Is there a natural way to help hair grow without using harsh chemicals?
Olive oil is a derivative of the olive, (from the Olea europaea tree), widely grown in parts of Asia and the Mediterranean basin.
Olea europaea has several applications in products used as tonics, emollients, laxatives, sedatives, and nutritive. It is also used in treating alopecia, paralysis, colic, and hypertension, amongst other uses2.
Hair follicles are formed whilst the baby is still in the womb and stops at birth. Hair grows from these follicles in cycles that have periods of rest between the growth spurts. On average a person loses about 40 to 100 hairs a day. Hair growth begins at the base of the hair follicle.
According to a study completed at Teikyo University School of Medicine; nude mice who were treated using “cyclosporin A” dissolved in olive oil saw an improvement in the hair growth. However mice treated only with olive oil saw no improvement3.
When selecting the type of olive oil to use, always go for extra virgin oil because it is the first press of olive and includes the most nutrients especially the key vitamin, vitamin E. Vitamin E combats free radical damage in the scalp4.
Trusted home remedies include mixing olive oil with essential oils in the following manner: in a clean bowl mix a few drops of peppermint, rosemary, sage and 1 tablespoon of olive oil and massage into hair once or twice a day.
In a clean bowl mix three drops of cedar, two drops of lemon, two drops of clary sage, three drops of rosemary, and two tablespoons of olive oil. Massage into hair and shampoo out in an hour’s time.
Avoid harsh hair treatments such as over-processing the hair and leaving permanent weaves in too long.
References and further reading
- Randall VA. Androgens and hair growth. Dermatol Ther. 2008;21(5):314-28.
- Gilani AH, Khan AU, Shah AJ, et al. Blood pressure lowering effect of olive is mediated through calcium channel blockade. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2005;56:613-620.
- Watanabe S., Mochizuki A., et al. Hair growth on nude mice due to cyclosporin A and olive oil. J Dermatol. 1991 Dec 18 (12): 714-9.
- Schwontkowski D. Olive Oil For Hair Growth