Hair Essential Oils
Plants are used to extract essential oils using techniques like distillation and evaporation. Although essential oils are most well-known for their fragrant qualities, they also include potent chemical activities that have potential medicinal benefits.
Due to their efficiency and low danger of adverse effects, essential oils have been utilized in the alternative, Eastern, and homeopathic medicine for a long time.
Improved hair health is one advantage that some essential oils provide. Numerous oils have a variety of uses, including promoting hair growth and enhancing strength and luster.
Medicinal Oils for Hair
Essential Oil of Lavendula
Hair growth can be accelerated with lavender oil. Researchers in one animal study discovered that lavender oil was able to stimulate faster hair growth in mice, which they attribute to the oil’s ability to promote cell growth and lessen stress.
Additionally, it possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities that help enhance scalp health.
Apply 3 tablespoons of carrier oil, such as melted coconut oil or olive oil, on your scalp after combining a few drops of lavender oil into it. Before washing it out and shampooing it as usual, give it at least 10 minutes to soak. This can be done multiple times per week.
Essential Oil of Peppermint
When peppermint oil is applied, the increased circulation it promotes might have a chilly, tingling sensation. During the anagen (or growing) phase, this may assist in promoting hair growth.
According to one study, peppermint oil enhanced the quantity, depth, and overall growth of hair follicles in mice.
Add two drops of peppermint essential oil to your preferred carrier oil. After massaging it into your scalp, wait 5 minutes before completely washing it off with shampoo and conditioner.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Oil
Due to its capacity to enhance cellular formation, rosemary oil is a fantastic option if you want to promote both hair thickness and hair growth.
One study found that rosemary oil outperformed the conventional hair growth medication minoxidil while causing less itchiness on the scalp as a negative effect.
Apply a few drops of rosemary oil on your scalp after combining it with coconut or olive oil. Before rinsing it out with shampoo, give it at least 10 minutes to soak. To get the best effects, do this twice per week.
Essential Oil of Cedarwood
The oil-producing glands in the scalp are supposed to be balanced by cedarwood essential oil, which is thought to encourage hair growth and decrease hair loss. Additionally, it possesses antibacterial and antifungal qualities that can be used to treat many disorders that may cause dandruff or hair loss.
Cedarwood extract, when combined with lavender and rosemary, was also discovered to lessen hair loss.
A dependable source for people with alopecia areata. 2 tablespoons of your preferred carrier oil should be combined with a few drops of cedarwood essential oil. It should be massaged into your scalp, then left on for 10 minutes before being removed with water.
You might be able to buy it in smaller health food stores, even if it might be difficult to find in supermarkets.
Essential Oil of Cedarwood
A healthy, flake-free scalp is a crucial component of having good hair, yet dandruff can be a common condition. One 2015 study discovered that lemongrass oil dramatically reduced dandruff after one week, demonstrating its efficacy as a dandruff therapy.
Daily use of lemongrass oil for dandruff improves results. Every day, add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner and massage your scalp with the mixture.
Essential Oil of Thyme
Thyme can actively stop hair loss while also stimulating the scalp to encourage hair growth. Thyme oil, like cedarwood oil, has been shown to be effective in treating alopecia areataReliable Source.
Among essential oils, thyme is quite potent. Before applying it to your scalp, mix 2 teaspoons of a carrier oil with only 2 tiny drops. After about 10 minutes, leave it on before washing it off.
Pure Clary Sage Oil
The same linalyl acetate that makes lavender oil so helpful in promoting hair growth is also present in clary sage oil. In addition to promoting hair development, it can strengthen hair, making it harder to break.
Your preferred conditioner or 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil should be combined with 3 drops of clary sage oil. After two minutes, rinse it out if using it every day. Leave it on for 10 minutes if you only use it once or twice a week.
Tea Tree Oil
Strong cleaning, antibacterial, and antimicrobial capabilities are present in tea tree oil. It can aid in unplugging hair follicles and promoting hair growth when used topically.
It’s vital to follow the manufacturer’s instructions because tea tree oils come in a variety of concentrations. Some items are essential oils that have been concentrated, while others are combined with cream or oil.
Even though more research is required on taking tea tree oil alone, a 2013 study indicated that combining it with minoxidil improved hair growth more than using minoxidil alone.
According to a review from 2015, tea tree is frequently utilized in anti-dandruff treatments.
Use daily shampoo or conditioner with 10 drops of tea tree essential oil. Another option is to combine 3 drops with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil, apply it, wait 15 minutes, then rinse it off.
Essential Oil of Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang oil is great for people with dry scalps since it can increase sebum production, but individuals with oily hair and skin should avoid it.
Ylang-ylang helps improve hair structure and lessen hair breakage since too little oil and sebum causes hair to become dry and brittle.
2 tablespoons of heated oil and 5 drops of essential ylang-ylang oil should be combined. After massaging it into your scalp, wrap a warm cloth around your head. Before rinsing it out, let it sit for 30 minutes. Additionally, ylang-ylang can be found in cosmetics like shampoo and lotions.
An Alternative to Extract Oil
Oil From Horsetail Plant Extract
Oil from the horsetail plant is an extract rather than an essential oil. It contains silica, which is claimed to increase the strength and speed of hair growth in addition to perhaps lowering dandruff.
Horsetail oil topically has not been studied, but a 2015 study found that horsetail oil oral tablets enhanced hair growth and strength in women with self-perceived thinning hair.
Anecdotal data and theory indicate that it may assist increase scalp circulation and provide the same advantages as the oral tablet when used topically. It is available for purchase online or at the nearby natural foods store.
As directed by the manufacturer. You can massage it into your scalp or add it to shampoo.
Threats and Potential Drawbacks
Skin irritability or allergic responses are the main risks associated with essential oils. It’s necessary to always use a carrier oil to dilute essential oils because this is particularly common when they are used topically.
People with sensitive skin or those who are allergic to the essential oil are also more likely to experience allergic reactions.
Skin irritation signs include:
- Dermatitis from touch
- Tingling, burning, or other unpleasant feelings
- The impacted region is red.
Allergic response symptoms include:
- Very bad dermatitis
- Burning rashes
- Having trouble breathing
- Tongue enlargement or throat constriction
Only adults and older teenagers should apply essential oils topically for healthy hair. Consult your child’s pediatrician before using essential oils on them to ensure that they are safe.
Always test a small bit of the combination on a small region of skin before using it extensively to check for irritation.
Takeaway
With very low chance of adverse effects and at a reasonable cost, essential oils can help you enhance the condition of your hair. Also, they are simple to use.
For many, applying some to the scalp on a regular basis while combining some with a carrier oil or shampoo can promote hair growth, strength, or shine.
