Does Olive Oil Stimulate Hair Growth?

Olive oil has long been known to impart taste in different recipes. But over time, with the help of in-depth studies, people came to know about its beneficial properties for improving the health of hair.

One of the major causes of hair fall is associated with the hormone known as Dihydrotestosterone (DTH). The process with the help of which it gets synthesized, takes place in the hair follicles, apart from other places in the body. So what may happen is, the hormone with time, starts getting accumulated at the base of the hair follicles.

And one of the direct consequences of this accumulation is that the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the hair, gets hindered. And this is manifested in the form of hair thinning, which eventually ends up in hair fall.

So using olive oil for hair basically inhibits the DTH accumulation thus, allowing the hair to receive the required amount of nutrition and oxygen for healthy growth.

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants (vitamin A, E and omega 3 fatty acids). These agents repair the damage done to the hair by chemical-based products and encourage hair growth by reducing hair loss.

Dandruff is also a reason for hair loss. And this occurs as a result of dry scalp, and use of chemical products. So once you start using olive oil, it helps in keeping the scalp moisturized by deep penetration, and as mentioned, it also acts as a damage-control. Hence, dandruff does not remain an issue when you start using this oil. And so when there is lesser dandruff, hair loss is reduced and hair growth is enhanced.

The following gives you a couple of easy methods of using olive oil to reap the right benefits for your hair. These include:

• Fill a shallow bowl with about ½ cup of olive oil. Heat it until warm. You may like to place a towel over your shoulder before you begin, as things might get oily. Coming back, dip your fingers into the bowl, and start massaging the scalp. Ensure that the oil reaches each and every part of the head. 

Start massaging from the scalp right to the tip of the hair. After you feel your entire head has been covered with olive oil, secure your hair with a shower cap. The oil needs about 30 minutes to do its work of penetrating into the hair follicles and treating the problem.

Thereafter, get your hair washed using lukewarm water and a mild shampoo. Rinse off and wash again, this time, concentrating in removing the oil from the hair. Rinse off again and use a conditioner. Let it dry and then simply feel the softness in your hair.

• The next method is similar to the above one, except that it has an addition. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey to 3 tablespoons of the oil. Now as mentioned in the previews step, massage your entire scalp with your fingertips. Cover with a shower cap and wait for 15 minutes. Wash with mild shampoo and rinse.

So this is how olive oil stimulate hair growth. To find out if it really works for you, give it a try and use the oil on a regular basis until you see some changes in your hair growth.