Since ancient times, people have used olive oils to promote hair gloss and achieve smooth skin.
Oleic acid, palmitic acid, and squalene are olive oil's three main chemical components. They all have softening properties since they are emollients, which are present in many shampoos, conditioners, and pomades.
Similarly, coconut oil has many advantages for hair. It is used to treat dandruff, revive dull, damaged hair, reduce frizz, and shield hair from styling harm.
Fatty acids found in coconut oil are great for hair health. Numerous shampoos, conditioners, styling gels, and other haircare items include it. As a prewash treatment or conditioning mask, coconut oil can be applied straight from the kitchen jar.
Read more for a comparison of the general benefits that both oils provide!
Olive oil on your Hair: Uses and Methods
While the benefits of using olive oil on your hair are aplenty, we cannot stress enough the importance of the type of oil you should use and how you use it.
Using an extra-virgin, cold-pressed and unrefined olive oil is best recommended. They can also be combined with other oils like castor oil or black seed oil to provide truly best results.
Moreover, if you have coloured hair that is dry and damaged, we recommend using olive oil for hot oil or conditioning treatment at least once every week.
Method- Massage two to four teaspoons of heated olive oil through your hair and cover it with a plastic cap. Give the oil at least an hour to infiltrate your hair cuticle before rinsing. You can even leave it overnight for the best result.
The moisturising effects of Olive Oil on your hair
Olive Oil contains moisturising components like squalene and oleic acid, which are highly beneficial for hair.
Oleic acid, an emollient (therapies for your skin that create a barrier around it to lock in moisture) with moisturising and softening qualities, helps hydrate hair by reaching the hair shaft to replenish moisture.
Similarly, Olive Oils contain squalene, another type of emollient well known for its hydrating qualities on the skin.
Olive oil can repair damaged hair
Olive Oils, if applied to the final 2 inches of broken or burned strands of your hair, can help promote repairs and improve hair strength/ quality. This can be done by massaging the oil from the start of the hair scalp through to the tips. You can either apply it straight from the bottle or heat it!
Tips- Ensure not to heat the oil for too long for your safety, and keep your hair pinned up or wrapped around a towel or shower cap to help prevent olive oil from getting on your clothing.
Olive oil can prevent hair loss (reducing DHT production)
The synthesis of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is one of the leading causes of hair loss. When attacked by this hormone, the hair follicle can weaken, leading to hair loss.
Olive Oil: Nourishing and Conditioning effects
Olive oil increases blood circulation and supplies the follicles with unsaturated fats and necessary nutrients. Additionally, it can aid in keeping moisture in the hair, which avoids dryness, and improves manageability.
Coconut Oil
Is Coconut Oil the Greatest Natural Remedy for Your Hair?
Coconut oil is one of the most frequently used oils to prevent hair loss and maintain hair health.
While this may be simple to write off as a trend, given coconut oil's current popularity and hype, these assertions are backed by scientific research. A 2003 study investigated the benefits of applying coconut oil on your hair before or after shampooing and found that coconut oil outperformed mineral and sunflower oils in terms of reducing protein loss when used either before or after washing hair.
Coconut oil could help you grow your hair longer.
Using coconut oil on your hair daily can help with hair growth. It penetrates deeply into hair follicles, prevents breakage from the roots, and promotes vigorous growth.
You could use coconut oil to lengthen your hair by:
- Hydrating your hair to prevent damage
- Defending your hair from damage and protein loss after wash
- Safeguarding your hair from environmental hazards like smoke, wind, and the sun
Dry Scalp, Dandruff
Previous scientific research has found that coconut oil can treat dandruff and a dry, itchy scalp.
A 2021 study of 140 persons in India, including 70 with and 70 without dandruff, discovered that using coconut oil topically on the scalp showed antifungal advantages. Along with promoting the development of helpful bacteria, it also decreased scalp flaking.
Another study found that coconut oil may aid in restoring the skin's outermost layer, the skin barrier. Because of these findings and scientific proof, coconut oils are highly effective therapy for dry skin and dandruff.
The Bottom Line
Both oils provide numerous benefits for your hair, and it’s hard to judge a winner!
The key is to ensure that you pick the best quality oils and try different treatment methods depending on your hair and scalp conditions.
Our premium organic extra virgin olive oil selection from Avlaki is excellent for consumption and hair care. Our range of Olive Oils is certified extra virgin, registered vegan, and allergen-free, making it suitable for all hair and skin types!
Browse our range of Extra Virgin Olive Oils today!