The gentle hair of your baby requires gentle oil. Olive oil is proven to be the best for hair. But, is olive oil good for a baby’s hair? Can you put oil on the baby’s hair?
And what are the precautions you need to take while applying olive oil to your baby’s head? These questions must have occurred in your head. Here is all your need to know about olive oil for a baby’s hair.
In This Article
Top 10 Benefits of Using Olive Oil for Baby’s Hair
Following are the top 10 benefits of using olive oil for an infant’s hair:
1. Relief From Itchy Scalp
Itchy scalp is quite common in babies. This is because your baby’s skin requires more moisture than yours. And if you do not apply ample oil to your baby’s head, then this dry skin will cause itchiness. For this itchiness, they can scratch their scalp and cut their scalp.
Olive oil can be a great remedy to cure itchy scalp in babies.
2. Prevention Of Hair Grease
Olive oil is non-greasy and non-sticky. It easily absorbs into the skin, thus it will not feel heavy on the head. So your baby’s hair will look silky and healthy as well.
Often the formation of sebum restricts the growth of new budding hair. To prevent the formation of sebum, regular cleaning of the scalp is needed. Polyphenols present in olive oil do this job perfectly.
3. Protection From Infection
Your baby’s scalp can become the budding ground of fungus, head lice, and infantile seborrheic dermatitis or cradle cap. The antibacterial properties of olive oil combat such infections and keep your baby’s scalp healthy.
4. Better Hair Strength
Olive oil is very effective to make the hair strong and shiny. Olive oil adds softness to the hair and at the same time strengthens it. This is because the light texture of olive oil easily penetrates the hair shaft and retains moisture.
5. Presence Of Fatty Acids
Fatty acid is an important factor for hair growth and repairing hair damage. Thus olive oil for baby hair is very much needed to make it damage-proof fast from the beginning.
6. Improved Hair Growth
Along with fatty acids, olive oil is rich in vitamin E. Together they work to reduce hair fall, fasten hair growth, and remove frizz in hair. Putting oil in the baby’s hair and gently massaging their head before bath is thus recommended by doctors. This massage will improve and thicken their tuft. And olive oil is best for this.
7. Presence Of Antioxidants
Olive oil is also filled with antioxidants. The antioxidant in olive oil keeps the hair protected from pollution and weather.
8. Treats Eczema Of The Scalp
A Baby’s immature and gentle skin can easily catch fungi. You can find a flaky reddish patch on their moisture-prone areas such as the scalp and armpits. If not treated, then it can lead to conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Olive oil keeps the natural moisture of the skin and combats these fungi to occur.
9. Removes Dandruff
Dandruff is often hereditary. If you have dandruff issues, then there are chances that your baby too will have it. Olive oil for a baby’s dry scalp is very effective to combat dandruff. You can add a bit of lemon juice along with olive oil for a better result. Dandruff occurs due to dry skin. The acidic action of lime will reduce dandruff and olive oil will keep the moisture and prevent it from re-emerging.
10. Improves Hair Texture
So, overall olive oil improves the hair quality and makes it healthy within. Your baby’s hair will get strong, thick, soft, and shiny naturally.
Olive Oil For Baby’s Hair
As mentioned, applying baby oil to your baby’s hair is extremely beneficial for the infant. But still, the question in the minds of many moms is if there is a specific way the oil needs to be applied, or is it safe to apply the oil overnight or can it be harmful to the little one. Here we have all the answers for you:
Olive Oil Is Advantageous For Babies
Olive oil for baby hair is safe and good. The vitamin A, E, fatty acids, and antioxidants present in olive oil keep the moisture locked and prevent dryness. Applying lukewarm olive oil on your baby’s head and massaging it can bring them instant relief.
As the baby’s skin is very gentle and their skull is too soft, you may get frightened by the idea of oil massaging on the baby’s head. Thus, for putting oil in a baby’s hair there are some instructions you need to follow:
- At first, apply some olive oil directly to your baby’s head.
- Applying pressure is not good for the baby’s soft head. So you can use a soft cotton cloth or brush to gently spread the oil all over the baby’s head.
- Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
- You can give a gentle massage with your hands but then you will have to be extra careful and extra gentle. Having long nails is a big no.
- Once the oil is completely absorbed, you can take your baby for a bath.
- You can apply olive oil regularly before your baby’s bath.
Overnight Oiling Helps Moisturize Baby Hair
It will be best to leave olive oil overnight in your baby’s hair as it will get more time to moisturize itself. But if your baby tends to catch a cold easily, then do not keep the oil overnight. Apply it just before the bath and then shampoo it twice or thrice a week.
So you should use olive oil for baby hair. But the olive oil needs to be natural and preservatives-free. Also, if your baby is having allergic reactions to olives, then you will have to look for other options.
Read Also: Top 10 Baby Skincare Tips
