can we apply olive oil for hair - #25248
I am just really curious if we can apply olive oil for hair. My sister has been using it for a while now, and her hair looks super shiny and smooth! I’ve always heard people say that olive oil is great for moisturizing and stuff, but I worry it might be too heavy for my hair. Mine tends to get oily fast, so I’m not sure if using olive oil would just make it worse or if there’s some kind of balance. A couple of days ago, I tried a small amount after my shower, and my hair felt kinda greasy after a few hours, but my friends say you have to let it really soak in or something. Do you think that’s true? Like, can we apply olive oil for hair just straight or should it be mixed with other oils? Is there any specific technique for applying it that works best? Also, I’m wondering if this is good for all hair types or mostly for dry hair? Really hoping to figure this out because I am looking for a natural solution to help with some frizz and split ends. Can we apply olive oil for hair in a way that doesn’t leave it feeling heavy? Would love to hear any tips from you all!
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Doctors' responses
Yes, olive oil can be applied to hair, and many people find it beneficial for adding shine and smoothness, thanks to its moisturizing properties. It’s rich in healthy fats and vitamin E, which can help to condition the hair shaft, seal in moisture, and potentially reduce frizz. However, the key is in how you use it, especially if your hair tends to get oily quickly. For those with oil-prone hair, using too much olive oil or applying it incorrectly can indeed leave hair feeling greasy.
If your goal is to combat frizz and split ends without weighing your hair down, consider using olive oil more as a pre-shampoo treatment. Before washing your hair, apply a small amount to the mid-lengths and ends, avoiding the roots to prevent greasiness. Let it sit for about 15-30 minutes before rinsing and shampooing your hair as usual. This can help to hydrate the hair without leaving a heavy residue. For your specific situation, where scalp oiliness is a concern, regular, thorough rinsing and possibly a double shampooing might be necessary to ensure no oil residue remains.
As for mixing with other oils, some people do combine olive oil with lighter oils such as jojoba or argan oil to create a balanced treatment. This adds the benefit of olive oil without weighing down hair as much.
If olive oil feels too heavy on your hair, you may want to experiment with these mixtures, or alternatively, try only applying olive oil treatments less frequently, like once a week. This way, you can still reap the benefits without the greasy downside.
When considering olive oil, it’s also worth noting that it’s generally better suited to dry or thick hair types. Finer hair types might find it too heavy, even in small amounts. So, a little trial and error is to be expected. If olive oil doesn’t seem to work for you, exploring other natural solutions like aloe vera or using a lightweight leave-in conditioner could be alternatives to reduce frizz and protect from split ends.
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