You probably already know about the many health benefits of olive oil but did you know that it is great for your hair to?  Olive oil is rich in essential vitamins and fatty acids, such as vitamin E and other antioxidants that can help to protect your skin and hair from the free radicals that can damage cells, making it a long time favorite for natural skin care.  All of the great things about olive oil that make it a wonderful moisturizer for your skin also makes it a great choice for hair care.  It's even great to help clear up a stubborn lice  problem for kids by preventing the nits from sticking to the strands of hair.  In addition to adding shine and vitality to your hair, olive oil can also help to clear up dandruff.

Here are some other great ways that you can use olive oil for healthier and more beautiful hair:

• Add to your normal conditioner for extra softness, shine, and manageability.


• Use olive oil as a deep conditioner treatment.  Apply olive oil into your hair starting at the roots and covering your entire scalp then comb through hair.  Wrap your hair with plastic wrap or a shower cap and leave for 20 to 30 minutes for a great oil treatment. 


• Olive Oil for Thinning Hair: This same method has also been used for treating hair loss.  Just apply the olive oil directly to the scalp, massage in then cover for several hours or for best results leave in over night then rinse out and shampoo as normal.  This helps to improve the scalp and hair condition to stimulate growth.


• Create a Natural Hair Mask for Split Ends: For a deeper conditioning treatment, mix the olive oil together with an egg and beat well.  Apply the mixture to your hair, paying close attention to split ends or other problem areas.  Cover with a shower cap and allow to set for 20 to30 minutes before washing out with your normal shampoo.  This is a great treatment for your hair on a weekly basis that can help restore the essential nutrients that add health and shine to your hair.

A Few Quick Tips:
Using an eye dropper or oral syringe (like the ones that come with over the counter medications for babies) will help you to get the olive oil directly on to your scalp or other targeted area with less mess.

Because the natural body heat from your head helps to activate the oil and allow it to set in, better conditioning your hair, it is a good idea to first use a plastic wrap after piling your hair on top of your head and then cover with the shower cap or towel.  This helps to keep your body heat locked in while also guarding against drips.

Olive oil can stain some fabrics so be careful when using pillow cases or towels for your treatments and be sure to use old ones that you will not care to get stained.

Most importantly, when using olive oil for hair use only Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  Since this comes from the first pressing of the olives it contains the most benefits with the least amount of added chemicals for the best result on your hair (as well as for cooking).

In addiiton to using olive oil treatment for your hair you can also find shampoos that contain olive oil that are more suitable for daily use such as L'Occitane's Olive Tree Daily Shampoo.