How to Use Olive Oil for Shiny Hair and a Healthy Scalp

Oil is a tried and true go-to for natural hair, and while there are a few different oils that people like to use on their curls, olive oil is at the top of the list.

There are thousands of YouTube videos of vloggers sharing how they use olive oil in their hair routines as well as Reddit threads of people sharing which oil they prefer and why. With these videos and threads in mind, we thought it was time to talk to official hair experts to find out if olive oil is ideal for use on natural hair.

We tapped Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris, a trichologist and founder of Alodia Hair Care, and Robin Groover, the founder of Atlanta-based Too Groovy Salon, and dermatologist Cynthia Bailey. Here, they give us the tea on olive oil and let us know if we should add the antioxidant-rich multitasker to our haircare routines.

How Does Olive Oil Work For Hair?

Well, for starters, Chambers-Harris says, "most of the commonly used multi-purpose oils (like avocado, coconut, and jojoba oil) don't really do much to actually moisturize the hair. Instead, they work as sealants to help lock in and retain moisture (which should really come in the form of water, and using water-based haircare products)." Olive oil, however, does moisturize both the hair and scalp.

Benefits of Olive Oil For Hair

• Moisturizing: "Olive oil is one of the top emollients because not only is it packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, it makes for the perfect relief to a dry, itchy scalp," says Chambers-Harris.
• Bacteria-fighting: Chambers-Harris says that olive oil can also help fight bacterial infections while strengthening the hair, which makes it an ideal addition to a hair mask, deep conditioner, or as a hot oil treatment to boost hydration and soften your coils.
•  Fights skin damage: "The dietary squalane from olive oil is held in your skin cells to fight skin dryness and free-radical skin damage," says Bailey.
• Treats dryness: "Olive oil is good for treating dry, tightly textured hair because it smooths the cuticles, [and] the sealing properties help trap in moisture," says Groover. However, she warns that olive oil can be too heavy for "less dense, finer-textured hair," so be careful of overusing it.

What Should I Look For in an Olive Oil-Based Product?

Before you run out and buy a new bottle of olive oil just for your hair, there are a couple of things you should look for in your latest haircare buy. "I would recommend going for an organic, extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) that's unrefined and not treated with any chemicals or heat—it's the highest-quality available, and much healthier for your hair," advises Chambers-Harris.

However, if you don't have the time to mix up a DIY treatment, Groover recommends looking for olive oil-based products. "I really like the African Pride Olive Miracle Growth Oil ($4)," she says. "[It's] infused with a signature blend of olive and tea tree oils, [and] it is versatile in usage and good for all hair textures and types."

No Matter the Oil, Don’t Forget to Clarify

If you decide to add olive oil to your weekly wash day rotation, Chambers-Harris says olive oil is a good choice, she adds, "unlike unnatural oil substances like petroleum or mineral oil that just sit on top of your scalp and cause all types of scalp problems."

Now, even though olive oil doesn't sit on the scalp cleansing to prevent buildup is a must, and keeping your hair type in mind is also helpful, says Groover. "Your hair's texture, type, and condition are factors when determining how often you should be using olive oil." Both Groover and Chambers-Harris advise washing your hair once a week with a sulfate-free, clarifying shampoo to avoid build up on the follicles.

Give DIY a Try

On a wash day, when you have a little extra time or are in the mood to try a DIY remedy, there are some pairings that work well together, depending on your hair's needs. For example, Chambers-Harris recommends mixing olive oil and honey. "Honey is a humectant, so it helps to seal in the moisture for dry, dehydrated strands and can also help reduce split ends."

She swears by this at-home recipe: "Add about three tablespoons of olive oil and one tablespoon of honey into a smooth mixture. After shampooing, apply to damp, sectioned hair. Cover with a plastic cap and let it sit for about 30 to 60 minutes, then rinse." She recommends incorporating this treatment once a week for optimal results.

Groover, on the other hand, recommends an olive oil-tea tree blend for a DIY remedy, as she says the combination, "balances the hair by adjusting the ability to penetrate the strand." She also recommends using olive oil in conjunction with protein treatments to avoid the stiffness protein masks can leave behind. 

The Takeaway

All in all, olive oil is a budget-friendly, helpful addition to any hair routine. Just keep in mind our experts' advice, and incorporate olive oil with a "less is more" mentality to ensure you get the benefits without weighing down your curls.