What Can Essential Oils Do For Your Hair?
Essential oils contain certain active biomolecules that (1), (2):
Stimulate hair growth Moisturize scalp Regulate hair fall-causing hormones Manage alopecia (baldness) Help activate and nourish hair follicles Alleviate scalp infections Improve hair texture Relieve stress and anxiety
Essential oils offer long-lasting results with almost no toxicity or side effects. Using them in aromatherapy and hair care is possibly the best gift you can give to your hair and skin.
5 Essential Oils That Help Manage Frizzy Hair
1. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil is extracted from dried and processed rosemary leaves. Studies show that it helps relieve scalp itching and dryness (3). It may also restore moisture balance in the scalp and control frizz in the hair strands. But be sure to use rosemary oil with a suitable carrier oil. You can also add rosemary extracts to a herbal hair rinse for fuller, healthier hair.
2. Peppermint Oil
This invigorating and cooling oil from the leaves of peppermint (Mentha piperita) has several skin and hair benefits – thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and stress-relieving properties. A 2014 study on rats demonstrated how peppermint oil can stimulate hair growth without side effects. When applied topically, this oil may nourish hair follicles, condition the scalp, and improve hair texture and density (2).
3. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil contains active molecules like linalyl acetate, linalool, and geraniol that relieve fatigue, stress, and headaches. Recent dermatological studies explain its hair-growth promoting effects in subjects with alopecia. Applying lavender oil topically can stimulate and nourish hair follicles (1). With regular use, it may improve hair strand texture with no toxic repercussions.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Scalp issues are often ignored when dealing with hair texture and frizz. Dry, itchy, and scaly scalp affects and impedes hair growth, shine, and texture. Dandruff is another common enemy to such hair types. An effective and natural fix is to try tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia tree, native to Australia. The oil has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Tea tree oil shampoos have also shown significant results in patients with dandruff (4). Using this essential oil on itchy and dry scalp may safely relieve inflammation and promote healthy hair growth (5).
5. Cedarwood Oil
Fungal and microbial parasites derive nourishment from the scalp, leaving your hair lifeless, dry, and frizzy. Cedarwood oil is one of the best aromatherapy alternatives to treat hair and scalp infections. It helps treat dandruff, dermatitis, oily/sebaceous scalp, and scabs too (6), (7). In studies, massaging the scalp with a cedarwood oil blend could promote better hair growth when compared to using just carrier oils. Cedarwood oil is a great addition to your essential oil blend for general hair and skin care (6), (7). These are the top essential oils that can help treat your hair frizz. In the next section, we have discussed how you can these oils.
How To Use Essential Oils On Hair
The easiest way to use essential oils on your hair is having a relaxing massage with them. Since essential oils are highly concentrated, you must dilute them in carrier oils. Commonly used carrier oils include coconut, avocado, sweet almond, castor, jojoba, olive, and grapeseed oils. Here’s how you use them:
To a tablespoon of carrier oil, add 2 or 3 drops of the essential oil and mix. Double the amount of carrier oil if you are using more than one essential oil. Massage the mixture into the scalp for 2 to 3 minutes using your fingertips. Apply gentle yet sufficient pressure to the different parts of the scalp. Work your way through using circular strokes. You can leave in the oil for anywhere between 30 minutes to two hours. Stop if you feel any irritation on your scalp or skin.
Alternatively, you can add essential oils to shampoos, serums, and hair rinses. It takes two simple steps —
Add 10 drops of rosemary and 5 drops of peppermint oils to an 8-oz. shampoo or conditioner bottle. You can pick any two essential oils to customize the oil blend. Shake well to combine. Massage the product each time you wash your hair.
As rejuvenating as they can get, essential oils may also cause issues if not used the right way. Check out the precautions you must take.
Are Essential Oils Safe For Hair? What Precautions Should You Take When Using Them?
Always use a carrier oil to dilute the essential oil. Never use an essential oil undiluted. Do a patch test before using an oil blend. Not all essential oils are safe to be used during pregnancy or while lactating. Check with your gynecologist and/or physician before trying them. Don’t ingest essential oils unless instructed by your doctor. Most essential oils are not safe to consume and can upset your digestive system when ingested. Always read the labels. Check for specific warnings on the packaging and adhere to any recommendations provided by the manufacturer. Avoid applying essential oils into your nose, inner ears, eyes, broken skin, or other sensitive areas. Essential oils are photosensitive and may make you susceptible to UV-ray damage. Before applying any essential oil topically, check the label for sun sensitivity warnings. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or UV rays for at least 12 hours following the use of essential oils on your skin. Store these oils out of reach of children and away from excessive light or heat. If you notice excessive hair loss, dandruff, and/or irritation after using essential oils, stop use and talk to your healthcare provider.
Who Should Avoid Using Essential Oils?
Essential oils may not suit everyone. There is insufficient data to prove their efficacy in certain cases. The following individuals are recommended to avoid the use of essential oils:
Pregnant and lactating women Young children Infants People with psoriasis, eczema, and other inflammatory skin diseases Those on medication or transplants People with photosensitivity and/or pigmentation
Keep in mind that not all essential oils are toxic. Some are used universally and provide great relief and results. But it’s always best to operate with caution. Is almond oil good for frizzy hair? Yes. Almond oil acts as an emollient that moisturizes dry hair and curbs frizz. You can pair essential oils with this carrier oil to enhance frizz reduction. Is eucalyptus oil good for frizzy hair? Yes. Eucalyptus oil has many hair care benefits, ranging from hair growth to overall hair and scalp health improvement. Eucalyptus oil can nourish frizzy hair and reduce breakage by increasing hair elasticity.
