Olive Oil Leave-in Hair & Scalp Treatment

Leave-in olive oil treatments for dry scalps and damaged hair have been around for centuries. While commercial hot-oil treatment kits abound in drug stores, consider using an inexpensive, all-natural version for similar results. Olive oil treatments deeply condition dry and frizzy hair while also loosening stubborn tangles and soothing itchy scalps.

Ingredients and Supplies

Gather olive oil, optional essential oils, a heatproof measuring cup or glass bowl, measuring spoons, kitchen thermometer and a comb or brush. You'll also need a plastic shower cap or plastic wrap and a thick, wool cap or towel. An old t-shirt and a towel for your shoulders will protect clothes from the inevitable dripping.

Basic Method

For the deepest hair penetration, use warm olive oil. Heat up to 2 tsp. olive oil in a microwave or in a stove top water bath. People with short, fine hair may need as little as 1/4 tsp.; don't use more than 2 tsp. even if you have thick, long hair.

When the oil reaches about 105 degrees, remove the oil from the heat source and massage it into your scalp. Use a comb or gentle brush to distribute the oil evenly through your hair. If you have damaged hair but an oily scalp, focus on your hair's ends. Otherwise, work the oil into both your scalp and hair shaft.

Place plastic wrap or shower cap over your head, tucking all of your hair inside the plastic. Top with a wool cap or a towel that is wrapped turban-style. Leave the hot olive oil treatment on for at least one hour. Either style the hair with the olive oil still on or shampoo and gently towel-dry the hair

Herbal Olive Oils

Infusing olive oil with therapeutic herbs adds additional healing properties for your hair and scalp. Beauty author Dina Falconi suggests lavender for all hair types. Sage, rosemary and thyme work well for dark-haired people with itchy scalps and damaged hair, while calendula and chamomile offer similar protection for light-haired people. Those prone to dandruff and fungal infections may benefit from olive oil infused with comfrey root, nettle and mugwort. Pour olive oil over fresh or dried herbs and steep for at least three weeks before straining and using for weekly hair treatments.

Essential oils

Herbal essential oils also boost the beneficial properties of basic hot olive oil treatments. Use three to four drops of herbal essential oils. The herbs listed above are suggested. Additionally, use tea tree oil for fungal infections. For lice treatment, combine olive oil with tea tree, clove, rosemary or eucalyptus oils and leave on at least two hours. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests combining olive oil with peppermint, sage or rosemary essential oils to fight scalp infections and stimulate hair growth.

Alternatives

If you dislike olive oil or don't have access to it, consider a commercial leave-in oil treatment kit. Jojoba, sesame or coconut oils also make rich, penetrating hot oil treatments and can be used alone or with herbs and essential oils.