Coconut oil vs olive oil for hair…which one’s better for your hair type? In today’s post, you’ll figure out which one’s best for you. We’ll go over the pros and cons of both oils, and 3 ways you can use them in your hair care routine.
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Are you tired of battling frizzy, dry, and damaged hair? Well, get ready for the ultimate showdown between two of the most popular oils in the world of hair care: coconut oil and olive oil.
For many people, natural oils can work wonders when it comes to improving the health of their hair. They can help make your hair softer, stronger, and more manageable.
It’s important to use the right oils for your hair type, but what if you don’t know which oil that is?
I’m here to help! By learning the properties of both coconut oil and olive oil, you’ll be able to decide which one is right for your hair.
If you want to figure out which of these two oils you should use on your hair, keep reading. Here’s all the info you need on coconut oil vs olive oil for hair, and how to use them.
Coconut Oil vs Olive Oil for Hair: What’s the Difference?
What is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is made from pressing the meat inside coconuts. It’s white and solid at room temperature, and melts into liquid form when heated.
It can be ingested, and is often used in baking and cooking. It is also commonly used in hair care and skincare products, and in the Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling.
Coconut oil is a rich source of fatty acids, and has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.
Unrefined (AKA virgin) coconut oil has a strong scent and taste, where refined and fractionated coconut oil do not, due to the processing they go through.
What is Olive Oil?
Olive oil is made from pressing whole olives, which are the fruits of the olive tree.
EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) is most commonly used in cooking, as it has a high smoke point and can also be used cold, for things like salad dressings.
It contains antioxidants and is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, and has a mild scent and taste.
It is said to have many health benefits, and may help protect against cardiovascular disease when consumed regularly.
Olive oil is also commonly used in cosmetics such as skincare and soaps, and is known to be helpful for dry skin and hair.
Why Use Coconut Oil & Olive Oil On Your Hair?
If you’re new to the world of hair oiling, you may be wondering why so many people are using oils in their hair.
Well, by using carrier oils in your hair care routine, you can help combat dryness, damage, and frizz, leaving you with more manageable locks. Using oils regularly can also help promote healthy hair growth.
Many oils are capable of penetrating the hair shaft, delivering nutrients (such as fatty acids and antioxidants) to the core of the strand.
This can help to repair damage and prevent further breakage, leaving your hair stronger and less prone to split ends.
Oils also help to deliver and seal in moisture. This is especially important for those with dry or damaged hair. The oils create a protective barrier that locks in the moisture and prevents it from evaporating.
By sealing in moisture, oils can help to improve the overall health and appearance of your hair. You’ll end up with hair that looks shinier, smoother, and more vibrant.
From deep hydration and moisture retention, to nourishment and protection, oils can truly transform your hair.
When looking at coconut oil vs olive oil for hair, it’s clear they both have benefits and can be great additions to your hair routine!
They’re both considered to be some of the best oils for hair growth and their ability to moisturize dry hair. But do they work the exact same for everyone?
Nope.
Your hair is unique, so the results you see are going to depend on your hair specifically. So let’s get into the properties of each oil, so you can decide which one you’ll try.
Coconut Oil for Hair: Pros and Cons
Coconut oil is one of the most popular natural hair care products. It’s loved for its unique properties that can help revive even the driest and most damaged hair. Let’s see what else it can do for you.
Coconut Oil Hair Benefits
1. One of the standout characteristics of coconut oil is its rich composition of fatty acids and vitamins.
These essential nutrients nourish the hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth from the root.
2. It’s a great oil for those with weaker or damaged hair, as it prevents protein loss in the hair.
Coconut oil can strengthen the strands, reduce breakage, and enhance overall hair health. These are great properties if you are looking to grow out your hair!
3. Coconut oil also helps protect the hair from external damage.
Whether it’s exposure to harmful UV rays or pollution, coconut oil acts as a protective barrier. This reduces the risk of damage and keeps your hair healthy.
4. Coconut oil is known to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which can help combat common scalp issues such as dandruff and fungal infections.
By moisturizing the scalp and offering a soothing effect, coconut oil can alleviate dryness and itchiness, providing a healthier environment for hair growth.
Downsides of Coconut Oil
With its unique blend of nourishing, moisturizing, and protective properties, coconut oil can be a game-changer for hair care. Before you decide if it’s for you, let’s go over the cons of using it in your hair.
1. Some people may find that coconut oil weighs down their hair or leaves it feeling greasy. This is especially true for those with fine or low porosity hair, as coconut oil can sometimes feel like it doesn’t absorb.
If you feel like coconut oil sits on the surface of your hair, you can try fractionated coconut oil, which absorbs into the hair strand a bit better than regular coconut oil.
2. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, which means it can be challenging to apply and distribute evenly throughout the hair.
Before doing a coconut oil hair treatment, you’ll have to melt the oil or warm it up between your hands, which adds another step to the application process.
However, this hurdle can be easily overcome – again, you can use fractionated coconut oil as it stays in liquid form at room temperature.
3. This won’t be a con for everyone, but coconut oil has a strong, distinct smell. If you’re like me and you don’t enjoy the scent, you could stick to using it as a quick pre-poo treatment rather than leaving it on your hair for hours or overnight.
Alternatively, using refined or fractionated coconut oil would solve this!
Try Coconut Oil If:
- You have very damaged, dry hair in need of repair
- You are experiencing breakage and need strength and protection
- You need some sun protection on your hair
- You are suffering with dandruff and flakes or other scalp conditions
Olive Oil for Hair: Pros and Cons
Next, let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of another popular oil for hair health: olive oil. Olive oil has been used for centuries in various ways due to its nourishing properties.
Just like coconut oil, olive oil is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that can provide multiple benefits to your hair and skin.
Olive Oil Hair Benefits
1. One of the key advantages of using olive oil for hair is its ability to deeply moisturize and condition.
The oil penetrates the hair shaft, providing hydration and sealing in moisture, which can help combat dryness and frizz.
This can be especially beneficial for those with naturally dry or damaged hair, as olive oil can restore moisture and make the hair feel softer.
2. Olive oil is known to promote hair strength and elasticity. Its high vitamin E and A content helps to nourish the scalp and strengthen the hair follicles. Increasing elasticity helps reduce the risk of breakage so you can retain your length.
Regular use of olive oil can also help to prevent split ends and minimize hair loss, leaving your locks looking fuller.
3. In addition to its moisturizing and strengthening properties, olive oil also has a soothing effect on the scalp. It can help alleviate itchiness, dryness, and irritation.
This makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive scalps or conditions such as dandruff. The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil can also help calm any scalp inflammation.
4. It has a mild scent. If you are sensitive to strong smells, olive oil may be the better choice for you.
5. Its natural antioxidant properties shield the hair from free radicals. These harmful molecules can lead to damage to the hair follicles, which can contribute to hair loss.
Downsides of Olive Oil
While olive oil offers many benefits for hair health, it’s important to consider any potential drawbacks – but there aren’t many!
1. Because olive oil has a consistency on the heavier side, it may leave a greasy residue on the hair if overused.
Those with quite fine or thin hair may find that an olive oil hair treatment weighs their hair down, potentially making it look flat.
Because of this, olive oil may be better suited to those with coarse or thick hair. If you have fine hair, start with a small amount at first and see how your hair responds.
Try Olive Oil If:
- Your hair is super dry and in need of deep moisture
- You have coarse, thick or high porosity hair
- You prefer a mild scent
- You want protection against free radicals that can damage hair follicles
How to Use Coconut Oil or Olive Oil In Your Hair Care Routine
Always do a patch test when trying a new ingredient for the first time, especially if you are allergy prone or have sensitive skin. If you experience itching, burning or other signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
There are a few different ways you can use oils in your hair care routine. Here are 3 easy methods you can try:
1. Pre-shampoo Treatment
Apply a few tablespoons of oil evenly to your hair. Leave on for 30-60 minutes, then shampoo and condition.
To give this treatment a boost, you can warm up the oil and do a hot oil treatment to allow the oils to deeply penetrate the hair shaft.
2. Sealing In Moisture
Use this method after washing and as your last step in your hair routine.
Take a small amount of oil and rub it between your palms. Gently apply the oil throughout your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
Alternatively, you could add a few drops of oil to your leave-in conditioner.
3. Hair Growth Scalp Treatment
Mix several drops of your favorite essential oils in 1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil. Gently massage the oil mixture into your scalp, and leave on for 30 minutes. Shampoo and condition as usual.
Which essential oils can you use? You can find a great list of oils for hair growth in this post. Spearmint oil and turmeric oil are also fantastic options! If you have oily hair, check out this list of the best essential oils for oily hair.
So, coconut oil vs olive oil for hair…is there a clear winner for you? They can both be an awesome addition to your hair care routine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with both and see which one you like best!
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