Hair Treat
People have used olive oil for haircare for thousands of years. Advocates claim that it adds shine, body, softness, and resilience. This is because its primary chemical elements are oleic acid, palmitic acid, and squalene. These are all emollients, which means they have softening qualities. In fact, many shampoos, conditioners, and pomades contain lab-made versions of emollients.
Emolli-What?
- Emollients are lubricants that have softening, moisturizing qualities.
- Olive oil contains the emollients oleic acid, palmitic acid, and squalene.
- You can find lab-made versions of these in conditioners, shampoos, and pomades.
There is very little scientific evidence to support olive oil’s popularity in haircare. However, some research on the effect of oils — coconut oil, in particular — show that they can have a major moisturizing effect. Olive oil could add softness and strengthen hair by penetrating the hair shaft and retaining moisture. Shine attributed to olive oil may be due to the oil smoothing the outer cuticle of the hair.
