Ah, I can see the questions forming in your mind already! Does smearing olive oil on your scalp make your hair grow faster? I get asked this all the time in my Ayurvedic practice. People desperately want to know the magical secret to thick, flowing locks.
Well my friend, while no oil can directly speed up hair growth, applying oils can support shine, strength, and follicle health. This in turn allows your natural growth rate to reach its peak potential!
Olive oil specifically contains some unique compounds that show promise for hair care, at least from early research. Now I won’t pretend olive oil is some miracle hair growth elixir…but when used properly, it may give your mane an advantage!
In this blog, I want to have an open discussion on the Ayurvedic perspective behind oils and hair. I’ll share what early studies reveal about olive oil and hair benefits, things to keep in mind when using it, and tips for working it into your hair care routine. My goal is to give you the facts so you can see if olive oil is right for your hair wellness journey.
So grab a fresh cup of chai, get cozy, and let’s unravel the mystery of olive oil together! With an open mind and a little patience, you may find just the solution you seek.
An Introduction to Olive Oil and Hair Health
Olive oil comes from pressing olives, the fruit of the olive tree. Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality and least processed form, with more antioxidants and nutrients than refined versions. But can rubbing olive oil into your hair and scalp lead to faster hair growth?
Olive oil contains fatty acids and antioxidants that may nourish hair follicles and condition hair. The monounsaturated fatty acids are similar to the natural oils our scalp produces. Antioxidants like vitamins E and K fight free radical damage linked to hair thinning. Olive oil also contains squalene, a lipid that may prevent moisture loss from hair.
So while olive oil does not directly make hair grow faster, its nourishing properties can support follicle health. In turn, this may allow hairs to achieve their optimum growth rate. Let’s analyze the evidence behind using olive oil for hair growth and volume.
Analyzing Studies on Olive Oil and Hair Growth
Several small studies have analyzed the effects that olive oil application has on hair growth over time.
A Study on Men With Male Pattern Baldness
In one controlled study, 20 men with male pattern hair loss massaged an olive pomade blend into their scalps daily for 8 weeks. The olive oil treatment group showed significant increases in hair count compared to placebo. They also had less shedding and a slower shedding rate.
A Study With Animal Subjects
Researchers applied olive and coconut oils to shaved mice for 30 days along with a control group. Both oil treatments showed faster hair regrowth than no treatment. After 6 weeks, the olive oil group had better hair growth than coconut oil.
Before and After Comparisons
In an uncontrolled study, 28 people with hair loss massaged olive oil into their scalps nightly for 3 months. Tricho scans found over 54% had some improvement in hair counts after treatment. Over 17% showed significant increases in total hair density.
While these studies had flaws, they suggest olive oil could boost hair growth potential. More research is still needed, but the fatty acids may nourish follicles for optimal hair production.
Potential Benefits of Using Olive Oil on Hair
Beyond possible growth effects, massaging olive oil into the scalp and throughout the hair provides other potential perks.
1. Conditions Hair From Root to Tip
As mentioned before, olive oil is 85% monounsaturated fatty acids similar to our scalp’s sebum. This allows olive oil to penetrate and condition hair. The viscosity also enables olive oil to coat each strand, locking in moisture.
This lubricating effect gives hair a smooth, shiny look while preventing breakage and split ends. It can restore elasticity and strength to damaged hair from heat tools, dyes, and other chemical processing.
2. Anti-inflammatory for the Scalp
Olive oil contains the antioxidants vitamins E and K. By fighting oxidative damage, these compounds can help lower inflammation. Scalp inflammation can restrict follicle growth and lead to dandruff or dermatitis.
Olive oil is also antimicrobial, which may treat fungal infections impacting the scalp and hair quality. The anti-inflammatory effects can provide relief from a dry, itchy scalp.
3. Removes Build-Up from Hair and Scalp
As a lipid, olive oil can dissolve debris, dead skin cells, hard water minerals, and product residue stuck to the scalp and coating hair. Removing this build-up unclogs follicles and allows hair to grow freely. It also enables the scalp and strands to absorb moisture better.
4. Safe for All Hair Types
From straight and wavy to coily and curly, olive oil suits all hair varieties. It gets absorbed well into the hair without feeling much greasy. The fatty acids add slip and moisture to kinky or dry locks. Those with fine, oily hair can focus olive oil application just on the ends and mid-lengths to avoid excess weight.
Risks and Considerations With Using Olive Oil on Hair
While olive oil has many benefits, a few downsides are worth keeping in mind.
Allergic Reactions
Those allergic to olives may react to olive oil and should patch test before use. Apply a dime-sized amount to your forearm. If no redness or irritation develops within 24-48 hours, olive oil should be safe to use.
Oil Slick Hair
Olive oil is heavier than other hair oils like argan or jojoba. For some hair types, leaving it on too long before washing out can lead to greasy-looking hair. Those with finer hair may want to focus olive oil just on the mid-lengths and ends or use it sparingly on roots.
Acne and Folliculitis
Some people experience clogged pores, pimples, or folliculitis from leaving olive oil on the scalp for too long. Make sure to shampoo thoroughly after an olive oil treatment. Using lighter oils like grapeseed or rice bran oil may be better for acne-prone scalps.
How to Use Olive Oil for Hair Growth and Health
Now that we’ve covered the pros, cons, and science behind olive oil and hair, let’s discuss some recommendations for usage.
1. Choose Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Not all olive oils are equal in purity and quality. Look for extra virgin olive oil in a dark glass bottle. This signals less processing and more antioxidants than lower “virgin” grades. Check for a harvest date within the past 1-2 years for freshness.
2. Perform a Patch Test First
Rub a quarter-size amount of olive oil onto your forearm and wait 24-48 hours to check for any redness, swelling, itching, or irritation. If no reaction develops, olive oil should be safe to use on your scalp and hair.
3. Focus on the Scalp for Growth
While olive oil conditions the entire hair shaft, applying it directly to the scalp provides the most growth benefits. Massage olive oil into the scalp nightly to increase blood flow and deliver nutrients to follicles. Leave it on overnight before shampooing out.
4. Deep Condition Strands Once a Week
For added shine and strength, coat hair strands with olive oil then wrap in a warm towel. Let sit for 30 minutes up to overnight, then shampoo and condition as normal. This treatment brings moisture and elasticity back to dry, brittle hair.
5. Mix With Other Oils for Balance
To make olive oil lighter and easier to wash out, try blending it 50/50 with sweet almond, argan oil, or grapeseed oil. For acne-prone scalps, mix olive oil with 1 part apple cider vinegar to help dissolve build-up and balance pH.
6. Don’t Overdo Applications
While olive oil is generally moisturizing, overusing it can lead to greasy hair for some. Limit applications to 1-2 times a week for the scalp and 1-2 times a month for full hair masks. Adjust the frequency based on your hair’s needs.
Conclusion
In summary, research shows promise that applying olive oil could support faster hair growth results when massaged into the scalp consistently. Thanks to its fatty acid content similar to natural sebum, olive oil also penetrates to condition, smooth and adds shine from root to tip.
However, olive oil is not a magic bullet, especially if underlying health conditions or nutrient deficiencies impact your hair. Work with your doctor to rule out other factors. Continue taking a holistic approach to hair care.
I hope this breakdown gives you more insight into whether or not olive oil is right for your hair growth and health journey. Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m always happy to help.
