Olive oil has been used for centuries as a health and beauty aid. It contains the nourishing antioxidant vitamin E, and when used on skin and hair, it can restore luster and moisture. If you have dandruff or dry hair, weekly treatment with olive oil can reduce dandruff and leave it feeling soft and silky. Choose a high-quality olive oil, such as a cold-pressed extra virgin variety.
Scalp Treatment
Using olive oil as a scalp treatment once or twice a week will help relieve the symptoms of dandruff, including flaking and itching, and will gradually work to bring the scalp into balance. Pour a 1/4 cup of quality olive oil into a small dish. Dip your fingertips into the olive oil and then massage the scalp all over for 5 minutes. If more olive oil is needed, reapply. Concentrate on the scalp and roots, not the hair. Shampoo the scalp afterward.
Conditioner
Plenty of store-bought conditioners contain olive oil, but conditioners can be made at home, too. Combine 1 cup of distilled water with 1 cup of olive oil. You can also add a few drops of essential oil of lavender or chamomile, which have soothing properties for hair and the senses. Put the mixture in a squeeze bottle and shake well. Apply as a rinse after shampooing, and massage into hair and scalp. Rinse well.
Leave-In Treatment
To soothe severely dry or damaged hair, use a leave-in treatment one or two times per week. Combine 1/2 cup olive oil with 1 egg yolk in a squeeze bottle and shake well. Apply the mixture first to the scalp, massaging it in well for a few minutes. Then apply the excess to the shaft and ends of hair. Cover with a shower cap and let sit for 30 minutes to an hour. You can also apply heat with a hair dryer for added conditioning power. Follow with a shampoo.
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