced fatty acid composition and high nutritional value of extra virgin oil may make it an excellent oil for your scalp (11). It may aid circulation in the scalp and hydrate the hair.

Can I put cooking olive oil in my hair?

Yes, you can apply cooking oil to your hair. You may use it at least twice a week for best results.

Key Takeaways

  • The antioxidants in olive oil help protect the scalp and hair from free radical damage.
  • Topical application of oleuropein, a constituent of olive oil, promotes hair growth.
  • Olive oil and egg help normalize oil production. They nourishe the scalp (olive oil) and hair with essential proteins.

References:

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  • Inhibition of steroid 5 alpha-reductase by specific aliphatic unsaturated fatty acids.,
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1637346/
  • Potential Health Benefits of Olive Oil and Plant Polyphenols.,
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877547/
  • Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine. ,
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/
  • Topical application of oleuropein induces anagen hair growth in telogen mouse skin. ,
    https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0129578
  • The Golden Egg: Nutritional Value, Bioactivities, and Emerging Benefits for Human Health.,
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6470839/
  • Topical application of cinnamon (cinnamomum burmanii) essential oil has the same effectiveness as minoxidil in increasing hair length and diameter size of hair follicles in male white Wistar rats (rattus norvegicus). ,
    https://ijaam-unud.org/ojs/index.php/ijaam/article/view/19
  • Treatment of alopecia areata with topical garlic extract.,
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260656650_TREATMENT_OF_ALOPECIA_AREATA_WITH_TOPICAL_GARLIC_EXTRACT
  • Promotion of hair growth by Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract. ,
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22517595/
  • Investigation of hair growth promoting ability of herbal gel containing Zingiber officinale. ,
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337113059_Investigation_of_hair_growth_promoting_ability_of_herbal_gel_containing_Zingiber_officinale
  • A Novel Pro-Melanogenic Effect of Standardized Dry Olive Leaf Extract on Primary Human Melanocytes from Lightly Pigmented and Moderately Pigmented Skin
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7999707/
  • Virgin olive oil as a fundamental nutritional component and skin protector
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19167997/

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Anjali specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. Her philosophy... more

Dr. Veerula (Dr. V) is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of... more

How long should you leave olive oil in your hair?

Leave the hair mask on for at least 15 minutes. If this is the first time you've used an olive oil hair mask, you may want to rinse the mask out after 15 minutes. If you've used olive oil on your hair before and know that it won't leave your hair greasy, you can leave the mask on for 30 minutes or longer.

Is it OK to leave olive oil in hair overnight?

Leave the oil in overnight and cover with a plastic shower cap to protect your pillow while you sleep. Shampoo out the olive oil in the morning. Use these tips and get the hair you've always wanted.

Can you leave olive oil in your hair all day?

Olive oil has a natural cleansing action. It's great for gently cleaning the hair and scalp. Set aside a day or night when you don't need to go anywhere. You'll want to let the olive oil sit in your hair to get the full effect, and your hair may remain somewhat greasy even after you rinse out the oil.