When it comes to hair care, natural oils have been used for centuries to promote healthy hair growth and repair. Coconut oil and olive oil are the most commonly used oils for hair and skin. Both oils are highly beneficial for healthy hair and scalp, promoting hair growth and reducing irritated and dry scalp.

Both oils contain a variety of beneficial nutrients that can help to nourish the scalp and hair, but there are some key differences between the two that may make one a better choice than the other, depending on your hair type and needs.

Continue to read to know more about olive oil vs. coconut oil for hair care.

What Is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is extracted from the kernels of mature coconuts. Coconut is a tropical fruit that is used traditionally by countries like India, and Sri Lanka, etc. This fruit is the source of many different products like coconut water, coconut milk, fresh coconut meat, as well as coconut flour.

Coconut oil contains a large number of saturated fats, and this helps in preventing oxidation as well as rancidity of the oil. Coconut oil is used for many different purposes like cooking, skincare, and hair care.

In this post, the benefits of coconut oil for hair care will be covered.

What Is Olive Oil?

Olive oil is extracted from olives under high pressure. Olive is commonly used in the Mediterranean region and is used in many dishes and cuisines (1). It is rich in unsaturated fats.

Olive oil also serves many purposes. It is used in cooking, skincare, and hair care. It has many health benefits. In this post, the use of olive oil for hair care is focused on.

What Are The Key Differences Between Olive Oil And Coconut Oil?

Nutritional Profile

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids, whereas olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids. It also contains vitamin E, which is good for hair. This means that coconut oil is great for hair growth, whereas olive oil is great for repairing dry and damaged hair.

Penetration

In comparison to other oils, coconut oil is the best oil that deeply penetrates the hair shaft and nourishes hair and scalp, and promotes hair growth. The main benefit of this is that it reduces hair breakage and hair loss and helps in increasing and retaining the volume of hair. Olive oil works great for moisturizing hair and thus can be used as a hair conditioner. This will help in providing moisture to hair and overcome the issue of frizzy hair.

Scalp Health

Coconut oil can help with different hair and scalp conditions (2). Coconut oil stimulates thicker hair . Olive oil helps in overcoming many hair issues (3). It nourishes the scalp and improves the quality of hair.

Type of Hair

Coconut oil is best suitable for oily hair types. It is also best-suitable for dandruff-prone hair. Coconut oil can help control oil production.

On the other hand, olive oil is great for dry hair types, as it has moisturizing and nourishing properties that help in repairing the hair shaft. So, depending on the hair type, you can select the best hair oil for you.

Fragrance

Coconut oil has a very distinct smell. Many find it pleasant, whereas some find it overwhelming. Olive oil has a very mild scent and does not clash with the fragrance of any other hair care products.

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair Growth

• Coconut oil strengthens your hair shaft and reduces breakage.
• Prevents hair loss.
• Nutrients in coconut oil promote faster hair growth.
• It can help reduce dandruff.
• Treats the issue of dry scalp.
• Controls excess oil production on the scalp.
• Prevents protein loss in the hair shaft.

Benefits of Olive Oil

• Rich in vitamin E, which helps in nourishing hair.
• Improves dry, dull, and damaged hair.
• Protects hair from environmental damage.
• Moisturizes and nourishes the hair shaft.
• Olive oil is a great choice for dry hair.

Uses of Coconut Oil

• Coconut oil can be used to promote hair growth. This is the best oil for stimulating hair growth and increasing the volume of hair.
• It is an amazing pre-shampoo massage oil that can help improve hair and scalp health. It deeply penetrates the scalp and provides necessary nourishment to the hair inside and out.

Uses of Olive Oil

• One of the most important ways to use olive oil is in the way of a hair conditioner.
• It can be used in the form of treatment to repair dry and damaged hair.
• It can be used for protection from sun damage.
• Olive oil is better than coconut oil when it comes to dry hair.

Which Hair Oil Is Best For You? | What To Use Olive Oil Or Coconut Oil

This totally depends on the type of hair that you have. If you have oily and dandruff prone hair, then coconut oil is best for you. If you have dry and damaged hair, then olive oil is the best option for you. Both oils are easily absorbed by the hair follicles.

Tips to Follow

• Always undertake a patch test to identify which hair oil is best for your hair and scalp.
• Avoid putting too much oil on your hair, as it can make your hair and scalp look greasy. Greasy hair attracts a lot of dust and dirt and acts as a bed for bacterial or fungal growth and infection. Put a small amount of oil on your hair.
• Try to warm the oil slightly before applying it. This increases the benefits and functionality of oils.
• Leave the oil for 30 minutes, and then wash your hair. Give the oil time to be absorbed for better results. You can wash or leave the oil in your hair depending on how you feel comfortable leaving your hair oily.
• To promote healthy hair and scalp, avoid using shampoos and conditioners that have sulfate. You can also try homemade shampoo and conditioners.
• Always use a wide tooth comb to detangle your hair after rinsing your hair.

Summary

Both olive oil and coconut oil are great for skin and hair. A bottle of olive oil is best for dry hair, and you can use coconut oil if you want your hair to grow faster. Virgin coconut oil protects hair from environmental damage. You can use extra virgin olive oil for better hair health.

Coconut and olive oil make your hair look silky, shiny, and nourished. Olive and coconut oils can help prevent hair damage and nourish your hair deeply, leaving your hair soft and smooth. Using both oils can result in healthier hair.