Rita Hayworth's Simple Method For Moisturized Hair Still Works Today - But Not For Everyone

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While formulas and technologies have majorly evolved since the era of Old Hollywood, sometimes it's the simplest ingredients that make a lasting impression. In addition to olive oil serving as an unexpected makeup remover, beauty icon Rita Hayworth reportedly used the kitchen staple to keep her tresses moisturized. If her bouncy red curls aren't proof enough, experts say this technique can still prove effective for those with the right hair texture. 

As published by Laura Slater in "Vintage Secrets: Hollywood Beauty," Hayworth reportedly saturated her hair in olive oil after shampooing, wrapping her drenched locks in a towel and waiting 15 minutes. Then, she rinsed using warm water and lemon juice to remove any grease. The actor likely found success with this hack because olive oil contains lots of nourishing ingredients, including softening fatty acids and protective antioxidants. 

"The fatty acids in olive oil (shout out to oleic acid) coat the hair shaft, providing a protective barrier that helps reduce breakage and split ends, making the hair appear stronger and healthier," trichologist Molly Gee Webster told Ipsy. Still, if you have a naturally oily scalp or thin, lightweight hair, this is an old-school hack to pass on. As an oil, this product can weigh down tresses and create a greasy look. There are also mixed reports about applying olive oil directly to the scalp, with experts pointing to the potential for dandruff-causing fungal growth.

Rita Hayworth lands among the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly in terms of star power, with the bombshell being known for films like "Gilda" and "Tonight and Every Night." While the New York native initially appeared in movies as a teenager in the '30s, she didn't ascend into stardom until she changed both her name and her appearance. With the goal of Americanizing her Spanish looks, she underwent electrolysis to alter her hairline and dyed her black tresses auburn in the late '30s. 

In a beauty article published by the Oakland Tribune in 1952, Hayworth credited her long time hairstylist Helen Hunt for her color change."It was the turning point in my career," she said. "As soon as I became a redhead, things began to happen." The star underwent regular dye jobs to maintain her signature look, which undoubtedly dried out her tresses. While Hunt mentioned using oil-rich shampoos, it makes sense that Hayworth would turn to a product like olive oil to really put a softened shine into her auburn locks. 

Similarly, experts recommend the hair treatment for those with thick and coarse hair, as the kitchen staple can really help fight dryness and frizz. Of course, there are also hair-formulated products that include olive oil, such as Kiehl's Nourishing Olive Fruit Oil Conditioner. For more Old Hollywood secrets, check out the Grace Kelly beauty tips you can still use today.