Olive Oil & Hair Growth

Called nature's "liquid gold" by Greek poet Homer, olive oil has been used for thousands of years by everyone beginning with the Greeks and the Egyptians. Seen as a symbol of peace and purity, the olive has also been revered for its numerous health benefits (both internal and external). Despite other products claiming to be the key to beautiful, long, healthy hair, more people are rediscovering the healing power of the olive.

Types

Industrial refining results in a variety of olive oil grades. The most common are: extra virgin (the best quality), virgin (contains less than 2 percent acidity), pure olive oil (a refined and virgin blend), extra light (highly processed) and pomace (primarily used to make soap).

Effects

With less than 1 percent acidity, extra virgin olive oil is revered for its moisturizing and healing qualities. When slightly heated and used on hair, olive oil stimulates cellular growth, stops breakage, restores softness and shine and promotes hair growth by moisturizing the scalp.

Misconceptions

With its nutritional value and almost immediate healing capabilities for the skin, it is believed that olive oil can make hair grow instantaneously. Although extra virgin olive oil has been touted as a cure to hair loss, it actually uses its fatty acids to moisturize the scalp, which in turn will promote follicle repair. Over time, the hair follicles may be repaired (see Resources).

Considerations

While using olive oil alone will present great benefits, other common items, such as cayenne pepper, almond oil, rosemary, and castor oil (used in conjunction with olive oil) are believed to provide increased results (see Resources).

Fun Fact

A yeast infection called Candida albicans (which causes dandruff and a raw, burning sensation to the scalp), can be treated using olive oil. Soaking the hair in warm olive oil and wrapping it up with a warm towel, will reduce aggravation of the scalp.

References

• Hair Rules!: The Ultimate Hair-Care Guide for Women with Kinky, Curly, or Wavy Hair; Anthony Dickey; 2003
• The Passionate Olive: 101 Things to Do with Olive Oil; Carol Firenze; 2005
• Beautiful Hair Healthy Scalp Secrets & Remedies: Itchy Scalp & Dandruff Causes Explained & Natural Remedies To Soothe & Heal; Mia Wadsworth; 2008

Resources

• Hair Repair with Olive Oil
• Olive Oil for Hair and Skin