Olive oil for shiny hair and nails

OLIVE oil has been used as a beauty product since the time of the Pharaohs in Ancient Egypt. Thanks to the global village, you can find it on local shop shelves here.

Olive oil for dry hair

If you have rough hair, split ends and need a good deep condition, spritz some olive oil on the ends of your hair. Massage in very gently, then comb through the rest of your tresses. Wrap your hair in a warm towel and wait 20 minutes. Then shampoo out.

Tip: If you have dandruff, put your hair in a shower cap and sleep overnight. The olive oil will moisturise your scalp, helping deal with those little flakes.

Olive oil for hands, cuticles and nails

Olive oil softens and moisturises. At the end of the day, take a tiny dash of oil and rub it gently into your hands, taking care to massage nails and cuticles. Leave for 15 minutes, then gently push up your cuticles with an orange stick. Pat your hands dry. Buff your nails with a chamois cloth (look in the car section of the supermarket).

Olive oil intensive moisturiser Do you have dry elbows or heels? Mash a ripe avocado with a tablespoon of olive oil. Rub into the dry area and let it sit for 20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. Whether you want to use olive oil on your face is debatable. It is very rich but some find it clogs pores which can lead to breakouts. If you want to use it for a dry neck, you can take a damp cotton square and to add a little olive oil. Sweep over your skin.