What Even Is Olive Oil?

Yes, olive oil is a delicious dip for bread that pairs well with balsamic and is a healthy fat to cook with, but what exactly is it? And where does it come from? “Olive oil is a natural oil extracted from the fruit of olive trees, primarily found in the Mediterranean region,” says trichologist Molly Gee Webster. “It’s rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins, particularly vitamin E, which is known for its moisturizing and protective qualities.”

Diving even deeper, Wonder Valley cofounder Alison Carroll shares that “The process of how the olives are picked, handled, and pressed determine the quality of the oil produced. ‘Extra virgin olive oil’ (EVOO) means that the oil is free of defects; it’s the highest ranking that an oil can receive. It speaks to the quality of the oil, the age, the care taken during harvesting the fruit, the cleanliness and temperatures used at the mill, and the antioxidant levels and health benefits of the oil.”

6 Benefits of Olive Oil for Hair

1. It Deeply Moisturizes

Webster notes that thanks to olive oil being an excellent emollient, “It helps lock in moisture and soften the hair, making it more manageable and reducing frizz.” So if you want something that will offer an extra bit of hydration for your strands, olive oil may be what you’re looking for.

2. It Promotes Scalp Health

Struggle with scalp irritation like dryness, flakes, or dandruff? As it turns out, olive oil can work wonders to soothe a dry scalp. This is all thanks to the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties. And we all know that a healthy scalp can promote healthy hair growth.

3. It Strengthens the Hair

Stronger, healthier hair is also achievable thanks to olive oil. “The fatty acids in olive oil (shout out to oleic acid) coat the hair shaft, providing a protective barrier that helps reduce breakage and split ends, making the hair appear stronger and healthier,” says Webster. Damaged hair may very well be a thing of the past once you start incorporating olive oil into your hair care routine.

4. It Can Add Shine

We all want hair that shines and sparkles in the sun, but did you know olive oil helps with that? Webster says, “Its natural oils help to smooth the outer cuticle of the hair, giving it a healthy, shiny appearance.”

5. It Improves Elasticity

Elasticity is often an indicator of hair health. Essentially, if you stretch out a piece of your hair and it returns to its natural state, your hair is healthy. If it snaps or breaks, then it’s likely damaged. Olive oil to the rescue! “Olive oil can improve the flexibility and elasticity of the hair, reducing brittleness and the likelihood of damage during styling or brushing,” shares Webster.

6. It Protects Against Damage

Apart from protecting against damage caused by hair styling or brushing, olive oil can also protect from damage caused by free radicals. Míriam Freixa Villena, research and development Manager at Tara, shares that the oil is “rich in antioxidants and helps shield hair from environmental aggressors.”

Things to Keep in Mind Before Using Olive Oil on Your Hair

Not all olive oil is created the same. The experts express the importance of using extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on your hair if you are planning to use it. “Olive oil without that distinction can include pretty basic, usually old/oxidized oils that would not have the same potency of benefits,” warns Carroll.

Additionally, it’s not for every hair type. Villena says those with curly hair and/or dry hair will benefit the most from olive oil’s deep hydration, whereas “those with fine or oily hair may find it too heavy and should use it sparingly.” Color-treated hair types may also want to steer clear of the oil, as Carroll points out, “Applying only olive oil to color-treated hair in large quantities and frequently can fade color-treated hair.” 

Another thing to be aware of is how much olive oil you’re using. “Using too much olive oil or not rinsing it thoroughly can lead to buildup, leaving hair heavy or greasy,” says Villena. “It’s best used in moderation and rinsed properly, especially for finer hair types.”

4 Ways to Use Olive Oil on Your Hair

Now that you’ve discovered the benefits of olive oil for your hair and determined whether or not it will work for your hair type, we wanted to share a few ways to use the oil to get the most out of it.

1. Olive Oil Hair Treatment

Step 1: Add 1 to 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil to a Bowl

How much olive oil you use will depend on the length and thickness of your hair. If your hair is long and thick, two tablespoons is best. If your hair is shorter and not as thick, you can get away with one tablespoon.

Step 2: Warm the Olive Oil

Once you’ve measured out the right amount of olive oil for your hair, you’ll want to warm it up for your hot oil treatment to come. “Heating can help the oil penetrate the hair more effectively,” says Webster.

Step 3: Apply the Oil to Dry Hair

Webster says to “start with dry hair and apply the olive oil from mid-lengths to the ends” until the hair is evenly coated.

Step 4: Cover Your Hair

When your hair is fully coated in the oil, you will then cover it in a shower cap. This will “trap heat and help the oil penetrate,” says Webster. REFRESHMENTS The Snazzy Shower Cap Trio offers three cutesy caps to use for all your hair treatments.

Step 5: Leave the Oil on for 30 Minutes

Webster says to leave the treatment on for a minimum of 30 minutes but no longer than an hour. “Oil can attract dirt, so the longer the oil marinates, the higher the probability of adverse desired outcome,” she stresses.

Step 6: Rinse With Shampoo

When your time is up and the olive oil has penetrated your hair follicles, it’s time to rinse the oil out of your hair. Webster says you may have to shampoo more than once, depending on the thickness of your hair. She also recommends you use a sulfate-free shampoo so you don’t strip away all the benefits of the olive oil. We love how gentle the ROZE + QUARTZ Serene Shampoo is on our strands and that it works for fine hair types, natural hair types, and everything in between.

Step 7: Follow With Conditioner

Lock in the benefits of the olive oil with a conditioner of your choosing. We’re partial to the REFRESHMENTS Superb Strength Conditioner; it contains sunflower seed oil that helps protect hair from damage and reinforces weak, brittle strands.

Step 8: Finish With a Leave-In Conditioner

If your hair tends to still feel a bit dry even after rinsing with a nourishing conditioner, don’t be afraid to use a leave-in conditioner as well. The SUTRA Heat Guard® Leave-In Cream will protect you from frizzy strands and flyaways so you can style your hair to perfection.

2. Olive Oil Scalp Treatment

Step 1: Add 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil to a Bowl

One tablespoon should be enough to cover your scalp, though be sure to add more if you need it.

Step 2: Warm the Oil

Similar to the olive oil hair treatment, you want the oil to be warm when applied to your scalp as well. Heat it up until it is warm to the touch but not too hot.

Step 3: Massage onto Your Scalp

Rub the oil between your hands then run it through your scalp, massaging your fingertips in circular motions.

Step 4: Cover Your Scalp

Again, this will help the oil better penetrate the scalp. Use a shower cap like the GIMME BEAUTY Shower Cap or even a warm towel to wrap your head.

Step 5: Let It Sit for 30 Minutes

Leave the oil under the shower cap or towel for a minimum of 30 minutes but no more than an hour.

Step 6: Rinse With Shampoo

Rinse out the oil with a sulfate-free shampoo that’s gentle on your scalp. We recommend the AVEDA Nutriplenish™ Shampoo Deep Moisture for its nourishing ingredients like organic pomegranate oil, coconut oil, and mango butter that gently cleanse the hair without stripping it of its natural oils.

3. Olive Oil Hair Mask

Step 1: Combine an Egg, Olive Oil, and Honey in a Bowl

Mix the three ingredients together to create an ultra-nourishing hair mask for your lengths and ends.

Step 2: Apply the Mask to Your Hair

When the ingredients have been thoroughly mixed together, apply them to your hair. Start mid-length, then move down to the ends.

Step 3: Put Your Hair in a Shower Cap

This will help prevent the mask from getting everywhere and will also give it some extra heat to ensure it penetrates your hair follicles and delivers the moisture you desire. We love that the KITSCH Luxe Shower Cap is designed for times like this. The no-slip silicone grip keeps everything in place while you let the mask work its magic.

Step 4: Leave It on for 15 to 30 Minutes

The mask should stay on your strands for around 15 minutes for those with short or fine hair and for around 30 minutes for those with long or thick hair.

Step 5: Rinse With Shampoo

As with the two other treatments above, the experts recommend you use a sulfate-free shampoo to rinse out the mask. The AUTHENTIC BEAUTY CONCEPT Replenish Cleanser is equal parts gentle and nourishing.

Step 6: Follow With Conditioner

You can’t forget to follow up with a conditioner, no matter how nourishing the shampoo is. The REFRESHMENTS Oh My Moisture Conditioner will boost the hydration the mask delivered leaving your strands as soft and shiny as ever.

Step 7: Finish With a Leave-In Conditioner

If you need an extra dose of hydration, don’t be shy—use a leave-in. We love the PURE BRAZILIAN Leave-In Conditioner because it provides our hair with all the silky smoothness we crave thanks to restorative keratin, Bulgarian rose water, Bombyx silk, quartz, and crushed pink salt.

4. Quick Olive Oil Treatment for the Ends of Your Hair

Step 1: Mix Olive Oil and Honey in Your Hands

This quick treatment will repair split ends and only requires a few minutes to work, according to Carroll. Start by combining a small amount of EVOO and honey into your hands.

Step 2: Apply the Mixture to Your Ends

Once the two ingredients are combined, apply them to your ends, focusing on areas that have more noticeable damage.

Step 3: Leave It on for 15 Minutes

Leave the olive oil and honey on your ends for as little as 15 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse With Shampoo

When your timer goes off, it’s time to rinse out the mixture. Use a sulfate-free shampoo like the RIKOKO Lock Shampoo that will cleanse and nourish your ends with a blend of matured coconut oil, rich anti-oxidant vanilla extract, and purifying cinnamon bark.

Step 5: Finish With Conditioner

Give your ends some extra moisture with a nourishing conditioner. We suggest the POMELO + CO. Vanilla Conditioner for its marshmallow root extract, plant proteins, and coconut oil that leave hair looking and feeling glossy.

DIY Olive Oil 101

As showcased above, you can easily create a DIY hair product that contains olive oil to use on your strands. When using olive oil, Webster stresses that you pay attention to the following factors:

• Type: Always opt for extra virgin olive oil, as it's the least processed, retains the most nutrients, and is cold-pressed without chemicals. It contains high levels of antioxidants and fatty acids that are beneficial for hair and skin.

• Cold-Pressed: Look for oils that are labeled ‘cold-pressed.’ This means the oil was extracted without heat, preserving the nutrient content and antioxidant levels, making it more effective for topical treatments.

• Organic Certification: Choose organic olive oil to avoid exposure to pesticides and chemicals that could be harmful when applied to hair and skin. Organic certification ensures the oil is free from synthetic additives.

• Packaging: Olive oil is sensitive to light and heat, which can degrade its quality. Purchase oils stored in dark glass bottles to protect them from light exposure.

• Storage Conditions: Make sure the oil has been stored away from heat and light sources in the store or online marketplace.

• Harvest and Expiration Date: Check the harvest or production date. Olive oil has a shelf life of about 18 to 24 months. Fresher oil will be more potent and effective in treatments.

• Price: While high-quality olive oil can be more expensive, extremely low-priced oils might be diluted with inferior or refined oils, compromising its benefits for DIY treatments.”

Make It Easy on You

Really want to incorporate olive oil into your hair care routine but don’t have the patience or energy to DIY it? The good news is, you don’t have to. There are numerous hair products that contain the oil and allow you to reap all its benefits without feeling like a mad scientist in the process.

“At Tara, olive oil plays a vital role in several of our formulations,” says Villena. “Known for its versatility and efficacy, olive oil is one of the botanicals we rely on to nurture hair and scalp health, promoting a balanced and effective self-care routine.” She notes that the conditioners contain olive oil and provide the same level of nourishment as a DIY hair mask without having to wait 30 minutes. Villena has some recommendations for various hair concerns as well: “To address hair thinning and scalp health, opt for the Onions+ Peptides Hair Stimulation System, the Rosemary+ Peptides Hair Density System to enhance hair density and thickness, and the Detox Scalp + Hair Revival System to exfoliate, hydrate, and balance your hair.”

Carroll and her brand Wonder Valley also use olive oil in their products. “We used enough extra virgin olive oil to capture the nourishing, repairing, and scalp-supporting benefits in our foundational Wonder Valley hair care line. but it's balanced by other ingredients that will support holistic hair health so the formulation is performative,” she shares.

Adding olive oil to your routine can be as simple as swapping out your shampoo or conditioner for one from Tara or Wonder Valley—or just doing an olive oil treatment once a month to help restore your strands to tip-top shape.