In the pursuit of luscious, vibrant hair, many of us turn to an array of hair care products promising miraculous results. Yet, hidden within the beauty aisles, nature offers a simpler and more holistic solution: essential oils.
These concentrated extracts from plants not only provide a delightful aroma, they also have remarkable properties that can enhance hair growth and vitality.
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If you’ve ever wondered about harnessing the power of nature for your hair care routine, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, I’ll uncover the top 5 essential oils for promoting hair growth. Plus, I’ll share a few tips on how to use these oils for best results.
Keep reading to get started!
5 Best Essential Oils for Hair Growth
Old or young, long hair is a stunning asset. Even if your hair isn’t perfect right now, you can support your hair the best you can.
Essential oils are a non-invasive natural home remedy to encourage hair growth. Using essential oils on your hair can promote healthy growth, strengthen strands, and improve overall hair and scalp health naturally.
Here are the 5 essential oils that work best to support hair growth.
1. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary Oil from Plant Therapy
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Rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis) is one of the best known essential oils for your hair. Rosemary is a member of the mint family (basil, lavender, myrtle, and sage). It has been used for centuries to care for hair and skin, and support the body in healing.
Rosemary oil has shown to increase cellular metabolism ¹, which stimulates hair growth, helps maintain hair structure, and strengthens hair to respond to environmental changes.
2. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Oil (KidSafe)
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Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the best, most versatile essential oils for health and wellness – inside and out.
Studies have shown² a significant increase in the number of hair follicles, deepened hair follicle depth, and thickened dermal layer after using Lavender oil for hair growth.
So, if you’re struggling with growing out your mane, I would reach for Lavender oil to stimulate hair follicles and encourage hair growth.
3. Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme Essential Oil, 10ml
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Thyme essential oil (Thymus vulgaris) is great for hair care related issues such as dandruff, dry scalp, and hair loss. It has antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
In small lab tests ³, Thyme oil has shown anti-dandruff activity by disrupting the microbial growth associated with dandruff formation.
Plus, its fresh scent cleanses the senses!
If you don’t have Thyme in your aromatherapy library yet, get it now!
4. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang-Ylang Oil from Rocky Mountain Oils
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Ylang ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata) is an ancient essential oil with many uses. It is also known as an aphrodisiac and perfume.
Its pretty scent lends itself to many uses in beauty care, such as perfume, shampoo/conditioner, and creams.
Ylang ylang oil supports hormone balance, which may reduce hair loss related to the effects of changing hormones or aging.
5. Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary Sage Oil (Organic and Kid Safe) from Plant Therapy.
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Clary Sage essential oil (Salvia sclarea) is another one of the top essential oils for hormonal imbalances. It can help bring balance to the quality of oil production on your scalp.
Did you know that your hair produces its own natural oils? Your hair can be prone to breakage if your scalp doesn’t produce enough oils.
Thus, you can support your hair growth with Clary Sage oil.
How to Use Essential Oils for Hair Health
Now that you know which essential oils are good for hair growth, let’s move on to using them!
Here are my favorite ways to use essential oils on hair:
Scalp Massage
Massage essential oils with carrier oil into your scalp.
A scalp massage stimulates the production of natural oils that support your hair health.
Dilute a few drops of your chosen essential oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, or castor oil. Gently massage the mixture into your scalp.
This not only stimulates blood circulation to the hair follicles, but also nourishes and moisturizes the scalp, which promotes healthy hair growth. If you suffer from a dry, itchy scalp, this easy home treatment can provide quick relief.
Hair Mask
A DIY hair mask supports hair health.
Create a DIY hair mask by adding a few drops of essential oil to a base like yogurt, honey, or mashed avocado. Apply the mixture to your hair from roots to tips, leave it on for about 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
This can deeply condition and strengthen your hair while providing the benefits of the essential oils.
Shampoo and Conditioner Booster
Adding a few drops of essential oils to your shampoo or conditioner is an easy way to start.
Enhance your regular shampoo and conditioner routine by adding a few drops of essential oil to them. Mix well before applying to your hair.
This allows the oils to work their magic as you cleanse and condition, promoting a healthy scalp and strong, shiny hair.
Hair Therapy
Lovely hair oils
Hair Therapy Products
I have recently had the pleasure of testing Plant Therapy’s line of hair care products. I can recommend the Hair Therapy Strengthen & Grow Serum. It’s lovely!
I also really like the Moisture & Protect Hair Oil, for the ends of my long hair.
If you prefer a DIY hair oil, I also have a Protect & Shine hair oil recipe for you here.
Why Do We Lose Hair?
Many factors can play a role in the diminishing quality of your hair which leads to hair loss.
- Stress
- Hormonal imbalances
- Genetics
- Improper self-care
- Disease
- Using low-quality hair care products.
When it comes to hair loss due to aging, I wanted to add a quick note about hormones. Our bodies and hormones change as we age. We may gain weight, lose elasticity in our skin, get hair where we don’t want it and lose hair where we would like to keep it. These things happen to us as we age and are inevitable. Be gentle with yourself.
Final Thoughts
Essential oils offer a natural way to achieve the vibrant locks you’ve always dreamed of.
References
¹ NIH: Bioavailability and metabolism of rosemary infusion
² NIH: Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Lavender Oil
³ NIH: Promising Essential Oils in the Prevention/Treatment of Dandruff
Rocky Mountain Oils makes a Hair Support blend that contains all of the above for mentioned oils and it smells amazing.
Nice! I did not know that. I just looked it up and if anyone else is interested, you can find the blend here.
Thank you for the nice article.
I’d like to make a scalp spray, so should I apply the same dilution rate as for the skin?
The base is greasy with carrier oil, so I’m gonna make it with water.
How does that sound? Also:
10 drops in total for shampoo?
For example, Lavender 3 Cedarwood 3 Rosemary 3 Peppermint 1
Like this?
And what’s the size of the shampoo bottle based on a total of 10 drops?
Thank you!