Olive Oil for Hair Growth: Benefits, Risks, and How to Use It
Olive oil can make hair look healthier by improving moisture, shine, and breakage resistance. That can help hair appear thicker over time. It hasn’t been proven to regrow hair in humans or stop genetic hair loss, but it can be a helpful add-on for dry, brittle, or frizzy hair when used correctly.
Does Olive Oil Actually Make Hair Grow?
Olive oil is better described as a **hair-conditioning** ingredient than a hair-growth treatment. It can support the scalp and reduce breakage, which helps you keep more length and improves how full your hair looks.
When hair loss is caused by genetics, hormones, or medical conditions, olive oil alone won’t address the root cause. For persistent shedding or visible thinning, a personalised plan from a qualified professional is the safest next step.
Why People Use Olive Oil on Hair
Extra virgin olive oil contains fatty acids and antioxidant compounds that can help hair feel softer and more manageable. In practical terms, it’s used to:
- Add slip and shine to dry hair
- Reduce frizz and improve detangling
- Protect strands from feeling rough after heat styling or colouring
- Soothe dryness on the scalp for some people
Results depend heavily on hair type. Thick, coarse, curly, or chemically treated hair often tolerates oils well, while fine or oily hair can feel weighed down.
What the Research Really Says
A frequently cited study found that **oleuropein** (a compound associated with olives) stimulated hair growth in mice when applied topically. Animal findings are useful for research, but they don’t automatically translate into real-world results in humans.
Major reviews and clinician-written summaries consistently point out the same gap: **there are no strong human trials showing that olive oil reliably regrows hair or treats androgenetic alopecia** (male or female pattern hair loss).
About the “DHT blocking” claim
You may see claims online that olive oil “blocks DHT.” At this time, that claim isn’t supported by high-quality clinical evidence for scalp hair loss. DHT-driven hair loss is a medical condition and needs evidence-based treatment if you want to slow it down.
Realistic Benefits You Can Expect
1) Softer hair and less breakage
Olive oil can coat the hair fibre and improve the feel of dry strands, which may reduce breakage during brushing and styling. Less breakage helps hair look denser and can help you retain length. citeturn0search5
2) Better shine and frizz control
A small amount on the mid-lengths and ends can tame frizz and improve shine, especially on thick or textured hair. The key is using very little and rinsing well so hair doesn’t look greasy.
3) Scalp comfort for dryness (for some people)
If your scalp feels dry or tight, a short pre-shampoo application may help. If you have dandruff or a history of scalp irritation, heavy oils can sometimes worsen build-up, so take it slowly and watch how your scalp responds
How to Use Olive Oil for Hair
Use **extra virgin olive oil** if possible. It tends to contain more of the naturally occurring compounds people look for in a hair oil.
Method 1: Pre-shampoo treatment (most practical)
- 1. Apply 1–2 teaspoons to dry hair, focusing on mid-lengths and ends.
- 2. Leave on for 20–40 minutes.
- 3. Shampoo thoroughly (you may need a second wash).
- 4. Condition as usual.
This method boosts softness without leaving a heavy residue.
Method 2: Scalp massage (only if your scalp tolerates oils)
- 1. Warm a small amount of oil between your palms.
- 2. Massage lightly for 3–5 minutes.
- 3. Leave on for 20–30 minutes, then shampoo well.
If you notice itchiness, flakes, or pimples, stop and switch to mid-lengths/ends only.
Method 3: Olive oil hair mask (deep conditioning)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Optional: 1 egg yolk (for very dry hair)
Apply to damp hair, leave for 20–30 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water and shampoo. Avoid hot water if you use egg.
Adding essential oils (if you choose to)
Essential oils can irritate the scalp if used undiluted. Keep it simple: **5 drops per 2 tablespoons** of olive oil, patch test first, and avoid use during pregnancy unless cleared by your clinician.
How Often Should You Use It?
For most people, **once a week** is plenty. If hair gets heavy or limp, cut back to every 2–4 weeks and use less product.
Side Effects and Precautions
Olive oil is usually well tolerated, but problems happen when it’s overused or left on the scalp too often:
- Greasy build-up that makes hair feel flat
- Scalp congestion or irritation in oil-sensitive people
- Allergic reactions (rare, but possible)
Always patch test on the inner arm or behind the ear before your first full use.
When Olive Oil Isn’t Enough
If you’re seeing progressive thinning, widening part lines, receding temples, or shedding that lasts more than a few months, you’ll likely get better results from proven options.
Dermatologists commonly recommend evidence-based treatments such as topical minoxidil for certain types of hair loss.
Prescription options (like finasteride for appropriate patients) and procedures, including hair transplantation, can be considered as part of a personalised plan.
At Hair Center of Turkey, patients typically benefit most when treatment is tailored to the cause of hair loss—whether that’s genetics, stress, hormonal shifts, or scarring conditions.
FAQ
What type of olive oil is best for hair?
Extra virgin olive oil is the most common choice for hair care because it contains more naturally occurring compounds than more refined types.
Can olive oil regrow hair in bald areas?
There’s no strong human evidence that olive oil can regrow hair in areas where follicles are no longer producing hair. It can improve the look and feel of existing hair, especially by reducing breakage.
Will olive oil stop genetic hair loss?
No. Androgenetic alopecia is driven by genetics and hormones. Olive oil may support hair quality, but it isn’t a substitute for evidence-based treatment.
Can I leave olive oil on overnight?
You can, but many people wake up with greasy, heavy hair and scalp build-up. A 20–40 minute pre-shampoo treatment is usually enough.
