Does Olive Oil Cause Hair Fall?

This is one of the more interesting questions I came across while doing some hair fall research. Is it true or is this just a myth? Does olive oil cause hair fall/loss?

Believe it or not, olive oil can cause hair fall. How? Though olive oil is fantastic for hair, using too much of it (applying it too often), may cause a blockage of the hair follicle, resulting in folliculitis. Though mild folliculitis usually goes away quickly even without treatment, more severe cases may lead to hair loss.

Is It Good To Use Olive Oil On Your Hair?

There is no black or white answer to whether olive oil is great for your hair. It depends on your hair type and needs. As with all hair products, it is not one size fits all. Olive oil is beneficial for thick and dry hair. It is also helpful for hair that is processed (treated with relaxers, colored or bleached), damaged or unruly. Why?

Because Olive oil is a natural conditioner and emollient, due to its high content of vitamins,  monosaturated essential fatty acids, and common fatty acids. This means, that it will provide moisture to your scalp and hair, making it a great remedy for dry, treated and unmanageable locks.

Feel free to use olive oil as part of your hair routine if you have any of the following:

Dandruff: while it can’t cure dandruff (nothing can), olive oil has anti-inflammatory agents that help soften flakes and relieve the itchiness and inflammation caused by it.

Frizz: as a conditioner, it helps smooth out your hair making it more manageable.

Split ends: by adding moisture and weighing down your hair, olive oil prevents split ends before it’s too late and you have to cut them off!

For slow hair growth: Since it helps to remove the excess build up of sebum in your scalp, which can prevent healthy hair growth, using olive oil can help your hair grow longer.

If you have thin or oily hair, this treatment is not for you. If you have lighter hair, too much conditioning can weigh it down, and if you have an oily scalp, it can only make it worse.

Will Olive Oil Make Your Hair Fall?

Used correctly and regularly olive oil will prevent hair loss, not make your hair fall.  This is because it treats its leading causes: dry scalp, clogged or weak hair follicles and dandruff.

Here is how:

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients and oils that act as natural moisturizers, and its regular use helps block the production of dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that attacks the hair follicle making it weak and producing hair loss.

By nourishing and conditioning not only your scalp but also your hair, olive oil will make your hair stronger and smoother resulting in less breakage.

Always remember that you should use olive oil in moderation and try it first in your skin and a small part of your scalp and hair to check for any adverse reaction. Also, remember to rinse thoroughly to avoid greasy hair and clogged follicles which could cause hair loss.

Only if you go overboard, apply too much olive oil, too often, will it cause problems. Applying too much oil may cause a blockage of the hair follicle, leading to folliculitis. Folliculitis cause some hair fall, but it is usually short-lasting.

This rarely ever happens though, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Using Olive Oil To Treat Dry Scalp

Dry scalps can make you crazy because of all the itching and flaking. We desperately seek for remedies to make it stop, buying expensive hair products that do not always deliver what they promise and can even end up worsening the problem adding harmful chemicals to the mix.

Luckily you have a natural solution at home:

Olive oil is perfect for treating dry scalps because it works as a natural conditioner and emollient. Its essential oils and vitamins nourish and hydrate your scalp locking in nutrients and preventing your hair follicles from clogging up.

If you are ready to try it just follow these simple steps:

If it's your first time trying olive oil in your scalp, only use a small amount. A tablespoon is enough if you only want to hydrate your scalp or ends. If you're going to apply it to your entire head, you will need an approximately ¼ cup. The trick is to start small and add on as needed.

You can also heat your olive oil for a few seconds before applying for a thin and warm consistency. Add lemon to the oil if you have dandruff. This will help loosen the flakes while the oil moisturizes.

The second step is to massage your scalp for a few minutes with your hands.  You can do this with dry or wet hair and leave it on for 20 minutes to an hour using a shower cap for extra conditioning and to protect your clothing.

When the time is up, you should comb your hair before you rinse the oil out. This will remove flakes and help with the styling afterward.

Lastly, it is important to rinse thoroughly to remove all oil from your scalp and hair to avoid clogging of your hair follicles and a greasy feel and look to your hair.  You can use your normal shampoo and conditioner.

Alternative Dry Scalp Treatments (that do not include olive oil)

If you are looking for remedies for dry scalp, you do not need to break the bank with expensive products. Some simple and natural ingredients that you can find in any grocery store or drugstore can provide adequate results.

Here are the most popular:

Coconut oil

With antifungal and antibacterial properties, coconut oil will moisturize your scalp while aiding in the treatment of fungal infections, dandruff, folliculitis or dermatitis. If used regularly, it will create a protective barrier between washes that will result in softer and silkier hair.

To prepare your treatment, you must heat for a few seconds, 2 to 5 tablespoons of coconut oil in your microwave. The amount will depend on if you wish to apply in your entire head or just your scalp or ends.

When you have a melted and uniform oil, you massage it into your scalp and then work it through the rest of your hair with a comb. Use a shower cap or towel to wrap your head and leave on for 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much conditioning you may need. After, rinse thoroughly with your regular shampoo.

Tea tree oil

You can easily find tea tree oil in most drugstores. When it comes to its benefits, adding a few drops of this essential oil to your regular shampoo or other carrier oil (coconut or olive oil), will unclog your pores and regulate natural oil production. If your dryness is caused by a fungal infection tea tree oil works great because of its antifungal, antiseptic and antibiotic properties.

For best results use it regularly, two times a week should do the trick. Also, remember to massage it for a few minutes and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing. As with other ingredients, when first using always try first in a small patch of skin to check for any allergic reaction.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an astringent; this means that its use will clean and exfoliate your scalp. It's also antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, so it will eliminate bacteria and fungi that could be causing your dryness and itchiness.

Because it is powerful you should take into consideration the following recommendations: