There are tons of hair treatments and conditioners you can buy at the store, online, or elsewhere. People spend a lot on these products to get beautiful hair, but many don’t realize that a simple solution might already be in their kitchen: olive oil. High-quality olive oil can work just as well, if not better, than those pricey products.

If you’ve ever checked the ingredients on a bottle of conditioner, you’ve probably seen a lot of stuff you can’t even pronounce. We’re already exposed to many chemicals daily, and using these products just adds more, potentially harming our health and hair over time.

Olive oil is a natural alternative. Its fatty acids, like oleic and linoleic acids, are great for your hair and scalp. They coat the hair strands, keeping them healthy and protected. If you use hair dyes, straighteners, or blow dryers, olive oil can help by smoothing and protecting damaged outer layers of your hair.

Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants, which fight free radicals that can harm cells and cause premature graying. These antioxidants protect hair follicles, keeping them healthy and strong. As an emollient, olive oil penetrates the hair shaft better than other oils, giving your hair a shinier look and improved elasticity.

Here are five ways to use olive oil for more beautiful hair. (Note: The ingredient amounts are for mid-length hair. Adjust accordingly if your hair is shorter or longer.)

1. Olive Oil Deep Treatment for Damaged Hair:
– Dry, frizzy hair can be a year-round problem. Instead of heading to the salon or buying new products, try this simple olive oil treatment.
– Drape a towel around your shoulders to protect your clothes.
– Comb your hair gently, then pour a teaspoon of olive oil into your palm. Massage it into the ends of your hair, working through small sections until all your hair is covered, stopping an inch from your scalp.
– Use a blow dryer on medium heat for a few minutes to help the oil penetrate.
– Leave the oil on for 45 minutes if your hair is slightly dry, or up to 2 hours (or overnight with a shower cap) for more severe damage.
– Shampoo and rinse well.

2. Fighting Flakes and Dry Scalp:
– A dry, flaky scalp can result from poor diet, stress, climate, and other factors. This treatment combines lemon juice and olive oil.
– Mix two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, two tablespoons of olive oil, and two tablespoons of water.
– Massage into a damp scalp and let sit for 20-30 minutes.
– Rinse and shampoo. Repeat every other week to keep flakes away.

3. Olive Oil for Longer, Stronger Hair:
– For longer, stronger, healthier hair, try this olive oil and egg yolk treatment. Egg yolks are rich in proteins, vitamins, and fatty acids that strengthen hair follicles and shafts.
– Mix two egg yolks with two tablespoons of olive oil.
– Dilute with 1/2 cup of cool or cold water (never use hot water).
– Massage into your scalp and let sit for 20 minutes.
– Rinse well. No need to shampoo unless desired.

4. Super Moisturizing Avocado, Egg, and Olive Oil Hair Mask:
– For seriously dry and damaged hair, this mask combines avocado, egg, and olive oil.
– Blend 1/2 an avocado until smooth.
– Add one egg and one teaspoon of olive oil, blending until smooth.
– Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo.
– Apply the mask to your wet hair, starting at the scalp and working through to the ends.
– Put your hair in a loose bun and let the mask sit for at least 5 minutes.
– Rinse thoroughly with cool or room temperature water.
– Towel dry gently and let your hair air dry.

5. Special Spring Olive Oil Hair Treatment:
– After winter, your hair needs some extra care. This treatment uses olive oil and frankincense essential oil.
– Mix 1/2 cup of olive oil with five drops of frankincense essential oil in a jar. Shake well and let sit for 24 hours.
– Rinse your hair with warm water. Warm a tablespoon of the oil mixture in your hands and massage into your scalp.
– Cover your hair with a plastic bag or shower cap and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
– Rinse well and shampoo as usual.

By using these simple olive oil treatments, you can achieve healthier, more beautiful hair without the need for expensive products.