Olive oil is a beneficial oil for both health and beauty purposes. Extra-virgin olive oil is considered to be the best for cosmetic purposes, according to stylist John Masters in "The Green Beauty Guide," by author and registered nutrition specialist Julie Gabriel. Extra-virgin olive oil is thought to be the most valuable and delicate oil, because it is obtained after the first pressing of olives.
Deep Conditioning
Deep conditioners promote hair growth by keeping your hair healthy and preventing breakage, according to Janice Cox in her book, "Natural Beauty at Home." Olive oil can be used as a deep conditioner and a hot oil treatment to add moisture and nourishment to dry, damaged hair. It can also be added to home hair mask recipes, according to author Julie Gabriel. Using olive oil as a deep conditioner is cheaper than many salon treatments, and it can provide you with the same results. You can rub some olive oil into your hair and scalp prior to shampooing or leave it in your hair for an overnight deep conditioning treatment. You can also gently heat some olive oil in the microwave for a homemade hot oil treatment. Rub the oil into your hair and put a plastic shower cap on and allow the nutrients to penetrate fully for 20 minutes. Rinse well and follow with shampoo.
Dry Scalp Treatment
Keeping your scalp healthy, moisturized and free of flakes and dandruff keeps your hair follicles healthy and clean. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, your hair follicles are responsible for hair growth, so keeping them healthy and unclogged by dead skin cells and flakes may help to encourage hair growth. Although there is no scientific proof to support the claim, many herbalists and traditional medicine practitioners recommend rubbing olive oil into the scalp to treat and alleviate certain dry scalp conditions such as dandruff or itchy, flaky scalp. According to herbal medicine practitioner Nancy Evelyn in her book, "Pocket Guide to Herbal First Aid," olive oil can be rubbed into the scalp to alleviate itching and dandruff and add moisture to the hair and scalp. You should rub the oil into your scalp before shampooing. This treatment is most effective when left in for at least 30 to 40 minutes.
Carrier Oil
Olive oil is frequently used as a carrier oil in the holistic healing art of aromatherapy. A carrier oil is often required for aromatherapy treatments because many essential oils are too potent to be applied directly to the hair and scalp. Certain essential oils, such as rosemary and sage, can be added to a base of olive oil and rubbed in to the scalp to help promote and stimulate hair growth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Shampoo
Olive oil can be used in homemade shampoo recipes to help condition and improve the strength of your hair, according to beauty specialist Janice Cox. Stronger hair is less susceptible to breakage and split ends, which give the illusion of slow hair growth because your hair shaft either splits or breaks off. Keeping your hair shaft strong and nourished will encourage healthier hair growth. In homemade shampoo recipes, olive oil is usually mixed with water and liquid soap or added to a mild shampoo to give your hair extra shine and nourishment.
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