I normally don't rummage through my kitchen when I'm in need of beauty products, buy my hair has been so dry and damaged from the summer sun that I was desperate for some sort of TLC. I remember reading an article about using olive oil as a hair treatment, and after recently experiencing the skin softening benefits of a warm water and olive oil hand soak, I thought, "Why not?" After all, if this oil could make my parched hands feel smooth and moisturized, surely it could do the same for my hair.
Here is how I used olive oil as a hair treatment:
1. Pour a couple of tablespoons (more or less depending on your hair length and thickness) into a small microwave-safe bowl and place in a microwave for about 20 seconds. Since microwaves vary, I suggest starting off by heating up the oil for 10 seconds and then adding a few more seconds until the oil is warm (you don't want it to be so hot that it will burn you!).
2. Next, go into the bathroom and pour small amounts of olive oil into your hands and coat your hair. Make sure to concentrate on those tattered ends!
3. After my hair was evenly coated, I wrapped my hair in plastic wrap and secured it to the back of my head with a large clip. I did this to preserve some of the heat. After about 30 minutes, thoroughly shampoo your hair.
Although my hair still looked fried after shampooing and blowdrying, I did noticed that it felt much softer, smoother and was easier to manage. However, I think with a much needed trim and a weekly application, this olive oil treatment is an easy and cheap way to keep my locks in good shape.
I always have olive oil on hand for cooking, and since I pay no more than $5 for a bottle of extra virgin, this hair treatment is definitely going to become a part of my beauty regime and even replace several products.
