If you’re looking for natural options to support healthy-looking hair, essential oils may be your best bet! Not only do they help strengthen and smooth frizzy locks, but they smell fantastic too! Read more about the best essential oils for hair here.
You probably already know firsthand how heat and humidity can ruin a hairstyle. Your curls may become a big ball of frizz, or your hair may fall flat. If you’re in a colder climate, your strands are probably dry and unruly – not to mention the effect that stress and aging have on hair! Sometimes hair just seems out of control.
So how can you help support healthy-looking hair year-round? Try using essential oils on your hair, and see if they make a difference in your beauty routine!
This clinical study found that daily use of essential oils (such as thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood) – when mixed and diluted with a carrier oil (such as jojoba oil or grapeseed oil) – may help prevent hair loss. Members of the research group who had alopecia areata (also called spot baldness, a hair loss condition that may be brought on by severe stress) massaged the mixture into their scalps every day for seven months and showed improvement.
What other potential benefits do essential oils have on hair? Find out below as we break down some of the best essential oils for hair and their many uses.
Try These Essential Oils for Hair
Cedarwood oil stimulates circulation in the scalp, promoting hair growth. It supports thinning hair and may also be used when spending time outdoors to help naturally repel insects.
Chamomile oil adds shine and softness to hair, and nourishes the scalp. It may also lighten hair naturally over an extended period of use.
Clary sage oil promotes hair growth and stimulates the scalp. It’s considered a natural remedy to protect against stress-induced hair loss. It mixes well with jojoba oil.
Lavender oil conditions hair, supports a dandruff-free shine, and may also promote hair growth and thickness, according to several studies.
Peppermint oil may help support hair growth, according to this study. Since it contains menthol, it is far more concentrated than most other essential oils. That’s why you should dilute it with jojoba oil and massage it into your scalp for no more than 30 seconds. You’ll feel invigorated right away!
Rosemary oil supports an itch-free scalp, which potentially means less dandruff. This study also found that the oil may help prevent premature baldness.
Sandalwood oil helps with dry ends, healthy mood support, and adds a pleasant, earthy fragrance to the hair.
How to Apply Essential Oils to Hair
Before using essential oils for hair, remember to never place them directly onto your hair or scalp. Instead, dilute essential oils by adding a few drops to your shampoo, conditioner, or leave-in conditioner. The most popular way to use essential oils for hair is to add a few drops to a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or almond oil, and massage the scalp.
Start slowly, since different hair types may react differently to oils. Test the diluted mixture on a small patch of hair just in case there is any irritation. Part your hair and massage the mixture firmly onto the scalp. If the diluted essential oil mixture irritates your scalp, try adding more of your carrier oil, or discontinue use.
For concentrated essential oils, such as peppermint, try a 30-second scalp massage. For gentle essential oil, such as chamomile oil, leave it in your hair for 20 minutes up to an hour before thoroughly rinsing it out.
You could also add a few drops of essential oils to aloe vera and use it throughout the day as a mist spray. Note that essential oils do not dilute in water.
Natural Carrier Oils
Almond oil soothes and moisturizes the hair and scalp without clogging pores.
Coconut oil softens hair and promotes shine. It can also be used as a natural hair conditioner.
Grapeseed oil can be used to condition and style every type of hair without clogging pores.
Jojoba oil hydrates and soothes the hair and scalp, adding B-complex vitamins and vitamin E to support optimal hair health. It is suitable for sensitive users and can double as a skin care moisturizer too.
Moroccan argan oil is often used as a standalone product to moisturize, nourish, and provide important antioxidants to hair.
Now that you know the secrets to maintaining naturally healthy-looking locks, it’s time to replace your old chemical-packed products with the best essential oils for hair care around. Shop our selection at Natural Healthy Concepts today!
Also let us know what you think about using essential oils for hair. Share your story in the comments below!
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Leslie Benson writes regularly about nutrition and healthy living for Natural Healthy Concepts. Visit NHC.com today to browse a wide selection of vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements.
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A Midwest-raised journalist and content marketing specialist living in Nashville, Tennessee, Leslie is a natural health advocate. When she’s not at the local farmers’ market, you can find her writing songs and snuggling with her pets.
