A Homemade Olive Oil Hair Treatment

Olive oil is a natural derivative of ripe olive fruits. Though primarily used in cooking, it is also a common ingredient in both homemade and commercial beauty products. According to Drugs.com, topical olive oil applications work to soften and protect and rarely cause allergic reactions. When used on the hair, olive oil is believed to soothe the scalp and add shine to lackluster locks.

Type

All olive oil is not created equal. The oil is graded from extra virgin to pomace, with the former being derived from the highest quality olives. Extra virgin olive oil has less than 1 percent natural acidity and retains all of the fruit's natural vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, reports Cal Orey, author of "The Healing Powers of Olive Oil." Hair treatments should only be made with extra virgin olive oil.

Deep Conditioner

Olive oil is a well-known herbal remedy for dry and damaged tresses. To smooth strands, massage a mixture of one-part olive oil and one-part water into dry hair. Work from roots to tips, then cover with a shower cap. The length of the treatment depends on personal preference; while some wait 20 minutes before showering, others keep the treatment on all night.

Hair Serum

Olive oil can be used to treat hair on a daily basis. Instead of buying expensive serums at the store, control frizzy locks with one or two drops of extra virgin olive oil. Be sure to rub the oil between your palms before smoothing it over your hair. This homemade treatment adds shine and does not need to be washed out.

Scalp Massage

Ayurvedic medicine recommends combining olive oil treatments with massage to increase blood flow to the scalp. The theory is that this will nourish the hair follicles and encourage new growth. Other benefits include the prevention of split ends, dandruff relief and softer, more manageable hair, according to AWorldofAromatherapy.com.

Considerations

Despite olive oil's many benefits, there is one big negative--the potential for stains. When treating hair with large amounts of the oil, use an old shirt or towel to protect nice clothes. It is also a good idea to cover pillows during overnight treatments.

If olive oil does end up on your clothes or other fabric, immediately sprinkle the stain with baking soda. This will help sop up some of the oil. Treat the remaining stain with one or two drops of a grease-fighting dish soap. Rub the fabric briskly for about five minutes and soak it for a few hours before washing.

According to Fibers.com, it is important to make sure that the olive oil is completely gone before using a clothes dryer. Otherwise, the heat will permanently set the stain.