Olive oil vs Coconut Oil?

[whiteisle]

I was wondering how the two compare and how they are different in regards to benefitting hair. I've read that coconut oil does penetrate the shaft of the hair and helps prevent protein loss. Does olive oil do the same? What are the other benefits of olive oil?

I ask because my hair seems to do better with olive oil and I was wondering if it was doing any good. :)

[*Rose Red*]

I use olive oil for deep conditioning, I mix it with some condidtioner and leave it in for one or two hours and then I wash it out. Coconut oil is better as a leave-in, I think. I give a little bit of it to the ends of my hair before I go to bed, and the next morning you can´t see it. Olive oil is a little bit more moisturizing, but it makes my hair looking oily. So olive oil is not perfect as a leave-in as coconut oil is.

[RoseRedDead]

I use olive oil almost exclusively.

Coconut gave me major crunchy issues. It [the oil] helps to prevent protein loss in the hair shaft, and I'm sensitive to protein, so it was not good for me.

[whiteisle]

I use olive oil almost exclusively.

Coconut gave me major crunchy issues. It [the oil] helps to prevent protein loss in the hair shaft, and I'm sensitive to protein, so it was not good for me.

hmm...maybe that's the problem! (*smacks forehead*). I think my hair might be protein sensitive, too. Silly me never put 2 and 2 together!:rolleyes: I wouldn't describe my hair as crunchy after using coconut but it was definitely very tangle prone and never really soft. But if I use a little olive oil through my length (wet or dry) it gets ultra soft and I've also noticed good results if I use if for a heavy oiling overnight. Maybe I just need to stick with it. Cool! :cool:

[ktani]

From what I have read, coconut oil penetrates the hair more than olive oil and a number of other oils. It may just be that it is easier to overdo it and that can result in crunchies through build-up.

It comes down to what you prefer. Since olive oil can penetrate hair as well and you are happy with it, that is what matters.

[RoseRedDead]

I was not as explanatory as I could have been.

I did not only get crunchiness, I also got tangles.

I don't have either of these problems with olive oil (it gets a wee bit crunchy from a heavy overnight oiling, but otherwise very soft and lovely), so that's what I use.

[ktani]

I was not as explanatory as I could have been.

I did not only get crunchiness, I also got tangles.

I don't have either of these problems with olive oil (it gets a wee bit crunchy from a heavy overnight oiling, but otherwise very soft and lovely), so that's what I use.

I think that you explained yourself very well. Tangles for me, was always a sign of build-up. I think that you have the oil that is perfect for your hair. Not eveyone loves coconut oil or olive oil or others. You are lucky enough to have found the oil that works very well for you.

[theshebear]

I use olive oil mixed with castor oil for my hair and put it on before bed. I then wash it out the next morning with conditioner and I love how it moisturizes my hair. I tried coconut oil and it didn't seem to moisturize enough.

[spidermom]

Olive oil and coconut oil work equally well for me. I like the scent of the coconut oil better so use it more often.

[yogachic]

I use olive oil almost exclusively.

Coconut gave me major crunchy issues. It [the oil] helps to prevent protein loss in the hair shaft, and I'm sensitive to protein, so it was not good for me.


hmm...maybe that's the problem! (*smacks forehead*). I think my hair might be protein sensitive, too. Silly me never put 2 and 2 together!:rolleyes: I wouldn't describe my hair as crunchy after using coconut but it was definitely very tangle prone and never really soft. But if I use a little olive oil through my length (wet or dry) it gets ultra soft and I've also noticed good results if I use if for a heavy oiling overnight. Maybe I just need to stick with it. Cool! :cool:

I guess this proves just how different each person's hair reacts to oils, and to protien. I consider my hair sensitive to protein, I dont use anything with protein, like shampoos and conditioners, but my hair loves coconut oil! I find heavy oilings with olive oil make for frizzy hair when it dries.

[imposterpockets]

Olive oil seems to sit on top of my hair. No matter how little I use, it always feel like the strands are coated in oil rather than conditioned by it. Coconut oil seems to sink in and condition for me.

It's been fascinating reading in the LHC and learning about how diverse something as seemingly universal as hair actually is.

[Anje]

I find olive oil particularly easy to overdo, and neither it nor coconut seems terribly beneficial to my hair. I used to get coconut crunchies more than I currently do when I apply it to dry hair, but I don't have much issue with it when applied to damp hair.

My hair just seems to prefer sesame of the oils I've tried so far. It might not penetrate (though a lot of oils simply haven't been looked at for penetration yet, and I don't know how to do the assay...), but it makes my hair slippery and soft. Now if only it repelled lint....

[cocolover]

Another one that gets crunchy from coconut oil, but pretty soft from olive oil. I find I have less frizzies with olive oil vs. coconut oil too. The exception is the ramtirth oil I use on my scalp, which is in a coconut oil base. From ears up my hair seems to like coconut oil, but not ears down.

[Gypsy]

I use olive oil almost exclusively.

Coconut gave me major crunchy issues. It [the oil] helps to prevent protein loss in the hair shaft, and I'm sensitive to protein, so it was not good for me.

Hmm.
I had the opposite; olive oil makes my hair crunchy enough to break off while coconut oil gave major dryness relief.

[Anlbe]

My hair is so moisture and protein poor that it does well with all oils and particularly loves olive oil and distilled coconut oil. I find the coconut is best of all for deep conditioning, but that may be because it's thinner than olive.

[Palms]

what about its effect on color treated hair? i think coconut oil is safe as per Ktani, but what about olive oil? does olive oil change the hair color?

[Anlbe]

My hair is highlighted and neither oils change the colour.

[Palms]

My hair is highlighted and neither oils change the color.
waw! thanx Anlbe for your quick reply! i was really afraid to try olive oil!, i have already tried CO and it was great, heading now to try the olive oil, probably will try and leave it at night on my hair, and will definitely report back:)

[Gypsy]

[QUOTE=Anlbe;888549]My hair is highlighted and neither oils change the colour.[/QUOTE
yep, mine is fully colored with permanent dye and all it does it bring out the shine, no affect on the actual dye.

[Arctic]

I was wondering how the two compare and how they are different in regards to benefitting hair. I've read that coconut oil does penetrate the shaft of the hair and helps prevent protein loss. Does olive oil do the same? What are the other benefits of olive oil?

I ask because my hair seems to do better with olive oil and I was wondering if it was doing any good. :)

I have experience with both of these oils. My hair loved both but they worked very differently. Coconut oil made my hair feel stronger and olive oil made my hair feel more moisturized (ofcourse oils per se do not add any water to the hairs).

I stopped using coconut oil because it made my scalp breakout, I have acne prone skin and coconut oil is highly comedogenic (pore clogging).

I have read also olive oil penetrates hair shafts. Olive oil is much more skin friendly for me.

(and I have found different brands have different aromas, I always buy one with really mild smell (extra virgin). I sometimes add some essential oil to it just for change.)

[rhubarbarin]

(Extra-virgin) olive oil is magic. It gives me smooth, glossy shine and helps with frizz. Coconut oil makes my hair visibly greasy and coated, and sometimes gives me crunchiness.

It's highly individual, that's for sure.

[ktani]

(Extra-virgin) olive oil is magic. It gives me smooth, glossy shine and helps with frizz. Coconut oil makes my hair visibly greasy and coated, and sometimes gives me crunchiness.

It's highly individual, that's for sure.

It has been reported that way in the Honey threads too. Both oils have been reported to be difficult to wash out. For honey lightening, pure evoo has a higher peroxide value. For chelating as a pre-treatment with conventional dye or peroxide or bleach applied over it, a heavy coconut oiling has more to offer of the two.

[Thegreenkiwi]

Interesting reading!

I've just begun to try CO on my ends and I do like the curl definition it gives, but have found it slightly crunchy - but no excess greasiness.

I think I'll give EVOO a go and see how that works. :)

[Laylah]

I love both oils equally. This is what I've found with both:
EVOO
-heavier (easier to add to much and look greasy, but it's quickly absorbed.)
-less shine
-softer
-less tangled
-less smell (I like that)
-more styling hold, if applied on damp hair for braidwaves.

Coconut
-lighter
-more shine
-coarser (ends develop crunchy feeling after several applications)
-not as much effect on tangles
-very strong smell

[ericthegreat]

Both olive oil and coconut oil have proven to be beneficial to my hair. However, for me personally I have discovered an even better kind of intensive treatment, which is the Ojon nut oil Restorative Treatment. Ojon nut oil has allowed me to go up to 8 months without an official haircut at the salon(I still S&Ded in between), and I credit it to protecting my hair all this time that I've been highlighting it and changing my color.

[Darkhorse1]

I did a search on this ages ago and one website stated that olive oil helps strengthen the hair, while coconut oil moisturizing. From what I've read, coconut oil is the only oil that has been scientifically proven to penetrate the hair shaft. Still, for my hair, it left it dry and dull.

Olive oil has made my hair soft and shiny. I tend to use it on my ends, then I clarify it out, as my hair will look very greasy if I don't wash it out.

Hope that helps you :)

[ktani]

Both olive oil and coconut oil have proven to be beneficial to my hair. However, for me personally I have discovered an even better kind of intensive treatment, which is the Ojon nut oil Restorative Treatment. Ojon nut oil has allowed me to go up to 8 months without an official haircut at the salon(I still S&Ded in between), and I credit it to protecting my hair all this time that I've been highlighting it and changing my color.

Ojon Restorative Treatment is loved by many. It too has mixed reviews though, http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/page=2/pagesize=10/ItemID=70650/SortBy=/AgeRange=/SkinToneType=/ID=/

The ingredients are:
"Elaeis Oleifera, Fragrance, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Serenoa Serrulata, Prunus Africana."
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P93511&categoryId=B70#moreInfo

[Sara_Smiles]

I'm also pretty partial to olive oil. I feel as though its a bit easier to control the amount used, especially when I'm getting back into the whole "oiling" mindset after a time sticking to conventional hair care. I feel like its a really superb "beginners" oil, as most people just have some about!

[tanula]

I prefer coconut oil for my hair. I think it penetrates my hair better and it makes it so shiny and soft! :cheer:

[Capybara]

I've used both, and while I like coconut oil, my hair seems to get used to it, and after a while of using it I get crunchiness/tangle issues.

Extra-virgin olive oil, though, has never given me any issues (: I can use coconut oil on a weekly basis, but for daily oiling, I use olive. I have really thirsty hair, have never had any problems with it sitting on top and not penetrating.

Guess it depends on the person :D Whatever works for you, go for it!

[Anlbe]

I find the best for deep moisture is a mixture of both of them as an overnight treatment. For damp oiling, or smoothing I just use distilled coconut oil.

[MissCoco]

..........

[princessp]

Coconut oil for my hair. Olive oil tends to leave it greasy, where Coconut simply tames the frizz. I consume both though :D

[Sweetbaby]

I've tried olive oil, it seems to sit on my hair, and be hard to wash out. I can't tell any difference in the moisture of frizz aspect. I have some coconut oil on order, so I guess I'll see how that does. Well I think it's in a jar and suitable for eating so if it doesn't work, I'll eat it. LOL

By the way, I used to eat coconut straight up from the bag or can by the handfuls during that time of the month, and my hair got incredibly shiny and healthy from it. I stopped for some reason, I tend to go thru phases of wanting a certain food then the craving stops and it's on to something else.


I just bought some coconut today to eat, this I know for certain will help my hair...

As for putting it on my hair, well I'll try it . Never know, my hair might like it. :-)

[ktani]

what about its effect on color treated hair? i think coconut oil is safe as per Ktani, but what about olive oil? does olive oil change the hair color?

Olive oil used straight has been reported to turn ash blonde hair yellow. Coconut oil being white usually, has not been reported to be problematic that way.

[LadyJennifer]

I was just noticing today that my hair does much better with olive oil and/or jojoba oil. It doesn't seem to care for coconut oil at all.

[Fethenwen]

I've had some major coconut oil build up going on right now, I used it a bit too much this time. Usually my hair handles it quite well. Now it's really tangly and crunchy.

Olive oil is a bit too heavy for me, depends on how I use it. Sometimes it works great, like if I mix a tiny bit of olive oil with honey. And olive oil makes my hair heavier too, I kinda like it. But most of the times I have had trouble getting it out of my hair.

[Holly9192]

i used to use olive oil all the time and i just recently found some cheap coconut oil and its all i've been using. its amazing! :D

[cobblersmaid]

I used to use coconut oil. It's lighter, and smells nice. Now, I use olive oil, since we have it for cooking. We can't afford to buy oil just for my hair.

[VintageBrooklyn]

My hair LOVES Olive Oil, since I have been using it in pre-poo treatments my hair is so much more shinier! :)

[jane53]

My hair LOVES Olive Oil, since I have been using it in pre-poo treatments my hair is so much more shinier! :)

How do you do your pre-poo treatment with olive oil? Do you warm the olive oil? How long do you leave it on? Does it make your hair have less body or by limp after shampooing?

Thanks!:)

[VintageBrooklyn]

How do you do your pre-poo treatment with olive oil? Do you warm the olive oil? How long do you leave it on? Does it make your hair have less body or by limp after shampooing?

Thanks!:)

I mix it with Conditioner or apply it straight and leave it on for an hour or more! I am not fussy at all when it comes to ingredients and time left on! Sometimes I mix it with henna for a nice gloss, other times I like to mix it with a couple eggs. I love messing around and having fun trying different things on my hair, which is about 70% coarse grey (that is dyed) so it can stand all the experimentation! But usually, I apply it mixed with a bit of conditioner and since I have been doing this, my hair is alot glossier after I wash it!

[little_cherry]

My hair loves both! Olive oil is great for a hot oil treatment while coconut oil is nice as an after wash oil.

[Kyah]

My hair loves coconut oil!
Olive oil gives me the crunchies unfortunately.

[pennylane]

I'm seriously in love with both! :love:

My first love was coconut oil a few years ago .... i always use it and my hair loves it!

And last week i tried for the first time olive oil as a pre shampoo treatment (mixed with honey) and ...OMG it is AMAZING stuff! A keeper for sure! :D

[jane53]

When you mix olive oil with conditioner and put it on your hair before shampooing, do you wet your hair first?

Thanks!

[pennylane]

Jane! i personally do not wet first but it can be done either way. :)

[jane53]

Thanks! I just keep thinking of other questions. I looked for articles in the article section on using oils and couldn't find any.

What's the proportion of conditioner to olive oil?

And for people with really long hair, what do you do with your hair while it's oiled? I'm thinking of putting olive oil on my hair tonight before I wash it, but I have over 36 inches of hair and I'm envisioning a total mess around the house if I oil it and wait an hour before washing.

Sorry I'm such a bundle of questions!

[shwankie]

I use daily jojoba, with coconut oil for my deep treatments (about once a month). Daily oiling with EVOO makes my hair crunchy and it breaks. I only use EVOO if I am doing a protein treatment, which I do about every 6 moths. My hair's pretty sensative to protein, so I can't do it often.

[pennylane]

What's the proportion of conditioner to olive oil?

And for people with really long hair, what do you do with your hair while it's oiled? I'm thinking of putting olive oil on my hair tonight before I wash it, but I have over 36 inches of hair and I'm envisioning a total mess around the house if I oil it and wait an hour before washing.

Sorry I'm such a bundle of questions!

I use less than half a cup of conditioner and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. (My hair is not too long but it is a bit dry and thick, so sometimes i use more)

I dont like my pre-wash treatments to be runny, i prefer them more like a soft paste. :)

[Meagan]

If I put coconut oil on my scalp, my hair sheds like crazy...but i love it on my hair...so i just oil my scalp with olive oil.

[IcarusBride]

My hair sucks in /ANYTHING/! Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, etc...

[Missa]

I have been putting henna in my hair for years now and I've started the henna removal process. I had to bleach most of it out and then put an ash dark blonde over it to get it look like my natural colour. I have light brownish strawberry hair naturally. My hair was super damaged, breaking off and I ended up cutting it to collar bone length. The only thing that saved my hair was Extra virgin olive oil.

I heat up a bowl of the olive oil in the microwave until warm and then apply it to my dry hair until it's completely saturated. I wear a shower cap and leave it in for 2 to 3 hrs. Then I have a shower and put a bunch of cheap conditioner in my hair to get out the oil. It has made my hair soft and shiny.

During the day I use a small amount every few days on the surface of my hair. I just put a thin film on my palms and run it down my hair from root to ends.

Olive oil is very moisturizing and has an makes my hair glossy. Coconut oil is great for adding protein to my hair and as a leave in, but too much makes my hair crunchy.

[Mairéad]

No matter what I put in my hair sucks up about 90% of it by the morning. The excess coconut oil I have found easier to CO out though, so i prefer i.

[prettykitty]

I mix them together, add a little lavender and orange EO, and store in a jar. The EVOO makes the coconut easier to work with (less solid) and together they are magic for my hair. I also use the mix as leg moisturiser, lip balm, foot treatment, or whatever else.

[BohoClassic]

I mix them together, add a little lavender and orange EO, and store in a jar. The EVOO makes the coconut easier to work with (less solid) and together they are magic for my hair. I also use the mix as leg moisturiser, lip balm, foot treatment, or whatever else.
I really like your idea! Got to try it:cheese:

[RitaPG]

This website explains it http://www.untamedtresses.com/content/108-sorting-out-hair-oil-confusion.html
Hope that helps :flower:

Personally, I prefer coconut oil, it has a nice scent and my hair feels great when I use it.
Never tried Olive oil, where I come from, we use it in our food a lot so using it on hair feels strange to me :o
It's a very personal choice, when it comes to oils. Different hair types have different reactions, if what you're doing now is working, then keep it up :)

[Redbeetle36]

Interesting reading about how coconut oil can build up on the hair leaving some of you with crunchy tangles. Mine had definitely got like this and it's only chin length. I had been co washing but it didn't seem to remove the oil and when I dried my hair it was very matted! I'm not sure what to do next except maybe leave off the coconut oil and try EVOO...and regular shampooing. By the way I used Yemeni henna on my hair about three weeks ago and my hair has not been the same since, lovely colour but very dry hence the (over?)use of the coconut oil.

[October]

I tried Olive Oil because of this thread - never used either oil on my hair before and I do not have coconut oil, so Olive Oil it was. Seems pretty good. It has made my hair a lot softer and taken away a lot of frizzies. :D My first time doing it I used a little bit too much. But, after I shampooed the next morning, my hair dried wonderfully. My hair seems to like it.

[whitestiletto]

I also tried olive oil for the first time because of this thread. Previously I have used mineral oil on my hair which doesn't seem to make much of a difference.

I slathered about a tablespoon or two of EVOO on my palms and ran it through all my hair, it looked pretty greasy right afterwards. Then I went to sleep. In the morning holy cow, my hair was SOFT, GLOSSY and curled into RINGLETS!

My hair has been bleached and dyed and doesn't ever curl anymore... I am very very impressed and will definitely be adding olive oil to my routine.

Update: I CO'ed it out after 24 hrs, and my hair was very very soft afterwards... as though I had never bleached it.. so happy :) It also has good slip now, something I haven't felt in a while.

[McFearless]

They both have the ability to penetrate the hair shaft from what I know. How your hair responds to either is a personal thing. I find olive to me more moisturizing. I find that it makes my hair softer. Coconut oil makes my hair crispy and clumpy. I use it for deep treatments and it works best for me if I load up on it and do WO washes throughout the week. It soaks in well that way and I'm too lazy to wash away oil. I let it do its thing.(Lazy Girl Hair Care)

[Mirsha]

I found out I really do not enjoy the smell of coconut oil, so I stick to EVOO whenever I remember to oil my hair before swimming, or just a DT every once in a while.

Plus I find liquids easier to work with, I used to use too much coconut oil because I could barely scrape some off.

[leslissocool]

With Olive oil my hair feels heavy, yet super soft. I used it a lot before as a hot oil pree wash treatment...

Now coconut oil takes forever to get out of my hair, and it leaves my hair frizzy, yet super soft. That's the one I use now though, it conditions but doesn't leave my hair feeling heavy.

I'd say try both, and see which one works for you. If I run out of coconut oil I steal the olive oil from my kitchen :o.

[leslissocool]

Interesting reading about how coconut oil can build up on the hair leaving some of you with crunchy tangles. Mine had definitely got like this and it's only chin length. I had been co washing but it didn't seem to remove the oil and when I dried my hair it was very matted! I'm not sure what to do next except maybe leave off the coconut oil and try EVOO...and regular shampooing. By the way I used Yemeni henna on my hair about three weeks ago and my hair has not been the same since, lovely colour but very dry hence the (over?)use of the coconut oil.

I think henna has a lot of protein on it, for some reason I can't use coconut oil as often as I used to (once a week, now monthly) without having a protein overload. I'd say clarify and then do a deep conditioning (hot oil one) with EVOO and see if that makes it go away. I clarify mixing my regular shampoo with baking soda, and I did that when my hair got really crunchy and now it's better....

Hope it helps!

[Redbeetle36]

Ah thanks, I will try the baking soda today and I'm thinking I'll try to use some products without protein in see if it makes a difference...looking forward to seeing what EVOO can do too!

[Emmental]

I was fascinated by this so I did an experiment and EVOO works really well on my hair. I only ever used it as a hot oil treatment, but I tested it out as a leave-in and I love it. Or, rather, my hair loves it. :)

I've used CO for a few years now and I've tried it as a leave-in and as a deep conditioning treatment. I've found it does not work as a leave-in for me.

[TheBluffs]

I use coconut oil almsot exlusivly. My hair is light it colour, and I find that Olive oil is too heavy for my hair, and will drag it down. It will leave my hair looking greasy for days, even after washing. Coconut oil is light enough for my hair, conditions super, and it smells divine.

[Lianna]

Coconut oil makes my hair crunchy, clumpy and tangly. It takes 3 washes (SLES) to come back to normal. I tried using less and less and less, because I thought it might be just a build-up issue. One day I tried just one drop, it looked okay for the first hours but the same problem remained.

I use olive oil daily without problems, even when my hair was dyed ashy blonde. Bleached and dyed hair should like proteins...but mine doesn't, it does tolerate some protein conditioners though. I can use up to two tablespoons of olive oil and not look too oily, but not a drop of coconut.

They both penetrate the hair strand, and so does avocado oil.

[MissAlida]

I wanted to try coconut oil, but couldn't find any in stores. So I'm using EVOO for deep conditioning and leave in as well. After washing my hair and detangling it with a wide tooth comb, I put 2 drops of olive oil in my palms and work it in my hair. It becomes really shiny, but it is easy to overdo it. One more drop, and it looks all oily. So it has its downfalls.

[MissAlida]

Oh, I forgot to ask if someone who is from Romania found any coconut oil in any of the stores at home, would they please tell me? Pretty please?:D

[Laurenji]

Interesting that this thread should pop up. I've recently rediscovered the wonders of EVOO.

When I first found LHC, I wanted to try oiling, and EVOO was the only thing I had on hand. I dumped about a tablespoon into my palm and ran it through my dry hair. (Dry as in not wet.) It came out awful. It reeked of olive oil and was very stringy and greasy. It didn't make my hair soft, just gross. I decided olive oil wasn't for me.

Enter coconut oil. I bought some virgin (unrefined) cold-pressed from a local health food shop. I found that if I got my hands just a little slick with oil and ran them through my hair, it made my hair ridiculously soft and slippery. I fell in love.

After spending some more time on here and reading about how some people's hair only likes to be oiled when it's wet, or when it's dry, I thought "Hmm, maybe I should try oiling my hair when it's wet." First I tried this with coconut oil. It came out a nasty, greasy mess once it dried. Recently, I decided maybe to try a little bit of EVOO again, just using it when my hair is wet, and not using a whole ton like I did the first time.

Long story short, my hair is the softest and most shiny it's been in a really long time! I love it! And it doesn't even smell like olive oil or anything. So I think in the future I'll continue to use coconut oil for a leave-in when my hair is dry, and add some olive oil to my hair while it's still wet after wash days.

[CarpeDM]

I like both, but olive oil is heavier and harder to wash out and since I cook with it, the smell makes me hungry when I have it in my hair.

[Laurenji]

I like both, but olive oil is heavier and harder to wash out and since I cook with it, the smell makes me hungry when I have it in my hair.

LOL! :laugh: I guess that would be kind of a problem...

[CarpeDM]

LOL! :laugh: I guess that would be kind of a problem...

LOL especially when you are on a diet!

[Laurenji]

LOL especially when you are on a diet!

Hmmm...this sounds like something that should go in the "you know you're a longhair when..." thread.

"You know you're a longhair when your hair starts ruining your diet"

or maybe

"You know you're a longhair when you have to choose between healthy, well-oiled hair and being able to stick to your diet."

[duckhugger]

where does everyone buy their oils? Just from the grocery stores? I am trying to develop my hair care routine while it is short so I can keep it healthy the whole way through growth.

[CarpeDM]

Hmmm...this sounds like something that should go in the "you know you're a longhair when..." thread.

"You know you're a longhair when your hair starts ruining your diet"

or maybe

"You know you're a longhair when you have to choose between healthy, well-oiled hair and being able to stick to your diet."

Love it! :)

[CarpeDM]

where does everyone buy their oils? Just from the grocery stores? I am trying to develop my hair care routine while it is short so I can keep it healthy the whole way through growth.

I get mine at the grocery store.

[duckhugger]

awesome thanks :)

[Carolyn]

I've stopped using olive oil on my hair. I'm an ashy blonde who wants to stay very ashy. I don't want to add any gold tones to my hair. So I quit using any oil that's yellowish in color and now only use clear oils. So no more olive, grapeseed, or avocado oils for me. It's coconut and camellia oils now. As far as the performance of olive versus coconut oils, I found them to be identical except for the scent.

[duckhugger]

awesome thanks :)

[CorinaS]

Oh, I forgot to ask if someone who is from Romania found any coconut oil in any of the stores at home, would they please tell me? Pretty please?:D

Hi! I'm from Romania too and I buy a lot of stuff from http://www.elemental.ro/ . They have coconut oil there too. This is the producer's website, so they have the cheapest products on the Internet. I've seen coconut oil also at the Plafar, at least the ones in Amzei and AFI Palace, but quite expensive (if you live outside of Bucharest, I'm afraid I can't help you). I know this is a very late answer, but I hope it helps!

[Shatam1]

I have been using olive oil in my shampoo for a few days and I love the results. Even better than coconut oil. Can someone tell me when to put it as a leave in conditioner without my hair getting too greasy?? Do I towel dry first or do I leave my hair to dry a bit first?? Thanks:)

[earthnut]

I have been using olive oil in my shampoo for a few days and I love the results. Even better than coconut oil. Can someone tell me when to put it as a leave in conditioner without my hair getting too greasy?? Do I towel dry first or do I leave my hair to dry a bit first?? Thanks:)
As with many things, it depends. Some people prefer putting oils in wet hair, others in dry hair. Personally I prefer putting oils in completely dry hair. I can tell much quicker when I've put in enough. If I put oil in wet or moist hair, I have to wait until the hair dries before I can tell if I used the right amount. I add up to 4 drops of olive oil to my hair, usually less. I add 1 drop at a time until my hair feels good.

[Anje]

I have been using olive oil in my shampoo for a few days and I love the results. Even better than coconut oil. Can someone tell me when to put it as a leave in conditioner without my hair getting too greasy?? Do I towel dry first or do I leave my hair to dry a bit first?? Thanks:)
Well, I like to put it in my hair as soon as I remove the towel, before combing it out, as it lubricates the combing process a little. I get good results oiling my still-damp hair. However, it's more tricky this way, because you can't see when you've over-oiled it, and therefore it requires a lot of trial and error. It's much easier to not over-apply oil to dry hair.

A large factor in this equation is how much oil you apply. With my hair (on the thin side, already likes to form strings), just 2-3 drops of olive oil are needed and more will make it look stringy. For other folks, you can dump a palmful of oil into their hair, and it'll just look shiny and happy. In general, less is more though.

[Shatam1]

Thanks Earthnut and Anjie:) in oil shampoo olive oil proved to be the best for my hair. No more frizz and my hair is so soft and shiny. I will try it as a leave in and see. My hair loves oil anyway because it is naturally coarse and dry.:o

[dainaleeo2]

Both are reported to be the only oils that can penetrate the hair shaft. So really experimentation is the only thing to know which works better for you. :)

I personally like both. I used coconut oil more when my hair was really damaged, but since I ran out, & my hair is no longer in poor shape, I've been using olive oil with a few drops of jojoba oil & that works just as well.
I've heard/read that coconut oil has more protein? So perhaps if that is what you need it would be better for you to use. Hair needs both protein & moisture, so I suppose you may need it at one point or another. I think they both work wonders :) I pre-soaked my hair a lot before washing. Jojoba is great to put into your conditioner, just a few drops, if you're looking for another great moisturizing oil.

[earthnut]

Coconut and olive oils are not the only oils that penetrate, but only 4 oils have been scientifically tested for hair penetration ability, that I know of: coconut, olive, sunflower, and mineral oils. Coconut, a saturated fat, and olive, a monounsaturated fat, were shown to be penetrating, and sunflower, a polyunsaturated fat, and mineral, a petroleum-based oil, are non-penetrating. The theory is that the more saturated the fat (the straighter the fatty acids), the more penetrating the oil is. This has been supported by anecdotal evidence.

Coconut oil has no protein, like all oils. However, coconut oil has been shown to bond to protein in the hair, protecting and strengthening it.

I made a list of the fatty acid content in many oils, to help predict penetration ability. (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showpost.php?p=2094528&postcount=117)

[dainaleeo2]

Coconut and olive oils are not the only oils that penetrate, but only 4 oils have been scientifically tested for hair penetration ability, that I know of: coconut, olive, sunflower, and mineral oils. Coconut, a saturated fat, and olive, a monounsaturated fat, were shown to be penetrating, and sunflower, a polyunsaturated fat, and mineral, a petroleum-based oil, are non-penetrating. The theory is that the more saturated the fat (the straighter the fatty acids), the more penetrating the oil is. This has been supported by anecdotal evidence.

Coconut oil has no protein, like all oils. However, coconut oil has been shown to bond to protein in the hair, protecting and strengthening it.

I made a list of the fatty acid content in many oils, to help predict penetration ability. (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showpost.php?p=2094528&postcount=117)

Ah, even better :)
I thought mineral oil doesn't penetrate hair, but simply coats it, or somewhat filling in the holes of damaged hair as to give it a healthier appearance? Almost like cones? I could be wrong, but I thought I recalled reading that. I think I found it on Ktani's website.
Though, then again I don't take anecdotal evidence without a grain of salt, but only because of all my science courses that have been nailed into my head throughout college :p (they never allow you to use that, & all of my professors always verbally smack you when you do haha).
But mineral oil was something that I am just learning may not be as bad as previously thought. I always heard that it blocks anything from entering into the hair, i.e. moisture. It's always nice to learn something new, however :)

& that makes sense about coconut oil & how it always becomes associated with protein. I don't think it was ever explained, it's simply always paired with protein, so I could only assume.
Very good information to have. I quite like both oils, & I've never had a problem with them on my hair.

[edit]
Re-read your post, so never mind about my comment pertaining to mineral oil & it's penetration ability. I blame it on my lack of sleep :P

[maborosi]

My hair doesn't like olive oil very much. But coconut oil is something I use before henna now. My hair works well with it, provided I don't do too much ^^

~maborosi~

[spookyghost]

Well my hair doesnt like coconut oil and if has something to do with bonding to protein, or something like that:p, than it might make a little sense to me. I also tried using Mane and Tail shampoo and someone in a post said that the conditioner is a good protein conditioner. My hair didnt like Main and Tail. Now tomarrow is my oiling night and Im going to try evoo. Im pretty pumped. I hope my hair likes it. Im still going to put the Jamaican castor oil on my roots, trying to do the growth thing, and then the evoo on the lengths.

When people say that they put a few drops of oil in their shampoo is that in the bottle? Or what little bit you use is for that one washing? To me it sounds like a single washing but it is oily so maybe it is the whole bottle.

[Gogobaby]

Love both! Warmed and melted in the shower, coco oil is great for my ends and skin, and olive on the scalp... But this I warm carefully over a bowl of hot water..

[RitaPG]

When people say that they put a few drops of oil in their shampoo is that in the bottle? Or what little bit you use is for that one washing? To me it sounds like a single washing but it is oily so maybe it is the whole bottle.

Back in the day when I did that, I mixed a couple drops of oil with the shampoo on my hand, not on the bottle, because sometimes my hair doesn't feel so dry and it doesn't require oil to be mixed on it. It doesn't get oily for me at all, it just makes my hair really shiny and easier to detangle :)
Hope this makes sense.

[fayeelizibeth]

My hair seems to like coconut oil.

Olive oil just makes it look greasy, which is usually I'm trying to get rid of :rolleyes:! My hair is really fine and blonde and fairly straight, I don't know if that makes a difference, but it seems that those with coarser or curly hair can use olive oil, and not look greasy, whereas mine just looks like...unwashed hair if I use olive oil. I will use olive oil in a deep treatment, but not too often.

I have recently started oiling my hair with coconut oil at night before I braid it (the braiding also being a recent development, even though it's probably too short (at almost BSL :o) to be worrying about braiding it at night, but I want to get in the habit). So far, my hair is liking the nightly oilings.

Then again, I also wash with eggs, to great success, so maybe my hair just really likes protein, which coconut oil is supposed to help hold in :confused:.

I do think it's going to be different for everyone. Luckily, oil is pretty easy to experiment with! :)

Oh! One more thing, I have those little bumps on the back of my arms (I don't know what they're called, they're like dry and red and bumpy...) and have been rubbing a bit of coconut oil on them when I oil my hair, and they are getting MUCH better, so there's another point in coconut oil's favor in my book :D.

[catamonica]

I put two capfuls of olive oil in my shampoo & conditioner. It makes the hair soft. And I mix
it in a small bottle with conditioner, after washing hair. And apply it to the ends four times.
It helps dry ends. It makes the ends real soft.

[tja]

I have fine hair and I love coconut oil but I only use it for a pre-wash treatment because if I use it on my dry clean hair they look greasy. Olive oil doesn't give me the greasy look though!

[dili]

for me, the basic difference that is in the winter, the coconut oil is solid, and might solidify some little pieces in the hair, but i love it and makes my hair amazing, much better then before i start using
the olive oil is very good too, and its always liquid...i like it for the skin better then for the hair
i think both work great on my hair, but coconut oil is better...before started using coconut oil my hair used to break a lot and had so many split ends
now, even after more then a year without a haircut, my hair rarely get any split ends

[Natalia]

I use olive oil for deep conditioning, I mix it with some condidtioner and leave it in for one or two hours and then I wash it out.

oh i like this idea its deff on my to do list.

[spookyghost]

Its on my list too! I have only oiled my hair with olive oil once with some pretty good results. When I oiled again I sprayed rooibus tea on my length to dampen it so I could try oiling on damp hair and the next morning my hair looked-blah:( Tomarrow is an oiling night so I will not use the tea and see how that goes. My hair likes argon oil and black jamaican castor oil but Im kinda looking for that Wow oil. Know what I mean? The oil that helps with growth and stops shedding and makes all the difference in your hair. And does not cost an arm and leg! I am not giving up the argon and castor oil because they are suppose to help growth but Im looking for something to replace my Mira hair oil. Loved it but too expensive. I will go back to it if I have to but only if I have to. Plus I will only oil my scalp if I get it again. I got a 4oz. bottle on ebay for $80.00!:eek: I know. If you order it off their site its only a 2oz. bottle. Come on-really? It has to be that expensive?

[earthnut]

I gave coconut oil a good test (2 weeks) and it didn't do a lot for my hair as a leave-in, but when I shampooed well at the end of those 2 weeks, my hair felt SO soft. So I think coconut oil may be good for me as a deep conditioning treatment, but olive oil is better as a leave-in. I also love olive oil on my skin and on my daughter's hair.

[Shaun]

Coconut oil has no protein, like all oils. However, coconut oil has been shown to bond to protein in the hair, protecting and strengthening it.

That explains a lot. :bow:

My frizzy, poofy, curly hair straightens out a lot with the Coconut, EV Olive Oil and Aloe mix I use after my morning shower(instead of hair gel)...

[ClassicalBlonde]

Both EVOO and coconut oil work wonders for my hair. I use them both primarily as a prewash treatment or deep conditioning treatments. I usually just heat the coconut oil, mix them together and apply it.

The coconut oil works well for me when it's dry too but I have to be really careful, it's so easy to overdo it! EVOO makes my hair sooo soft and shiny, I love it.

[ratgirldjh]

I have tried using coconut oil in the past on damp hair after washing. It got crunchy and felt weird but after brushing the crunchy went away but it seemed to give me tangles.

I've done heavy over night oilings with both VCO and EVOO and both worked well for me.

My last wash I decided to use EVOO on my damp hair since I was in the kitchen and we just happen to have a LOT of EVOO at the minute and my hair ends have been feeling frazzled and my usual castor oil on the dry ends wasn't helping.

So... I just stuck my hand on top of the oil and tipped it over and then rubbed what was left in between my hands and rubbed it all over my hair.

When it dried it was nice and shiny and the frazzled ends were back to normal!

I've used EVOO in the past on dry hair just a drop or two on any dry spots and rubbed in well and then brushed with a BBB and it worked great but somehow I forgot about it.

[caadam]

My hair hates coconut oil... in fact, I think the hate is rather mutual. lol

But I loooove EVOO!

[UpNorth]

I don't know yet! Its a big difference, I love the smell of coconut (I love coconut, its the best thing ever) but my hair turns too shiny and a little separated. I don´t like the smell of evoo in my hair, just on my salad. But my hair doesn't turn greasy of that, just soft. I tried a mixture of coconut oil, EVOO and aloe vera today after shower, we'll see....

[Cheveux en péta]

I like coconut oil (lou ann) better than my evoo. I want to try the organic, raw type though. As far as the olive oil, it sets on top of my hair and I don't like that. The coconut oil seems to actually sink into my strands. Me likey coconut oil better! Next stop...raw shea butter, concentrated coconut cream, coconut milk and coconut water.

[catamonica]

I love olive oil. I put two capfuls in my shampoo & conditioner. It makes my hair really soft. And it helps dry ends.

[JuniperBerry]

..........

[Zesty]

I've never used coconut oil, though it's on my list. I use EVOO as a leave-in, while my hair is damp after a wash and on the ends after it's dry. If I overdo it my hair can be a bit greasy, but a light sheen makes my hair softer and easier to manage, and it usually sinks in overnight or during the course of a day. Unlike everyone else I've had a lot more success using it as a leave-in than for deep treatments.

[CSallaround]

I like both but I mostly use them for deep treatments with conditioner, honey and a tiny bit of ACV or over night pre-wash oiling. I find that adding a bit of ACV to the treatments makes my hair more shiny.
For leave-in I prefer to use either arganoil (the pure oil) or sweet almond oil, or a mix of the two and it makes my hair really nice, shiny and soft.

[hyettf16]

Coconut oil seems to soak into my hair better than evoo which kind of just sits on top.

[meteor]

I prefer EVOO for shine (no other oils or products compare in my case, actually), but coconut oil for scalp, because it's lighter, it penetrates both skin and hair cuticle better and there are lots of herb-infused Ayurvedic coconut oils out there, which I love to buy.
I feel that EVOO is good for shine and detangling precisely because it sits on top of hair more than coconut oil does.

[CharacterOfLife]

I love blending the two. 3/4 olive oil and 1/4 coconut oil. I fill a cup 1/3 full of the oil blend. Dip my hair in it making sure to cover only the ponytail/length of it. Then using medium heat I massage my hair for about 5 minutes. Then I was my hair by adding 1/2 teaspoon baking soda to my gentle shampoo, wash and rinse well. I usually do not focus on washing the part where I added the oil. Then I follow with my usual conditioner. It's like a fast and simple treat. A deeper clean on the top and a deep conditioning where I need it most. Also I love putting barely any coconut oil on my hands, making it sheer and lightly going over my hair for some softness, it brings out the spirals around the nape of my neck- which oddly is the only place I get them but it's a great indicator of how moisturized my hair is. I am loving this forum, so happy with it!

[Amber_Maiden]

I prefer coconut oil.

[jojo]

I am sat here at the moment with EVOO on, my hair much prefers it to coconut oil, coconut oil is good if I'm just leaving it on for an hour per wash but left on any longer and it gives me crunchy hair, EVOO is a better left for longer and I like a heavy oil with this as it leaves my hair soft and shiny and brings my waves back from the dead!

[velvetvenus]

When I joined lhc in April I tried Coconut oil, thought it was good. Then the last 6 weeks I've using EVOO which I think is much better and my hair never feel crunchy with it. However I think I am still waiting to find my HG oil. I ordered some 100% organic pure Argan which came today so I am trying that next..

[natural_shine]

olive oil didn t work on my virgin hair- it seemed too much, like you'd put oil on plastic strands.

but after I colored my hair with henna, olive oil is magic.

Coconut oil dries my hair. Smells nice, but does nothing good for me.

[Naiadryade]

3 drops of olive oil as a leave-in applied every 2-3 days makes my hair soft, moisturized and virtually tangle-free. Applying it more heavily (enough so it looks greasy) 12-24 hours before washing helps my hair not be super dry after I wash (which happens once a week or so).

Coconut oil made my hair stick to itself and tangle. So did cocoa butter, so I think I have a problem with oils that are solid at room temperature. However, I have yet to try coconut oil in the summer (when it's liquid), or as a treatment that would then be washed off.

[animetor7]

I think it depends on you and your hair type, some oils work well for those with very curly or thick hair and some oils work well for thin or straight hair or any combination thereof. However for me the difference between these two is simple, olive oil gives me huge crunchy issues and actually seems to dry out my hair whereas coconut oil works wonders provided I wash it out well. That said I have several friends who love olive oil and what it does for their hair. So I think the bottom line is just experiment with your own hair to see what works.

[SnowWhite]

I use coconut oil for regular oiling.
I use EVOO in my henna mixture. Henna, hot water, 1 tablespoon of honey, some lemon juice (about 0,5 - 1 tablespoon) and EVOO (2 tablespoons)... 0,0% dryness!!
Both are wonderful, but I prefer coconut oil on a regular base.

[Tegaladwen]

Can anyone give me a clue on what would be the best type of oiling if you have naturally oily hair but the ends are quite dry? I have rather fine hair too so too heavy an oil makes it look worse? I found coconut oil a bit too much.

[Scarlet_Heart]

Can anyone give me a clue on what would be the best type of oiling if you have naturally oily hair but the ends are quite dry? I have rather fine hair too so too heavy an oil makes it look worse? I found coconut oil a bit too much.

If coconut oil is too heavy, then I would think olive oil would be even worse because it's one of the heavier, thicker oils. I think mostly people with very thick and/or curly hair use it.

Sounds like you need a light oil. I really like using Camelia, but Jojoba is similar. They are lighter and more suitable to your purposes I think. I get my Camelia from Henna Sooq. I love it on my face as well. It doesn't clog pores and keeps my skin from getting dried out during the winter.

Best of luck! Finding which oils are best for your hair is generally just a process of trial and error.

[Naiadryade]

Can anyone give me a clue on what would be the best type of oiling if you have naturally oily hair but the ends are quite dry? I have rather fine hair too so too heavy an oil makes it look worse? I found coconut oil a bit too much.

Do you have a BBB? I'm pretty sure this is exactly the situtation it's best at helping. It distributes the oils through your hair, so the oily roots won't look so oily because the extra oil has been moved to your dry ends so they're not so dry.


If coconut oil is too heavy, then I would think olive oil would be even worse because it's one of the heavier, thicker oils. I think mostly people with very thick and/or curly hair use it.

Sounds like you need a light oil. I really like using Camelia, but Jojoba is similar. They are lighter and more suitable to your purposes I think. I get my Camelia from Henna Sooq. I love it on my face as well. It doesn't clog pores and keeps my skin from getting dried out during the winter.

Best of luck! Finding which oils are best for your hair is generally just a process of trial and error.


Another light oil is rice bran oil. I love olive oil, but did find it a tad bit heavy--it was easy to overdo and repeated oilings ended up making my hair look greasy. So I diluted it 50/50 with rice bran oil and added some EO's, and I really like that mix.

Sweet almond oil is another great light oil that a lot of people use on their hair. I dilute castor oil with it for my scalp, though even though it's lighter I feel like it doesn't absorb quite as well as castor oil on its own... but castor oil is kind of magic about its absorption qualities, so that's understandable.

[LadyCelestina]

EVOO users,please -Which essential oil complements nicely or completely overpowers the smell of EVOO?

[animetor7]

Can anyone give me a clue on what would be the best type of oiling if you have naturally oily hair but the ends are quite dry? I have rather fine hair too so too heavy an oil makes it look worse? I found coconut oil a bit too much.

Well I have similar hair to yours and have had success with coconut oil, but as you have said this is too heavy for you I have also had luck with baby/mineral oil and shea butter. If these are also too heavy for you, you could always try just a regular SMT with a heavy conditioner as opposed to a light one for moisturizing. And if oiling period just doesn't work for you there are no hard and fast rules that say you must oil to have well-moisturized hair.

[Naiadryade]

EVOO users,please -Which essential oil complements nicely or completely overpowers the smell of EVOO?

My EVOO/rice bran oil mix has lavender, geranium, wild thyme, and clary sage EO's... it might also have a couple drops of cedarwood. I love the smell of it! The lavender and geranium are the most powerful scents and they're just lovely. I think the thyme and clary sage (which I use less of) tone down the "woah, floral" aspect of the first two by bringing in some earthiness. It doesn't really smell much like olive oil at all anymore, though that subtle scent never really bothered me either. And they're all good for my hair! Bonus: geranium EO is supposed to repel ticks.

[ghost]

For the most part, coconut oil works best for me. It soaks into my hair more quickly than olive oil, and I especially prefer it as a daily leave-in and detangler, olive oil just gets too heavy for that. Occasionally coconut oil will make my ends feel crunchy, and I'll switch to olive oil for my next deep treatment. I have to be really careful to get it all out, though. Even if I only use 1 tbsp warmed up, it seems more like it sits on top of my hair rather than penetrating it, and washing it out is much more difficult than washing out coconut oil.

[Vrindi]

When coconut oil gets to be too much (after a while, it will make the ends tangly from the protein) I switch to almond oil. I love both. Haven't really experimented much with olive oil on my hair, but I love it (and almond, and coconut) for my skin. Coconut oil seems to be the best during the harsh desert summers here, also for when I'm at the beach. Keeps the sun and salt from frying my hair.

[gillybeanxo3921]

Olive oil tends to make my hair greasy and heavy. It's best as a prewash treatment in my opinion :)

I like coconut oil for daily use.

[LadyCelestina]

My EVOO/rice bran oil mix has lavender, geranium, wild thyme, and clary sage EO's... it might also have a couple drops of cedarwood. I love the smell of it! The lavender and geranium are the most powerful scents and they're just lovely. I think the thyme and clary sage (which I use less of) tone down the "woah, floral" aspect of the first two by bringing in some earthiness. It doesn't really smell much like olive oil at all anymore, though that subtle scent never really bothered me either. And they're all good for my hair! Bonus: geranium EO is supposed to repel ticks.

So basically it's the fresh,crisp and /I call it that because it reminds me of/ citrusy scents that work well with it? Thanks! I'll try and play with it.

ETA: I smell like salad with herbs :brainbleach:

[Naiadryade]

So basically it's the fresh,crisp and /I call it that because it reminds me of/ citrusy scents that work well with it? Thanks! I'll try and play with it.

ETA: I smell like salad with herbs :brainbleach:

Do you mean that my suggestions made you smell like salad with herbs? Which EO's did you use? Maybe you used too much thyme? The lavender and geranium smell very flowery (because they are flowers), not like a salad with herbs OR citrusy to me.

Also, on the main topic... I haven't liked coconut oil as a leave-in but I've found recently that it works really well as a pre-wash treatment. I leave it on overnight, and it's very moisturizing. The smell makes me hungry though!

[LadyCelestina]

Do you mean that my suggestions made you smell like salad with herbs? Which EO's did you use? Maybe you used too much thyme? The lavender and geranium smell very flowery (because they are flowers), not like a salad with herbs OR citrusy to me.

Also, on the main topic... I haven't liked coconut oil as a leave-in but I've found recently that it works really well as a pre-wash treatment. I leave it on overnight, and it's very moisturizing. The smell makes me hungry though!

No,no,no,no! :D It doesn't smell bad,your suggestion was lovely,that's just me connecting everything with food,hence the brainbleach :D I'm afraid the EO's didn't cover up the smell of olive oil well enough.I can still sniff it in the mixture quite clearly.I'll use it for overnight oilings.
ETA:I only had pre-mixed essential oil blends,so I used them.

[Katleen]

My hair gets very crunchy from coconut oil, so I now use it as the world's best make-up remover, and for dry scaly skin in winter. EVOO is sooo much better for my hair, but I don't like smelling like salad dressing, so I mixed in a few drops of Lavender EO.
Just a tiny bit on my palm and then putting it over my lengths and into the ends, and it looks and feels so soft. When I'm wearing it in a bun or a braid, I'll dare to use a bit more, but it's easily too much...

[Bagginslover]

My hair HATES olive oil! Its makes it feel drier than if I didn't put any oil on at all! It adores coconut though, I apply it to *just* damp after air drying (when it feels dry, but still feels wet-cold), and then again more heavily about 24hrs before washing. Never had a build up issue, though I do clarify once a month with cheap SLS shampoo, so maybe thats just enough for me :)

[Firefox7275]

Sorry if this has already been said, I have not read the whole thread. The penetrating component of olive oil is oleic acid - if you don't like the smell or texture you might try other oleic acid rich oils like avocado, sweet almond or argan oils. In coconut oil the penetrating component is lauric acid, other rich sources include palm kernel oil, babassu oil and tucuma butter.