How to Make an Olive Oil Treatment for Hair

Dry hair and scalps are prone to dandruff, an irritating condition that leaves its sufferers scratching their heads. Expensive shampoos often don't get the job done or act as a temporary fix. Treating your scalp with olive oil is a great way to loosen flakes, and its effects last longer than a simple shampoo. Olive oil also has the added benefit of leaving your strands gleaming and soft.

Things You'll Need

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp. lime juice
• Cotton balls or gauze
• Towel

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil until warm. Combine the olive oil and lime juice in a cup.

2. Dampen your hair in the shower and wring it out. Dip cotton ball or gauze into the olive oil mixture. Make sure the cotton ball or gauze has a fine coating of oil but isn't drippy.

3. Divide your hair into sections. Using the soaked cotton ball or gauze, apply the olive oil treatment to your scalp. Be careful to keep the treatment on your scalp as much as possible, as the oil will be tough to rinse out of your hair.

4. Wrap your head in the towel and let the treatment soak in for 30 minutes to an hour.

5. Wash your hair with a dandruff-preventing shampoo. Don't use conditioner, as it will add to the buildup on your scalp and hair. Repeat this treatment about one a month.

Tips & Warnings

• If dandruff is severe, leave the olive oil treatment on your scalp overnight. Shampoo the next morning.

• If the dandruff returns within a couple weeks, repeat the treatment more frequently. Olive oil treatments should not be used more often than once every two weeks, as the oil can lead to a greasy scalp and hair.