Essential oils are extracted from plants through the process of distillation and extraction. These oils are known for their beneficial properties to health.
Amongst the many health benefits of essential oil, one benefit is improving hair health. These essential oils help add shine and strength to the hair and help them grow.
8 Essential Oils To Improve Hair Strength And Quality
To Improve Hair Strength & Quality, Some Of The Essential Oils Are:
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is an essential oil that has many purposes. An animal study found that this oil was able to generate faster hair growth in mice (1)
Its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties improve scalp health. When massaging with carrier oil, it helps improve blood circulation and reduce hair loss.
It also balances the sebum production in the scalp.
Mix several drops of lavender essential oil with a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil and apply it on the scalp. Leave it for a minimum of 10 minutes and shampoo the hair normally. It can be used several times a week.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary oil improves cellular generation and improves hair growth and thickness.
Rosemary essential oil is extracted from an herb and mixed with a carrier oil to be used on the scalp. It improves hair growth and delays the greying of hair.
It is ideal to be used by all types of hair especially thick hair with rich color.
You can heat the rosemary leaves in olive or coconut oil. Let the oil retain the extract of the herb and cool it. Strain the oil before using it. It can be kept on the hair overnight.
Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass, a fragrant herb is rich in many vitamins and minerals. It has healing qualities and helps in relieving pain and stress.
For hair health, it plays a role in strengthening the hair follicles and reducing hair loss. With its antifungal and antiviral properties, it improves a dry scalp and reduces dandruff. It gives hair a healthy shine.
A study found lemongrass effective in reducing dandruff after a week of using it (2)
It is effective when used daily. A few drops can be mixed in the shampoo or the conditioner. Make sure you massage it well on the scalp.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood oil is known to increase blood circulation in the scalp. It stimulates the hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
It balances the oil-production glands of the scalp. The antibacterial and antifungal properties treat different scalp conditions and may contribute to reducing dandruff and hair loss.
A study found cedarwood oil to be effective in reducing hair loss in those with alopecia areata (3)
Mix cedarwood oil (few drops) with 2 tablespoons of any carrier oil. Massage it on the scalp and leave it for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme essential oil promotes hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles. Like cedarwood oil, it also helps in reducing the hair loss because of alopecia areata (3)
It is very strong oil and only 2 drops should be put in the carrier oil before applying it on the scalp.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree is an ingredient found in many skin and hair care products. It has powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It comes, mixed in oil and creams for use.
A study found that mixing tea tree oil in minoxidil was more effective in improving hair growth than using minoxidil alone (4). It is also used in anti-dandruff treatment products.
You can mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil in a carrier oil and apply it on the scalp. Keep it for a minimum of half an hour before washing it off. You can also put a few drops in shampoo or conditioner bottle and use it regularly.
Clary Sage Oil
Like lavender essential oil clary sage oil also contains linalyl acetate that is effective in increasing hair growth.
This oil improves hair growth and hair strength.
Mix 3 drops of clary sage oil with a conditioner or shampoo or with carrier oil. Rinse it after 2 minutes, if using it daily.
Ylang-Ylang Oil
Ylang-ylang oil is extracted from ylang tree and is well known for its aphrodisiac and aromatherapy properties.
It prevents thinning of hair and stimulates hair growth. It is good for dry scalp and stimulates sebum production. This reduces dryness and makes hair less brittle.
It also has stress-relieving properties.
Mix 5 drops of ylang-ylang oil with a carrier oil and massages it on the scalp. Wrap the head with a warm towel so that the oil seeps in the scalp. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash off.
The essential oil benefits the body in many ways but have their own set of potential complications. It is therefore recommended to consult a dermatologist before using it for any skin condition and always do a patch test.
Also Read:
- Essential Oils that are Contraindicated during Pregnancy & Why?
- Remove Blemishes on Face With These Home Remedies & Essential Oils
- 5 Essential Oils To Relieve Itching
- Safety Guide for Using Essential Oils on Babies
- How Do Essential Oils Provide Relief from Allergies?|Different Essential Oils to Treat Allergies
- Essential Oils for Hair Growth – DIY Essential Oil Hair Spray Recipe
- Essential Oils For Meniere’s Disease