Last week, we listed the numerous reasons how and why extra virgin olive oil is beneficial to our bodies, and not just by consuming it. Extra virgin olive oil has a host of beauty-boosting nutrients that can be enjoyed by applying directly to hair, skin and nails. But if you haven’t yet, you can read about the amazing extra virgin olive oil, what’s in it and what it can do for you, with the focus on beauty, on our last blog post.

Now, let’s explore the beautiful yet simple ways to add extra virgin olive oil to your beauty regime. Get ready to soften and glow naturally - from the hair down to the nails!

Hair and scalp treatment

As a pre-shampoo treatment, olive oil works well so you don’t even have to follow with conditioner, unless your hair is extremely dry or damaged.

Depending on the length of your hair, pour a tablespoon to three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil on a small container, add 3 drops of rosemary essential oil (optional). You can heat the oil according to your preference or use it at room temperature. Next, dip your fingers into the oil and start massaging your scalp and then spread the oil to your hair. Massage for a few minutes. Use the pads of your fingers rather than the fingernails so as not to scratch the surface of the scalp. Once scalp and hair has been coated with oil, wrap in a towel or shower cap and leave for at least 5 minutes, but preferably 30 minutes. Shampoo and rinse. You may to follow with a conditioner, if needed.

You can also use extra virgin olive oil as a leave in conditioner. Apply a small amount of oil on to your hair, focusing more on the hair ends. Style as usual.

Skin polisher and conditioner

Extra virgin olive oil is packed-full of skin-boosting nutrients, and is also an effective skin softener and moisturiser. But applying olive oil or any kind of moisturiser to skin which has accumulated chemical and dead skin build-up is not effective. The nutrients could just be sitting on top of the skin; ready to latch on to other surfaces such as clothes and bed sheets. By exfoliating first before applying lotion and moisturiser, you can be sure that the much needed nutrients and hydration can penetrate and enrich the cells. But a better solution would be to use a body scrub with olive oil as an ingredient. It’s a time saver; scrub and soften in one application.

To soothe extra dry skin, apply the oil to areas like elbows, knees and heels anytime you feel the need for it. For best results, exfoliate twice weekly to ensure absorption.

To moisturise dry feet, apply an adequate amount of extra virgin olive oil to the entire feet. Cover your oiled feet with socks, this way, the oil stays on the feet area and not on your sheets. Come morning, you’ll be greeted by soft, hydrated feet.

Make-up Remover

Want a simple and natural way to remove make-up? Use a few drops of extra virgin olive oil on cotton cleansing pads, watch the make-up glide off. For waterproof make-up, you may need to soak the area for a minute or two before swiping.

For a deeper cleanse, use a tablespoon of oil and massage it all over the face. Wipe off with a cotton pad first. Then, using warm, wet face towel, cover your face for a few seconds and let the heat of the towel further dissolve oil and dirt. Wipe off gently and rinse. The result? Soft and clean skin, without irritation.

Lip softener

The skin on your lips are thin and do not have any oil glands, which makes lips prone to drying and chapping. Even breathing through your mouth dries your lips. Extra virgin olive oil not only will help in moisturising dry lips, it will also drench your lips with antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids. Dab it on your lips the way you would a lip balm, whenever your lips feel dry. For extra conditioning, leave it on while you sleep.

Shaving lubricant

Does your skin get irritated every time you shave, maybe because of the harsh chemicals present in shaving creams and lotions? Or you just ran out of them and you need to shave pronto? Time to grab extra virgin olive oil! It’s not only easy and mess-free, it’s also safe and healthy.

Use olive oil as a shaving lubricant, preferably after a warm shower, simply apply the oil (a few drops for face, more for legs), let it soak for a bit and you’re ready to shave. No nicks and cuts, watch how your razor glides over your skin. Rinse. Hello soft, naked skin.

Nail and cuticle care

Dry, dull nails and rough cuticles? Extra virgin olive oil is perfect for a quick and simple nail and cuticle treatment. Applied regularly, extra virgin olive oil will strengthen your nails and boost the moisture of your cuticles.

Apply a drop of olive oil to each finger nail, massage around the nails and into the cuticle area. Tada – instant healthy, glowing fingernails and soft cuticles.

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