Essential Oils For Hair Care - NutriExpert Oils

Essential oils for your hair

1. Lavender essential oil

Lavender oil can accelerate hair growth. Knowing that lavender oil has properties that can generate cell growth and reduce stress, researchers in an animal study found that this oil was able to generate faster hair growth in mice.

It also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which can improve scalp health.

Mix several drops of lavender oil in 3 tablespoons of carrier oil, such as olive oil or melted coconut oil, and apply it directly to your scalp. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing and shampooing as you normally would. You can do this several times a week.

2. Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint oil can cause a cold, tingling sensation when it increases circulation to the area it is applied to. This can help promote hair growth during the anagen (or growth) phase.

One study found that peppermint oil, when used on mice, increased follicle count, follicle depth and overall hair growth.

Mix 2 drops of peppermint essential oil with the carrier oil of your choice. Massage into your scalp and leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing well with shampoo and conditioner.

3. Rosemary essential oil

If you want to improve both hair thickness and growth, rosemary oil is a great choice thanks to its ability to improve cell generation.

According to a studyTrusted Source, rosemary oil worked as well as minoxidil, a common treatment for hair growth, but with less scalp itching as a side effect.

Mix several drops of rosemary oil with olive or coconut oil and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with a shampoo. Do this twice a week for best results.

4. Cedarwood essential oil

Cedarwood essential oil is thought to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss by balancing the oil-producing glands of the scalp. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can treat various conditions that can contribute to dandruff or hair loss.

Included in a mixture with lavender and rosemary, cedarwood extract has also been shown to reduce hair loss in those suffering from alopecia areata .

Mix a few drops of cedarwood essential oil with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil of your choice. Massage it into your scalp and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing.

It can be hard to find in grocery stores, but you may be able to buy it at small health food stores.

5. Lemongrass essential oil

Dandruff can be a common condition, and having a healthy, dandruff-free scalp is an important part of hair health. Lemongrass oil is an effective anti-dandruff treatment, with a 2015 study finding that it significantly reduced dandruff after one week.

Lemongrass oil for dandruff is most effective when used daily. Mix a few drops into your shampoo or conditioner daily and make sure it is massaged into your scalp.

6. Thyme essential oil

Thyme can help promote hair growth by stimulating the scalp and actively preventing hair loss . Like cedarwood oil, thyme oil has also been shown to be useful in treating alopecia areataTrusted Source.

Thyme is particularly strong, even among essential oils. Put just 2 small drops in 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil before applying it to your scalp. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, then rinse.

7. Clary sage essential oil

Clary sage oil contains the same linalyl acetate that helps make lavender oil so effective at increasing hair growth. It can improve hair strength, in addition to increasing hair growth, making hair harder to break.

Mix 3 drops of clary sage oil with your favorite conditioner or with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. If you use it daily, rinse after 2 minutes. If you use it once or twice a week, leave it on for 10 minutes.

8. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has powerful cleansing, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. When used topically, it can help unplug hair follicles and increase hair growth.

Tea tree oils are available in many concentrations, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Some are highly concentrated essential oils and other products are blended into a cream or oil.

A 2013 review even found that a mixture containing tea tree oil and minoxidil was more effective than minoxidil alone in improving hair growth, although more studies are needed on the use of tea tree oil alone.

A 2015 review found that tea tree is commonly used in dandruff treatment products.

You can mix 10 drops of tea tree essential oil into your shampoo or conditioner and use it daily. Or, you can mix 3 drops with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off.

9. Ylang-ylang essential oil

While those with oily hair and skin would want to skip this one, ylang-ylang oil is ideal for those with dry scalps, as it can stimulate sebum production .

Since lack of oil and sebum makes hair dry and brittle, ylang-ylang can improve hair texture and reduce hair breakage.

Mix 5 drops of essential ylang-ylang oil with 2 tablespoons of warm oil. Massage your scalp and wrap your head with a warm towel. Leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing. Ylang-ylang can also be found in preparations such as shampoos or creams.

10. Horsetail extract oil

Horsetail vegetable oil is an extract oil, not an essential oil. It contains silica, which is believed to improve the speed and strength of hair growth while potentially reducing dandruff.

While no studies have evaluated horsetail oil used topically, a 2015 study found that oral tablets containing the oil improved hair growth and strength in women with thinning hair.

It may also be effective as a topical treatment, with anecdotal evidence and theory suggesting that it may help stimulate circulation to the scalp and have the same benefits as the oral tablet. You can buy it online or at your local health food store.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions. It can be added to shampoo or massaged into your scalp.

Risks and potential complications

The biggest risk with essential oils is skin irritation or allergic reactions. This is especially common when an essential oil is applied directly to the skin, so it is essential to always use a carrier oil to dilute it.

Allergic reactions are also more common in people with sensitive skin or those who have allergies to essential oil.

Symptoms of skin irritation include:

1. contact dermatitis
2. burning, discomfort or painful tingling
3. redness in the affected area
4. Signs of an allergic reaction include:
5. severe dermatitis
6. skin rash
7. difficulty breathing
8. swelling of the tongue or narrowing of the throat

Only older teens and adults should use essential oils topically for hair health. If you think essential oils might be beneficial for your child, first ask his or her pediatrician to make sure they are safe.

To assess irritation, remember to test a small amount of the mixture on a small patch of skin before full use.

Essential oils can help you improve the health of your hair with very little risk of side effects at an affordable price. They are also easy to use.

For many, mixing some with a carrier oil or your shampoo and applying it regularly to your scalp can increase hair growth, strength or shine.