In this article, I share 10 plus ways to use olive oil for hair, skin, and body.
Olive oil is a versatile oil produced by pressing whole olives which are found mostly in the Mediterranean region.
Olive oil is a huge part of the Mediterranean diet due to its immense health benefits.
5 Benefits of Olive Oil for Hair, Skin & Body
1. Rich in Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids especially oleic acid, a heart-healthy dietary fat, which also prevents free radical damage in the body.
2. Full of Antioxidants
Olive oil contains polyphenols and oleocanthal, powerful antioxidants that help fight inflammation in the body and also support the cardiovascular system.
3. Cancer Fighting Squalene
Olive oil contains traces of squalene, a compound deemed to be an anti-cancer agent according to this study.
4. Great for a Weight Loss Strategy
If your diet is rich in olive oil, it can help promote a more effective weight loss strategy.
According to the USDA, 1 tablespoon of olive oil contains 14 grams of fat and no sugar, carbs, or protein and comes to approximately 120 calories.
This makes it an ideal oil to use in a balanced weight loss regimen. Olive oil is a major component of the Mediterranean diet as well.
5. High Vitamin E Content
Olive oil contains a high amount of vitamin E, which can help hydrate the skin and hair and promote softness and shine.
Chef’s Planet Glass Oil Decanter and Cruet
How to Use Olive Oil for Hair
The essential fatty acids in olive oil coat the hair shaft and promotes a smoother and healthier appearance.
Olive oil also tames flyaways and frizz while the vitamin e content assists with softness and shine.
I have covered the benefits of olive oil for hair extensively plus the best recipes for hair in How to Achieve Softer & Shinier Hair with Olive Oil.
How to Use Olive Oil for Skin
Nail Massage Oil
You can use olive oil for massaging your nails after a manicure. Mix with vitamin e oil for an even more effective nail massage.
Shaving Oil
Use olive oil as a replacement for shaving creams; facial and other regions. Read Oils for the Pubic Area.
Make-up Remover
Olive oil can be used as a make-up remover. Dab on the skin, leave on for a few minutes then wipe off make-up with a moist warm washcloth.
Nappy Rash
Apply a little bit of olive oil to your baby’s bottom to prevent and cure nappy rash.
Oil Pulling
Olive oil can be one of the ingredients when trying out the oil pulling method.
For more on that, read Improve Oral Health Within 14 Days With Oil Pulling.
Face Mask
You can make a face mask for dry skin with olive oil and egg yolk. Add in a little bit of lemon juice for skin brightening as well.
How to Use Olive Oil for the Body
Your body can get the benefits of olive oil via consumption in various ways. These could include:-
- Sautéing
- Searing
- Grilling
- Dips
- Pesto
- Salad dressings
- Baking
- Roasted vegetables
- Frying
Cooking with olive oil may help enhance the nutrition levels of your recipes so enjoy away.
Other Uses of Olive Oil
- Olive oil can be applied to shoes to help restore their shine.
- Applying a thin layer of olive oil to garden tools can help prevent rust.
- If you have a stuck zipper, apply olive oil with a q-tip to ease down the zipper.
- If you accidentally get paint in your hair, you can remove it by applying olive oil with a cotton ball.
The 5 Different Grades of Olive Oil
There are a few different grades of olive oil with several differences between all of them:
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
This is the best type of olive oil. It comes from the first cold pressing and usually has exceptional quality. It’s the one I use for my hair and in cooking.
2. Virgin Olive Oil
Virgin olive oil is obtained through mechanical expeller pressure, washing, centrifugation, and filtration.
It comes from the second pressing of the olives and is a step down from the process used for EVOO. However, it is still suitable for personal use.
Related Content: The Difference Between Virgin and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3. Pure Olive Oil
This is a blend of refined olive oil and virgin olive oil.
4. Extra Light Olive Oil
This isn’t light on calories as the name might suggest. Rather, it’s an indication that it has been mixed with other oils and is very processed.
You may find it suitable if the aroma/taste of olive oil is too much for you but in this case, you might as well buy extra virgin olive oil and blend it with other high-quality oils yourself.
5. Pomace Olive Oil
This oil is used mostly for industrial purposes in things like soap making and other cosmetics.
It’s a heavily refined by-product of olive oil and not recommended for human consumption.
Before I began studying oils, I accidentally purchased this oil because it was cheap and used it on my hair (I was transitioning then).
I spent the next few days regretting at leisue. My hair was a dry tangled mess for days afterward.
Best Olive Oil Recommendations
If you want to use olive oil for skin, hair, and/or body, below are the best 5 recommendations for extra virgin olive oil:
Ojai Olive Oil Provencale Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Chacewater California Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Lucini Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Iliada Kalamata Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Where to Buy the Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
You can find the extra virgin olive oil recommendations above at the following online locations:-
If you would like to know more about how to use natural oils for specific purposes to get more effective use out of them, you may want to check out How to Grow Hair Healthy & Long with Natural Oils.
This guide goes in-depth into which specific oil (s) works for each hair issue for optimal length and health.
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