Dry, frizzy hair occurs any time of the year. In the winter, it is caused by a lack of humidity. In the summer, it is caused by the effects of harmful sun rays. And when it happens, your first thought may be to head for your favorite salon for treatment or expensive products. But hold on before you go! The answer to your frizzy hair may be lurking in your kitchen. Olive oil, among its other health benefits, can bring moisture and shine back to your hair. Here are methods for treating your hair–wet or dry–with olive oil to deep-moisturize it at far, far less than the cost of a salon visit or an expensive product.
Why Olive Oil?
Olive oil contains antioxidants, which are intimately involved in the prevention of cellular damage such as what you see with frizzy hair. Antioxidants remove harmful free radicals that can cause a chain reaction of cell damage from the surface of your hair and scalp. Free radicals contribute to premature aging, so protecting the hair follicle with antioxidants may help with hair loss. Olive oil is also an emollient, which means that it penetrates the hair shaft better than other types of oils, creating shiny, healthy hair with improved elasticity.
Dry Hair Treatment
- Warm about a half a cup of extra-virgin olive oil in a microwave. The olive oil should be warm but not hot to the touch. To add a pleasant fragrance, you can soak a sprig of dried rosemary or lavender in your olive oil bottle several days prior to your treatment.
- Pour one tablespoon of the olive oil mixture into the palm of your hands.
- Massage the oil into your dry hair in a circular motion starting with your scalp using your fingertips. Finish by massaging the tips of your hair.
- Wrap your oil-drenched hair tightly into a shower cap, plastic wrap or a towel. Warmth and humidity help the oil to sink in.
- Let the olive oil sit for between at least 30 minutes. The drier your hair, the longer the oil needs to work. For those with minor dryness, 30 – 45 minutes is sufficient time to leave on the oil. If you have extensive damage, such as from chemical treatments or coloring, leave the oil on for up to two hours. You can also leave it on overnight by covering your hair with a shower cap
- Rinse with a sulfate-free shampoo. You may need to shampoo a couple of times to get the oil out completely, but your hair will be left feeling thick and extra-soft.
Note: If you have thin hair, less is more as the oil can overly saturate delicate strands.
Wet Hair Treatment
- Dampen your hair and wash it well with a small teaspoon of shampoo.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly and then apply a quarter-sized amount of conditioner to your hair by massaging it through with your fingers.
- Rinse out the conditioner and then comb your hair.
- Protect your shoulders with a towel and pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil into your hand. Work the oil through your hair making sure to cover each strand thoroughly.
- Let the olive oil sit for between at least 30 minutes. The drier your hair, the longer the oil needs to work. For those with minor dryness, 30 – 45 minutes is sufficient time to leave on the oil. If you have extensive damage, such as from chemical treatments or coloring, leave the oil on for up to two hours. You can also leave it on overnight by covering your hair with a shower cap.
- Rinse with a sulfate-free shampoo. You may need to shampoo a couple of times to get the oil out completely, but your hair will be left feeling thick and extra-soft.
Note: If you have thin hair, less is more as the oil can overly saturate delicate strands.
Will you try this olive oil hair treatment?
Image: iStockPhoto
