What are Essential Oils?
Essential Oils are potent and concentrated essences obtained from plant sources. Many natural essential oils have medicinal properties that are beneficial for the skin and hair. Some essential oils are used for their aromatic properties. Most natural brands incorporate essential oils into their skin care and hair care products, for either their beneficial properties or their aroma or both. Essential oils are also directly used by users for these benefits by mixing them with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil. Before we suggest you the Top 10 Essential Oils for Hair Care, here is how they benefit you:-
Benefits of Essential Oils for the hair
- Essential Oils help improve blood circulation to the scalp. Thus, hair follicles receive all the nutrients and nourishment that they need which in turn, strengthens them. Thus, hair fall is reduced.
- It is a common occurrence for hair follicles and the pores on the scalp to get clogged with pollutants, dirt and excess sebum. Thus, using an essential oil will help deep-cleanse the scalp and unclogs the pores. This gives room for the hair-follicles to breathe which stimulates hair growth.
- Dandruff is an issue that occurs due to excess sebum production by the sebaceous glands of the scalp. Using essential oils will help regulate this production which treats dandruff. Thus, you will get instant relief from an itchy and dry scalp.
- Some essential oils are packed with anti-oxidants that regenerate damaged hair. With consistent use, your hair will start to appear healthy, youthful and nourished.
- If your hair looks dull, dry and dehydrated, using an essential oil will help restore it to glory. Essential oils add hydration and moisture to the hair which brings it back to life.
List of Essential Oils for Hair Growth
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Oil is known for its sweet and refreshing aroma that is given out by the stems and leaves of the plant. Lavender Oil is used for the hair to prevent hair loss. The oil, when massaged into the scalp facilitates blood circulation to the hair follicles and stimulates hair growth. Apart from this, lavender oil has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties which fight dandruff and an itchy scalp. It also balances the sebum production by the sebaceous glands of the scalp.
How to use
Mix 8-10 drops of the Lavender Oil with 3-4 tsp. of carrier oil. Massage this concoction into the scalp and leave it in overnight. Rinse it off in the morning with lukewarm water.
2. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary Oil is pretty strong-scented oil that distinctly smells like mint and wood. The aroma is fresh and youthful yet herbaceous at the same time. Rosemary Oil for the hair is beneficial to prevent premature greying. It contains antioxidants that make sure that your hair gets all the nutrients that it needs. It stimulates the scalp by promoting blood circulation, regulates sebum production and prevents thinning of the hair as well.
How to use
Mix 3 tsp. of warm olive oil with 9-10 drops of Rosemary essential oil. Massage this warm oil into your scalp as well as along the lengths of your hair. Wrap the hair in a towel dipped in warm water and leave this on for 30 minutes. Rinse it out and repeat the process at least once a month.
3. Chamomile Essential Oil
The Chamomile Essential Oil is obtained from a short shrub-like plant that is known for its apple-like scent. This oil is pale blue in color and smells super refreshing and light. For those who suffer from a dry and itchy scalp, massaging Chamomile oil into the scalp will immediately soothe it as Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties. It can thus be used in the treatment of issues such as psoriasis, dandruff, and dermatitis. Apart from this, the oil also acts as a shine booster for the hair, making your hair look lustrous and beautiful.
How to use
Mix equal amounts of the essential oil with a jojoba carrier oil. Massage this into the scalp and rinse it off after 30 minutes or so.
4. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint is a very pungent mint that has a cooling and powerful aroma that is almost sweet to smell. Peppermint oil for the hair acts as a stimulant which helps rejuvenate the hair follicles to increase blood flow. It also acts as a deep cleanser and unclogs all the pores of dirt, pollutants and excess sebum. It is a perfect option for those with a relatively dry scalp.
How to use
Blend 4-5 drops of peppermint oil with 2 tbsp. of warm coconut oil. Massage this mixture into the scalp and rinse after 20 minutes.
5. Lemon Essential Oil
This essential oil has a very zesty, citrusy and fresh scent which smells super refreshing and light. Lemon has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that treat infections that lead to acne on the scalp and dandruff. It also helps remove excess sebum produced and is thus perfect for those suffering from an oily or greasy scalp.
How to use
Mix 5-6 drops of Lemon essential oil with 2 tbsp. of jojoba carrier oil. Massage the concoction into the scalp and leave it on for 1-2 hours. Rinse after with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.
6. Patchouli Essential Oil
This essential oil has a very exotic kind of scent that is sensual, earthy and deep. The aroma can get very intense sometimes, so it is always suggested to use the oil with the carrier oil. The Patchouli oil has anti-inflammatory as well as antiseptic properties which makes it a perfect choice for those suffering from scalp issues such as dandruff, dermatitis, and eczema. It is also said to treat hair loss.
How to use
Mix 2-3 drops of the essential oil with 2 tbsp. of argan oil. You can also add a couple of drops of the rosemary essential oil if you want to. Massage this blend into the scalp and leave it on for 1-2 hours. Rinse with shampoo and some lavender oil to get rid of the scent if it overwhelms you.
7. Vetiver Essential Oil
This brown-colored oil has the aroma of wood and smoke, which will remind you of the fresh soil of the Earth. It is also very potent oil and thus, you only need the smallest amount of the oil. For those suffering from hair loss, this is the best option for you. It cools down the body, and thus prevents hair loss that results from heat in the body. The oil contains antioxidants which prevent premature greying of the hair which is caused by free radical damage. It also helps reduce stress levels which is an added advantage.
How to use
Mix 5-6 drops of the oil with 2 tbsp. of sweet almond carrier oil. Apply this concoction all over the scalp and rinse after an hour or two.
8. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil has a pungent, fresh and medicinal aroma which later gives rise to a woody, musky scent. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties which relieve the scalp of dandruff, itching, and drying. Another major advantage of using this oil on the scalp is that it sinks into the hair follicles, unclogs them and regulates the sebum production. Thus, your scalp will neither become too greasy and oily nor will it become super dry. All these properties and benefits make tea tree oil highly beneficial for hair.
How to use
Mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tbsp. of sweet almond carrier oil. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.
9. Cedarwood Essential Oil
As the name suggests, this oil has a well warm, home-like and woody scent. This oil is said to effectively treat alopecia areata which is a skin disease that leads to hair loss on the face and scalp. Thus, the Cedarwood oil balances out sebum production of the scalp, clean clogged hair follicles while also improving blood circulation to the scalp. This results in hair growth and the treatment of hair loss. The oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties which treat any fungal infections like dandruff and an itchy scalp.
How to use
Mix equal amounts of the oil with coconut oil and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for about 30 minutes before you wash it off using shampoo.
10. Helichrysum Essential Oil
This essential oil has been used for decades now for its medicinal properties. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, the oil can help treat itching and dryness of the scalp. It also has regenerative properties that support a healthy scalp, promotes blood circulation and controls excess sebum production. The improved blood circulation leads to increased absorption of nutrients to the hair follicles which also facilitates hair growth.
How to use
Mix 4-5 drops each of Helichrysum and Rosemary essential oil. Massage this blend into your scalp and rinse after 30 minutes using shampoo.
Precautions while using Essential Oils for the hair
There are different precautions that need to be taken while using different essential oils. Some of them include
- If you are pregnant or if you suffer from epilepsy, avoid using Rosemary essential oil.
- Do not go out in the sun with Lemon essential oil in your hair as it can lighten the colour of your hair.
- Some people develop an allergic reaction to Peppermint and Tea tree essential oils. Thus, do patch tests before using it all over your scalp.
- Always mix your essential oil with carrier oils such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil. This is because essential oils are very potent and you do not want to use it in its concentrated form.
How to choose Essential Oils
Choose an essential oil that works for your hair concern and the benefits that you want from it. Make sure that you are not allergic to the oil in any way. Also, it is important to make sure that the oil is 100% natural and organic to maximize the benefits.
Also Read:
10 Effective Essential Oils For Hair Fall Control
ANVEYA 100% PURE AND NATURAL ESSENTIAL OILS, 15ML
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