The olive oil sitting in your pantry has a lot of different benefits, and they're not all related to making your pasta taste good. In the same way that you'd use olive oil to cook some of your favourite dishes, you can also add it to your hair-care regimen [1] in a multitude of ways.
Olive oil is a moisturising agent — not to be confused with a sealant [2] — that can be used to hydrate your hair whenever it's in need of a little more love. Moisturising oils are exactly what they sound like: they're oils that contain molecules small enough to penetrate the cuticle and hydrate the hair shaft [3]. There are a handful of other popular oils that you can use a moisturisers, and if you're incorporating olive oil into your routine as a way to test out its benefits, you're not limited to just the oil that you cook with.
Read ahead to check out some of our favourite hair products made with olive oil.
Hollywood Beauty Olive Oil
Hollywood Beauty Olive Oil [4] ($9) is a product light enough that it won't weigh down your hair, but its moisturising benefits are so effective that it can even be used as a deep conditioner or a pre-shampoo treatment.
Garnier Whole Blends Legendary Olive Replenishing Shampoo
Garnier Whole Blends Legendary Olive Replenishing Shampoo [5] ($6) is a weightless shampoo that replenishes moisture while cleansing the hair of product buildup.
Fekkai Brilliant Gloss Conditioner
Designed for thick and curly hair, Fekkai Brilliant Gloss Conditioner [6] ($20) is infused with French-pressed olive oil to lock in moisture and protect your hair's keratin.
ORS Olive Oil Creamy Aloe Shampoo
ORS Olive Oil Creamy Aloe Shampoo [7] ($5) gently cleanses and removes buildup from the scalp while simultaneous giving you a moisture boost that'll leave your hair looking shiny and healthy.
Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Deep Conditioner
For an even bigger moisture boost, you can use Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Deep Conditioner [8] ($2) overnight to treat dry, brittle, or over-processed hair.
Eco Style Professional Olive Oil Styling Gel
Eco Style Professional Olive Oil Styling Gel [9] ($3) is a staple for many naturals. The alcohol-free formula limits frizz and keeps hair in place without leaving traces of harmful chemicals and flakes on your hair.
Kiehl's Since 1851 Strengthening and Hydrating Hair Oil-in-Cream
Kiehl's Since 1851 Strengthening and Hydrating Hair Oil-in-Cream [10] ($21, originally $25) is a leave-in treatment that uses olive oil and avocado oil to reduce breakage and strengthen dry hair.
Oribe Intense Conditioner for Moisture & Control
Oribe Intense Conditioner for Moisture & Control [11] ($49) targets dry, damaged, or colour-treated hair by softening it and providing a keratin shield that protects strands against outside damage.
Aunt Jackie's "Anti-Poof" Moisturising & Softening Conditioner
Aunt Jackie's "Anti-Poof" Moisturising & Softening Conditioner [12] ($7) strengthens, softens, and nourishes the hair with its mixture of shea butter, extra virgin olive oil, and keratin.