Essentials oils have plenty of health benefits to offer, including keeping the hair healthy and strong. The good news is that they are safer than the commercialized hair care products out there. Essential oils are also cost-effective. In fact, a bottle of essential oil can impact your overall health. Below are nine recommended essential oils for healthier and stronger hair.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang oil has a strong and distinct odor. When combined with other oils, like lemon or lavender, the scent becomes relaxing and revitalizing. This essential oil also has aphrodisiac properties, but people have been using it mainly as a hair growth remedy. It stimulates the scalp to encourage hair growth and strengthening, while controlling the oil production to nourish dry hair.
This oil also has aromatherapy benefits. It can help relieve stress, and relax the mind and body. Since stress is one of the major causes of hair loss or thinning, using the ylang ylang essential oil is a great way to hit two birds with one stone. You can also help it to repel lice.
Lavender
Lavender oil is a popular essential oil because of its numerous health benefits. Studies have shown that this essential oil can help increase the number of hair follicles in the scalp. This will lead to thicker and stronger hair strands.
In addition, researchers revealed that this oil can help strengthen the roots, and prevent hair fall. The best results can be achieved when you combine it with other essential oils, without worrying about potential side effects. Its scent works great for aromatherapy, as well.
How To Use:
Lavender oil moisturizes the scalp and balances sebum production. For scalp massage, mix 8-10 drops in 2 Tbsp of warm extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil. Work it into the scalp with your fingers. Leave it on overnight to take maximum advantage of its healing and nourishing properties. Source
Lemongrass
Lemongrass contains potent antifungal and antiviral properties that can treat various hair and scalp issues. Studies show that using diluted lemongrass oil is effective against dandruff caused by yeast infection. It was also found to be much better than several hair tonics.
Rosemary
Rosemary essential oil works great for dandruff. This is due to its ability to reduce flaking and itchiness in the scalp. You can use it on dull and dry hair, as well as excessively oily hair. Rosemary oil is also effective in preventing split ends.
Studies revealed that this essential oil can help prevent premature baldness, especially when used regularly for at least six months. It stimulates the scalp to encourage hair growth and oil control.
How To Use:
For a hot oil treatment, heat 3 Tbsp olive oil and add 10 drops of rosemary oil after it has cooled down a bit. Apply this hot oil to your scalp and cover it with a towel dipped in hot water. Wash off with shampoo after 30 minutes. This hot oil treatment helps the essential oil to seep into the hair follicles and lift the oil and debris clogging the pores. Do this once a week for a month to reduce greasiness, control dandruff, and promote thick hair growth. Source
Cedarwood
Many people, particularly men, like cedarwood oil because of its masculine scent. Aside from its woody and manly aroma, it also works well as a stimulant to promote hair growth. It stimulates the follicles and boosts circulation to combat hair thinning, and treat dandruff.
Lemon
Lemon essential oil helps stimulate blood circulation in the scalp to encourage hair growth. This citrus oil is helpful in reducing sebum production in the scalp to prevent dandruff, as well. Since it is phototoxic, it is strongly advised that you avoid sun exposure when you apply lemon oil on your hair.
It is best used at least 12 hours before sun exposure, or you may reduce the concentration to two percent at most. However, there is no more need to worry about its phototoxicity when you plan to add a few drops into your favorite shampoo and use it as you normally would.
How To Use:
For a natural shine, after washing your hair, add 4 drops on moistened hands and gently rub through your hair for a beautiful shine!
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil has a fresh and invigorating aroma that helps relax the mind and body. Scientists have discovered that blending three percent of peppermint oil with jojoba oil will significantly boost hair growth, and deepen the hair follicles to make each strand stronger. It should be noted, however, that this oil may not be safe to use on young children.
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is another popular essential oil because of its hair-soothing properties. It can help treat dry and damaged hair, while promoting scalp health. It also contains antifungal agents, so you can use it to treat and prevent dandruff.
You can use it to control oil production and itchiness in the scalp, too. Studies show that using tea tree oil regularly can help increase hair growth and reduce hair fall. Just like ylang ylang essential oil, this one is also capable of treating head lice.
Juniper
Juniper oil has a fruity scent. It blends well with both cedarwood and lemon oils. You can use to control excessive oil production in the scalp, while strengthening the brittle hair strands. Its antiseptic properties can help treat scalp issues, and its astringent agents can help prevent hair loss.
DIY Hair Serum For Stronger Hair
Note – you’ll use less for shorter hair and more for longer hair.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 TB of Argan oil
- 3-5 drops each of the following:
- Rosemary oil
- Lavender oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Copaiba oil (optional, but this amazing oil really boosts the others!)
Directions:
- Mix together, and apply to dry hair. Rub into the areas that need it the most, this is also a great serum for a dry scalp.
- Let sit for an hour under a shower cap.
- Rinse with warm water, and shampoo and condition as normal. You may need two rinses of shampoo, make sure the oil is out! Note that drying your hair may take a few extra minutes because your hair is now hydrated!
