Before you make that olive oil hair mask, read this article :)

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When you see a bottle of olive oil, you might think of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet or dipping a piece of bread in it after finishing a salad. But there's another way to use this culinary ingredient: Applying it to your hair.

“It’s an ingredient that’s been around for a long time,” says Perry Romanowski, vice president of the Cosmetic Chemists Association and vice president of Element 44, a cosmetic formula consulting company.

"It is an easily accessible food product and as a result, there are often excess amounts that can be used in cosmetics."

If you take a look at TikTok, you’ll find endless videos of influencers touting the use of olive oil for longer, healthier, shinier hair. Like many plant-based oils, olive oil can act as a moisturizer, says Romanowski, so it seems like a good option for anyone looking to revitalize dry or brittle hair.
 
What’s more, a 2022 study in the International Journal of Trichology found that olive oil offers other benefits, like protecting hair from the sun’s UV rays and easing symptoms of psoriasis on the scalp.

But does that bottle of extra virgin olive oil you have in your kitchen really deserve a place in your hair care routine? After all, there are plenty of other oils for hair (like coconut, argan, or castor).

Benefits of olive oil for hair

According to Romanowski, there are three basic ways that hair products affect your hair: shampoos cleanse, conditioners moisturize, and styling products help with shape and texture. Olive oil, rich in moisturizing fatty acids, falls into the conditioner category.
 
That’s because olive oil is an occlusive (moisture-retaining) and emollient, meaning it helps seal moisture into the hair cuticle (outer layer), giving hair shine and softness. It can also help soothe and moisturize a dry or itchy scalp.
 
By hydrating your hair, olive oil can help combat frizz and protect it from breakage: “It’s a lifesaver when it comes to fighting frizz,” says Dmitry Irshinskiy, a stylist at FEKKAI salon in New York City.

Here are some other possible benefits:

Sun protection: Contains antioxidants like vitamin E and phenols that help protect hair from sun damage.
 
Fights mold and fungus: It is thought to have antifungal properties, according to Dr. Jack Levy of Weill Cornell Medicine. Studies show that it can slow the growth of fungi like Candida albicans, which can cause scalp infections.
 
Helps with psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic disease that causes redness and problems on the scalp. Olive oil can relieve symptoms by shrinking the layers of the skin, according to the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance. But Dr. Levy emphasizes that there are now very effective medications for psoriasis, so it is not recommended as a sole treatment, but can be used as additional support.

Are there any risks to using olive oil on your hair?

Unfortunately, yes! There are a few things to keep in mind, according to Dr. Levy:
 
It makes your hair greasy: Being an oil, if used too much, it can leave your hair looking like it hasn't been washed in weeks. This is especially problematic for fine hair or scalps that tend to be oily.
 
It can go rancid (oxidize): The unsaturated fatty acids in olive oil can react with sunlight and cause the oil to go rancid, which can also give off an unpleasant odor. This is more pronounced if you use cooking oil rather than hair products that contain preservatives.
 
It can worsen dandruff: The oil feeds the yeast Malassezia, which is a major cause of dandruff. So if you're prone to dandruff or have sensitive skin, you should avoid it. It can also clog hair follicles if not washed properly, causing itching and inflammation.
 
Can be irritating: Like any other cosmetic ingredient, olive oil can cause irritation in some people. Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's automatically good for you.

Who should use olive oil on their hair?

Anyone can try it, but those with curly, thick, textured hair will benefit the most. For fine hair, oil can weigh it down and make it look lifeless, says Dr. Audrey Kunin, dermatologist and founder of DERMAdoctor Skincare.

How to apply olive oil to hair?

If you decide to try it, make sure you're not allergic to it first. Use cold-pressed, extra-virgin oil, as it retains more of the active ingredients. To do an allergy test, apply a little to the inside of your arm for a week or two, says Dr. Levy.
 
Once you're sure, put a little oil in your hands and spread it through your hair, avoiding the roots.

"As with many hair products, a little is more than enough," says stylist Glenn Ellis, adding that 1–2 tablespoons is enough.

If you’re going to apply it to your scalp, leave it on for 20–30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. The same rule applies to using it as a deep conditioner. If you’re concerned about excess oil, Ellis suggests mixing it with a little conditioner to make it easier to rinse out.
 
Don’t use it too often to avoid oiliness and product buildup on your scalp. Once a week or less is enough, and don’t use it at all if you plan on using heat tools (dryers, straighteners), because olive oil can burn your hair, says Romanowski.

The best alternative?

The simplest (and often best) way to incorporate olive oil into your routine is through hair care products that contain it.