Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Olive Oil For Hair Treatment: Get Healthy Hair With Nature

Olive Oil For Hair Treatment: Get Healthy Hair With Nature

Olive oil has been used throughout the centuries for many purposes. This oil, which is extracted from the fruits of olive tree, is well known for its therapeutic and culinary uses. Apart from that, it is also used as a cosmetic. Medical uses of olive oil include its ability to control cholesterol and diseases like gastritis and ulcers. Olive oil uses are not restricted to medicinal and culinary ones only, but are also beneficial in hydrating and softening the skin and for making the hair stronger and healthier. How can you make use of olive oil for the wellness of your hair? Let us find out!

Make Olive Oil Hair Conditioner At Home

* Warm about 2 tsps. of olive oil. Test the oil’s temperature before applying it to your scalp; the oil should be warm to the touch, but not scalding. Warm oil penetrates more deeply into the hair shaft to repair the damaged cuticles that cause dryness, frizziness and breakage.
* Massage the oil into your hair, beginning with your scalp and working your way to the ends of your hair. Be gentle with your hair; rough treatment causes breakages that can increase frizz and flyaways.
* Wrap your hair in a warm towel and let the oil saturate your hair for up to 30 minutes. Sitting in a steamy bath can increase the oil’s penetration of the hair shaft (resulting in deeper conditioning) and can also prevent messy oil spills around the house.
* Wash your hair with a mild shampoo at the conclusion of this treatment and rinse your hair thoroughly. As you rinse, use cool water, which seals the hair shaft, locking in shine and preventing damaged ends.

Olive Oil Hair Treatment

Olive oil is a rich source of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and the antioxidant vitamin E, which can moisturize and nourish the hair. Always try to use the best quality olive oil for better results. Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is considered the best, as the process of extraction of this oil (cold pressing) helps in retaining the vitamins and minerals in it.

* Take the required amount of olive oil in a bowl. If the oil is stored in the refrigerator, keep the bowl (with oil) outside for a while to bring it to room temperature.
* Meanwhile, you have to get ready for the oil treatment. It is better to wear some old clothes, as oil spots can ruin clothes. Or else, you can wrap a towel around you.
* Brush you hair and part it with a comb. Apply olive oil on your hair with your fingertips. Make sure that you are not using your nails for the task.
* Dip the fingertips in the bowl and gently massage the scalp, on both sides of the parting.
* Now, make a new parting at a distance of about one or two inches from the first one and repeat the massaging process.
* Repeat this, until the entire scalp is covered. You have to apply some oil on the hair too.
* After the oiling process is over, you have to cover your head with a towel, in order to keep it warm, so that the oil can be absorbed.
* Keep your head covered for about 30 minutes to one hour. Then, unwrap the cover and wash your hair with a mild shampoo. As the hair is oily, you may need more amount of shampoo than you normally use.
* For better results, you may steam your hair, before washing it. This is beneficial in preventing the occurrence of dandruff.

Some Other Treatments with Olive Oil

Apennine Olive Oil Treatment

Some of the finest olive oil in the world comes from the hilly regions of central Italy, Gallagher says. “This oil has a deep, rich green color and a characteristic nutty fragrance.”

1 Tbsp. olive oil (more if hair is long) from Tuscany or Umbria, if possible
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

Warm the olive oil and gently massage into your scalp and hair, covering the whole head. Wrap your head with two plastic shower caps or a hot, wet towel. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then wash hair with an herbal shampoo. Apply the shampoo without adding water to cut down on the oil. Rinse with apple cider vinegar.

Lavender and Rosemary Treatment

* 1 to 2 Tbsp. olive oil
* 1 drop of lavender essential oil
* 2 drops of rosemary essential oil

Combine ingredients and rub the mixture into hair’s dry ends, or massage into your scalp. Wrap your hair in a hot towel or cover with a plastic shower cap. Let the oil soak into your hair for about an hour, then rinse with a natural shampoo.

Caribbean Queen Conditioner

* 1 to 2 eggs
* 1 Tbsp. olive oil
* 1 Tbsp. glycerin
* 1/2 cup of purified water
* 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

Mix all ingredients together and whisk thoroughly. After shampooing, use as a conditioner. Massage through hair and leave on under a plastic shower cap for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

No matter what your hair type, treating it with olive oil can help repair damage and give you healthy, shiny hair. So go ahead, pour it on.

Warnings

* Don’t let olive oil sit on your skin. To prevent breakouts, wash your hands and face well after applying the conditioner.
* If you condition with olive oil too often, you can cause breakouts on your scalp and forehead, so use this product in moderation.