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Things You Need to Know about Olive Oil

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You would all have heard about the goodness of olive oil for health and beauty purposes. Olive oil has been used since ages but has recently gained its popularity. People have now become aware of its benefits and are looking for more ways of using it and benefiting from it. Some of you may not know much about olive oil other than it is good for health.

Olive oil is derived from the fruit of the olive tree. It is a traditional crop of the Mediterranean region and is eaten as whole or chopped and added to pizzas or other dishes. The oil is made by pressing olives and getting the oil out of them which is then used in dips or garnishing a pasta or a salad. It is mainly used in cooking but some of you may not know that it can be used in cosmetics, medicines, soaps, etc. Olive oil is one of the most popular oils around the globe.

There are three types of olive oils available in the market: extra-virgin olive oil, olive oil, and light-tasting olive oil.

Tips on Choosing the Best Olive Oil for Hair

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Numerous manufacturers are producing olive oil and sell it at various prices which may leave you confused as to which one is the best for you. Here are some tips that might help you finding the best one for yourself:

  • Check the harvest date written on the bottle before buying it. Olive oils do not have a long shelf life, therefore, try and buy the one with the most recent harvest date on it. Mostly, olive oil lasts for 2 years that is if it is stored properly.

  • When buying olive oil do not go for the ones with high levels of free fatty acids (FFA). Although low level of FFA does not mean that the oil is of good quality but high levels do indicate a poor quality oil. It is best to buy oil with free fatty acids less than 10 meq/kg.

  • Olive oil should always be stored in dark bottles as it increases their shelf life. Don't go for fancy bottles but check for the colour of the bottle to get a good quality oil.

  • If you are looking for olive oil for your hair then the best would be to use the cold pressed variety. Look for organic and farm produced olive oil. Virgin olive oil has properties that heal your hair faster and helps them to grow better and healthier. Look for the ones which are non-chemically induced to reap its benefits.

Is Olive Oil Good for Hair? Yes! Here are the Benefits of Using Olive Oil for Your Hair

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Here is a list of benefits you can get by using olive oil for your hair and make them shinier and healthier:

Olive Oil Helps in Eliminating Dandruff

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Dandruff is a common problem and if you are tired of using everything under the sun then it is time you try using olive oil. Mix 2 tsp of lemon juice with an equal amount of olive oil and water. Massage it onto your scalp and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. You can use this mixture twice in a week and get rid of dandruff. You can also gently heat olive oil and massage your scalp with it, leave it overnight and wash it the next morning and see the dandruff fading away.

Moisturises Your Hair

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If you are suffering from dry hair and scalp then olive oil can be very helpful. Some of you have the dry scalp problem during the winters. You can use over the counter conditioners which will help you but you will be using a lot of unwanted chemicals on your scalp. These chemicals are very harmful in the long run. You can use olive oil instead as a conditioner or a moisturiser, it will make your hair soft, smooth and frizz-free.

Helps in Getting Rid of Lice

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Another major hair problem is lice and most of the kids face it once in their lifetime. It is very difficult to get rid of them and they are very embarrassing. Olive oil works great in removing head lice. You can use other conventional methods with olive oil to get rid of these unwanted creatures. Make sure to use the proper comb to get rid of them after using olive oil.

You Can Use Olive Oil for Hair Loss

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Everybody loves a head full of hair and when you see hair shedding on your pillow each morning it can get very frustrating. Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties which help in calming down some of the inflammation on your scalp. Using olive oil regularly can boost your hair growth and stop hair falling. Although if the problem persists you should consult a doctor as there could be a bigger underlying issue.

It Helps Your Hair Grow Stronger

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As you age your hair tends to get thinner and weaker. There are many medicines and shampoos that promise you stronger strands but if you like to go natural then you should try using olive oil. It is rich in multiple vitamins and helps in locking the keratin in your hair which results in stronger hair. It also adds an extra shine and volume to your hair and makes you look younger.

It Removes Frizz

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If you love your curls but hate the way it frizzes after it dries out then olive oil can be very helpful. Olive oil is a thick oil and once massaged onto the scalp it tends to tame down the unwanted frizz and makes your hair look softer and manageable. Use it before you shampoo and see it work.

Olive Oil Treats Split Ends

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No matter how long or pretty your hair is but if you have split-ends it makes it look uncared for. During the winter your hair tends to get dry and is prone to break or get split-ends. Olive oil adds a ton of weight and moisture to your hair. You should take 2 drops of olive oil and run them through the ends of your hair. It works as a serum and repairs your split-ends. If you want to get rid of these split-ends forever then you should use olive oil regularly. You can also heat some olive oil and massage it on your scalp, leave it overnight and wash the next day. It will nourish your hair and stop the split ends.

Helps in Managing Processed Hair

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If you have had your hair treated with relaxers, perms or bleach then you will need that extra moisture which can be obtained from olive oil. Make sure to wait for 72 hours after the treatment before you start using olive oil on your hair. For bleached hair you should test a strand before you apply it on the whole head as it may leave a green shade behind.

3 Hair Masks You Can Make with Olive Oil

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Here are 3 simple but effective hair masks you can make at home using olive oil:

  • Honey and Olive Oil Hair Mask:

    Take 3 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp honey. Apply it on your hair and put a shower cap on for about 30-90 minutes. Honey works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent and helps restore moisture to your hair making it shine.

  • Olive Oil and Banana:

    Bananas are antioxidant and have potassium which prevents hair fall. The fatty oils in bananas moisturise your hair, therefore this mask works great on damaged hair. Take a ripe banana and puree it in a blender. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and mix it well. You can also add some honey if you like. Shampoo your hair and apply this mixture on damp hair focusing on the ends. Cover it with a shower cap and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash and condition your hair.

  • Egg and Olive Oil Hair Mask:

    If you have dry hair you will need 2 egg yolks and for oily hair use 2 egg whites. Add 2 tbsp olive oil in it. Shampoo your hair but do not use a conditioner. Part your hair with a wide toothed comb and apply the mixture on damp hair. Apply it generously on the ends. Make a bun or tie them and leave the mask on for 20 minutes. Wash your hair with normal water and let it air dry. You can use this mask twice a week and see it work wonders on your hair.
Writer
Sarita Tiwari
Sarita worked in the development sector for 20 years but found her passion in writing. She is a blogger, a content writer and a ghost writer for various industries. When not writing, you will find her spending time with her family, cooking and traveling. She is an introvert and feels that writing gives a voice to her thoughts.

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Olive Oil – A One-Stop Solution for All Hair Problems

Olive oil not only nourishes and moisturises your hair but it is also a one-stop solution for all hair related problems like split-ends, frizz, dandruff, lice, hair loss, etc. We hope this BP Guide would have convinced you of the importance of olive oil for your hair and why you should make it a part of your hair-care routine. Stay connected with us for more such engaging content.