How to prevent hair loss: Natural kitchen staple could ‘slow the effects of hair loss’

It’s quite normal for people to shed between 50 and 100 hair strands each day.

However, those losing more than that might have an underlying health condition or hair loss problem.

One natural ingredient that could help with hair loss is olive oil. The kitchen essential, that’s usually imported from the Mediterranean, could stimulate hair growth, according to researchers.

In a 2015 study on mice, experts found that olive-tree-derived ingredients helped to stimulate hair growth.

The common cooking ingredient contains oleic acid which has antioxidant qualities which could “slow the effects of hair loss”, according to Healthline.

The oleic acid inhibits 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone – a hormone that weakens hair follicles.

Olive oil could also potentially have antibacterial properties and reduce and prevent split ends.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr Saya Obayan told Cosmopolitan that olive oil can also calm scalp inflammation.

Dr. Obayan explained: “We know that olive oil does have a good anti-inflammatory property to it, which can help calm down some of the inflammation on your scalp.”

The kitchen staple can also make hair appear “softer” and more “shiny”, according to dermatologist Dr Audrey Kunin.

She told Women’s Health: “Olive oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, so it can be nourishing to the scalp.

“The hair itself is composed of dead keratin, so the olive oil helps coat the hair and create softness and shine.”

However, rather than using straight olive oil on your hair, the experts recommend using products that a specifically formulated to be used on the scalp and hair.

Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Leave-in Hair Conditioner costs £4.75 from Ocado. Ors Olive Oil Smooth and Hold Pudding costs £6.89 from Sephora.