If you’re anything like us, you probably enjoy using natural beauty products whenever possible, and hair care is no different. The trend is shifting towards cleaner and safer ingredients, and we’re into it.
One reason natural products are so popular is that you might already have them on hand, making them very cost-effective. And who doesn’t love the feeling of mixing their own beauty potions like some sort of glamour witch? We sure do.
And since many of us use heat protectants on a daily basis, this is a great place to start when it comes to replacing your products with a more natural option.
The way most heat protectants work is by shielding your hair from damage caused by hot tools like hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons. A good heat protectant will create a barrier around your hair shaft while also providing moisture and antioxidants to maintain softness and shine.
If you’re looking to replace your heat protectant with a safe and nourishing all-natural option, head straight to your kitchen because you probably already have the perfect ingredients on hand. Yes, we’re talking about olive oil!
So, can olive oil be used as a heat protectant? The short answer is yes. As long as you use it correctly, olive oil can be an amazing heat protectant for your hair. However, be sure to choose a highly refined olive oil for the best heat resistance.
In this post, we will discuss what makes olive oil such a great option, what hair types it works on, and how to use it safely for the best results.
Why Use Olive Oil As A Heat Protectant
People have been using olive oil in their hair for thousands of years – and for good reason.
Olive oil contains palmitic acid, oleic acid, and squalane, which are all emollients. Emollients penetrate the hair shaft, delivering nutrients deep into the hair and softening it in the process.
Olive oil is also full of notoriously beneficial vitamins like vitamins E and A, which protect the hair from free radicals, UV rays, and aging, not to mention make your hair shiny and smooth.
Types Of Olive Oil To Use As A Heat Protectant
When it comes to olive oil, there are a few options on the market – extra virgin, cold-pressed, refined, and more. It can get a little bit confusing and you might be wondering if the type of oil you have will actually work.
The short answer is that you can make any olive oil work for you with a few tweaks. Here are the most common types of olive oil you might find in your pantry:
- Extra virgin olive oil – This is considered the “best” olive oil on the market. It is produced through a cold-press process that preserves all of the goodness of the oil. It has a low acid content and contains the most antioxidants.
- Virgin olive oil – This olive oil also comes from a cold-press technique but contains slightly more acidity than the extra virgin olive oil. It is a little more heat-resistant than the former, which can be important when using it as a heat protectant.
- Refined olive oil – This oil is considered “moderate” quality. Because it is more processed than the previous oils, it has fewer antioxidants but it is still high in vitamin E and resists high temperatures well.
Any type of olive oil can safely be used on hair and will provide your hair with moisture, antioxidants, and vitamin E. But the biggest thing to keep in mind is the oil’s smoking point.
The Smoking Point Matters
The smoking point is the temperature at which the oil begins to burn. You do not want the olive oil to start burning in your hair – not only does this create free radicals in the oil, but it can burn your actual hair shaft, causing a lot of damage and breakage.
When using olive oil as a heat protectant, make sure you know the smoking point for your type of oil and keep your heating tools lower than that temperature.
Below are the estimated smoking points for each type of olive oil:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 350-410°F
- Virgin Olive Oil: 420-470°F
- Refined Olive Oil: 486°F
The more refined the olive oil is, the better it can withstand high temperatures. But it also loses some of its vitamin and antioxidant content, so there’s a bit of a trade-off.
If your styling tools allow you to regulate the temperature, simply keep it below the smoke point. If you don’t have an option to adjust the heat, you might want to work with the most refined olive oil to be on the safe side.
Note: If at any point you see smoke coming out from under your flat iron or a burning smell, that’s a red flag that your oil has reached its smoking point and you should stop immediately to prevent any further damage.
Does Olive Oil Heat Protectant Work On All Hair Types?
Olive oil is safe to use on all types of hair, but we have seen the best results on natural, curly, and thick hair. Olive oil is very moisturizing, so people with fine or straight hair might notice the olive oil weighing their tresses down.
If you have a naturally oily scalp, olive oil might not be the best choice for you as it can add to the oiliness. However, if your hair is on the drier side and if you have a lot of curls, olive oil does an amazing job at hydrating your hair and protecting it from heat damage.
How To Use Olive Oil As A Heat Protectant
So, you got your olive oil and your heating tools. Now you’re wondering how to actually use the oil to make it work as a heat protectant. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Olive oil can be used much like any other heat protectant.
Follow the steps below to get the best results:
- Place olive oil in a spray bottle for the most even distribution. If you don’t have a spray bottle, pour ¼ cup of olive oil into a small bowl and dip your fingers in it to apply it to your hair.
- Start with dry, clean hair. Brush it out and prepare sections that you will be styling.
- Set the temperature of your heating tools and make sure it is below the smoking point of the type of oil you’re using.
- Carefully spray or apply the oil with your fingers to each section. Focus on the ends first and work your way up, stopping a few inches from your roots. A little bit goes a long way! Use a light spritz or a few drops on each section of hair.
- Use your hot tool on the section you applied the oil to and style as normal. Avoid lingering in one section of hair to prevent the oil from overheating.
- Finish with a setting spray or hair spray to hold your style in place. You are done!
As you can see, using olive oil as a heat protectant is pretty straightforward. The biggest things to keep in mind are quantity (too much oil in your hair can end up looking greasy) and smoking point (don’t let the curling iron stay in one spot too long).
Does Olive Oil Help Reduce Hair Frizz?
One thing we love about using olive oil as a heat protectant is the way it makes your hair look instantly healthier.
Olive oil does an amazing job at reducing the appearance of frizz and split ends because it smoothes and seals each hair cuticle.
When you use it in conjunction with styling tools, it creates a silky effect like you often see in hair commercials.
Can Other Oils Be Used As Heat Protectants?
Yes, other common oils like coconut oil, argan oil, and avocado oil can all be used as heat protectants. They all contain emollients and have moisturizing effects. However, be mindful of each oil’s smoking point to ensure you can use it safely with your heating tools.
Each oil has some different properties that you may want to keep in mind as well. For example, coconut oil is great for repairing damaged hair while shea butter is ideal for coarse, thick hair because of its high heat conductivity.
Final Thoughts
Olive oil is a good option for anyone looking for a natural and affordable alternative to heat protectants. Although you need to be extra careful with the smoking point of the oil, once you have that part figured out, it’s very easy to use and delivers good results.
Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it will work perfectly for everyone though. Olive oil works well for most hair, but we urge you to try other options if you struggle with fine, thin, or naturally oily hair.
Even a lighter oil like argan oil might be a better option for you because it won’t weigh your hair down. Play around with different oils until you find one that works for you.
Up Next: Can You Use Olive Oil Before Bleaching Hair?
