can we put olive oil on hair - #25301
I am really curious about something that's been on my mind for ages. Last week, I went to this fancy salon, right? The stylist went on and on about using olive oil for hair treatment. She even used some on my hair when I was getting my color done, and honestly, my hair felt super soft afterward. But now I'm wondering, can we put olive oil on hair on a regular basis? Like, I mean, I sometimes struggle with dryness and frizz, and I read about many natural treatments, but olive oil sounds extra appealing, ya know? I've tried deep conditioners, and they help a bit, but some leave my hair oily and heavy. Would putting olive oil on hair before washing it work better? Or should I apply it after? Should I mix it with something else, like maybe a few drops of essential oils? I'm also worried about it making my hair greasy because I have thin hair, not too much volume. Is that a thing with olive oil? Can we put olive oil on hair without risking looking like a grease machine? Would love to hear your thoughts on this!
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Doctors' responses
Using olive oil on hair is a pretty popular natural remedy for dryness and frizz, and it’s generally safe to use. Olive oil can be a great way to add moisture, primarily because of its ability to penetrate the hair cuticle, which can help in strengthening and adding shine. Since you’ve noticed dryness and frizz, applying olive oil could be beneficial. Typically, it’s recommended to use it as a pre-shampoo treatment. You can apply a small amount to dry hair and let it sit for about 15-30 minutes before washing it out with your regular shampoo routine. This can help minimize any greasy feel since olive oil is pretty rich, which can potentially weigh down thin hair or make it look greasier if overused.
For thin hair, it’s crucial to start with a minimal amount, possibly a few drops, and focus mainly on the ends where dryness tends to be more pronounced. Avoid the scalp unless it’s particularly dry, as the natural oils produced there should suffice for moisture. If you’d like to mix it with something else, adding a few drops of essential oil (like tea tree or lavender) can enhance the treatment, potentially helping with any scalp issues too. Just ensure you’re not allergic to any essential oils used. Consistent use may find a balance for you between moisture and volume—testing it once a week might work well for starters. Watch how your hair responds and adjust accordingly. If you find it still heavy, scale back to biweekly applications. If issues with greasiness persist despite minimal use, you might want to explore different light conditioners or leave-in products specifically designed for thin or fine hair.
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