Olive oil

Olive oil

Potential efficacity for hair loss : ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My recommendation

Olive oil may offer potential benefits in reducing androgenetic alopecia, thanks to its anti-androgenic properties and oleuropein content. It might also be useful in addressing other types of alopecia related to oxidative stress or inflammation.

While there isn't direct scientific evidence demonstrating its effectiveness for hair loss, and there are other oils and treatments with stronger research support, I believe that olive oil can still be an interesting option. I suggest using it as a carrier oil.

Home 9 Vegetable oils 9 Olive oil

Olive oil is a vegetable oil extracted from olives through pressing. It has consistently served as a dietary cornerstone in many countries and is highly esteemed. For thousands of years, it has been linked to numerous health benefits and holds spiritual value.

Is it effective against hair loss?

Olive oil is a well-known ingredient in the world of cosmetics. It’s commonly used by women to repair split ends, moisturize, and treat brittle hair. However, when it comes to its potential effectiveness in addressing hair loss, there is limited scientific research available.

In general, vegetable oils have similar compositions, and olive oil is no exception. Its major components, which may vary depending on the variety and cultivation, include:

Oleic acid: 70% – 83%
Palmitic acid: 13% – 20%
Linoleic acid: 6% – 21%
Other components: vitamin E and K

According to my findings, olive oil may have potential effects on hair loss in four ways:

A study comparing Oleuropein and Minoxidil

Oleuropein, a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant properties found in olive leaves, olives, and olive oil, was the subject of a study conducted in 2015 by Tao Tong and colleagues. This study found that oleuropein was equally effective as minoxidil in stimulating hair growth in mice.

In this 28-day study, 24 mice were divided into three equal groups:

Group 1: Control solution (placebo)
Group 2: Solution with 0.4mg of oleuropein
Group 3: Solution with 3mg of minoxidil

Here are the results:

As shown in the graphs, both the mice treated with oleuropein (OP) and those treated with minoxidil (MXD) experienced rapid hair growth, while the control group (CON) showed almost no growth.

The graph below illustrates the hair length measured from day 0 to 28.

Furthermore, the hairs in the oleuropein-treated group appeared visibly thicker, as demonstrated below:

A cross-sectional image clearly depicts that oleuropein rapidly stimulated the growth of thick hairs:

The study authors also aimed to understand the mechanisms of minoxidil and oleuropein and concluded that oleuropein increases the expression of various growth factors, particularly the Wnt10b/β-catenin pathway. This pathway is believed to extend the anagen phase and promote hair growth.

Besides oleuropein, the small quantity of linoleic acid found in olive oil also promotes the expression of the Wnt10b/β-catenin signaling pathways.

While this study suggests that oleuropein may be a potentially effective treatment for alopecia due to its ability to stimulate hair growth, further research on humans is necessary to support this claim.

Anti-androgen properties

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgenic hormone naturally synthesized in our bodies from testosterone in various tissues. This conversion process is facilitated by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase (5aR).

DHT is a key factor in androgenetic alopecia, as it contributes to the inflammatory processes occurring in the scalps of individuals genetically predisposed to hair loss. This process leads to the gradual thinning of hair, a phenomenon known as miniaturization. Therefore, it is believed that by reducing the production of DHT, hair loss can be mitigated.

Upon examining olive oil, it becomes evident that it primarily consists of oleic acid (76%) and linoleic acid (14%). Both of these fatty acids have the ability to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, thereby reducing the formation of DHT.

In a study conducted in 1992 by T. Liang and S. Liao, it was observed that oleic, linoleic, elaidic, linolelaidic, and gamma-linolenic acids exhibited anti-DHT properties by inhibiting 5aR.

(source)

Based on this study, it can be inferred that the consumption or topical application of olive oil may also reduce DHT formation.

Antioxidant properties

One of the contributing factors to hair loss is oxidative stress. This occurs when there’s an excessive presence of free radicals in the body compared to the available antioxidants. Excessive free radical production can be triggered by various factors such as stress, poor diet, or exposure to pollution.

Oxidative stress can lead to significant health issues, including hair loss, inflammation, premature aging, heart diseases, and certain cancers (source).

According to some studies, the consumption of antioxidants like vitamin E has been shown to reduce the risk of specific diseases (source).

Olive oil possesses antioxidant properties due to its content of vitamin E and its richness in oleic acid. It also contains oleuropein, another antioxidant.

In a study conducted in 2010 by Lim Ai Beoy and colleagues, it was discovered that vitamin E intake could reduce hair loss.

It was observed that a daily intake of 100 mg of vitamin E in the form of tocotrienols and alpha-tocopherols significantly increased hair density.

For instance, the group receiving vitamin E increased their hair density from 284.8 to 383.1 over 8 months, marking a 34.5% increase. In contrast, the placebo group saw no change.

Researchers concluded that this stimulation of hair growth was attributed to the antioxidant properties of vitamin E.

In another study, oleic acid, which constitutes over 70% of olive oil, also demonstrated antioxidant properties.

Based on these studies, it can be inferred that the topical application of olive oil may prove useful in combating hair loss caused by oxidative factors.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Inflammation is the immune system’s defense mechanism that activates when the body undergoes any form of attack, such as an infection, irritation, muscle strain, or injury.

Interestingly, nearly all types of alopecia are characterized by the presence of chronic scalp inflammation, the reduction of which has proven effective in decreasing hair loss (source).

According to some studies, oleic acid, which makes up the majority of olive oil, is believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties (source) (source) (source).

While these studies do not specifically address alopecia, it is plausible to assume that the topical application of olive oil could potentially reduce the chronic inflammation associated with androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata.

Closing thoughts and verdict

Although no studies have been conducted on human alopecia, I believe that the topical application of olive oil could be an effective solution against androgenetic alopecia. This is due to its anti-androgenic (anti-DHT) and antioxidant properties, especially its oleuropein content.

Regarding its anti-inflammatory properties, they could potentially help reduce the chronic inflammation associated with various forms of alopecia. It’s essential to remember that reducing oxidation (thanks to its antioxidant properties) can also decrease inflammation.

If you’re interested in trying olive oil, I can recommend using it as a carrier oil to enhance its effectiveness when combined with certain essential oils.