The Hidden Key to Lustrous Locks: Unveiling the Secret to Healthy Hair
Essential oils are powerful plant extracts with almost magical properties. They can transform your dull and limp hair into shiny and healthy locks. Unlike synthetic hair care products that may contain harsh chemicals and additives, essential oils are natural, pure, and safe for use, making them an ideal choice for those seeking clean and green beauty alternatives.
Essential oils are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that deeply nourish and hydrate the hair follicles, promoting healthy growth and preventing dryness and brittleness. Certain essential oils, such as rosemary, peppermint, and lavender, have been found to stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss. Essential oils like cedarwood, thyme, and ylang-ylang have strengthening properties that help fortify the hair shaft, reducing breakage and split ends, and promoting hair strength and resilience. Many essential oils, including tea tree, chamomile, and eucalyptus, have soothing and calming properties that alleviate scalp conditions such as itchiness, inflammation, and psoriasis. Beyond their physical benefits, essential oils offer aromatherapeutic benefits that can uplift the mood, reduce stress, and promote relaxation during hair care routines, enhancing the overall well-being of the individual.
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: 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: 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. 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.
How to Use:
8 – 10 drops lavender essential oil.
4 tsp of a carrier oil.
Massage the blend into your scalp.
For the best results leave it in overnight.
Rinse it 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.
Thyme essential oil should always be used in moderation. It must be blended with a carrier oil even when used in combination with other essential oils.
How to Use:
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.
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.
Since peppermint is cooling essential oil, 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.
How to Use:
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 also as a leave-in treatment.
How to Use:
3 drops chamomile essential oil.
2 tbsp jojoba carrier oil.
Massage into your scalp as needed.
To Use as a Hair Tonic:
10 drop chamomile essential oil.
1 qt of purified water.
Use as a final rinse after washing and conditioning your hair.
Clary Sage Essential Oil:
Clary sage essential oil is known for its phytoestrogen content, which contributes to hair growth and preventing or reversing premature balding. 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. However, if you are pregnant, you should avoid clary sage essential oil as it can induce contractions.
How to Use:
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 has antimicrobial properties that help to cleanse the scalp and inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, thus promoting a healthy scalp environment. It contains compounds that stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, promoting nutrient delivery to hair follicles and encouraging healthy hair growth. Due to its clarifying nature, lemon essential oil can effectively remove product buildup, excess oils, and impurities from the scalp and hair, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed. Lemon essential oil has a slightly acidic pH, which can help balance the scalp's natural pH level, preventing issues like dryness and irritation.
How to use:
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.
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 oil stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, which can help promote hair growth by ensuring that hair follicles receive an adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen. The astringent properties of patchouli oil help to tighten the hair follicles, reducing hair fall and breakage. This can result in stronger, healthier hair over time. Patchouli essential oil has natural balancing properties that can help regulate sebum production on the scalp. This makes it beneficial for both oily and dry scalp conditions, helping to restore balance and maintain scalp health. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm irritated scalp conditions such as dandruff, itching, and inflammation.
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:
Tea tree essential oil stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting nutrient delivery and encouraging healthy hair growth. It can help revitalize hair follicles and may contribute to thicker, fuller-looking hair over time. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm irritated scalp conditions, including itching, redness, and inflammation. It provides relief from discomfort associated with various scalp issues. Tea tree essential oil contains compounds such as terpinen-4-ol that have powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. This makes it effective in combating scalp conditions like dandruff, scalp acne, and fungal infections. Tea tree essential oil is also a natural insect repellent and can help prevent lice infestation when used regularly. Its strong scent acts as a deterrent for lice and other parasites, protecting the scalp and hair from infestations.
How to Use:
2 – 3 drops tea tree essential oil.
2 tbsp sweet almond carrier oil.
Leave the blend in for 30 minutes.
Shampoo out.
Essential oils can be easily customized and blended to suit individual hair types, preferences, and needs, offering a versatile and personalized approach to hair care. The magical properties of essential oils lie in their ability to holistically nourish, strengthen, and beautify the hair, while also promoting a sense of well-being and harmony with nature. 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.