In my quest for strong, shinier hair, I’ve tried everything from pre-shampoo treatments to hair masks to leave-in conditioners. Some helped transform my dry, brittle, color-treated hair. Others? Not much help. And yet, I continue to search for the miracle ingredient, product, or technique that will give me the hair of my dreams.
According to hair and scalp experts, you don’t have to go far to find it. In fact, I have some sitting on my kitchen counter right now. I’m talking about olive oil. Yes, the oil you drizzle on your Caprese, bruschetta, and pasta. It’s been used as a home remedy for centuries, and apparently it really does work. It’s full of vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats that can strengthen weak hair, add shine, and speed up hair growth. Keep scrolling to learn all you need to know. Plus, shop the best olive oil hair care products.
What does olive oil do for your hair?
Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, is a double board-certified dermatologist with Dermatology, MDCS. He says olive oil is great for your hair and scalp because it mimics the natural sebum your skin produces (more on that in a moment). “Olive oil is becoming more popular as people become more interested in using natural or organic skin care products,” he says. “Olive oil is used on hair as a substitute for sebum, the body’s own natural oil. Sebum is produced by oil glands in the skin and excreted directly into the hair follicle. It works by coating the hair shaft with oil, keeping it soft, smooth, and supple. Without sebum, the hair shaft would become dry, stiff, and brittle.” In other words, olive oil moisturizes your hair and scalp, increasing smoothness and preventing breakage and damage.
Jennifer Korab is a celebrity hairstylist, and she says olive oil is good for your hair because it’s rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fats. “Olive oil is good for your hair because it’s packed with vitamins A and E, antioxidants, and healthy fats that nourish your hair and boost shine and moisture,” she says. “It also softens hair, reduces frizz, and smooths out split ends. Its moisturizing properties make it great for dry or damaged hair, and it also helps soothe the scalp and minimize dandruff.”
What does olive oil do for your scalp?
Not surprisingly, olive oil is beneficial not only for your hair but also for your scalp. Let’s hear what Korab has to say. She says: “Olive oil nourishes the scalp by moisturizing it, relieving dryness, reducing dandruff, and improving overall scalp health. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm inflammation, reduce dandruff, and keep the scalp balanced and moisturized.”
Celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland of Hair Addict Salon agrees, adding that the product has also been shown to increase circulation: When applied to the scalp, it increases blood flow to hair follicles, strengthening them and promoting hair growth.
What hair type is it best suited for?
Experts say that anyone can use olive oil, but it’s best suited for those with thick, dense hair types. “Because olive oil is pure and natural, there’s no harm in using it,” says Cleveland. “But those with finer hair may find that using too much or not washing properly after the treatment can make their hair look flat or oily.”
Korab added, “Olive oil is great for thick, coarse or curly hair as it deeply moisturizes hair and effectively tampers with frizz. It is also great for treating dry or irritated scalps, especially if you have dandruff, as it has soothing properties. It is not suitable for fine or oily hair types as its weight can cause build-up and make hair greasy.”
The only time you should avoid using olive oil is if you have a scalp condition. “If you have any medical conditions on your scalp, like fungal spots or dandruff, talk to your doctor first,” says Cleveland. “These conditions require the scalp’s hair follicles to be unclogged and free of buildup.” Olive oil, being just that – an oil – can clog hair follicles too much and make your condition worse.
Are there any drawbacks to using olive oil on my hair and scalp?
The only downside to using olive oil on the scalp and hair is its thick, oily texture. That’s why experts often recommend using hair care products formulated with olive oil instead of real olive oil, especially for those with fine, oily hair. “Pure olive oil applied directly to the scalp has a moisturizing and nourishing effect,” says Korab. “But when it’s in a hair care product, olive oil is often combined with other ingredients that enhance its effectiveness and increase absorption. Products formulated with olive oil can offer a more balanced approach that addresses the specific needs of the scalp and hair.” Olive oil is heavy and difficult to wash off, which can lead to buildup, Korab warns. Worse yet, if you use too much, you run the risk of clogging your pores and making your hair oily. That’s why she recommends using it sparingly.
Cleveland agrees: “You can apply olive oil directly to your hair and scalp, but it’s quite thick and heavy, so I recommend looking for products that contain olive oil,” she says. Look for products that don’t have many additives or artificial ingredients, and recommend using a clarifying shampoo after your treatment to properly remove the oil.
Camp says olive oil can cause acne because it’s occlusive: “Everything in moderation. Too much oil on the skin can clog or block pores, which can lead to acne,” she says.
How to Use Olive Oil for Your Hair and Scalp
Apply pure olive oil to your hair and you’ll get all of its benefits. Just be sure to apply it lightly to avoid coating your hair and causing build-up or difficulty in removal. “When applied directly to the scalp, pure olive oil provides moisturizing and nourishing benefits,” says Korab. “However, when included in hair care products, olive oil is often combined with other ingredients that enhance its effectiveness and improve absorption. Products formulated with olive oil may offer a more balanced approach that addresses the specific needs of your scalp and hair.”
Before you reach for any old olive oil, consider Camp’s recommendations: “If you want to use pure olive oil, look for unrefined, cold-pressed oils, which yield the product in its purest form. When oils are extracted using refining or heat, chemicals, preservatives, or contaminants can be introduced into the manufacturing process.”
Best Olive Oil Hair Care Products
Sky Organic
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 100% Pure & Cold Pressed
This organic extra virgin olive oil is cold pressed and unfiltered.
Corey
Pure Greek Olive Nourishing Shampoo
Formulated with olive oil, this shampoo cleanses hair without stripping it of moisture.
Corey
Pure Greek Olive Nourish Conditioner
Don’t forget to use a moisturizing conditioner.
Corey
Pure Greek Olive Nourishing Hair Mask
Korres’ Pure Greek Olive Nourishing Hair Mask is formulated with extra virgin olive oil, olive leaf extract and wheat protein for intense hydration, antioxidant benefits and softness.
Kiehl’s since 1851
Olive Fruit Oil Deep Repairive Hair Pack
An iconic hair mask, Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Hair Mask contains avocado oil, lemon extract and olive oil – it’s Mediterranean summer hair care in a bottle.
Ancient Greek Treatments
Organic Face & Body Oil
Use this olive oil on dry skin, hair, hands, cuticles and nails for all-over moisturization.
Palmers
Olive Oil Formula Glotherapy
Get shiny, Italian-style hair with this Vitamin E-rich olive oil treatment.
Ingestion
Olive Oil Exotic Scalp Oil
This scalp oil is perfect for cornrows, braids, lox and twists and is formulated with olive oil, babassu oil, coconut oil, castor oil and ginger root to soothe and hydrate the scalp.
Eco Style
Olive oil styling gel
You can also achieve this effect by adding olive oil to your styling gel.
Corey
Pure Greek Olive 3-in-1 Nourishing Oil
Another product from Korres, this pure Greek olive oil is formulated to replenish skin and hair with antioxidants, vitamins, and omega fatty acids.
Kemet Biologics
Olive & Honey Moisturizing Balm
This versatile hair and scalp balm softens, strengthens and enhances shine.
5 Editor-Approved Products to Strengthen Hair
slip
Slip Silk Skinny Scrunchie
Silk scrunchies reduce friction and breakage in damaged hair.
Olaplex
No.7 Bonding Anti-Frizz & Heat Protectant Hair Oil
This is your secret weapon for treating and preventing split ends.
Amica
Dream Routine Overnight Hydrating Hair Mask
This hair mask strengthens and moisturizes your hair overnight.
driver
Liquid Glass High Gloss Finishing Hair Serum
This hair serum adds shine and replenishes your hair with nine types of hyaluronic acid.
These gummies use keratin, amla, and biotin to strengthen your hair from the inside out.
