How to Repair Your Hair with Olive Oil

After a long winter’s exposure to dry indoor heat, our hair needs some nourishing relief! Here’s the simple solution. This easy hair treatment will result in healthier, more manageable hair and a really clean, invigorated scalp. Olive oil nourishes, conditions, and improves the strength and elasticity of your hair, while the couldn’t-be-easier process is both stress-reducing and health-promoting.

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INGREDIENTS (enough for 1 or 2 treatments, depending on the length and thickness of your hair)

½ cup olive oil
5 drops frankincense essential oil (others may be substituted, if you wish)
1 plastic bag that can fit over your hair

1. Pour olive oil into a jar with a lid, then add essential oil. Put lid on jar and shake well to disperse the essential oil. Let sit for 24 hours in a cool, dark place. Shake again before use.

2. Rinse hair with warm water. Warm 1 tablespoon of oil treatment in the palms of your hands. Using your fingertips (not nails), gently massage the oil into the scalp in a circular motion. Repeat until the entire scalp has been massaged. Rub the ends of your hair with the remaining oil.

3. Place a plastic bag over your hair, secure by tying or with a hair clip or clothespin, and allow the oil to remain for at least a half-hour.

4. Rinse well, then shampoo as usual.

Find more olive oil beauty tips here. For other ways to repair dry hair, try coconut oil or this great avocado-based recipe.

Adapted from The Herbal Home Spa by Greta Breedlove (Storey Books, 1998).

Read more: Bath & Shower, Beauty, Green, Hair Care, conditioner, olive oil

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Fran F.

1:08AM PDT on Apr 18, 2013

Thanks. I'll try this.

April 18
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Lindsay K.

7:09AM PDT on Apr 8, 2013

Thanks - looks good. But how long can you keep the oil that's left over?

April 8
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Jasmine Santa M.

6:34PM PDT on Apr 4, 2013

I just love Shielo's new Shine Restore Oil!

After shampooing and conditioning, I part dry my hair, add one pump of the Shielo Shine Restore Oil then comb with a wide tooth comb, and either blowdry or airdry depending on my mood.

My hairdresser recommended part drying your hair first as it seems to help the oil sink in rather than just slide off with the water on your hair.

The Shielo Oil leaves me hair incredibly soft and silky with no flyways (though I didn't have many to start with) and cuts down drying time. I love how shiny it makes my hair.

I had to go without for a month on my honeymoon recently, and boy did I miss it! My hair felt awful by comparison, and I found myself washing it more frequently just to try to make it feel soft. Was so glad to have it back when I got home!

Yes, it's expensive, but considering how little you use and how amazing it will make your hair feel, it's totally worth it.

April 4
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Dolores M G.

9:20PM PDT on Mar 29, 2013

Very interesting article, I hope it works on a 62 yr old. Thank you. I will pass the word to my sister.

March 29
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Sandi C.

11:05AM PDT on Mar 25, 2013

I've know about this for years, it works.

March 25
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Marie K.

10:58AM PDT on Mar 25, 2013

You want better than "any olive oil". You want the best olive oil for all; you diet/food/cooking, your hair and your skin! Carothers' Olive Oil is the very best olive oil. http://www.carothersoliveoil.com.
And person looking for Frankensense oil? Young Living has the best essential oils around. None compare! Youngliving.com.

Angie V.

12:56AM PDT on Mar 23, 2013