Mediterranean people have used olive oil for centuries for its health and beauty benefits. Incorporating olive oil into your diet provides essential vitamins and oils necessary for healthy skin and hair. Olive oil is also one of the best natural conditioners for dry or damaged hair. According to Janice Cox in her book "Natural Beauty at Home," olive oil was probably the first oil ever to be used in cosmetics because of its healing, soothing and skin and hair-enhancing properties. Making your own herb-infused olive oil treatment is an easy and effective way to treat dry or damaged hair.
Step 1
Place the dried lavender flowers in a quart-sized jar. In her book "Natural Beauty Basics: Create Your Own Cosmetics and Body Care Products," Dorie Byers says lavender is an excellent herb for use on most hair types and will help to prevent hair loss.
Step 2
Fill the jar completely with organic extra-virgin olive oil. Using organic olive oil will ensure you are not absorbing any unnecessary chemicals through your scalp when you apply the oil to your hair. Cover the jar with the lid and allow the flowers to infuse the oil for three weeks.
Step 3
Strain the oil from the flowers through a sieve and into a bowl.
Step 4
Rinse your hair with warm water. Pour one tablespoon of the infused oil into the palms of your hands and rub this mixture through your hair and into your scalp.
Step 5
Cover your hair with plastic wrap or a shower cap. Place the towel over your hair and sit in the sun for 10 minutes to allow for extra absorption of the oil.
Step 6
Rinse well and wash your hair thoroughly with your favorite shampoo to remove all of the oil.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have very dry or damaged hair, you may apply the infused oil to your hair before going to bed to allow it to penetrate your hair while you sleep. Cover with a shower cap so the oil doesn't stain your pillows. Wash your hair in the morning.
Things You'll Need
- 1 quart organic extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 pound dried lavender flowers
- Plastic wrap or plastic shower cap
- Towel
- Quart-sized jar with lid
- Sieve
- Bowl
References
- "Natural Beauty at Home"; Janice Cox; 2002
- "Natural Beauty Basics: Create Your Own Cosmetics and Body Care Products"; Dorie Byers; 2001
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