Olive Oil To Stop Hair Loss And Improve Hair Growth

Oils are good for hair health. Here, we will look at the effectiveness of olive oil in stopping hair loss. Hair fall is a major issue that most of us face in our daily lives. Shedding 50-100 hair strands per day is normal. However, losing more than 100 hair strands signifies an underlying health issue. Olive oil has an excellent nutritional profile that can control hair fall. How? Continue reading to find out all about it.

Olive Oil Benefits – How Olive Oil Treats Hair Loss

1. Reduces DHT Production

One of the biggest reasons for hair loss is the production of dihydrotestosterone. This hormone attacks the hair follicle and weakens it, leading to hair loss. Olive oil contains oleic acid that inhibits 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, the high levels of which can cause hair loss (1). The regular use of olive oil helps block the production of DHT and therefore helps reduce hair fall.

2. Prevents Hair Damage

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants (2). These antioxidants help maintain scalp and hair health and protect them from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause cell damage. Antioxidants help stabilize free radicals and prevent damage.

3. Nourishes And Conditions Hair

Olive oil improves blood circulation and nourishes the follicles with essential nutrients and unsaturated fats. It also helps seal moisture in the hair shaft, preventing dryness and making hair more manageable (3).

4. Reduces Hair Breakage

Since the oil prevents dryness, it also helps keep your hair thick and voluminous by reducing breakage. It does this by conditioning and strengthening the hair shaft with its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, keeping your hair from snapping off.

5. Soothes The Scalp

Olive oil can help soothe an aggravated scalp and treat issues like itching and dandruff (3). Dandruff and clogged follicles are the leading causes of hair loss.

6. Aids Hair Growth

A study showed that the topical application of oleuropein, a constituent of olive oil, induced hair growth (4). Applying olive oil and massaging the scalp also improves blood circulation, which, in turn, promotes hair growth.

Clearly, olive oil is good for hair growth, and you can safely use it to reduce hair loss. Scroll down to learn how to apply olive oil to promote hair growth.

How To Use Olive Oil For Hair Growth

1. Olive Oil And Egg White For Hair Loss

This combination helps normalize oil production while nourishing your scalp (olive oil) and hair with essential proteins for hair growth (5).

You Will Need

• 2 egg whites
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Shower cap

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

1. Whisk the egg whites and the oil in a bowl.
2. Apply this mixture to your scalp and your hair.
3. Leave the mixture in for 20 minutes. Cover your hair with a shower cap while you wait to avoid a mess.
4. After 20 minutes have passed, rinse your hair with cool water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

2. Cinnamon, Honey, And Olive Oil For Hair Loss

Cinnamon is a powerful ingredient that helps improve blood circulation. The topical application of cinnamon oil reduced hair loss and increased hair length and diameter in the laboratory animals (6). In combination with honey, it helps improve hair health and ensures that the new growth is strong and healthy.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Shower cap

Processing Time

15 minutes

Process

1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl until you get a smooth, consistent mixture.
2. Apply this mixture to your hair, starting from your scalp and working it down to the tips of your hair.
3. Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes. Wear a shower cap to avoid a mess.
4. After waiting for 15 minutes, rinse your hair out with cool/lukewarm water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

3. Garlic And Olive Oil For Hair Growth

Studies show that garlic can be a rapid and efficient treatment for alopecia areata (hair fall) (7). Here’s how to use garlic and olive oil for hair growth.

You Will Need

• 10 fresh garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Processing Time

45 minutes

Process

1. Peel the garlic cloves and blend them with olive oil to get a smooth paste.
2. Take about 2-3 tablespoons of this paste in a bowl for application.
3. Apply the paste to your scalp and then work it through the rest of your hair. Focus most on your scalp.
4. Leave the garlic-oil mix on for about 45 minutes and then rinse your hair with cool/lukewarm water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
5. Store the remaining garlic and olive oil mixture in an airtight container. Store the container in a cool, dark place.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

4. Rosemary And Olive Oil For Hair Loss

This is another perfect treatment for people with oily hair. One study found that rosemary helped promote hair growth in lab animals (8).

You Will Need

• 2-3 tablespoon olive oil
• 3-4 drops rosemary essential oil

Processing Time

45 minutes

Process

1. In a bowl, combine the oils to create a rosemary-olive oil blend.
2. Heat the oil for about 30 seconds until it is slightly warm.
3. Massage the oil blend into your scalp for 15 minutes.
4. Once you are done massaging your scalp, work the oil into your hair until it is fully covered.
5. Leave the oil in your hair for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Wash your hair with cool/lukewarm water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

5. Ginger And Olive Oil For Hair Loss

Ginger has been traditionally used to stimulate hair growth. A study showed that a herbal gel containing ginger can promote hair growth (9).

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Processing Time

35 minutes

Process

1. Mix the ginger paste and carrier oil in a bowl.
2. Start massaging this mixture into your scalp with your fingertips.
3. Massage for 5 minutes to boost blood circulation.
4. Work the remaining oil through your hair and leave it in for 30 minutes.
5. Wash the oil out with cool/lukewarm water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

These are the 5 ways you can use olive oil for hair growth and treat hair loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does olive oil darken hair?

Yes, daily application of olive oil can help darken hair. Olive oil may help stimulate melanin production and the repigmentation of gray hair (10).

Does olive oil make hair gray?

No, olive oil does not make your hair gray. It can help you prevent gray hair.

Is olive oil too heavy for fine hair?

Yes, olive oil is too heavy for fine hair. It may weigh down your hair, making it look greasy.

Is extra virgin olive oil good for the scalp?

The balanced fatty acid composition and high nutritional value of extra virgin oil may make it an excellent oil for your scalp (11). It may aid circulation in the scalp and hydrate the hair.

Can I put cooking olive oil in my hair?

Yes, you can apply cooking oil to your hair. You may use it at least twice a week for best results.

References:

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Anjali Sayee

Anjali specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. Her philosophy... more

Dr. Vindhya L Veerula

(MD, FAAD)

Dr. Veerula (Dr. V) is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of... more