Repair, Retain Moisture and add Shine with an Olive Oil Hair Mask

Using an olive oil hair mask has become a new trend that many people have begun to use on their natural hair. Olive oil is one of the best oils for African American hair, especially when hair is dry and damaged.

Using a hair mask can help repair hair, retain moisture, and add shine.

Olive oil hair mask benefits

Olive oil has the ability to penetrate hair follicles and moisturize them from within. This allows it to make the hair stronger and more elastic so it is less likely to break off.

This oil can also decrease the rate that split ends occur and smooth down the split ends you currently have. Olive oil can prevent dandruff because it contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Also, for those who have sensitive skin or allergies, then this oil is least likely to cause a reaction.

How often should you do an olive oil hair mask?

An olive oil hair treatment can be used as a method of deep conditioning after every wash, or every week if you wash your hair often. It can also be used as a pre-poo to protect your hair from being stripped of moisture from regular shampoo.

It can also repair colored hair, so it is recommended to use it after you dye your hair.

Olive oil hair mask steps

After applying the hair mask, it is a good idea to detangle your hair to ensure that the oil is evenly distributed throughout. Let it sit for about thirty minutes.

For best results cover with a plastic wrap or a shower cap to allow the maximum amount of heat and moisture. The heat will open up the follicles and let the olive oil penetrate the hair.

After thirty minutes, wash out the mask.

How to wash out an olive oil hair mask

To wash out the mixture, use a small amount of shampoo to get the excess moisture out. If you prefer the “no poo” method, you can just rinse your hair out very well with warm water.

Olive oil hair mask for split ends

Split ends can be caused by heat, chemicals, or dryness. Olive oil hair masks work as a deep conditioner to prevent split ends from forming. It cannot treat or repair the split ends you currently have, but can reduce the appearance of them.

Olive oil hair mask for damaged hair

Olive oil is one of the best treatments for damaged hair because of its penetrating properties. If you have a lot of breakage or damaged, dry hair this mask can re-moisturize and restore elasticity.

Being that it is a heavy oil and you should avoid using too much, since it will weigh hair down and make it look greasy.

Olive oil hair mask for hair growth

When massaged into the scalp, olive oil can stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair growth. Damaged hair cannot grow at a normal rate, so if you notice that your hair isn’t growing, or isn’t growing as fast as you would like, then you can use this oil to repair damage and promote growth.

Overnight olive oil hair mask

There is a lot of debate on whether or not deep conditioners and hair masks should be kept on overnight. Leaving it in overnight is not proven to allow maximum penetration, but many people believe overnight moisturizing allows hair to receive the most benefits and that leaving on overnight makes hair softer.

Some debate that overnight conditioning makes black hair too soft and brittle, allowing it to break off.

Hot olive oil hair mask

Whenever using a hair mask, it is best to heat the oil so that the follicles will be more receptive to the treatment. Heat allows the pores in the follicles to open up.

There are two ways to do this. The first method is to heat the oil in a microwave for a few seconds, do not allow it to get too hot.

Although it is a “hot oil treatment” the oil should be warm, to reduce the risk of burning. The other option is to cover your hair in plastic wrap, or a shower cap.

This also opens up the follicles because it traps the heat coming of your head, allowing it to circulate in the cap and stay hot for longer. You can also do a combination of the method, but the microwave method is not preferred, because the microwave can cause the oil to lose some of its nutrients.

Substitutes for olive oil in a hair mask

You can substitute any oil for olive oil, and because of its heavy consistency, some prefer lighter oils. Some of the most popular light oils are argan oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil.

Heavier oils include coconut oil, Jamaican black castor oil, and avocado oil. It’s best to try different oils until you find one that works for your hair.

How to make an olive oil hair mask

Olive oil masks are easy enough to make at home. First you should choose your olive oil, the best kind is extra virgin, and can be found in any grocery store.

If you choose to use the microwave method, then you can microwave ½ cup of oil for ten second intervals, until the oil is warm. Then add any ingredients and mix well.

Apply the mixture to damp hair and detangle your hair. You can wrap your hair in plastic wrap afterwards if that is the method you choose.

Olive oil and egg hair mask

Egg is not a recommended source of protein because the protein is too big to fit in the hair follicles, but massaging egg into the scalp can stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair growth.

Ingredients

Directions

Whisk the egg and olive oil together. Apply to damp hair, making sure you massage the scalp.

Olive oil and honey hair mask

Honey is an antioxidant so it is able to keep your scalp healthy and prevent infections and dandruff. Honey can also make hair smooth, and lock in moisture.

Research suggests that honey can also stimulate hair growth.

Ingredients

Directions

Whisk all of the ingredients in a bowl until they are the right consistency. If it is sticky, add more olive oil to dilute it.

Olive oil and avocado hair mask

Avocados mimic the oils that hair naturally produces and is great at reducing frizz, especially in curly hair. It contains many nutrients such as Vitamin E, amino acids, and iron to nourish and strengthen hair.

Ingredients

Directions

Puree or mix the avocado with the olive oil. Apply to damp hair.

Olive oil and cinnamon hair mask

Cinnamon is known for combating hair loss because it stimulates the scalp. If you can find cinnamon oil it is better to use that instead of the powder.

Cinnamon may irritate your skin, so preform a test on your arm to make sure you don’t react to it before applying it to your scalp.

Ingredients

Directions

Mix the ingredients and apply it to your scalp. You do not need to apply this mixture to all of your hair, but you can.

Olive oil and coconut oil hair mask

Ingredients

Coconut oil seals moisture into the hair, allowing the olive oil to stay in the hair follicles for longer. It is also good at preventing dandruff and treating scalp issues such as dryness and itchiness.

Directions

Melt the coconut oil and mix it with the olive oil. If there is leftover mask, you can put it in a sealed container until you are ready to use the rest of it.

Greek yogurt and olive oil hair mask

Greek yogurt adds moisture and shine to damaged hair. It can help to rebuild and strengthen hair while making your hair bouncy and healthy.

Ingredients

Directions

Whisk the egg until it is a creamy texture. Add Greek yogurt and olive oil until they are fully blended together.

Apply to hair. Store any excess in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Olive oil and lemon juice hair mask

Lemon juice is very acidic, so it is ideal for removing dandruff. It can also close the cuticle of your hair, which locks in moisture and reduces frizz while making your hair shiny.

Regular use can cause hair to lighten from exposure to sunlight.

Ingredients

Directions

Mix the ingredients together and apply to damp hair. To prevent hair lightening, avoid direct sunlight.

Mayo and olive oil hair mask

Mayo makes hair softer and shinier. Unfortunately, many think it is a protein.

It is not because the proteins found in eggs are too big to fit in the hairs cuticle, but it does do a good job of sealing in moisture.

Ingredients

Directions

Blend mayo and olive oil and apply to damp hair.

Strawberry and olive oil hair mask

Strawberries can prevent fungal infections and dandruff while adding shine and moisture to hair. The folic acid can also help with thinning hair caused by some medical conditions.

Ingredients

Directions

Smash the strawberries or puree in a blender. Mix with other ingredients and apply to damp hair.

Olive oil and aloe vera hair mask

Aloe vera prevents hair loss and thinning.  It also reduces dandruff and makes hair shiny.

Ingredients

Directions

Mix the aloe vera gel and olive oil together and apply to damp hair.

Vitamin E and olive oil hair mask

Vitamin E reduces inflammation and repairs damage to hair follicles.

Ingredients

Directions

Drain the tablets of Vitamin E into the olive oil and mix well. Apply to damp hair.

Banana and olive oil hair mask

Bananas are rich in antioxidants, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. These nutrients contribute the health of your hair, while the sugars help seal in moisture.

Ingredients

Directions

If you have a blender, you can puree the banana, olive oil, and honey together. If you hand mix, try to make sure there aren’t any lumps from the banana.

Any of these recipes can be modified to suit your hair’s needs. Using any of these olive oil hair masks for natural hair will give your hair the full benefits of olive oil such as strength, moisture, and elasticity.