Experts Say This Unexpected Kitchen Staple Unlocks Strong, Shiny Italian-Girl Hair
In my quest for strong and shiny hair, I've tried it all—pre-shampoo treatments, hair masks, leave-in conditioners… You name it. Some have played a part in transforming my dry, brittle, and color-treated hair. Others? Not so much. Still, though, I continue my search for that one miracle ingredient, product, or technique that will give me the hair of my dreams.
According to hair and scalp experts, I may not have to go too far to find it. In fact, it's sitting on my kitchen counter right now. I'm talking about olive oil. Yep, the stuff that drips over caprese, bruschetta, and pasta. It's been used as a home remedy for centuries, and apparently, it really works. Full of vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, it can strengthen weak hair, boost shine, and even accelerate hair growth. Keep scrolling to learn everything you need to know. Plus, shop the best olive oil hair products.
How can olive oil benefit the hair?
Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, is a double board–certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. He says olive oil is so good for the hair and scalp (more on that in a minute) because it mimics the natural sebum that's produced by our skin. "Olive oil has gained popularity as the interest in using natural or organic skincare products has increased," he says. "Olive oil is used on the hair as a substitute for your body's own natural oil—sebum. Sebum is produced by oil glands in the skin, which drain directly into hair follicles. It functions to coat the hair shaft with oil, which keeps the hair soft, smooth, and pliable. Without sebum, the hair shaft would become dry, coarse, and brittle." In other words, olive oil moisturizes the hair and scalp, boosts smoothness, and prevents breakage and damage.
Jennifer Korab is a celebrity hairstylist. She says olive oil benefits the hair thanks to its rich vitamin, antioxidant, and fat content. "Olive oil can benefit hair because it is packed with vitamins A and E, antioxidants, and healthy fats that deeply nourish and enhance shine and hydration," she says. "It also softens the hair, tames frizz, and smooths split ends. Its moisturizing qualities make it ideal for dry or damaged hair while also helping to soothe the scalp and minimize dandruff."
How can olive oil benefit the scalp?
No surprise here—olive oil is just as beneficial to the scalp as it is to the hair. Take it from Korab. She says, "Olive oil helps nourish the scalp by moisturizing and soothing dryness, reducing flakes, and improving overall scalp health. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help calm irritation and combat dandruff, keeping the scalp balanced and hydrated."
Celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland of Hair Addict Salon agrees, adding that it's even been shown to boost circulation. When applied to the scalp, it brings more blood flow to the hair follicles, which can strengthen them and spur better hair growth.
What hair type is it best for?
The experts say anyone can use olive oil. However, it's best suited for thicker, denser hair types. "Since olive oil is as pure and natural as it comes, it wouldn't ever hurt anyone to use it," Cleveland says. "However, for someone with fine hair, it can cause the hair to feel flat and appear greasy if used too much and/or not clarifying well enough post-treatment."
Korab adds, "Olive oil is ideal for thick, coarse, or curly hair, as it delivers deep moisture and tames frizz effectively. It's also a great option for treating dry or irritated scalps, particularly in cases of dandruff, due to its soothing properties. It's less suited for fine or oily hair types, as its weight can cause buildup and leave the hair feeling greasy."
The only time you should avoid using olive oil is if you have a scalp condition. "If someone is suffering from a medical scalp condition, such as fungus patches or dandruff, I would consult a doctor first," Cleveland says. "These types of conditions require the follicles on the scalp to remain unclogged and free of buildup." Since olive oil is, well, an oil, it could clog up the follicles too much and exacerbate the symptoms.
Are there any downsides to using olive oil on the hair and scalp?
The only downside to using olive oil on your scalp and hair is the thick, oily texture, which is why the experts often recommend using hair products that have been formulated with olive oil rather than the real thing, especially when it comes to fine and oily hair types. "You can apply pure olive oil directly to your scalp for its moisturizing and nourishing benefits," Korab says. "However, when included in haircare products, olive oil is often paired with other ingredients that enhance its effects and improve absorption. Products formulated with it may offer a more balanced approach to addressing specific scalp and hair needs." Since olive oil can be heavy and hard to wash out, Korab warns that it may lead to buildup. Even worse, if you overuse it, you could be running the risk of clogged pores and greasiness. That's why she recommends using it sparingly.
Cleveland agrees. "While you can simply apply olive oil directly to the hair and scalp, it can be quite thick and heavy, so I would advise looking for a product that contains it," she says. She recommends looking for a product that doesn't contain a lot of additives or artificial ingredients and using a clarifying shampoo after treatment to properly remove the oil.
Camp says olive oil could cause breakouts due to its occlusive nature. "Everything in moderation; too much oil on the skin can potentially occlude or block pores and contribute to acne," he says.
How to Use Olive Oil on the Hair and Scalp
You can apply pure olive oil to your strands to reap all the benefits. Be sure to use a light hand so you don't coat the strands and cause buildup and/or complicate removal. "You can apply pure olive oil directly to your scalp for its moisturizing and nourishing benefits," Korab says. "However, when included in haircare products, olive oil is often paired with other ingredients that enhance its effects and improve absorption. Products formulated with it may offer a more balanced approach to addressing specific scalp and hair needs."
Before you reach for any old olive oil, consider Camp's recommendations: "If using pure olive oil, look for unrefined, cold-pressed oil, which produces the purest form of the product. Refinement or using heat to extract the oils can introduce chemicals, preservatives, or contaminants to the production process."
The Best Olive Oil Hair Products
This organic and extra-virgin olive oil is cold-pressed and unfiltered.
This olive oil–spiked shampoo cleans the hair without stripping it of moisture.
Korres's Pure Greek Olive Nourishing Hair Mask combines extra-virgin olive oil with olive-leaf extract and wheat proteins for intense moisture, antioxidants, and softness.
An iconic hair mask, Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Hair Pak contains avocado oil, lemon extract, and olive oil. It's essentially Mediterranean summer hair in a jar.
Use this olive oil on dry skin, hair, hands, cuticles, and nails for all-over moisture.
Get shiny Italian-girl hair with this vitamin E–enriched olive oil treatment.
This scalp oil is perfect for cornrows, braids, locs, and twists. It combines olive oil with babassu oil, coconut oil, castor oil, and ginger root for scalp-soothing moisture.
Another Korres product, this pure Greek olive oil is formulated to restore antioxidants, vitamins, and omega fatty acids to the skin and hair.
This do-it-all hair and scalp balm softens, strengthens, and boosts shine.
5 More Editor-Approved Hair-Strengthening Products
This is our secret weapon for treating and preventing split ends.
This hair mask strengthens and hydrates hair overnight.
This hair serum boosts shine and delivers nine types of hyaluronic acid to the hair.
These gummies use keratin, amla, and biotin to strengthen hair from the inside out.
Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior to Who What Wear, she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing the latest and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.
-
Fashion People Agree—Adding This Elegant Hair Accessory Earns You Major Aura Points
BRB, I'm buying everything.
By Maya Thomas
-
Editors, Hairstylists, and Celebs Agree on These Effective Hair Products, and They're on Sale for Prime Big Deal Days
These 16 products passed the test.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
There's No Magical Elixir for Hair Growth, But This Underrated Oil Comes Pretty Close
You'll definitely want to try this.
By Maya Thomas
-
The Biggest Beauty Trend on the Emmys Red Carpet? Old Hollywood Glamour
Timeless.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
From Paris to Oslo, Stylish Europeans Are Choosing These 5 Chic Hair Colors This Fall
Salon inspo aplenty.
By Eleanor Vousden
-
Crème Brûlée Blonde! Nineties Bobs! Fiery Red! The 13 Most Major Fall Hair Trends
According to five expert hairstylists.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
We Can't All Be Ashley Banks, But Here's How to Re-Create Her '90s Silk Press
Did someone say no heat damage?
By Maya Thomas
-
Knowing Your Exact Curl Type Can Be Tricky, so 2 Texture Specialists Broke It Down for Us
Your curls will thank you.
By Maya Thomas