The ancient Greeks considered olive oil a precious commodity. Homer called it liquid gold. The Greeks used it for medicine, religious rituals, food and cosmetics. Now, hundreds of years later, olive oil is still hailed for its many heathful qualities. Olive oil is particularly useful as a cosmetic treatment and can help restore luster to dry, damaged hair.
Brittle Hair
Before you can treat damaged hair, identify the source of the damage. A common cause of brittle hair is heat. Hair dryers and straighteners put stress on the hair shafts, causing them to break more easily. Chemical treatments such as perms and hair dyes have a similar effect. Another cause of dryness is excessive washing. Shampoos strip the natural oils that protect the hair and give it sheen. Wash your hair only two to three times per week using a gentle shampoo.
Other Causes
Brittle hair can also be a symptom of a more serious condition. People who suffer from anorexia or malnutrition are not getting enough nutrients to maintain a healthy head of hair. Dry, brittle hair is also an early symptom of hypothyroidism--a condition in which the body produces an insufficient supply of thyroid hormone. The Mayo Clinic lists fatigue, weight gain, dry skin and elevated cholesterol as some of the other symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Properties of Olive Oil
Olive oil has several chemical properties that make it an ideal moisturizer for damaged hair. It contains linoleic acid, which traps moisture by preventing evaporation. Additionally, olive oil contains at least four different anti-oxidants that protect the scalp from damaging free radicals.
Deep Conditioning
Gently massage 3 to 4 tablespoons of warm olive oil into your hair, beginning at the roots and working down through the ends. Cover your head with plastic or a shower cap and allow the oil to soak in for 30 minutes to an hour. Then shower and shampoo as you normally would.
Tangles
Olive oil can also be used to tame a frizzy mane or comb out tangles. Coat a wide-toothed plastic comb with a thin layer of oil and use it to gently tease out the tangles. Do not shampoo. A small amount of oil will leave your hair smooth and shiny. In the summer, comb a little olive oil through your hair before jumping in the pool. The oil will help protect your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine.
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