Olive Oil is loaded with healthy fats, Vitamins, and antioxidants, all very good for hair growth. The Olive Tree is native to the Mediterranean basin. The largest producers of the Olives are Spain, Greece, and Italy. Since ancient time Olive Oil has been used for various religious or cultural practices.

Is Olive Oil good for type 4C hair? Olive oil is one of the best oils for curly hair and particularly type 4C. Type 4C hair has tight ‘Z’ curls, which makes natural oils from the skin to travel slowly to the hair shaft, leaving the hair dry and prone to damage. 4C hair benefits from Olive oil because of its intense moisturizing property. The oil coats and protects the hair shaft from breakage and heat damage.

Five Olive Oil Nutritional Facts

1. Olive oil is extracted from the Olive berries hence contains a high percentage of plant-derived antioxidant, Vitamins and phytosterols.
2. It is considered one of the healthiest edible oils because it has less saturated fatty acids compared to other oils. In addition, it has polyunsaturated fats such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids.
3. The oil is Rich in Vitamin E which is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant that is required to protect the skin from harmful oxygen-free radicals.
4. Olive oil is also a rich source of Vitamin K which is known to prevent premature hair loss.
5. It has an anti-inflammatory property because of Olexic acid and antioxidant Oleocantal.

What are the Benefits of Olive Oil on 4C hair?

1. Strengthens Hair

Olive oil strengthens hair by keeping it moisturized and nourishing the hair shaft with the rich fatty acids and vitamins protecting the hair from breakage. The main fatty acids in Olive oils are so small making their penetration easier compared to other oils. The fatty acids in the oil help to restore your lost lipid layer making the strong.

2. Promotes hair growth

Strong and nourished hair will grow to its maximum potential. Because Olive oil works to protect the hair against damage, you will be able to retain your length. Applying the oil by massaging it into the hair gives you the benefit of increased blood circulation and relaxed muscles which is a good environment for hair growth.

3. Olive oil for detangling

When applied before washing the hair, Olive oils makes detangling easier because of its lubricating property.

4. Minimizes Dandruffs

Because of its anti-inflammatory property thanks to Olexic acid and antioxidant Oleocantal, Olive oil helps promotes a healthy scalp by fighting fungus and bacterial

5. Used for Pre-poo ( Pre-shampoo )

Olive oil is excellent when applied before shampooing your hair. Shampoos can be very damaging by stripping off your natural hair oils and thus applying the oil will protect your hair shaft and scalp from the harsh chemicals contained in the shampoos.

Types of Olive Oils (What is the best for 4C hair?)

There are different types of Olive Oils. The International Olive Council has defined different grades of Olive Oils into 5 categories as described below:

1.  Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2. Virgin Olive Oil
3. Refined Olive Oil
4. Olive Pomace Oil
5. Lampante Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra Virgin is the highest grade Olive Oil. To be certified for the “Extra Virgin” Label, the oil:

1. Must come from the first pressing of fresh olives (within 24 hours of harvesting)
2. Must be extracted by non-chemical, mechanical means, and without the use of excessive heat, specifically below 28C.
3. The free fatty acid or acidity level must be less than 0.8%.
4. It must be defect free – having a perfect taste and aroma

Virgin Olive Oil

Virgin Olive oil is inferior quality to Extra virgin Olive Oil. Its flavor intensity and taste is milder compared to Extra Virgin Olive Oil. For an Oil to be labeled virgin olive oil:

1. Virgin Olive Oil also comes from the first pressing
2. Must have an acidity level of less than 2%

Refined Olive Oil
These are oils that are obtained from Virgin Olive Oils by refining agents such as acids, alkalis, and heat to extract as much oil as possible. This Oil is fattier and more acidic oil which lacks aroma, taste and natural antioxidants. Producers often need to add unrefined Extra Virgin or Virgin Olive Oil to add flavor, color and aroma into the blend.

Olive – Pomace Oil
This is the lowest grade of olive oil made from the byproducts of extra virgin olive oil production. The Oil is extremely low in antioxidant. The byproducts (Olive seeds, skins and pulp) are heated and the remaining oil is extracted using a solvent such as hexane.

Lampante Oil (Not fit for human consumption)
This oil that has a free acidity, expressed as Oleic acid of more than 3.3%. The oils is produced from bad fruit or poor processing practices. It is not fit for human consumption unless it has been refined.

So what is the best olive oil to use for hair? Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the best to use. Many natural hair bloggers have attested that extra virgin olive oil is the best to use on their hair. I use the cooking grade extra virgin oil on my hair and scalp.

How to use Olive Oil on your 4C Hair

1. Pre-Poo treatment

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an excellent pre- shampoo conditioner. It will protect you hair shaft from the harsh chemicals contained in shampoos.

Application

1. Section your hair and add the of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to your moist unwashed hair. Apply the oil to your hair shaft and scalp. Cover your hair with a plastic cap for 15-20mins (with or without heat) and then proceed to wash and condition as usual.

2. Hot Oil Treatment

1. Add 2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to an applicator bottle or any bottle that you have. Heat the oil by placing the bottle in warm water. Let the oil heat to your preferred temperature but do not overheat it, check the temperature by testing with your wrist Apply to the scalp and massage for 10-15 mins. The oil will nourish your skin and prevent dryness. Massaging will promote growth by improving blood circulation.
2. Apply the oil on your moist hair shaft as well.
3. Cover the hair and leave the oil in for about 30 minutes. The generated heat will promote nutrient absorption.

If you have dry hair, it is recommended to have this treatment once a week. For oily hair, you can do this every 15 days or do it once a week but moderate the amount of oil you put on your scalp.

3. Olive Oil and Egg DIY Deep Conditioner

For extreme hydration, Olive Oil and egg mask is perfect. Eggs are loaded with nutrients including Vitamin A, E, biotin, and folate that help the hair follicles grow healthy.

Preparation

Beat 1 egg, mix with 2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply the mask on wet hair, massage, cover and leave for 30 minutes. Proceed to wash as usual.

4. Olive and Avocado Oil DIY Deep Conditioner

Avocado rejuvenates and moisturizes the scalp. It is rich in proteins, vitamins and amino acids all very important to hair growth.

Preparation

Mix with 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 mashed avocado. Apply the mixture on the wet hair evenly, cover and leave on for 30 minutes. Proceed to ash as usual.

5. Mixed into your deep conditioner

1. To boost the properties of your commercial deep conditioner, add 1-2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Apply this to your hair to achieve soft, conditioned, smooth hair.

Are there other oils that can be used on 4C hair?

Other oils that can be used for 4C hair include Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Castor Oil, Lavender Oils. Find out more on what oils are best for 4C hair in What are the Best Oils for 4C hair?