How To Use Olive Oil for Hair Growth

Who doesn’t envy of having long and lustrous hair. Long ago, hair loss was just considered a sign of ageing. But due to urban lifestyle, hectic schedules, food habits, hormonal changes and other environmental factors, our hair undergoes a tuff wear and tear daily. This leads to weak and lifeless hair at a much younger age.

Dry, frizzy, split ends, breakage and reduced hair growth are the common hair problems almost everyone is facing in their lives. Being habitual to instant solutions, we often choose chemical based solutions to fix the problem. But instead of healing the problem, they actually cause damage to your scalp and hair health. Fixing hair problems is never instant because the origin the problem is different.

Natural topical applications like olive oil, coconut oil, tea tree oil and other ingredients are effective in controlling the hair loss to 50 – 60% percent. But if you are looking out for 100% solution then eat nutrient rich foods and improve your overall health. 

Does Olive Oil Really Stimulate Hair Growth and Prevent Hair Breakage? Let’s have a look at the scientific facts behind it.

How Does Olive Oil Help Your Hair Grow?

1. Lowers DHT Production

Increase in DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is one of the main culprit behind hair loss. It is a hormone that directly attacks and weakens the hair follicles leading to hair fall. The levels of DTH increase when you are over stressed, imbalance in sugar levels and hormonal imbalance. Regular consumption of olive oil restricts the production of DTH which in turn prevent hair fall.

2. Prevents Damage to the Hair

Olive oil is a warehouse of antioxidants which fight with free radicals and prevent them from causing any harm. They support scalp health and reduce the damage caused by harsh chemicals in hair products.

3. Nourishes and Conditions Hair

Massing the scalp with olive oil encourages blood circulation which strengthen hair follicles. The nutrients and unsaturated fats present in it nourish the hair and scalp. It helps to seal the moisture in hair shaft, prevents dryness, reduces frizz and makes hair more manageable. Its conditioning properties also prevent hair from breakage.

4. Holds Anti-microbial Properties

Olive oil contains antimicrobial properties which fight with fungus or bacteria causing scalp infections like itching, dandruff, and clogged follicles that are some of the leading causes of hair loss.

5. Omega fatty acids

Olive oil contains both omega 6 & 9 fatty acids. Omega 6 fatty acids prevent the hair from losing moisture in dry environments. Omega 9 fatty acids make the hair more bendable and pliable. As our body cannot produce omega fatty acids on its own, olive oil can be a great supplement to get them.

• It has essential nutrients along with mono-unsaturated fatty acids that reduce the hair loss by strengthening the hair from roots to tip. It also thickens the hair strands.
• Massaging with olive oil on the scalp will help to improve the blood circulation which stimulates the follicles to produce thicker hair strands. 

How to Use Olive for Hair Growth?

Olive oil alone is effective in preventing or slowing down the hair fall. It can be either topically applied, used in dishes or gulped up straight. However, adding natural ingredients like almond oil, rosemary, cayenne pepper, castor oil to olive oil enhances its effectiveness.

1. Olive Oil

In this process, we leave the olive oil application overnight which helps to exfoliate the excess sebum build up that is responsible for inhibiting the hair growth.

• Slightly warm up enough amounts of olive oil.
• Apply it thoroughly on the scalp and hair.
• Massage it gently for few minutes to stimulate the blood circulation.
• Wear a shower cap and leave it on overnight.
• In the morning, rinse your hair normally with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process regularly to reduce the hair loss. 

2. Olive Oil Consumption

Consuming olive oil helps to treat the internal cause of the hair fall by reducing the DTH in our body.

• Into a glass of water, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and squeeze some lemon juice.
• Mix well and gulp it down.
• Repeat the process daily.

Alternatively: You can drink 1 tablespoon of olive oil daily or else cook your dishes using olive oil.

3. Olive Oil and Castor Oil

The antioxidants present in castor oil improve the keratin and make the hair shafts stronger and less frizzy. Castor oil contains antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties which deal with the scalp infections causing hair fall. To improve scalp health, you can try the olive oil remedies mentioned in this article.

Process 1:

• Mix equal quantities of olive oil and castor oil and hibiscus petals.
• Heat the oil and remove the flame. Let it cool down to lukewarm temperature.
• Strain and apply oil solution on the scalp.
• Massage gently on the scalp for 10 – 15 minutes.
• Wrap a steamed warm towel on your head to lock in the moisture.
• Leave it on for an hour before washing off with water and mild shampoo.
• Repeat the process regularly for once in a week.

Process 2: DIY Spray for Hair Growth

• Mix 1 part of organic castor oil in 4 parts of extra virgin olive oil and stir it well.
• Pour this in an empty spray bottle and apply this oil mix all over the scalp.
• Massage gently and leave for a few hours to overnight.
• Rinse next day with shampoo and water.
• Repeat 2 times a week.  

4. Olive Oil, Honey and Egg White

Eggs are rich in protein, iron, Sulphur, phosphorous, zinc and iodine which are helpful in enhancing the hair growth. Honey locks the moisture in the hair and scalp which prevents frizzy hair, dry or itchy scalp. This combination works well for people with oily scalp.

• Separate the egg white and whisk it thoroughly.
• Add 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and honey into it and mix well.
• Apply the mixture all over the hair and leave it on for 20 – 30 minutes.
• Rinse your hair normally with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process at least once in 2 weeks.

5. Olive Oil and Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which irritates the scalp and improves blood circulation. This simulates the hair follicles and encourages hair growth.

Process 1:

• Slightly warm up 1/2 cup of olive oil.
• Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and stir well to avoid clumps.
• Now, turn off the heat and let it cool down for few minutes.
• Apply the mixture on the scalp and gently massage for few minutes.
• Leave it on for 4 hours to overnight.
• Rinse off the application with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process regularly.

Alternatively: Combine 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Apply the mixture on the scalp and leave it on for few minutes. Rinse off with cool water and pat dry.

Process 2: With Mustard and Egg Yolk

• Combine 2 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon each of cayenne pepper powder and mustard powder.
• Into it add 2 tablespoon of hot water and 1 egg yolk.
• Stir well until the ingredients incorporate.
• Apply the mixture on the scalp and gently massage for few minutes.
• Wear a shower cap and leave the application for 20 – 30 minutes.
• Rinse off the application with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process 3 times in a week.

Note: You can use cayenne pepper tincture instead of cayenne pepper.

6. Olive Oil and Garlic

Garlic contains high amounts of calcium, sulfur, and zinc which nourish the hair follicles and encourage hair growth. Apart from that, it boosts blood circulation, contains anti-microbial properties and treat scalp issues like dandruff. If dandruff is the main problem of your hair loss then check out this article “Olive Oil for Dandruff” to find out the solution that works for sure.

• Crush 4 – 5 garlic cloves and add it to 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Heat the mixture for few minutes until the garlic turns golden brown.
• Remove from the flame and let it cool down to room temperature.
• Strain and apply the oil on the hair roots and massage gently for few minutes.
• After leaving the application for 1 hour, rinse off with mild shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process 3 times in a week to promote hair growth.

Alternative Method: Add 4 garlic cloves into 1/2 cup of olive oil. Cover and keep it aside for 1 – 2 weeks. Strain and apply the oil on the scalp and along the hair. Leave the application for an hour and rinse off with shampoo and water.

7. Olive Oil and Avocado

Avocado is rich in vitamin E and other essential nutrients which help to stimulate hair growth. The combination of olive oil and avocado is helpful to tame frizzy hair, lock moisture in hair shaft and strengthen hair roots.

Process 1:

• Mash half of ripe avocado into a smooth paste.
• Add 2 tablespoon of olive oil into it and stir well.
• Apply the mixture on the hair as a hair mask.
• Leave it on for 20 – 30 minutes and rinse off with milk shampoo.
• Repeat the process 3 times in a week.

For added benefits, you can add banana pulp or 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 – 3 drops of lavender oil.

Process 2: Avocado Oil and Castor Oil

• Combine equal amounts of avocado oil, castor oil and olive oil in a bowl.
• Apply the mixture on the scalp and massage gently for few minutes.
• Rinse it off after few hours with mild shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process regularly to stimulate hair growth.

Note: Instead of avocado oil, you can add lavender essential oil, or fresh rosemary.

8. Olive Oil and Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains lauric, capric and other fatty acids which bind with the proteins in hair. It protects the hair from breakage and hair loss.

Process 1:

• Combine olive oil and coconut oil in 2:1 ratio.
• Apply the solution on the scalp and along the hair.
• Massage gently for few minutes and leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes.
• Rinse off with any herbal shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process 3 times in a week to reduce hair loss.

Note: For added benefits, you can add some honey and an egg into the mixture.

Process 2: With Coconut Milk

• Add 3 teaspoons of olive oil into 1/2 cup of coconut milk and mix well.
• Apply the mask on the scalp and hair.
• Wear a shower cap and leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes.
• Wash it off with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process regularly to improve hair growth.

Alternative Method: Mix equal quantities of olive oil and mayonnaise. Spread it all over the scalp and hair. Rinse it off with shampoo after 2 – 3 hours.

9. Olive Oil, Lemon Oil and Castor Oil

All these ingredients contain essential compounds necessary for improving hair growth and reduce hair loss. This combination is effective for people with dry and itchy hair.

• Combine 1 tablespoon of lukewarm olive oil, 1/2 tablespoon of warm castor oil and 3 drops of lemon essential oil.
• Apply the mixture on the scalp and hair.
• Massage gently for 10 minutes and leave it overnight.
• Wash your hair with a mild herbal shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process once in a week.

10. Olive Oil and Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil exfoliates the dead skin cells, unblocks the hair follicles, moistures the hair shafts and fights off scalp infections. This combination is very effective in treating hair loss, head lice, dandruff, itchy and flaky scalp.

• Combine 8 – 10 drops of warm tea tree oil and 3 teaspoons of olive oil.
• Apply the mixture on scalp and massage gently for 5 – 10 minutes.
• Cover your head with a hot towel to open up the clogged pores.
• Let it sit for a few hours to overnight and wash off with shampoo.
• Repeat the method regularly to control hair fall and improve hair growth.

11. DIY Natural Conditioner with Olive Oil

This homemade natural conditioner using olive oil promotes health of the hair naturally, stimulates new hair growth and moistures the hair shafts.

Process 1:

• In a bowl, add egg yolk, few drops of lemon juice and 1/2 cup of olive oil.
• Whisk thoroughly to let the ingredients incorporate well.
• Apply the mixture on the scalp and hair. Massage gently for few minutes.
• Wear a shower cap and leave it on for 15 minutes.
• Rinse off with water and mild shampoo.
• Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in week.

Note: You can increase or decrease the quantity of the ingredients based on your hair length. You can exclude either lemon juice or egg yolk and follow the same process.

Process 2:

• Blend 1/4 cucumber into a smooth paste and add 1 egg and 4 tablespoons of olive oil into it.
• Whisk thoroughly until the ingredients incorporate.
• Apply the mixture throughout the hair and wrap it with a plastic cover.
• Wash it off after 20 – 25 minutes with shampoo.
• Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in a week.

12. Olive Oil with Honey and Cinnamon

Honey locks moisture in the hair shafts and makes the hair more manageable. Cinnamon stimulates the hair growth and improves blood circulation to the hair follicles.

• Slightly warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil for 10 seconds.
• Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder into it.
• Mix well and apply the mixture on the scalp.
• Massage gently and leave it on for 30 minutes.
• Rinse with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process once in a week to achieve positive results.

Note: You can add a pinch of hot pepper tincture instead of cinnamon.

13. Olive Oil and Essential Oils

Essential Oils are one of the best ways to stimulate hair growth due to their beneficial properties. However, we suggest doing a patch test before applying any of the below combinations on the scalp.

Process 1: With Peppermint Oil, Rosemary Oil and Sage Oil

• Add few drops each of rosemary, peppermint and sage oil into 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Massaging the mixture gently on the scalp for few minutes.
• Leave the application for few hours and rinse off.
• Repeat the process once or twice in a week.

Process 2: With Cedar Oil, Clary Sage and Lemon Oil

• Add 3 drops each of cedar oil and rosemary oil, 2 drops each of lemon essential oil and clary sage into 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Mix well and apply it on the scalp.
• Massage gently for a few minutes and wash it off with shampoo after an hour.
• Follow this process 2 – 3 times in a week.

Process 3: Lavender Oil and Eucalyptus Oil

• Add 25 drops each of lavender oil and eucalyptus oil into 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
• Apply on the scalp and massage gently for a few minutes.
• Leave it on for an hour or two.
• Wash it off with water, shampoo and conditioner.
• Repeat this process twice in a week.

14. Olive Oil and Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds are known to reduce hair thinning, prevent baldness and hair fall. It stimulates long and lustrous hair. It is packed with vitamins and nutrients which replenish the hair.

• Soak cumin in olive oil overnight.
• In the morning, strain and apply the oil on the scalp.
• Massage gently for few minutes and leave it on for 15 – 30 minutes.
• Rinse your hair normally with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process 3 times in a week to reduce hair thinning.

15. Olive Oil and Vitamin E Oil

The antioxidants present in vitamin E oil help to repair the damaged hair follicles, prevent tissue corrosion, and encourages healthy hair growth.

• Extract the oil from 2 vitamin E capsules and add it to 2 tablespoons of warm olive oil.
• Stir well and massage the mixture gently on the scalp.
• Leave it on for about 30 – 45 minutes.
• Wash it off with mild shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in a week for stimulating hair growth.

16. Olive Oil and Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek is very effective in strengthening hair roots and treating follicular problems. It contains lecithin which imparts shine to the hair. It also helps in reducing dandruff, and other scalp problems.

Process 1:

• Wash 4 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds with water and then grind them.
• Add it to 1/2 cup of olive oil and slightly warm it.
• Store it in a glass container for about 2 weeks.
• Strain the oil and discard the fenugreek.
• Apply the solution on the scalp and leave it on for few hours.
• Wash with mild shampoo and water.
• Repeat regularly to improve hair growth.

Process 2:

• Soak 1/2 cup of fenugreek seeds in water overnight and grind them into smooth paste in the morning.
• Combine 2 tablespoons of fenugreek paste and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Apply the mixture on the scalp and along the hair.
• Rinse off the application after 10 minutes.
• Repeat the process 3 times in a week.

Note: For added benefits, add 1 tablespoon of yogurt to the mixture.

17. Olive Oil with Onion Juice and Egg

Onion juice helps to repair and stimulate hair growth in damaged hair follicles. The sulfur content present in onion helps in the formation of keratin which results in hair growth.

• Blend an onion into smooth paste.
• Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 egg into it.
• Whisk well until the ingredients combine.
• Apply the mixture on the scalp and hair.
• Wear a shower cap and rinse it off after an hour with a mild shampoo.
• Repeat twice a week to repair the damaged hair follicles and prevent baldness.

18. Olive Oil and Green Tea

Green tea is rich in anti-oxidants which help to stimulate hair follicles and encourage hair growth. It also conditions and strengthens hair shafts.

• Steep 2 green tea bags in 1 cup of water for 5 – 10 minutes.
• Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool down.
• Now, add 1/4 cup of virgin olive oil and stir it well.
• Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
• Shake well and spritz it on your hair.
• Follow this process regularly to not only encourage hair growth but also add shine to it.

19. Olive Oil and Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains essential fatty acids, vitamin A, C, iron and zinc which helps to promote hair growth and nourish the hair roots.

• Into 1oz of water, add 1 teaspoon honey, 2 teaspoons each of aloe vera gel and olive oil.
• Apply the mixture directly on the scalp.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing off with shampoo.
• Continue following the method 3 times a week for positive results.

Note: Add 1/4 teaspoon of egg yolk for added benefits.

20. Olive Oil, Yogurt and Egg

Yogurt is rich in protein which offers nourishment to the hair and improves its health. It moisturizing properties act as a great conditioner. The lactic present in it are great for exfoliating the impurities and dead skin cells from the scalp.

• Combine 1 egg (yolk for normal – dry hair and egg white for oily hair), 2 – 3 tablespoons of fat free yogurt and 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
• Apply the mixture on scalp thoroughly.
• Wear a shower cap and wait until it dries completely.
• Rinse your hair with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process regularly.

Note: Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil into 1 cup of yogurt and massage this mixture on the scalp and wash it off with lukewarm water after 15 – 20 minutes.

21. Olive Oil and Almond Oil

Almond oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, vitamin E and magnesium which nourish the hair roots and strengthen the hair shafts. This process is very effective for treating spilt ends. Split ends are also one of the reasons for decreased hair growth.

• Combine equal amounts of extra virgin olive oil and sweet almond oil.
• Apply the mixture on the scalp and along the hair (root to tip).
• Massage gently in circulation motions for few minutes.
• Wear a shower cap and leave it on overnight.
• In the morning, rinse off with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process regularly for effective results.

Note: You can use sesame oil instead of almond oil and follow the same process.

22. Olive Oil and Amla

Amla plays an important role in nurturing and conditioning the hair. It minimizes hair loss and premature graying of the hair. It also encourages strong and healthy hair growth.

• Take a fresh amla and grate/blend it to extract its juice.
• Combine 2 tablespoons each of amla juice and olive oil.
• Massage the mixture on the scalp for few minutes.
• Wear a shower cap and leave it on for 1 – 2 hours.
• Rinse your hair normally with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process 2 times in a week.

23. Olive Oil and Curry Leaves

Curry leaves are loaded with beta carotene and protein which brings significant reduction in hair fall. Curry leaves treatment also helps to prevent premature graying of the hair.

• Add handful of curry leaves in a small bowl of coconut oil.
• Heat the mixture until the curry leaves turn black.
• Remove from the flame and let it cool down.
• Strain the mixture and massage the oil onto the scalp.
• Wash your hair normally with shampoo and water.
• Repeat the process regularly for few times in a month. 

Tips and Precautions for Hair Growth

• For effective results, make sure to use only extra virgin olive oil.
• Avoid scratching your scalp as it can hurt the hair follicles or damage the sensitive scalp skin.
• Usually, loss of 50 – 100 strands of hair loss is considered normal. However, if you are losing hair large clumps even after trying the above remedies then consult a dermatologist.
• Avoid using shampoos that contains harsh chemicals that can have negative impact on hair growth.
• There are many shampoos in the market containing olive oil or olive leaf extracts. You can either use them or add few drops of olive oil into it while shampooing.
• Even though olive oil can help with hair growth the results can be temporary will you don’t follow a healthy lifestyle. We recommend including foods rich in biotin, vitamin C, A& E, iron, magnesium and omega fatty acids in your daily diet.
• Avoid eating processed, sugary and gluten foods. Stay away from alcohol, tobacco and caffeinated drinks.
• Focus on relaxing because stress is one of the main reasons for hormonal imbalance which can have major impact on hair growth. Sleep well and do breathing exercises to reduce your stress levels.
• Cover your hair with scarf from damaging UCV rays of sun.
• Avoid using hair styling products that use heat as a medium until you hair’s health improve. Using it can damage the hair further and disturbs the healing process. 

What Kind of Olive Oil is Best for Hair Growth?

There are several types of olive oils in the market which includes extra virgin, virgin, light, pomace, filtered, stone milled and list just goes on… With all these varieties an individual can easily get confused which one is best to choose for hair growth and which one is good for cooking. Cooking olive oil should not be used for topical applications. When it comes to hair growth, we recommend using extra virgin or virgin olive oil. Because they are not chemically treated or used excessive heat while extracting them which states that they contain maximum amounts of nutrients and beneficial properties. 

How to Choose Best Olive Oil for Hair Growth?

Choosing a wrong product can end with less effective results. However, picking olive oil from a grocery store can be daunting task. But if you follow the below guidelines you can choose the right one very time.

• Consider Packaging: Higher grade olive oils are sold in metal and glass. Metal can be very good as it will not be exposed to light. Even some glass bottles are tinted, to prevent the light from reducing the quality of oil.
• Authenticity: There are a lot of olive oil imposters out there so you have to aware. To get the best one, choose extra virgin olive oil which is cold compressed (extracted without heat or chemicals). This extraction process makes sure the oil derives maximum amount of anti-oxidants.