While essential oils are most known for their aromatic properties, they also contain strong chemical properties that can be beneficial to health.
Due to their effectiveness and low risk of side effects, essential oils have long been used in alternative, Eastern, and homeopathic medicine. One benefit some essential oils have is improving hair health. From growing your hair to adding strength and shine, different oils can do everything.
Manufacturers extract essential oils in a variety of ways, including:
By passing water or hot steam through the plants, the essential compounds are extracted. A simple example would be smelling the fresh scent of lemon after zesting or squeezing a lemon peel after mechanically pressing or squeezing the plant matter.
There are some manufacturers who add the active compounds of the plant matter to a carrier oil in order to get more product from the same amount of essential hair oil. These products are no longer pure essential oils, but a mixture of essential hair oils.
The authors of a 2013 studyTrusted Source note that inhaling menthol in this way can relieve congestion and shortness of breath for those who use a mentholated vapor rub to help clear their sinuses.
Adding essential oils to a carrier oil and massaging them into the skin can also provide the body with active compounds. Unless under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional, essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin without being diluted.
Essential oils for Hair
1. Lavender Essential oils
Researchers on one animal study discovered that lavender oil was able to speed up hair growth in mice, since lavender oil has properties that promote cell growth and reduce stress.
In addition, it has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which can improve scalp health.
It can be applied several times a week by mixing several drops of lavender oil with 3 tablespoons of carrier oil, like olive oil or melted coconut oil, and applying it directly to your scalp. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before washing it out and shampooing.
2. Peppermint Essential oil
It increases circulation to the area it’s applied to, which can promote hair growth during the anagen phase.
A study found peppermint oil increased the number of follicles, follicle depth, and overall hair growth in mice.
3. Rosemary Essential oil
Thanks to its ability to improve cellular generation, rosemary oil is a great choice for improving hair thickness and hair growth.
One studyTrusted Source found rosemary oil performed as well as minoxidil, a common hair growth treatment, with less scalp itching.
For best results, mix a few drops of rosemary oil with olive or coconut oil and apply it to your scalp. Leave it in for 10 minutes before washing it off with shampoo.
4. Cedarwood Essential oil
The essential oils of cedarwood is believed to stimulate hair growth and decrease hair loss by balancing the oil-producing glands in the scalp. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can treat different conditions that cause dandruff or hair loss.
Cedarwood extract was also found to reduce hair loss in those with alopecia areata when combined with lavender and rosemary.
Smaller health food stores may carry it, but grocery stores may not have it.
5. Lemongrass Essential oil
It is important to have a healthy, flake-free scalp to maintain healthy hair. A 2015 study found that lemongrass oil significantly reduced dandruff after one week.
The best way to treat dandruff with lemongrass oil is to use it daily. Mix a few drops into your shampoo or conditioner every day, and massage it into your scalp.
6. Thyme Essential oil
Like cedarwood oil, thyme oil has been found to be beneficial in treating alopecia areata by stimulating the scalp and preventing hair loss.
Put 2 small drops of thyme in 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil before applying it to your scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse it off.
7. Clary sage Essential oil
Sage oil contains the same linalyl acetate that makes lavender oil so effective in increasing hair growth. Sage oil can improve hair strength as well as increase hair growth, making hair harder to break.
You can use 3 drops of clary sage oil in your favorite conditioner or with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. If you use it daily, rinse it off after 2 minutes. If you use it once or twice a week, leave it on for 10 minutes.
8. Tea tree Essential oil
When used topically, tea tree oil can unplug hair follicles and increase hair growth by cleansing, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties.
Various concentrations of tea tree oils are available, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some products are highly concentrated essential oils, while others are mixed with creams or oils.
9. Orange Essential oil
You can use orange oil to make masks that prevent hair loss by strengthening your hair follicles and promoting hair growth.
A hair mask made from orange peel oil can prevent hair loss and balance your scalp’s oil production.
Known as essential oils, they are the liquid extracts of potentially beneficial plants. They are used for a wide range of common conditions, and some research shows they may relieve symptoms.
A person should always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin and should never ingest them.
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