Secrets of Great Hair

Olive oil does two things for your hair: it increases strength and improves overall flexibility. This is especially important if you regularly use hair dryers and heated rollers – both of which can be very drying to the hair. Even if your hair is not dry, it is good to give your hair a hot oil treatment at least every three months, as it will prevent the onset of dryness. You may wish to leave the oil on your hair overnight. If you do, use an older pillowcase while you sleep to protect your bedding.

Warm Olive Oil Treatment

1. Put 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil in a blender; carefully add 1/4 cup boiling water (be careful!)
2. Blend at high speed until the oil and water has emulsified.
3. When the mixture is warm (not scalding hot), massage it into your hair
4. Warm your oiled hair with a hair-dryer.
5. Wrap your hair in a thick terry cloth towel for 15 minutes.
6. Remove the towel and shampoo with a small amount of your favorite shampoo.
7. Rinse and shampoo again to completely remove all residual olive oil.

Olive oil is also great for Treating Dandruff and Hair Loss and for Controlling Frizz and Creating Shine. Find those formulas and more in Carol Firenze’s book, The Passionate Olive – 101 Things to do with Olive Oil, available at Olinda Ridge or or visit www.thepassionateolive.com.

More tips >