Essential Oils For Healthy Hair
Essential oils are powerful plant extracts with almost magical properties. They can transform your dull and limp hair into shiny and healthy looking.
Essential oils can help with skin conditions like dandruff, eczema and dermatitis, and work to balance scalp hormones that cause hair loss by improving blood circulation and stimulating the hair follicles.
Lavender and rosemary essential oils stimulate hair growth and reduce thinning.
Chamomile, patchouli and clary sage, add shine and softness to hair, help to soothe the dry, irritated scalp.
Peppermint influence the sebaceous glands and reduce oiliness of hair, stimulates the scalp and promotes hair growth.
It's very important to use a carrier oil with an essential oil because essential oils are highly concentrated. There are many carrier oils to choose from. See the list of the few of them below:
Jojoba Oil – it's great for all hair types and has an ability to inhibit excess activity of the sebaceous glands making it the perfect choice for people with oily scalps that still need conditioning. Likewise it can be used for dry hair as it helps to moisturize your hair properly.
Olive Oil – regular application of olive oil to hair prevents the production of DTH hormones on the scalp, thus getting rid of the problem of hair loss. Olive oil contains antioxidants that promotes a healthy hair and scalp. It also strengthens and smooths hair cuticles.
Coconut Oil– it's one of the best natural nutrition for hair. Coconut Oil provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair and it softens the hair and conditions the scalp.
Castor Oil – is a vegetable oil obtained from the castor bean. It nourishes hair and prevents the scalp from drying by retaining moisture. Castor oil added to hair care products helps to seal moisture, softens, and visibly thickens hair.
Vitamin E Oil – this oil contains valuable antioxidants that help to keep the immune system up and improves circulation to all parts of the body, including the scalp. It rejuvenates and offers protection for the scalp and skin.
Avocado Oil– it is full of vitamins that your hair needs - vitamins A, E, D, and potassium. It also works as a deep conditioner treatment.
LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL
Lavender essential oil has a sweet, refreshing aroma. It brings deep relaxation and encourages compassion and gentleness toward others. When massaged into the scalp, lavender essential oil improves blood circulation, can prevent hair loss and promotes hair growth. Furthermore, lavender essential oil is a powerful moisturizer, antimicrobial and antiseptic. It moisturizes the scalp, balances sebum production and is ideal for those who suffer from dandruff.
To use lavender essential oil for hair growth, blend:
8 – 10 drops lavender essential oil
4 tsp of a carrier oil
Massage the blend into your scalp
To get the most out of its nourishing and healing powers, leave it in overnight
Wash it out in the morning
A bonus to this treatment is that lavender is a natural calming oil and can help you get a great night’s sleep.
THYME ESSENTIAL OIL
Thyme increases the blood flow to the scalp and rejuvenates hair follicles which promote hair growth. In fact, it is often added to shampoos and hair products aimed at preventing hair loss.
*IMPORTANT - thyme is a potent oil so it should be used in moderation. It always should be blended with a carrier oil and even other essential oils.
To use thyme essential oil for hair growth, blend:
2 drops thyme essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Massage the blend into the scalp and let it rest for 20 minutes
Shampoo it out
PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL
Peppermint has a cooling, powerful, menthol aroma with clean, sweet, top notes. Peppermint essential oil is known to revive depleted energy and to enhance positivity. It increases blood flow and rejuvenates hair follicles which stimulate hair growth. Its cleansing action unclogs pores and allows for the normal flow of skin cells, which makes it perfect for those with a dry scalp.
*IMPORTANT - since peppermint is cooling, it can cause a skin irritation for some people. Do a patch test beforehand to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction to it.
To use peppermint essential oil for hair growth, blend:
5 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
2 tbsp warmed coconut oil
Massage the blend into the scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes
Shampoo it out
CHAMOMILE ESSENTIAL OIL
Chamomile essential oil is soothing in nature and has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Massage it directly into the scalp to relieve a dry and itchy scalp, it soothes and helps to eliminate dandruff, psoriasis and dermatitis. This oil conditions hair and shields it from damage imposed by environmental pollutants. Chamomile essential oil is non-greasy, so you can use it often and do not have to wash it out unless you want to.
To use chamomile essential oil for hair growth, combine:
3 drops chamomile essential oil
2 tbsp jojoba carrier oil
Massage into your scalp as needed
To rinse your hair:
10 drop chamomile essential oil
1 qt of purified water
Use as a final, conditioning rinse after washing your hair
CLARY SAGE ESSENTIAL OIL
Clary sage is known for its phytoestrogen content, which contributes to hair growth and preventing or reversing premature balding.
Furthermore, when massaged into the scalp, clary sage essential oil normalizes oil production and can control dandruff. Clary sage is perfect to help manage curly and frizzy hair.
*IMPORTANT - if you are pregnant, you should avoid clary sage essential oil as it can induce contractions.
To use clary sage essential Oil for hair growth, blend:
10 drops clary sage
1 – 2 tsp coconut oil
Massage into the scalp, then brush to coat every strand, leaving hair soft and shiny.
LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL
Lemon essential oil is a clarifying and drying oil ideal for an oily scalp. It’s good for treating dandruff or scalp acne. It is antiseptic and antimicrobial, which helps to resolve secondary infections that often complicate acne and dandruff.
*IMPORTANT - avoid Lemon Oil on your skin if you are going out into the sun.
To use lemon essential oil for hair growth, blend:
5 - 6 drops of lemon essential oil
2 tbsp jojoba essential oil
Massage the blend into the scalp
Leave it on for 1 -2 hours, then shampoo out
To rinse the hair:
For oily hair, blend lemon essential oil with warm water and use it as a final rinse after washing and conditioning your hair.
PATCHOULI ESSENTIAL OIL
Patchouli essential oil’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties make it exceptional for treating many scalp and skin issues. People with dermatitis, dandruff and eczema can significantly benefit from patchouli oil because these ailments can be the underlying cause of hair loss.
To use patchouli essential oil for hair growth, blend:
2 - 3 drops of patchouli essential oil
5 - 6 drops rosemary essential oil
2 tbsp argan oil which compliments patchouli well
Massage the blend into the scalp
Leave on for 1 - 2 hours, then shampoo out
TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL
Research has proved that tea tree essential oil has powerful antimicrobial and antifungal effects. It moisturizes the scalp and relieves itching and drying. Tea tree oil works itself deep into the hair follicles. It unclogs them and helps with the normal flow of sebum. It's known for its antimicrobial properties, which aids in resolving fungal infections and scalp acne complicated by bacterial growths.
*Tea tree essential oil is a mild sensitizer, so be sure to do a patch test first if you have sensitive skin.
To use tea tree essential oil for hair growth, blend:
2 – 3 drops tea tree essential oil
2 tbsp sweet almond carrier oil
Leave the blend in for 30 minutes
Shampoo out
*If you are not sure how to use essential oils for hair growth properly, ask for the advice of your doctor or a licensed natural health practitioner. Although reactions are rare with proper use, always perform a skin patch test before using a new essential oil to ensure you will not have an allergic reaction to it.