Olive oil may be of particular use for those whose hair has suffered as a result of their environment. Dr. Marcus explains, "Olive oil could be beneficial to those with dry hair that is frequently exposed to environmental toxins and especially UV radiation. So, for example, for those who spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun, and for swimmers." The type of olive oil you use matters, too. “Extra virgin olive oil can also be helpful for those with coarse, kinky or curly hair as it helps nourish curls.” How beneficial is olive oil in a hair formula? Additionally, Hill says hair oils can penetrate your hair strand and reduce the amount of water your hair absorbs—which, in turn, cuts down on shrinkage and frizz. Trichologist and celebrity stylist Kari Williams says that although most can benefit from using it, thin hair can be easily weighed down by olive oil, so those people should avoid overdoing it.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/olive-oil-for-your-hair-is-it-good-for-you-how-exactly-to-apply-it Pavlou P, Siamidi A, Varvaresou A, Vlachou M. Skin care formulations and lipid carriers as skin moisturizing agents. Cosmetics. 2021;8(3):89. doi:10.3390/cosmetics8030089

Comb your hair out. Before you rinse the olive oil out of your hair, it’s a good idea to brush it with a fine-toothed comb first. This will help distribute the oil and untangle any curls or knots. The good news is that olive oil is a great formula addition as it works on pretty much all hair types—though you may need to adjust how much you’re using to get the best results. Benefitting the most, however, are “those experiencing dry and damaged hair, as well as people with split ends”, says Hannah. You also should not use olive oil in your hair if you have dandruff, Zito says. That's because olive oil promotes the growth of the yeast that causes dandruff. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070

Melguizo-Rodríguez L, de Luna-Bertos E, Ramos-Torrecillas J, Illescas-Montesa R, Costela-Ruiz VJ, García-Martínez O. Potential effects of phenolic compounds that can be found in olive oil on wound healing. Foods. 2021;10(7):1642. doi:10.3390/foods10071642 Some people also claim olive oil can act as a heat protectant, but Zito does not recommend this. Extra virgin olive oil has a smoking point of 320 °F, Zito says, and many flatirons, wands, and curling irons reach temperatures much higher than that between 400 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit.You can either use the ingredient as a DIY or in a formula—we’d always recommend the latter as they are far more effective and easier to use than anything you can mix together at home. Having said that, if you’re on a budget or fancy an experiment, you can certainly use the olive oil from your cupboard. Always wait at least 72 hours after the initial treatment before you apply olive oil. If you’re using olive oil on bleached hair, test a strand to make sure the oil doesn’t leave a trace of its green shade behind. Split ends

Meet Our Experts: Dmitry Irshinskiy, hairstylist at FEKKAI Soho Salon in New York City, Dr. Audrey Kunin, M.D., dermatologist and founder of DERMAdoctor Skincare, Jennifer Korab, New Jersey-based hairstylist and owner of Renaissance Salon & Spa and Revival Barber Shop, Glenn Ellis, a celebrity hairstylistDíaz-Valenzuela A, García-Fernández FP, Carmona Fernández P, Valle Cañete MJ, Pancorbo-Hidalgo PL. Effectiveness and safety of olive oil preparation for topical use in pressure ulcer prevention: Multicentre, controlled, randomised, and double-blinded clinical trial. Int Wound J. 2019;16(6):1314-1322. doi:10.1111/iwj.13191 Olive oil can nourish your strands, but your application method does matter for achieving this effect. If you’re going the DIY route, look for a cold-pressed, unrefined variety of olive oil, which studies show, retains more nutrients. Put just enough oil into your hands to coat them lightly, then massage it into your hair, focusing your efforts on the shaft and ends versus the scalp, which olive oil’s fatty acids may overwhelm, especially if you’re more oily to begin with. (It’s best to consult a doctor if you’d like to try EVOO as a scalp soother, says Irshinskiy, as it may promote dandruff or follicle clogging). Miraj S, Pourafzali S, Ahmadabadi ZV, Rafiei Z. Effect of olive oil in preventing the development of pressure ulcer grade one in intensive care unit patients. Int J Prev Med. 2020;11:23. doi:10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_545_18 Olive oil can help lubricate and moisturize hair to reduce dryness and protect against split ends, Lal says, but it can also be a risky choice depending on your hair type.

While it's tempting to opt for cheaper products, Dr. Marcus advises against skimping on quality when it comes to your hair products—especially when they contain olive oil. Romana-Souza B, Monte-Alto-Costa A. Olive oil inhibits ageing signs induced by chronic stress in ex vivo human skin via inhibition of extracellular-signal-related kinase 1/2 and c-JUN pathways. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2019;41(2):156-163. doi:10.1111/ics.12520 This type of oil is extracted from the fruit of the olive tree, and it’s well-known for its beneficial properties. If you’ve noticed your hair looks a little limp, dry or heat damaged, using an olive oil treatment could help give it a new lease of life. Heavily processed hair — like hair that’s been treated with relaxers, perms, or bleach — especially benefit from extra moisture. Olive oil is one of the oldest moisturizers known,” says Dmitry Irshinskiy, a hairstylist at FEKKAI Soho Salon in New York City. “It was used as a skincare product by royalty in ancient Greece and Rome. It is still considered one of the most powerful and effective skincare ingredients." When it comes to moisturizing ingredients, Irshinskiy adds, usually what’s good for the skin is good for the hair, as essentially our hair is an extension of our skin.Danby SG, AlEnezi T, Sultan A, et al. Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013;30(1):42-50. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1470.2012.01865.x