Essential oils are extracted from plants using methods such as distillation or evaporation. They have long been used in alternative medicine and offer many health benefits. Additionally, essential oils can improve hair health. Different oils can help hair grow stronger and shinier.
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil promotes faster hair growth by stimulating cell generation and alleviating stress. Researchers have found that this oil can promote faster hair growth in animals.
Additionally, lavender oil’s antibacterial properties contribute to a healthier scalp.
Mix a few drops of lavender oil with 3 tablespoons of a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, and apply it directly to your scalp. Leave the oil on your hair for at least 10 minutes before washing it out and shampooing as usual. You can do this several times a week for shiny and strong hair.
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil can create a cooling, tingling sensation when it increases circulation to the area it's applied to, which can help promote hair growth during the anagen (or growing) phase. Mix 2 drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil, then massage your scalp and leave it on for 5 minutes before washing out with shampoo and conditioner.
3. Rosemary Oil
If you want to improve both hair thickness and growth, using rosemary oil is a great choice due to its ability to enhance cellular generation. Rosemary oil matches the effectiveness of minoxidil, a widely-used hair growth treatment, while causing less scalp irritation.
Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with olive oil or coconut oil and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before washing it out with shampoo. Do this twice a week for the best results.
4. Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood essential oil is believed to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss by balancing the oil-producing glands on the scalp. Cedarwood essential oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can treat various conditions that may cause dandruff or hair loss.
Use a mixture of lavender and rosemary oils with cedarwood extract to create a hair growth oil blend that improves hair loss conditions.
Mix a few drops of cedarwood oil with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil, then massage your scalp and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing out.
5. Lemongrass Oil
Dandruff, a fairly common condition, can be effectively treated using lemongrass oil. Lemongrass oil is most effective in treating dandruff when used daily. Mix a few drops of lemongrass essential oil into your daily shampoo or conditioner and ensure it is massaged into your scalp.
6. Thyme Oil
Thyme can help promote hair growth by stimulating the scalp and actively preventing hair loss. Like cedarwood oil, thyme oil has been found to be useful in treating alopecia areata and is also a hair-restoring oil. Just add 2 small drops to 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil before applying it to your scalp. Leave the oil on your hair for about 10 minutes, then rinse it out.
7. Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage oil contains linalyl acetate, which makes lavender oil very effective in promoting hair growth. Clary sage essential oil can improve hair strength and also help increase hair growth, making hair less prone to breakage.
Mix 3 drops of clary sage oil with your favorite conditioner or with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil. If using daily, leave the oil on your hair for 2 minutes before rinsing out. If using once or twice a week, leave the oil on your hair for 10 minutes before rinsing out with cold water.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil’s potent cleansing and antibacterial properties help unclog hair follicles and promote hair growth when applied topically.
Tea tree oil can be extracted in various concentrations, so follow the manufacturer's instructions when using tea tree oil. Some are concentrated essential oils, while others are mixed into creams.
Studies have found that a mixture containing tea tree oil and minoxidil is more effective than minoxidil alone in improving hair growth, although more research is needed on using tea tree oil alone. Additionally, tea tree oil is commonly used in dandruff treatment products.
You can mix 10 drops of tea tree oil into your shampoo or conditioner and use it daily. Alternatively, mix 3 drops with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing out.
9. Ylang-Ylang Oil
While those with oily hair and skin may want to skip this step, ylang-ylang oil is ideal for those with dry scalps, as it can stimulate sebum production.
Lack of sufficient oil and sebum can make hair dry and brittle, so ylang-ylang oil can improve hair texture and reduce hair breakage.
Mix 5 drops of ylang-ylang oil with 2 tablespoons of warm oil. Massage it into your scalp and wrap your head with a warm towel. Leave the oil on your hair for 30 minutes before rinsing out.
10. Risks and Potential Complications
The biggest risk of essential oils includes skin irritation or allergic reactions. These risks are especially common when essential oils are applied directly to the skin, so always use a carrier oil to dilute the essential oils.
Allergic reactions to essential oils are also more common in people with sensitive skin or those allergic to essential oils.
Symptoms of skin irritation include contact dermatitis, burning, discomfort or tingling, and redness in the affected area.
Signs of an allergic reaction include severe dermatitis, blistering rash, dyspnea, swelling of the tongue, or narrowing of the throat. Essential oils should only be used topically by older teenagers and adults for hair health.
To assess for irritation, remember to test a small amount of the mixture on a small area of skin before using it extensively.
Essential oils offer a natural way to enhance hair health, with minimal risk of adverse effects. For many people, using essential oils for hair care is convenient. You can mix a small amount with a carrier oil or shampoo and apply it to your scalp regularly to increase hair growth, strength, or shine.
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