Using olive oil for hair is a common practice in Mediterranean cultures, and the internet is full of recommendations. For a complete overview, see our Olive Oil Gastronomy: Cooking, Baking & Culinary Uses guide.For a complete overview, see our Olive Oil Health Benefits guide.But what should you actually buy when you want to use olive oil on your hair? Does it matter what type of olive oil you use? And how do you apply it correctly?
This guide covers the specific question of choosing and using olive oil for hair care — what type to buy, what to avoid, and how to apply it for the best results.
For hair use, the type of olive oil matters less than it does for eating — but it still matters.
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO): Contains polyphenols and vitamin E that may provide some additional benefit when applied topically. Has more color, stronger smell, and may be noticeable if you use it as a finishing treatment on dry hair.
Refined olive oil: Less color, less smell, less distinctive character. Provides the occlusive moisturizing benefit without the strong olive oil smell. Practical for hair use if you find EVOO's smell too pronounced.
Organic olive oil: Grown without synthetic pesticides. This matters more for consumption than for topical use, but if you are applying oil to your hair and scalp regularly, organic is a reasonable preference.
For most people using olive oil as a hair treatment: good quality refined olive oil is adequate and less expensive than EVOO. If you are using it as a finishing treatment and want the polyphenol benefit, EVOO is better.
Cold pressed: Indicates proper temperature control during extraction, which preserves more of the oil's natural compounds.
Minimal processing: Unrefined or lightly processed oils retain more of their natural vitamin E and polyphenol content.
Freshness: Olive oil degrades over time, even unopened. Look for a Harvest date less than 18 months old. Old oil is less effective for any use.
Absence of additives: Some commercial "olive oil for hair" products add silicones, fragrances, or other ingredients. If you want pure olive oil, buy pure olive oil, not a haircare product marketed as olive oil.
The most practical recommendation: use the same olive oil you use for cooking. If you have good EVOO in your kitchen, it is equally good for hair. You don't need a separate product.
The exception: if you find the smell of olive oil on your hair bothersome, a light refined olive oil or a refined avocado oil (similar occlusive properties, more neutral smell) works as a hair treatment without the aroma.
Olive oil can benefit hair as a moisturizer and protectant — the monounsaturated fatty acids coat the hair shaft, reducing moisture loss and adding shine. For dry, brittle, or frizzy hair, small amounts applied to damp hair can help tame frizz and add luster. However, olive oil is comedogenic and can cause buildup if overused — starting with a small amount (half a teaspoon for medium-length hair) is essential to avoid greasiness. For most people, occasional use as a deep conditioning treatment or finishing product is beneficial; daily use causes buildup.1
Leaving olive oil in hair overnight is safe but requires precautions: cover with a shower cap to protect bedding, use a small amount (not saturating), and shampoo thoroughly the next morning. An overnight olive oil treatment can provide deep conditioning for very dry hair. However, leaving any oil in hair for extended periods without protection will stain bedding and may cause scalp congestion. For overnight treatments, wrap hair in a towel or use a shower cap to contain the oil.1
For most people, olive oil hair treatments once per week maximum is sufficient — more frequent use causes buildup that leads to greasy, limp hair. The hair type matters: dry, coarse, or curly hair tolerates more frequent use; fine or oily hair types should use less. Always start with a small amount and assess effect before increasing frequency. If hair becomes greasy between washes, reduce the amount or frequency of olive oil treatments.1
References
- https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html