What are the hair benefits of olive oil?

Olive oil: what are its properties on hair?

Olive oil has been utilised for centuries and is recognised for its numerous benefits. Its biochemical composition enables it to exert interesting cosmetic effects, not only on the skin but also on the hair. Discover in this article what olive oil can contribute from a haircare perspective.

Published on May 16, 2025, by Marie, Scientific Editor — 6 min of reading

Benefit No. 1: Olive oil could combat hair oxidation.

Hair can be subjected to various types of daily aggressions, such as UV rays, pollution or certain hair products. These environmental and chemical factors contribute to creating an imbalance within the cells of the scalp and hair shaft, leading to an excessive production of free radicals. However, olive oil is among the vegetable oils that have a strong antioxidant power. Indeed, it contains several antioxidant actives, such as vitamin E, β-carotene or oleuropein, which allow it to exert anti-radical effects. These compounds help to combat oxidative stress induced by the excessive production of free radicals by neutralising them.

Let's remember that oxidative stress is involved in many hair degradation phenomena. It can notably weaken the structure of keratin, a protein essential for the strength and cohesion of hair fibres. Under the effect of free radicals, the fibre may lose its mechanical resistance, become more brittle, duller, and more prone to split ends. The oxidative stress is also recognised as a factor accelerating hair loss and their whitening (a phenomenon also known as canities). The various antioxidants contained in the vegetable oil could help to limit the oxidation of hair fibres and therefore their deterioration. By preserving the integrity of the proteins and lipids that make up the hair, olive oil could thus help to slow down the effects of hair ageing.

Benefit No. 2: Olive oil may promote hair growth.

Several experimental data suggest that certain compounds in olive oil, particularly oleuropein, could have a positive impact on the hair growth cycle. A study conducted by PARK highlighted that the topical application of oleuropein on mice stimulated their hair growth. This is notably linked to the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, a key mechanism in regulating the anagen phase, that is, the growth phase of the hair follicle. An increase in the expression of certain genes, such as LEF1 and Cyc-D1, both involved in cell proliferation, was also observed. Finally, an elevation in the levels of the β-catenin protein and the growth factor IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1), which also promotes the survival and activation of follicular cells, was noted.

However, it is crucial to emphasise that these results were obtained following the topical application of pure oleuropein, at a rate of 0.4 mg per day in mice. Olive oil itself contains this molecule, but in much smaller proportions, and its effectiveness as a hair or fur growth activator has not been directly demonstrated. Therefore, additional research would be necessary to determine if the application of olive oil to the scalp could have a similar effect.

Benefit No. 3: Olive oil is moisturising and nourishing for the hair.

Olive oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid. These lipids are particularly beneficial for hair care due to their nourishing and protective properties. Indeed, these fatty acids contribute to the strengthening of the hydrolipidic film that coats the hair fibres, acting as a barrier against external aggressions while limiting water loss. Moreover, thanks to their biomimetic structure, these lipids can insert themselves between the scales of the cuticle, the outer layer of the hair, where they act as an intercellular cement. Oleic acid, in particular, is a major component of the sebum naturally produced by the scalp and is part of the hydrolipidic film. Its presence in olive oil partly explains the latter's good affinity with hair fibres. Thanks to its richness in fatty acids, olive oil reduces hair porosity, making it softer, better hydrated, and more resistant to breakage.

A study by CAMPOS explored the use of vegetable oils as alternatives to silicone found in many hair products. Two vegetable oils were selected for the study: olive oil and Brazil nut oil. The aim was to compare their effectiveness on hydration, nutrition, and strengthening of the hair fibre. The study panelists were divided into 4 groups: a control group, a group with a silicone treatment, a group with Brazil nut oil, and a group with olive oil. The evaluation tests revealed that olive oil allowed for a reduction in combing force and a increase in shine more significant compared to the silicone-based formula. The application of olive oil on the hair would thus result in a general improvement in the condition of the hair.