Dry curly hair is the WORST! But olive oil can be your best friend when it comes to preventing natural Type 4 hair from getting dry and crunchy? Whether it’s a pre-poo treatment or the secret ingredient in your whipped shea butter, olive oil could be your ticket to healthier looking and feeling hair.
Olive Oil for Natural Hair
1. Whipped Shea Butter
A store bought or homemade whipped shea butter is a Type 4 curly’s best friend. It’s a super moisturizing leave-in for twist out and braid out. Remember that a little goes a long way and to rinse well or clarify to prevent build up on your wash days. Here’s a simple recipe with olive oil that will give your butter that whipped effect:
Ingredients
- raw shea butter – 4 ounces
- coconut oil – 4 ounces
- extra virgin olive oil – 3 ounces
- essential fragrance oil – a few drops
2. Olive Oil Pre-Poo Treatment
Just straight up olive oil! The best way to apply olive oil as a pre-treatment is to put your oil in a bottle with a narrow spout or concentrator. Apply the oil to your scalp and rub it in with your finger pads. With some additional oil in your palms work the oil into your hair concentrating on the ends. Cover with a plastic cap for a bit (30 minutes”>, rinse well and start your washing routine for softer hair.
3. Protein Treatment
In this recipe the olive oil helps to smooth and the mixture onto the hair and to condition. Although the lime juice is optional for curlies, it is a great ingredient to make your coils pop! Try it!
Ingredients
- 2 whole eggs whipped
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 tbsp of lime juice
4. Deep Conditioning
If your hair feels dry after a wash try deep conditioning with some olive oil and honey. Apply this recipe to freshly washed hair, rinse and style.
Ingredients:
- honey
- olive oil
Combine half a cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, warm in a microwave for 30 seconds and apply to your hair. Rinse out with conditioner and style as usual.
5. Aloe Vera & Olive Oil & Water Hydrating Mix
Need a refresher? Water is a great moisturizer but a little olive oil concoction may work even better! Add 1 part olive oil, to 5 parts water and some aloe vera juice to your liking. Shake your spray bottle and spritz when you need a twist out refresher. Make sure to refrigerate your spritz if you added aloe vera juice!
