M ost of us played Holi after two years in so much excitement that we forgot what its side effects could be. The colour friends splash at parties contains the chemicals your hair doesn’t prize, believe us. In fact, rough hair is a post-Holi thing for many, and if you’re facing it currently, you probably know why. But thanks to our Indian roots and the power to create home remedies for all body problems, we don’t need to book appointments with the dermat every time something seems unruly. Saving you some effort and pills, there’s a beneficial and easy home remedy to solve your hair problem. Bottled in your kitchen as you continue to read, the magic ingredient we’re talking about is olive oil - something you always vouched on for your health needs.

Little did you know, olive oil is healthy for your hair too. By providing nourishment, necessary minerals, lustre, softness and strength, olive oil meets the requirements your hair demands. Olive oil is also known for reducing dandruff and split ends.

How Do I Use Olive Oil on My Hair?

You know it’s time to try this natural hair remedy when your tresses look dreadful with frizz, dryness or split ends. Women, men and even children who want to incorporate olive oil into their hair care routine can try this easy method:

• Take an appropriate amount of olive oil depending on the length and volume of your hair.
• Apply the oil to your scalp first and then to the parts you feel are excessively dry. It’s safe to apply for all hair types.
• Cover your hair with a shower cap (optional) and leave the oil on for at least half an hour.
• The water of regular temperature should be used to rinse the oil out of your strands.
• Shampoo your hair and repeat if you feel the olive oil still remains. Don’t shampoo more than two times.

Olive Oil as a Conditioner

While using shampoo and conditioner is necessary, olive oil, too, is grouped to be one of the conditioning agents that can benefit your hair. Scientists have previously stated that olive oil can penetrate the hair follicles and reduce the amount of water the hair absorbs. It thereby reduces the amount of swelling the hair shaft experiences. If the hair does not swell as much, it will not shrink as much, reducing the stress on the hair and damage in turn.

Olive Oil for Thick Hair

Olive oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that aid the process of getting voluminous hair. It is also one of the best natural ingredients you can use to make your hair grow stronger as it is rich in multiple vitamins that help lock the keratin in your hair. Using olive oil for longer hair is a great idea too because it removes excess sebum buildup. Sebum inhibits the growth of new hair follicles and, in general, hair growth.

Olive Oil for Split Ends

The primary chemical elements of olive oil are oleic acid, palmitic acid, and squalene. All of these are emollients, which means they have softening properties. Apply it to the bottom 3-4 inches of your hair to replenish split ends.

Olive Oil for Dandruff

The appearance of dandruff depends on many factors such as your diet and the weather. Though it might be hard to get rid of it completely, olive oil can help reduce it naturally.

DIY Olive Oil Hair Masks

Along with olive oil, you can add other ingredients to your hair mask for additional benefits.

Olive Oil with Egg and Honey

Vitamins A and E, biotin, and folate found in eggs have been linked to healthy hair. If you have dry hair, honey can help your hair retain its moisture. Mix two spoons of olive oil, one spoon of honey and one egg and apply the mixture to your hair. Keep it on for 20 mins, and cover it with a shower cap as it will have a foul smell. Rinse and shampoo.

Olive Oil with Avocado

This might make you want to consume it, but today, apply it to your hair. Avocado's vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids may help moisturise your hair. Furthermore, the minerals found in avocado may help seal cuticles, preventing hair breakage. To make the quick mask, take a ripe avocado, peel and mash it. Add two spoons of olive oil and apply them to the hair. Shampoo after 15 minutes with water at a regular temperature.

Olive Oil with Yoghurt and Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil may provide relief if you have dandruff or other scalp irritation. Yogurt also helps in treating dandruff and also moisturises the hair. Mix two spoons of olive oil, two spoons of fresh yoghurt and a few drops of tea tree oil. Apply on your scalp, leave it for half an hour, rinse and wash.

Olive Oil with Banana

You wouldn’t imagine your breakfast essential to be a haircare ingredient. The antioxidants present in bananas can make your hair shine the way you desired. Blend half a ripe banana with two spoons of olive oil to make a smooth mixture. Apply on your hair for 15 minutes before washing.