Olive Oil for Hair and Skin: A Quiet Ritual

I came to olive oil through faith, and later through the table. The last place it found a home was the most personal: my hair, and then my skin.

For My Hair

As a Black woman with thick, richly textured hair, moisture is not optional: it is essential. Olive oil has become one of my trusted companions: softening strands, sealing in moisture, easing dryness, and leaving a healthy shine. Naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, it has earned a permanent place in my routine.

For My Skin

My skin came last. I use olive oil as a gentle makeup remover, lifting the day away without leaving my skin feeling stripped, and, on naturally dry skin, as a simple moisturizer.

Those with oily or acne-prone skin may find lighter choices serve them better, and that is fine; care is not one-size-fits-all. A small patch test is a kind way to begin with any new oil.