To support healthy hair, one can use a variety of essential oils. Specialty shampoos and conditioners as well as other products contain these oils as an ingredient.
You can mix a few drops of cedarwood essential oil with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil of your choice, rub it into your scalp, and let it sit for 10 minutes
Is Using Essential Oils for Hair Growth Effective?
“Factors that can affect hair growth or loss are genetic predisposition, diet, stress, and more,” explains Before attempting to use essential oils for hair growth, Olu advises managing your expectations because hair thinning or loss can have numerous causes and is frequently challenging to treat. And the evidence that essential oils can improve hair growth is “very limited,” so you shouldn’t view them as a miracle treatment or overnight cure, says Olu.
Having said that, the studies that do exist have linked particular essential oils with potential benefits for hair growth, including increasing strand thickness, increasing the number of hairs, or both, according to Olu.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil promotes greater hair thickness, i.e., the number of hairs growing from the scalp, says Olu. According to some studies, the oil may do this by boosting cellular turnover, blood flow (which is important for delivering oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles), and nerve growth. During one study published in the journal SkinMED, 100 participants with androgenetic alopecia (a genetic hair loss condition) were split into two groups, and either applied rosemary oil or minoxidil (a medication that can treat hair loss) to their scalps for six months. The number of hairs significantly increased in both groups.
Peppermint Oil
“Even though research is limited, peppermint oil may be helpful as it can help increase blood flow and circulation which may potentially encourage more hair growth,” says Olu. During a study published in Toxicological Research, mice were split into four groups, and was topically treated with either saline, jojoba oil, minoxidil, or peppermint oil diluted in jojoba oil over four weeks. After four weeks, the peppermint oil group had the most notable effects on hair count. Don’t forget that not all findings from studies on animals are applicable to people.
Lavender Oil
“Lavender oil possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can help increase blood circulation in the scalp,” notes Olu. In a study published in Toxicological Research, mice were split into five groups and received topical treatments with saline, jojoba oil, minoxidil, 3 percent lavender oil, or 5 percent lavender oil over the course of four weeks. The number of hairs significantly increased in both the minoxidil and lavender oil groups.
Tea Tree Oil
“Tea tree oil is not necessarily directly linked to hair growth, but it possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties to help scalp health,” notes Olu. And hair growth may be influenced by the condition of the scalp. The results of one study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggest that a 5 percent tea tree oil shampoo can decrease scalp itchiness and greasiness, possibly due to the essential oil’s antimicrobial properties.
The Benefits of Tea Tree Oil for Hair, According to a Dermatologist
Thyme Oil
Thyme oil, like some of the oils mentioned above, helps to improve circulation in the scalp and may help to stop hair loss or thinning, according to Olu. Throughout a study published in the Gulhane Medical Journal, 40 people with alopecia areata were split into two groups. The first group received treatment for 12 weeks with a combination of thyme, rosemary, lavender, evening primrose, and cedarwood oils, while the second group received treatment with a combination of just jojoba and grapeseed oils. The first group (which received thyme and other essential oils treatment) experienced significantly faster hair growth throughout the study than the second group.
How to Use Essential Oils for Hair Growth?
Due to their high concentration, essential oils can still be useful in very small doses. Essential oils must, however, be blended with a carrier oil, such as grapeseed, jojoba, or olive.
To use essential oils for hair growth, a person should:
- Online or at natural food retailers, buy essential oils. Carrier oils like shea, coconut, or avocado oil may help hydrate the scalp in people with dry hair. Lighter oils like grapeseed, apricot kernel, or almond oil may be preferable if a person’s hair is oilier.
- Pour a tablespoon of carrier oil into which 2 or 3 drops of the essential oils should be diluted. Essential oils must be diluted because they are very concentrated.
- For two to three minutes, vigorously rub the mixture into the scalp. Starting at the front of the scalp, apply the oil to the fingertips and rub in circular motions.
- Working the oil into the sides of the scalp, the back of the hair, and the middle of the scalp, periodically dip the fingers into the essential oil mixture. It’s possible that this treatment will increase scalp blood flow.
- The use of essential oils may be desired by some people overnight. Some people might decide to rinse their scalps right away.
Additionally advantageous might be combining essential oils. A few well-liked mixtures are peppermint and lavender with coconut oil, or rosemary, thyme, and lavender.
Takeaway
When the scalp is inflamed or has poor blood flow, essential oils and scalp massage may help stimulate hair growth.
Because essential oils are so potent, they should always be diluted with carrier oils before applying to the scalp.
For some individuals, applying the essential oils repeatedly or frequently may be necessary to see results. If a person does not get the results they want, they can consult a doctor about other hair loss prevention measures.
