When it comes to hair care, it can feel as though your head has seen it all. And with so many serums, mask, and recommendations (from lemon juice to egg yolks alike) on the market, it's hard to know what is actually helpful. But let us introduce you to a humble hero of the kitchen and salon: Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

EVOO's benefits go beyond the perfect cooking (and finishing) oil for all your culinary needs. The monounsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin E we love to incorporate into our diets via olive oil are also amazing for your hair and scalp. And you don't just have to take our word for it! Take Frédéric Fekkai's ;-). We spoke to the legendary hairstylist and entrepreneur about the relaunch of his 90s cult favorite olive oil haircare line, and why EVOO is a secret shortcut to a great hair day.

Frédéric was inspired to start a collection of hair care products made with olive oil hair by his roots in Provence, which he remembers as a place "where olive oil is a trusted, time-honored remedy for both skin and hair." Fekkai explains—"Olive oil is packed with amazing benefits that work to deeply nourish the hair, enhancing its strength and resilience. It's not just about adding shine—it's about improving the overall health of the hair." 

So How Does EVOO Contribute to Visibly Healthy Hair?

If your head is in an incomplete puzzle, EVOO serves as the missing piece. Fekkai details the process, explaining that "olive oil penetrates the hair shaft, providing moisture from within while also creating a protective barrier that locks in hydration. This results in hair that's not only shinier but also smoother, manageable, and visibly healthier." 

In a world full of split ends, be the well-oiled exception

What Inspired Fekkai To Use Olive Oil?

EVOO was a staple in his family, and he knew it had the potential to transform hair on set. When developing the Brilliant Glossing Créme in the '90s, Fekkai needed an ingredient that could deliver lasting shine and softness without weighing the hair down. When he would work backstage, at his salon or on editorial shoots, he could never find a product that delivered high shine and touchable hold, so he would create his own "hair cocktails," the most famous being olive oil and styling gel. It delivered maximum shine, removed frizz, defined curls, and added a touchable hold.

Fekkai finally bottled that concept in 1995, when the Brilliant Gloss Glossing Créme launched. The product became an overnight sensation, and most consumers referred to it as the "olive oil hair cream." Fekkai discontinued the original formula in 2018, but this year the company is re-launching the original olive oil powered formula, calling it the The Original Brilliant Glossing Créme. 

How Do You Apply EVOO to Your Hair?

Now before you dump your entire pantry supply of olive oil on your head, it's important to talk about application strategy. Olive oil is best for your hair in small, proportionate quantities, or mixed with another gel or creme to allow for even distribution.

Fekkai's Original Brilliant Glossing Créme is a great vehicle to deliver olive oil, because it allows you to apply it on fine to textured hair and to be used as a damp styler or a dry finisher without weighing the hair down. 

What About Different Hair Types? 

The oily elephant in the room: will it make my hair greasy? The short answer—only if you over do it. Polyphenol packed olive oil is powerful, so a little goes a long way. For fine hair, Frédéric recommends using a small, pea-sized amount on the ends to add shine without compromising volume. For curly or textured hair, the créme can be used more generously to define curls and reduce frizz, providing a glossy smooth finish. If you have thick or coarse hair, applying the créme to damp hair can help detangle and soften while giving a sleek, polished look. The key is to start with a small amount and build up as needed, ensuring that the product is evenly distributed for the best results. 

Photography: Cindy Clauds