Fact checkedExpert's opinion

Expert's opinion

The article is a subjective view on this topic written by writers specializing in medical writing.
It may reflect on a personal journey surrounding struggles with an illness or medical condition, involve product comparisons, diet considerations, or other health-related opinions.

Although the view is entirely that of the writer, it is based on academic experiences and scientific research they have conducted; it is fact-checked by a team of degreed medical experts, and validated by sources attached to the article.

The numbers in parenthesis (1,2,3) will take you to clickable links to related scientific papers.

Olive Oil Hair Mask 2024: Best Ideas For Healthy & Shiny Hair

Cindy Scott

Updated on - Written by
Medically reviewed by Dr G. Michael DiLeo, MD

olive oil hair mask
Rejuvenate your dry locks with an olive oil hair mask. Photo: Nghi Tran

Are you tired of dull, lifeless hair? Look no further than the remarkable benefits of an olive oil hair mask for dry hair. Olive oil has long been revered for its exceptional nourishing properties, making it a go-to ingredient for achieving healthy, shiny locks. 

Whether you have dry, damaged hair or want to enhance your hair’s natural luster, incorporating a hair mask into your beauty routine can work wonders. Let’s explore ways to harness the power of olive oil, avocado, and essential oils for hair to transform your hair into a radiant crown of beauty.

5 Best Olive Oil Hair Masks For Hair Growth

  • Olive oil and egg hair mask.  
  • Olive oil and tea tree oil hair mask.
  • Olive oil and avocado hair mask.
  • Olive oil and coconut hair mask.
  • Olive oil and rosemary essential oil hair mask

Best Olive Oil Hair Mask To Try

Get ready to pamper your hair with the incredible benefits of olive oil. You can enjoy healthier, fuller, more vibrant hair and a nourished scalp by incorporating one of these five olive oil hair masks:

Olive Oil And Egg Hair Mask 

olive oil hair mask
Olive oil and egg mask nourish your hair. Photo: kazmulka/Shutterstock

Eggs are rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals[1] that nourish the hair follicles and strengthen the strands. Eggs also contain an essential hair growth factor[2] that helps stimulate new hair growth

Olive oil deeply conditions and moisturizes the scalp to help prevent breakage and split ends.

To create the mask, whisk an egg with a tablespoon of olive oil until well blended. Apply egg and olive oil hair mask, focusing on the roots and ends, and leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. 

Regularly using this hair mask can contribute to healthier, thicker, and more lustrous hair.

Olive Oil And Tea Tree Oil Hair Mask

A tea tree and olive oil hair mask can be powerful in promoting hair growth and maintaining a healthy scalp. Tea tree oil’s antifungal properties help combat scalp issues like dandruff[2] and itchiness, which can hinder hair growth.

Olive oil, on the other hand, deeply moisturizes and conditions the hair, preventing breakage and split ends. Its high vitamin E content nourishes the scalp and supports healthy hair growth. 

Mix olive oil with a few drops of tea tree oil. Apply mixture to scalp and hair, leaving it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing. Harness the benefits of these oils to stimulate hair growth and improve overall hair health.

Olive Oil And Avocado Hair Mask

olive oil hair mask
Olive oil and avocado hair masks contain healthy fats. Photo: Nick Alias/Shutterstock

The healthy fats in avocado combined with olive oil deeply penetrate the hair shaft. Some minerals in avocado also help prevent breakage and improve hair texture. This mask and the health benefits of hair cosmetics profoundly condition the hair, promoting a healthier scalp and encouraging growth. 

Create this mask by mixing a ripe avocado with a few tablespoons of olive oil to form a smooth paste. Then apply the mask to damp hair, focusing on the roots and lengths. Leave on for 30 minutes to an hour before you rinse your hair. 

Regularly using this avocado and olive oil hair mask can result in stronger, fuller, and more lustrous hair.

Olive Oil And Coconut Hair Mask

A coconut and olive oil hair mask is powerful for improving hair health while promoting hair growth. The rich fatty acids in coconut oil help penetrate the hair shaft,[4] nourishing and moisturizing it from within. Coconut oil also helps balance your scalp microbiome[5] to improve scalp health. 

Olive oil contains antioxidants and vitamins that strengthen the hair follicles and stimulate growth. These oils create a potent blend that deeply conditions the hair, improves scalp health, and enhances hair growth. 

Mix equal parts coconut and olive oil and warm the mixture slightly. Apply the mixture generously to the hair and scalp. Leave it on overnight or for at least 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. 

Regularly using this hair mask can lead to thicker, healthier, and more vibrant hair.

Olive Oil And Rosemary Essential Oil Hair Mask 

Rosemary[6] essential oil stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, nourishing the hair follicles and encouraging hair growth. When mixed with olive oil, rich antioxidants, and essential fatty acids deeply condition the hair, prevent breakage, and add shine. This mask also inhibits the effects of dihydrotestosterone, a leading cause of hair loss.

To create the mask, use olive oil and a few drops of rosemary essential oil. Apply to the scalp and hair, then massage gently. To prevent oily hair, allow the mask to stay on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly for maximum benefits. 

Regularly using this hair mask can help strengthen your hair, reduce hair loss, and promote healthy hair growth.

How Olive Oil Works For The Hair

Olive oil works wonders for hair due to its rich composition of beneficial compounds.[7] Its high monounsaturated fatty acids, like oleic acid, help to moisturize and hydrate the hair, combating dryness and frizz. These fatty acids penetrate the hair shaft, nourishing it from within and leaving it feeling soft and smooth. 

Additionally, olive oil contains antioxidants such as vitamin E,[1] which protect the hair from free radicals and environmental damage, promoting healthier and stronger strands. Vitamin E also helps to improve blood circulation in the scalp, stimulating hair follicles and potentially promoting hair growth. 

Olive oil’s other properties[8] can help maintain a healthy scalp, reducing dandruff and itching. From animal studies, it was found that a phenolic compound called oleuropein[9] not only provides antimicrobial benefits but also helps induce hair growth as well.

Olive oil is loaded with benefits, whether used as a standalone olive oil deep conditioner or combined with other natural ingredients. 

Benefits Of An Olive Oil Mask For Hair

Here are some key advantages of using an olive oil hair mask:

  • Deep moisturization — olive oil is an excellent natural moisturizer that helps hydrate the hair and scalp to combat dryness, frizz, and brittleness.
  • Nourishment — monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E nourish hair follicles and provide essential nutrients, promoting healthier hair while preventing breakage and split ends.
  • Scalp health antibacterial[10] and antifungal properties combat dandruff, itching, and scalp irritations, promoting a clean and balanced scalp environment.
  • Protection — antioxidants like vitamin E protect the hair and scalp from free radicals and environmental damage, prevent premature aging, protect against UV rays, and maintain the overall health and vitality of the hair.
  • Improving circulation — olive oil stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, enhancing nutrient delivery to the hair follicles and potentially stimulating hair growth

Usage Tips For Olive Hair Mask

To maximize the benefits of your olive oil hair mask, consider these usage tips:

  • Start with clean, damp hair — before applying the olive oil hair mask, ensure your hair is clean and slightly damp to allow the oil to penetrate the strands more effectively.
  • Warm the olive oil — warm it slightly before applying it to your hair for better absorption. You can do this by placing the required amount of oil in a microwave-safe bowl and heating it for a few seconds until it becomes lukewarm.
  • Apply from roots to ends — begin applying the olive oil hair mask from the roots of your hair and work your way down to the ends. Massage oil into your scalp as well to promote a healthy scalp environment.
  • Use a wide-tooth comb — after applying, use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the oil mask and thoroughly coat your hair evenly.
  • Cover and leave it on — once applied, wrap hair with a towel, an old cotton T-shirt, or a shower cap to create a warm and moist environment. Leave the mask on for at least 30 minutes to allow ample time for the oil to work its magic.
  • Rinse thoroughly — after the recommended time, thoroughly rinse hair with lukewarm water to prevent oily hair and greasiness.
  • Adjust the frequency — the frequency of using an olive oil hair mask can vary depending on your hair’s condition. For deep conditioning, you may use it once a week, while for maintenance and shine, once every two weeks or once a month may be sufficient.

The Bottom Line

Incorporating an olive oil hot oil treatment into your hair care routine can be a game-changer for achieving healthy, shiny hair. The remarkable nourishing properties of olive oil and its ability to moisturize, protect, and promote scalp health make it a versatile and effective solution.

By exploring the best techniques for using olive oil and incorporating olive oil products for hair, you can unlock the full potential of this ancient beauty elixir. Say goodbye to dull, lifeless hair and hello to the luxurious tresses you’ve always dreamed of.


+ 10 sources

Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here

  1. Guo, E.L. and Katta, R. (2017). Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. [online] pp.1–10. doi:https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.0701a01.
  2. Nakamura, T., Yamamura, H., Park, K., Pereira, C., Uchida, Y., Horie, N., Kim, M. and Itami, S. (2018). Naturally Occurring Hair Growth Peptide: Water-Soluble Chicken Egg Yolk Peptides Stimulate Hair Growth Through Induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production. [online] 21(7), pp.701–708. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2017.4101.‌
  3. K.M. Vijaya Kumari, Narayan Prasad Yadav and Suaib Luqman (2022). Promising Essential Oils/Plant Extracts in the Prevention and Treatment of Dandruff Pathogenesis. [online] 22(13), pp.1104–1133. doi:https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026622666220531120226.
  4. Kaushik, V., Kumar, A., Nitya Nand Gosvami, Gode, V., Sudhakar Mhaskar and Kamath, Y.K. (2022). Benefit of Coconut‐Based Hair Oil via Hair Porosity Quantification. [online] doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12774.
  5. Saxena, R., Mittal, P., Cécile Clavaud, Dhakan, D.B., Roy, N., Breton, L., Misra, N. and Sharma, V. (2021). Longitudinal study of the scalp microbiome suggests coconut oil to enrich healthy scalp commensals. [online] 11(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-86454-1.
  6. Murata, K., Noguchi, K., Kondo, M., Onishi, M., Watanabe, N., Okamura, K. and Matsuda, H. (2013). Promotion of Hair Growth byRosmarinus officinalisLeaf Extract. [online] 27(2), pp.212–217. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4712.
  7. Lourenço-Lopes, C., Carpena, M., María Gallardo-Gómez, Lorenzo, J.M., Barba, F.J., Prieto, M.A. and Simal-Gandara, J. (2020). Bioactive Compounds and Quality of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. [online] 9(8), pp.1014–1014. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9081014.
  8. Sun, W., Frost, B. and Liu, J. (2017). Oleuropein, unexpected benefits! [online] 8(11), pp.17409–17409. doi:https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.15538.
  9. Tong, T., Kim, N.-H. and Park, T. (2015). Topical Application of Oleuropein Induces Anagen Hair Growth in Telogen Mouse Skin. [online] 10(6), pp.e0129578–e0129578. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0129578
  10. Bahman Fazeli-Nasab, Moharam Valizadeh, Hassanzadeh, M. and Beigomi, M. (2021). Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Olive and Rosemary Leave Extracts Prepared with Different Solvents Against Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia coli. [online] 8(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.5812/iji.114498.
Cindy Scott

Medically reviewed by:

Michael DiLeo

Cindy Scott is a registered dental hygienist, fitness coach and freelance writer, with more than 20 years of health and medical experience. She is passionate about overall health and wellness as it connects throughout to the whole body. Through writing, she seeks to share knowledge and connections with others to give them the best overall health possible. Keeping smiles and bodies healthy, and HAPPY!

Medically reviewed by:

Michael DiLeo

Journal of Physical Education and Sport

Trusted Source

Go to source

SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online

Trusted Source

Go to source

African Journals Online

Non-profit Platform for African Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of The American Board of Family Medicine

American Board of Family Medicine

Trusted Source
Go to source

Informit

RMIT University Library

Trusted Source
Go to source

European Food Safety Authority

Science, Safe food, Sustainability

Trusted Source
Go to source

OrthoInfo

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Trusted Source
Go to source

American Academy of Family Physicians

Strengthen family physicians and the communities they care for

Trusted Source
Go to source

Agricultural Research Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Trusted Source
Go to source

The American Journal of Medicine

Official Journal of The Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Database From National Institute Of Health

Trusted Source
Go to source

Lippincott Journals

Subsidiaries of Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute on Aging

Database From National Institute Of Health

Trusted Source
Go to source

Translational Research

The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine

Trusted Source
Go to source

Cell

An All-science Publisher

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of Translational Medicine

BioMed Central

Part of Springer Nature
Go to source

Federal Trade Commission

Protecting America's Consumers

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Human Genome Research Institute

Database From National Institute Of Health

Trusted Source
Go to source

Food Production, Processing and Nutrition

BioMed Central

Part of Springer Nature
Go to source

BMC Gastroenterology

BioMed Central

Part of Springer Nature
Go to source

ACS Publications

A Division of The American Chemical Society

Trusted Source
Go to source

Annual Reviews

Independent, Non-profit Academic Publishing Company

Trusted Source
Go to source

PubChem

National Center for Biotechnology Information

National Library of Medicine
Go to source

PLOS Journals

Nonprofit Publisher of Open-access Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

Thieme E-books & E-Journals

Peer-reviewed & Open Access Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences

Peer-reviewed International Journal Publishes

Trusted Source
Go to source

Royal Society of Chemistry Publishing Home

Chemical Science Journals, Books and Database

Trusted Source
Go to source

Frontiers

Publisher of Peer-reviewed Articles in Open Acess Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

De Gruyter

German Scholarly Publishing House

Trusted Source
Go to source

Hindawi

Open Access Research Journals & Papers

Trusted Source
Go to source

Oilseeds and Fats, Crops and Lipids

EDP Sciences

Trusted Source
Go to source

Cambridge Core

Cambridge University Press

Trusted Source
Go to source

FoodData Central

U.S. Department Of Agriculture

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of the American Heart Association

Peer-reviewed Open Access Scientific Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

The Americans with Disabilities Act

U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Organization of Food and Nutrition Professionals

tr
Go to source

Sage Journals

Database From Sage Publications

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute of Drug Abuse

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

The ClinMed International Library

A Repository and an Open Access Publisher for Medical Research

Trusted Source
Go to source

The Royal Society Publishing

United Kingdom's National Academy of Sciences

Trusted Source
Go to source

APA PsycNet

Database From American Psychological Association

Trusted Source
Go to source

The Pharma Innovation Journal

Peer-reviewed And Refereed Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development

Peer-reviewed Bimonthly Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

British Pharmacological Society

Journals - Wiley Online Library

Trusted Source
Go to source

American Psychological Association

Scientific and Professional Organization of Psychologists

Trusted Source
Go to source

AAP Publications

Database From American Academy of Pediatrics

Trusted Source
Go to source

Karger Publishers

Academic Publisher of Scientific and Medical Journals and Books

Trusted Source
Go to source

Cambridge University Press & Assessment

Database From Cambridge University

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute of Mental Health

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

MDPI

Publisher of Open Access Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

Bulletin of the National Research Centre

Part of Springer Nature

Trusted Source
Go to source

The New England Journal of Medicine

Massachusetts Medical Society

Trusted Source
Go to source

Economic Research Service

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Trusted Source
Go to source

MedlinePlus

Database From National Library of Medicine

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

National Institute of Health

An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Trusted Source
Go to source

Trusted Source

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

The BMJ

Weekly Peer-reviewed Medical Trade Journal

The British Medical Association
Go to source

The British Psychological Society

The British Psychological Society is a charity registered in England

Database From Wiley Online Library
Go to source

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

PubMed

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S National Library of Medicine
Go to source

DailyMed

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S National Library of Medicine
Go to source

Google Scholar

Go to source

Science.gov: USA.gov for Science

Government Science Portal

Go to source

ResearchGate

Social Network Service For Scientists

Find and share research
Go to source

American Heart Association

To be a rentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives

Go to source

BioMed Central

Research in progress

Go to source

JAMA Network

Home of JAMA and the Specialty Journals of the American Medical Association

Go to source

Springer Link

Database From Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Springer - International Publisher Science, Technology, Medicine
Go to source

ODS

Database from Office of Dietary Supplements

National Institutes of Health
Go to source

Federal Trade Commission

Bureaus of Consumer Protection, Competition and Economics
Go to source

Trusted Source

Database From U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Governmental Authority
Go to source

Oxford Academic Journals

Oxford University Press

Trusted Source
Go to source

Taylor & Francis Online

Peer-reviewed Journals

Academic Publishing Division of Informa PLC
Go to source

WHO

Database from World Health Organization

Go to source

Journal of Neurology

Peer-reviewed Medical Journal

American Academy of Neurology Journal
Go to source

ScienceDirect

Bibliographic Database of Scientific and Medical Publications

Dutch publisher Elsevier
Go to source

Wiley Online Library

American Multinational Publishing Company

Trusted Source
Go to source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

U.S. National Public Health Agency

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

Trusted Source

Database from U.S. National Library of Medicine

U.S. Federal Government
Go to source

U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Federal Agency

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

PubMed Central

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S National Library of Medicine
Go to source
Feedback

Help us rate this article

Thank you for your feedback

Keep in touch to see our improvement