How to Condition Hair Using Pure Olive Oil
Overview
Olive oil has been used for centuries to soften and moisturize skin and hair. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is especially good for the skin and hair because it still contains many of the benefits from the olive fruit. If you have dry, frizzy hair, try conditioning with olive oil once a week, in addition to your regular hair care regimen.
Step 1
Wash your hair with a mild shampoo to remove any dirt or styling residues. Towel-dry your hair until only slightly damp. Do not use a conditioner.
Step 2
Pour approximately 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a microwave safe dish. If you have really short, or thin, hair, try 1 tablespoon. If you have very thick or long hair, try more. There is no exact measurement, you just need enough oil to work to the ends of your hair. Two tablespoons is usually enough for most people.
Step 3
Warm the oil in the microwave for 30 seconds. The oil should be warmer than body temperature but cool enough to touch. Warming the oil allows it to penetrate the hair shaft and makes it easier to spread.
Step 4
Dip your fingers into the oil and massage the oil into your scalp. Do not pour the oil directly onto your scalp. Massage your entire scalp and work the oil through to the ends of your hair.
Step 5
Cover your head with a plastic shower cap, or processing cap, and wrap your head in a towel. If you don't have a shower cap, you can also wrap your hair in plastic wrap or tie a plastic grocery bag around your hair. The plastic holds in body heat and keeps the towel from absorbing the oil.
Step 6
Sit for 30 minutes and let the oil absorb into your hair. Remove the towel and plastic cap. If your hair is very dry, you may find that your hair has absorbed most of the oil. Rinse the excess oil, from your hair, with warm water. If you have a lot of excess oil, use a mild shampoo to help emulsify the oil. Do not apply the shampoo more than once.
Step 7
Condition your hair as you normally would. Or, if preferred, stop after the olive oil treatment.
Tips and Warnings
- If your hair is especially dry, you can leave the olive oil in instead of washing it out. Just be sure that your hair has absorbed the oil completely.
- Oil from a microwave can be very hot, and could burn you. Do not pour hot oil directly onto your scalp. Olive oil can be very slippery, if you rinse in the shower, use non-slip decals or take other precautions to avoid slipping. Using a hand-held shower head, while leaning over the tub, is often best.
Things You'll Need
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil Microwave safe dish One plastic shower cap One towel
About this Author
J. Michelle has a B.A. in film and video production and an A.A.S. in medical massage. She is currently a licensed massage therapist with certifications in land and aquatic personal training, aquatic group fitness and Reiki. She has been writing health, fitness and crafts articles for Demand Studios since January 2009.
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