Essential oils are excellent allies for hair care, as they help promote growth, combat dandruff, strengthen hair and give it shine. Each essential oil has specific properties that can benefit different hair types and hair needs. Below, I share with you some of the most popular essential oils for hair, their benefits and how to use them.
Essential Oils for Hair and Their Benefits
Rosemary Essential Oil
- Benefits: Promotes hair growth by stimulating blood circulation in the scalp. It also helps strengthen hair and prevent hair loss. It is ideal for those looking to thicken and revitalize hair.
- How to use: Add 3-5 drops to your shampoo or mix with a carrier oil and massage into scalp before washing.
Lavender Essential Oil
- Benefits: Helps balance sebum production, making it suitable for both dry and oily hair. In addition, it has antimicrobial properties that can improve the health of the scalp.
- How to use: Add 5 drops to a carrier oil (such as jojoba or coconut) and apply to the scalp to stimulate growth and reduce irritation.
Peppermint Essential Oil
- Benefits: Stimulates hair follicles and improves circulation in the scalp, which can promote hair growth. In addition, it provides a refreshing and clean feeling.
- How to use: Mix 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil and massage into the scalp. Avoid applying too much, as it can be very strong.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
- Benefits: It has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which helps combat dandruff, itching and other scalp problems.
- How to use: Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo or mix with a carrier oil and gently massage into your scalp before rinsing.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
- Benefits: It is ideal for dry hair, as it stimulates the production of natural sebum on the scalp. Helps condition hair, leaving it softer and more manageable.
- How to use: Mix 3-4 drops with coconut oil and apply from scalp to ends. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and then rinse.
Chamomile Essential Oil
- Benefits: Provides shine to the hair and has a calming effect on the scalp, reducing irritation. It is excellent for slightly lightening blonde or light brown hair with continued use.
- How to use: Add 3 drops of chamomile to your conditioner for shinier, softer hair, or mix into a carrier oil and apply to the scalp.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
- Benefits: Helps combat hair loss and is ideal for balancing oily scalp.
- How to use: Mix 3-4 drops with a carrier oil and massage into the scalp to reduce hair loss and strengthen hair.
Ways to Use Essential Oils for Hair
Hair Mask
- Mix 5 to 10 drops of essential oil (such as rosemary or lavender) with a tablespoon of carrier oil (coconut, jojoba, or olive oil). Apply to the scalp and along the hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash your hair as usual.
In the Shampoo or Conditioner
- You can add 3-5 drops of your favorite essential oil directly to your regular shampoo or conditioner. This makes it easy to apply the benefits of essential oils daily without adding extra steps to your routine.
Revitalizing Hair Spray
- Mix 5-10 drops of essential oil (such as peppermint or lavender) with distilled water in a spray bottle. Spray on clean scalp and hair, without rinsing, to revitalize hair throughout the day. Shake before each use.
Scalp Massage
- Massaging the scalp with essential oils helps improve circulation and can strengthen growth. Mix 2-3 drops of essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil and massage gently for 5-10 minutes before washing hair.
Recommended Mixtures for Every Need
- For Hair Growth: 3 drops of rosemary + 2 drops of mint + carrier oil
- For Dandruff: 3 drops of tea tree + 2 drops of lavender + carrier oil
- For Dry and Damaged Hair: 3 drops of ylang-ylang + 2 drops of lavender + coconut oil
- For Oily Hair: 3 drops of cedar + 2 drops of lemon (only if you are not going to expose yourself to the sun, since lemon is photosensitive) + carrier oil
Precautions
- Dilution: Do not apply essential oils directly to the scalp undiluted, as they can be irritating.
- Allergy Test: Before using any essential oil, test a small area of skin to make sure it doesn't cause a reaction.
- Avoid certain oils during pregnancy: Consult a professional before using essential oils if you are pregnant.
- Overuse: Use essential oils in moderation; a few drops are enough to obtain its benefits.
Essential oils can transform your hair care routine and provide specific benefits depending on your needs. Experiment with different combinations and find the mix that works best for you and your hair type.