How And Why You Should Use Olive Oil For Your Hair

The olive tree originated from Asia. However nowadays it can be sourced from Mediterranean countries and has been cultivated from these areas for over 3000 years, with the majority of these olive tree crops are used for the production of olive oil. This process involves pitting the olives, which are then ground up into a pulp. The juices are then removed from the pulp by a pressing process and finally the water is separated from the oil.

There are a number of varieties of the oil available however the less processing involved the higher the level of nutrients. Extra virgin is derived from the initial pressing and contains the most aroma and flavor. Brands labeled as "regular" or "pure" are produced with chemical filtering and refining which results in a lower nutrient level.

The beneficial properties of olive oil are simple however have proven to be very effective. As a food product it contains high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids, which studies show that it promotes good cholesterol while reducing bad cholesterol. The oil is loaded with essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, all of which are believed to help protect against cancer.

As a natural beauty and skin care product, one of the main valuable properties of olive oil is the nourishing quality it possesses. Being a natural product, olive oil can help reduce and repair damage typically caused by chemical based products. Ultimately improving the overall condition and health of hair in the following ways.

Dandruff

A dry and flakey scalp typically causes dandruff. By massaging olive oil into the scalp it will restore and infuse moisture back into the scalp and reducing flaking. The reason the oil is commonly used in the treatment of head lice and dandruff is because of its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Split Ends

During the winter months hair tends to dry out and become prone to split ends and breakage, resulting in frizzy and unruly hair. By applying this oil to the hair it will help smooth flyaways by adding moisture and a little weight, as well as softening the hair making it more pliable and more manageable.

Shine

Olive oil can bring dull and lifeless hair back to life by restoring moisture giving it that natural healthy shine. Regular hair care products contain sulfates, which actually strip away the moisture from hair leaving it looking drab and unhealthy. Oil extracted from olives contains high levels of fatty acids that help penetrate the cuticles of hair making it extremely effective for treating dry hair.

Hair Loss & Growth

Olive oil promotes hair growth with its fantastic properties. As we have already learnt, it can help improve the hairs elasticity, this reduces hair breakage, which ultimately helps prevent hair loss and in turn result in hair growth. A harmful hormone called DTH is present within the body and can decrease the hair follicle shaft and therefore resulting in hair loss. Olive oil helps reduce this hormone from being produced; this reduces the chances of hair loss. Because olive oil is extremely rich in antioxidants, this helps to repair damage and aids in the production of healthy hair growth.

Shampoo Recipe

1 ounce of olive oil
1 egg
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar

Combine all ingredients using a blender, apply and use mixture in place of your regular shampoo.

Oils are one of the safest, most effective and natural ways to promote hair growth, prevent hair loss and generally improve hair health. Olive oil is fantastic, but my absolute favorite oil is jojoba oil for hair. To discover more about this miracle oil, click the blue link.

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