Advantages and application

Chefs have been using olive oil for years, and nowadays, hairdressers do too. The olive oil extracted from the olive contains a hair-healthy monounsaturated fatty acid, a type of lipid that keeps hair soft and hydrated. “The lipids in vegetable olive oil are naturally small, so they can penetrate the hair shaft more easily,” says Dr. Kristina Collins, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Austin Skin.

Want your hair to look healthier and shinier? Next time you reach into the pantry to drizzle some olive oil on your salad, remember to use it on your hair too. Here, our experts tell you how to do it.

The benefits of using olive oil for hair

Olive oil is rich in oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids, as well as antioxidants such as vitamins E and K. It moisturizes, improves shine and tames frizz. “The result is softer, smoother and shinier hair that is easier to manage,” explains Jack Panico, owner of Panico Salon.

Who should (and who shouldn’t) apply olive oil to their hair

That depends on your hair type and how much oil your hair naturally retains. “Olive oil is great for dry, thick hair, especially if it’s been colored, treated, or straightened,” explains Panico. “It’s also ideal for hair that’s brittle and split from using heat tools.” Those with fine hair, however, should avoid olive oil. “This hair type typically doesn’t have enough internal mass to absorb oil, and the result can be greasy and limp hair,” says Jay Small, trichologist and co-founder of Arey. Panico agrees: “In these cases, it’s best to avoid olive oil altogether or use it in small amounts as a targeted treatment rather than applying it all over the hair.”

The best type of olive oil for your hair

Although there is little research on which type of olive oil is most effective for hair, a high-quality extra virgin olive oil is probably best. “EVOO contains the highest amounts of antioxidants,” says Dr. Collins. Try: Olio Piro, Moor’s Head Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Colavita Premium Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil

How to apply olive oil to your hair

The best time to use olive oil is before washing your hair. “First, massage a small amount between your palms, about half a teaspoon for short hair, a teaspoon for longer hair,” recommends Panico. “Apply from the middle of your hair shaft to the ends, avoiding the roots and scalp. Then use a wide-toothed comb to gently comb the oil through and ensure even distribution.” Panico recommends letting it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes and then washing your hair. “You can also use it as a leave-in treatment for dry ends,” he says, recommending an olive oil spray to make application easier. To mask any odors, Small likes to add a few drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil to the olive oil and prefers a small brush or sponge for a clean, precise application.

How to best rinse olive oil out of your hair

Olive oil can be quite a mess. “Use a clarifying shampoo or wash your hair twice with your regular cleanser to remove the olive oil from the hair,” advises Panico, who likes to finish with a scented conditioner or hairspray to neutralize any odors. Short recommends a gentle clarifying shampoo. “You want to preserve the benefits of the olive oil and not remove it all after use.”

Shampoos with olive oil provide fatty acids and antioxidants while cleansing hair. These include Kiehl’s Nourishing Olive Fruit Oil Shampoo, Seek Bamboo Natural Shampoo Bar with Olive Oil and Whole Blends Legendary Olive Replenishing Shampoo.

Olive oil and the scalp

Our experts caution against applying olive oil directly to the scalp. “It can aggravate seborrheic dermatitis, also known as dandruff, and encourage yeast and fungal growth, especially if someone sweats a lot or has an oily scalp,” warns Dr. Collins. Small agrees: “It’s a misconception that you need to moisturize and hydrate a dry, itchy scalp. In fact, the opposite can be true – you may have an abundance of oil and dead skin cells that need to be removed.”

The risks

Although allergic skin reactions to olive oil are rare, it is recommended to do a patch test when trying a new ingredient. “Use a pen to circle an area on the inside of your forearm, then apply the olive oil to that area twice a day for three days. If the skin becomes red or itchy, stop,” advises Dr. Collins.

You also need to be careful when standing on wet tiles. “Be sure to rub some soap on the soles of your feet to remove oil from your hair so you don’t slip,” advises Dr. Kseniya Kobets, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care.