How to Choose the Best Olive Oil for Hair Growth?
Once you have selected that you would like to try Olive Oil to aid in your hair growth, you may have noticed how there are a variety of different types of Olive Oils to purchase. In most stores you will notice Olive Oil with the following names:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Virgin Olive oil
- Olive Oil
- Refined Olive Oil
- Virgin Olive Oil Not Fit For Human Consumption
Take into consideration that the Olive Oil that is not used for human consumption is only suitable for use as lamp oil. Nonetheless, the other four Olive Oils are based on an assortment of grades of olive oil, and their quality is affected by which grade they actually have.
In addition, you may also want to know that grades of Olive Oil are chosen by the manufacturers. It is possible for manufacturers to buy a certification for these grades though, which will give you a much better reassurance that the Olive Oil you have purchased is genuinely the grade inside the container.
You may also notice that olive oil is sold in different types of containers.
- Plastic
- Metal
- Glass
Most of the time, the higher grade Olive Oils will be sold in glass or metal. Note that there can be extra benefits to buying Olive Oil in a metal can, as it won’t be exposed to light. A handful of Olive Oil glass bottles are also tinted, to prevent light from eroding away at the quality of the oil.
Refined vs. Unrefined Olive Oils
Refined olive oil has been made with a refinery process. Unrefined olive oil will have the “virgin” label attached to it. If you see an olive oil in the store that simply says “olive oil” chances are it is refined. There may be a small minor difference in looks, with the unrefined typically being a bit brighter and dark yellow colour.
The most notable difference between refined and unrefined is in the processing. All Olive Oil is extracted from the fruit, or olives, from the olive tree. It’s what happens during the process to extract the oils that matters, as well as the additives used, and what is the final level of free oleic acid remaining.
This will generally indicate the extent that the fat has been broken down into fatty acids. When it has a higher amount, it usually indicates more refining, and a less amount indicates less or no refining.
Free oleic acid is based on its level of acidity. This level is in correlation to the extent that the fat has been broken down into fatty acids. Typically, unrefinedOlive Oil is more pure and has been untreated. Refined Olive Oil has been treated to have its flaws removed from the oil.
Virgin Oil vs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Both virgin olive oil and extra virgin olive oil are made in a similar process, and both are considered unrefined oils. This means that when the oil is extracted from the olives, that heat and chemicals are not used, which is the process used for the refined oils.
For virgin olive oil, the purity and the taste of the olives remains, but it won’t have as stringent production guidelines as extra virgin olive oil does.
For extra virgin olive oil, it will have a more intense flavour and a lower level of oleic acid. This is also the highest quality olive oil that you can find on the market today. This type of oil must hold to stricter standards than other types of olive oil. It will also have a truer olive taste.
Extra virgin olive oil will contain more of the natural minerals and vitamins that are also contained in olives.
Basically, the main difference between extra virgin olive oil versus virgin olive oil is if you need the best type for its healing properties, rather than as a cooking oil. If you’re cooking, then it really doesn’t matter what type you use, though be aware that extra virgin olive oil will have a higher price on it.
Curiously, you’ll find that most stores sell regular olive oil or extra virgin olive oil, rather than just the virgin olive oil type.
What Is Usually The Best Way to Store Olive Oil?
No matter which type of olive oil you go with: regular refined olive oil, or one of the unrefined types: virgin olive oil, or extra virgin olive oil, you’re going to need to store it the right way.
Here are a few storage tips so that your Olive Oil doe not turn rancid before you have time to use it up.
- We recommend that you never store olive oil in direct light or near a window.
- It’s best stored in a cabinet, away from the stove/oven, a sink, or a dishwasher.
- Wipe the neck gently after use to get off any drops of oil that can prevent the cap from closing properly.
- Ensure you screw the cap on securely each time.
- Store your oil against the wall of your cupboard to ensure you don’t accidentally knock it over when searching for something else in your cupboard.
Benefits of Olive Oil For Other Uses
When you purchase a tin or bottle of olive oil for your hair you may be wondering how you can use up all of your oil before the expiry date printed on the container.
Olive Oil can be used in your cooking and for other health and beauty purposes as well. Olive Oil can also be poured directly into salads for those same antioxidant properties, but it’s also beneficial as a moisturizer too.
Here are a few tips on how you can add olive oil to your health and beauty routine.
- It can be used to soften split or dry ends on hair. Simply apply to affected ends.
- People who suffer from eczema or psoriasis will benefit from its moisturizing qualities, while the special healing properties will help to ease itching, and reduce inflammation and redness.
- Olive Oil contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s effective on skin rashes and can assist in restoring your skin’s natural microscopic colonies of bacteria to normal balances.
- Olive Oil is also beneficial if you have dandruff, which is commonly caused by a fungus. The olive oil will help to heal the skin and banish the dryness that causes unsightly flakes.
- Olive Oil can be quickly applied to chapped and dry lips.
- People who suffer from dry and cracked heels will find it beneficial to rub olive oil on their feet at bedtime, and then put on socks. In the morning their feet will feel softer.
Having a great understanding about the different types of Olive Oil will aid you in your decision in proposing the best type. You may wish to get one type for cooking, and extra virgin olive oil to help with your hair loss.
Remember that even if you use it regularly for your bathroom beauty care routines, that you should store it away from the heat and moisture of the bathroom.