If you ask the biblical character Samson what he felt was the most powerful part of his anatomy, he would probably say his hair. Okay, we know that actually asking Samson about his demise by the hands of Delilah is impossible.
Still, the legendary story does illustrate exactly how important a nice head of hair is in our world. If that isn’t proof enough, one look at the multimillion-dollar restoration industry should be enough to convince you.
Today, we are going to look at the best essential oils for hair, hair growth, hair loss, and everything else that has to do with it.
Best Essential Oils For Hair Comparison
| IMAGE | ESSENTIAL OIL | DETAILS | |
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Carrot Seed Oil |
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Lavender |
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Tea Tree |
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Rosemary |
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Chamomile |
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Peppermint |
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Lemon |
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Juniper |
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Lime |
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Essential Oils
Before we get into the mane on top of our heads, let’s cover exactly what essential oils are quickly for those of us reading this piece and unfamiliar with the term. In short, essential oils are volatile compounds extracted from different plants, flowers, herbs, citrus fruits, and other foliage found in natural settings around the world.
Hair
What do we really know about our strands other than it sits on top of our head, above our eyes, on our lids, and coats pretty much every other part of our bodies? We have it everywhere but instantly think of the stuff on top of our heads when thinking of “hair” and the care that goes into it. The strands on our head and the ones that stand to attention when we get cold are made of keratin, which is a strong protein. Every strand has a bulb at the base that is anchored by the follicle, and when the cells divide in the bulb, our strands grow. There are three different phases of growth.
Anagen: This is a growth phase, which can last several years.
Catagen: This is the traditional phase when the follicle shrinks and the growth slows down.
Telogen: This is the resting phase, which is when growth ends and the old hair is pushed out by the new one that grows in its place.
Hair Problems
Just like every other part of our body, our hair is susceptible to harm. There are all kinds of issues, medical and otherwise, humans can experience that involves our hair. Here is a list of several issues associated with it.
- Dandruff: Condition of the scalp that causes the skin to flake and fall.
- Lice: These are parasites that attach themselves to the hair, eat our blood, and causes unimaginable itch.
- Alopecia areata: Hair loss in round patches.
- Male pattern baldness: Most common reason for male hair loss.
- Female pattern baldness: A thinning of the scalp that has uniform patterns.
- Tinea capitis (ringworm): A fungus that creates round patches and causes hair loss.
- Trichotillomania: Mental disorder causing the sufferer to pull out their hair.
- Telogen effluvium: Hair falling out after a personal shock due to severe stress, surgery or childbirth.
- Postpartum alopecia: Childbirth related hair loss.
- Folliculitis: Follicle inflammation.
- Piedra: Shaft fungal infection.
- Hirsutism: Women grow facial hair like men.
How To Use Essential Oils for Hair
There are three ways in which you can reap the benefits of the scents we list below. Let’s take a quick look at all of them.
Inhaling
This method is exactly what it sounds like. You smell the oil and your body can take on a world of benefits. There are several ways in which you can inhale your favorite scents.
Diffusers are used regularly by many aromatherapy fans. There are nebulizers and terracotta molds that can be worn around your neck. Even something as simple as a piece of facial tissue with a few drops on it can serve as an inhalation device.
Topical
This method is going to be your go-to when it comes to hair care. You need to be aware of the fact that these volatile compounds that make up the essential oils listed below are strong and need to be adequately diluted in a carrier substance like coconut oil or jojoba.
Ingestion
Consuming essential oils is not recommended by a good deal of professionals, although others say that it is fine if diluted well and only with certain oils. We are not healthcare providers so we always recommend you consult one before ingesting any essential oils.
Types of Hair
There are four major types of hair which are categorized as follows:
Type 1 Straight Hair: This type is as straight as it can be. It is hard to curl but also the most durable and doesn’t damage easily.
Type 2 Wavy Hair: This type is between straight and curly and categorized by its simple waves. When wavy hair is fine, it is tamable but when it is of medium or coarse in texture it is more difficult to style. Wavy hair can also become frizzy.
Type 3 Curly Hair: This type of hair typically has an “S” or “Z” shape. It is generally thick in texture and is sensitive to climate changes like rises in humidity. It can also be easily damaged.
Type 4 Kinky Hair: This type has a pattern that is coiled tightly. It is susceptible to damage and is extremely fragile.
How To Choose The Best Essential Oil for My Hair
This is going to depend on a lot of different factors. First off, what kind of hair do you have? Once you figure that out you need to decide what you want to do with it. Are you looking to stimulate growth or did you and your loved ones get infected with lice?
Dandruff or inflamed follicles might be what you need to remedy. Maybe you are looking for a little bit of shine. What you want to accomplish with an essential oil treatment is the most important factor when you choose an oil for you.
This I do know, whether you have thin hair, wavy hair, dreadlocks, or a crew cut, we are here to help you find an essential oil that will meet your needs. Let’s get started on what essential oils are good for hair.
9 Top Essential Oils for Your Hair Reviews
In the next few paragraphs, we are going to list the best essential oils for hair growth and those suffering from hair loss, thinning, dandruff, and dryness of the scalp. Without further adieu, here are the top essential oils for hair.
Carrot Seed Oil
- Promotes growth and thickness
- Softens hair
- Makes hair stronger at the root
- Makes hair stronger at the root
- Scent: Mildly sweet, Earthy, and rich
- Blends well with lemon, lime, and lavender
The first oil on our list is extracted from the seeds of the wild carrot plant, and it comes with a wealth of benefits. It works as an antiseptic, disinfectant, detoxifier, anticarcinogenic, and an antioxidant.
When used in one of the three ways we listed above, you might find that with carrot seed essential oil your infections will be cured, your gas expelled, and your overall health will be in good condition. As for what it can do for your hair, well, as it turns out there’s a ton.
Carrot oil may help them grow faster, which means great things for those with a thinning or balding head. Not only that, the hair that grows out will be thicker, which is another benefit for thin haired folks.
But it doesn’t stop there, this oil has been said to make your hair appear shinier, improve the texture of your strands, and even soften it. It might also make the strands stronger at the root, which is great for anyone who has found that they are losing hair.
Also, it protects the hair from the harmful rays of the sun and boosts the circulation, which creates healthier strands in the end.
Who Should Buy This?
This oil is perfect for so many people and all types. The benefits we’ve mentioned would work for people with thinning hair, anyone with hair loss or to the person who is just looking to give their head a healthy boost.
Cautions
There are no known risks but it is always important to dilute your oils well before applying them topically.
Lavender
- Promotes hair growth
- Antimicrobial
- Fights dandruff
- Battles head lice
- Anti-inflammatory
- Scent: floral light fragranc
- Blends well with lemon, frankincense, sandalwood
This is one of my favorite oils, which is something you might already know if you are a fan of the site and have read a few of my pieces. The fact that it’s one of my most treasured scents shouldn’t be too surprising since lavender is one of the most popular essential oils available.
Its popularity could have something to do with all the amazing benefits this extract has to offer. Not only can it lift your mood, but it also relaxes the mind and the body, and it even heals burns. I know the latter to be true after burning my thumb one evening.
When it comes to hair, lavender oil has its own powerful set of benefits. It stimulates hair growth just like the carrot seed. Lavender oil also works as an antimicrobial, which can help get rid of any bacteria or fungi on your scalp. Some say it’s this benefit that gives it the power to fight dandruff.
Lice are no match for lavender oil, and it works wonders in helping prevent them from sinking their teeth into your scalp. When it comes to inflammation of the scalp, lavender oil can also come to your aid. Plus, any hair issues that are triggered by stress may be curbed due to this oil’s ability to calm the user.
Who Should Buy This?
Lovers of floral scents would love this. Especially if they are suffering from dandruff, hair loss, or an infestation of lice. People who have irritated or inflamed scalps may also want to give this popular oil a try.
Cautions
This oil can irritate the skin if not diluted correctly. More importantly, this oil should not be used on prepubescent boys since it has been known to have abnormal effects on them. When in doubt, consult a professional or do thorough research. Never use the oil until you know all the risks.
Tea Tree
- Fights dandruff
- Strengthens hair
- Promotes healthy follicles
- Kills lice
- Fights psoriasis
- Scent: strong, camphorous
- Blends well with: sage, thyme, nutmeg
Distilled from the leaves of this tree, this essential oil is especially powerful. It comes with a wealth of benefits. It works wonders on skin problems, especially where acne appears.
If you have an ear infection, tea tree oil should help you with that and it accelerates the healing process. Tea tree is an insecticide, a stimulant, and a killer of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When it comes to treating the hair with tea tree oil, you will find no stronger ally than this oil.
It has been used to battle hair loss due to its ability to maintain healthy follicles. This tough essential oil promotes strength in your hair, which makes it easier to hold onto.
Dandruff is caused by an irritation in the scalp, which is thus caused by a fungus called Malassezia. Unlike the types of fungus that turn black, this one can be the reason why your scalp is irritated.
Because of its ability to fight fungus, tea tree oil has been a treatment for dandruff for some time. In one study, people who used a shampoo with tea tree oil had a significant reduction in their symptoms.
That isn’t all. Psoriasis, a skin disorder can also affect your scalp and other areas of your body. Tea tree oil is considered a good natural option to treat this disorder. And let’s not forget the lice infestation and how it can effectively kill these parasites.
Who Should Purchase This?
Tea tree oil isn’t for the faint of heart so it would be a great choice for anyone who has an admiration for strong scents and is suffering from any of the conditions we listed above.
Cautions
This oil is strong, and because of that, it comes with risks. First off, if you have pets do not use this oil around them. Seclude your applications to a room and keep them closed off from it. You never want to consume this oil due to the possible side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, and hallucinations.
When it comes to topical treatment, it is important to dilute this oil well with a carrier substance. Do a spot check before applying to your entire head and keep it out of the reach of children. It works as a hormone disruptor, which can cause issues for young boys.
Rosemary
- Stimulates hair growth
- Prevents premature hair loss
- Fights dandruff
- Is added to shampoos
- Scent: herbaceous and piney
- Blends well with geranium, lemongrass, lavender
It is difficult for me to think about rosemary and not have red potatoes pop into my head. Most likely because that’s one of my favorite ways to season them. I have a rosemary plant sitting in my kitchen windowsill right now. I pulled it inside to avoid the morning frost because I absolutely love this herb.
The scent is powerful and piney and having that linger through my home is wonderful. It’s no wonder rosemary is a love of mine when you consider all the benefits it brings in its essential oil form. Rosemary is a digestive aid, promotes oral health, works wonders on the skin, is a stress reliever, gives the immunity a boost, and eliminates awful smells.
Yep, rosemary is another one of those extracts that pack a big punch when it comes to benefits. As for hair care, well, this oil is regularly used in shampoos due to its natural ability to “stimulate.” The roots of hair and follicles don’t know what hit them when rosemary is added to the mix.
Rosemary oil also has the ability to curtail premature hair loss, which we have already proven to be a universal issue. It also has been shown to inspire hair growth. On top of that, it should take care of that flaky scalp so dandruff can disappear for good.
Who Should Purchase This?
This oil is good for folks suffering from dandruff, male or female pattern baldness, and anyone looking to give their hair some added strength. If you are a fan of herbaceous scents then this is definitely the oil for you to try.
Cautions
This oil has been known to cause an allergic reaction now and again. You should consult a medical professional.
Chamomile
- Calming on scalp
- Adds shine
- Relieves stress for hair pullers
- Not overpowering in aroma
- Scent: Light, floral
- Blends well with lavender, tea tree, and lemon
Before using topically, and you should never consume it. Pregnant women and those that are nursing should avoid it, and it should be kept away from children.
This is another one of my favorite oils. In fact, I adore chamomile so much I keep several versions of the tea in my kitchen. Some are blended with mint, another is blended with anise. Chamomile is such a relaxing scent that it’s no wonder it has become so popular with aromatherapy fans.
Some of the benefits it brings to the user include relief from depression and anger. It works as a pain reliever as well, and it stimulates the nervous system. It can help with rheumatism and stop infections before they start.
Yet, when it comes to hair care, chamomile oil adds shine to an otherwise dry hair and creates a texture that is soft to the touch. It also has a soothing effect on the scalp when applied topically, which is great for sufferers of inflammation or irritation. Chamomile is also a primary oil used by folks looking to create dreadlocks.
Who Should Purchase This?
I think this oil is the perfect choice for anyone suffering from irritations to the scalp. It would also benefit those who suffer from head sores. Most of all, this is the best choice for someone who has an affinity for lighter scents or anyone who pulls their hair due to stress.
Cautions
This oil doesn’t come with many risks unless you have a specific allergy to chamomile tea or flowers. If you are allergic to ragweed then this might irritate your skin because it belongs to that family.
Peppermint
- Powerful
- Promotes regrowth
- Relieves dry scalp
- Needs to be diluted well
- Scent: Strong, minty
- Blends well with lemon, lavender, and chamomile
Here we have another essential oil that is considered a powerhouse in the world of aromatherapy. Peppermint oil has a plethora of benefits which includes helping the user avoid sinus issues and works as an energy booster. It is also used to treat ADHD and ease the pain from headaches. Fevers are no match for it, and appetites shrink in the presence of this aromatherapy boss.
When it comes to hair, it seems that peppermint oil is a great treatment for the loss of our lovely hair. As it turns out, this fresh minty extract has properties that aid with dry scalp and the inflammation caused by it. This strong oil has stimulating abilities which can aid with regrowth for those who may have bald spots.
Peppermint oil can also leave the hair you have with a fresh shine that radiates.
Who Should Purchase This?
If you are looking for fast hair growth, this would be a good choice for you. Also, anyone suffering from dry scalp should consider trying it. With a strong minty scent, fans of this should also give this oil a shot.
Cautions
Peppermint oil is strong in more ways than one, so it makes sense that you would need to dilute it well before applying it to your head. The stimulating feeling can turn painful if you use too much. Excessive use of peppermint oil can also cause a headache.
Lemon
- Refreshing scent
- Clears scalp of excess oil
- Fights dandruff
- Relieves stress
- Scent: Lemony
- Blends well with lavender, lime, and patchouli
Do you remember a time when putting lemon juice in your damp hair before laying in the sun would turn it lighter? I do and we may have been doing our hair some harm but a bit of good as well. There are a ton of benefits that accompany this citrus fruit, and when it comes to the essential oils extracted from its rind, the assets are amazing.
Lemon oil is used for skin care, stomach issues, weight loss, as a fever reducer, and to relieve stress. This citrus oil can be used in homemade tonics because it has been effective in strengthening the follicle, giving it a healthy glow, and helping it maintain shine.
Dandruff is an issue that can be triggered by stress. Lemon oil not only relieves the stress causing the reaction but it is used to clean the scalp of excess oils. Of course, before you start dousing your head with lemon essential oil, be sure to keep reading for its uses and precautions.
Who Should Purchase This?
People who have excess grease in their mane and a dandruff problem should consider this oil. Citrus lovers should also consider this since the scent is fresh and appealing.
Cautions
Because this is a citrus oil, you should beware of going into the sun after applying it due to the phototoxicity. This means that it can burn your skin or scalp. Children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers should all avoid using this oil.
Always dilute this oil well and do a spot check before applying liberally. Do not ingest this oil.
Juniper
- Fights inflammation
- Battles dandruff
- Stimulates follicles
- Works with loss
- Scent: Earthy, woodsy
- Blends well with lemon, lime, and vetiver
Not to be mistaken with the oil extracted from juniper berries, this oil is steam distilled from the wood, needles, and dried fruits of this tree. It has a world of aid in every drop including its ability to relieve cramps, battle joint pain, and purify the blood.
This oil promotes sweating, which can free up pores on your scalp and help clear up that dandruff. It also fights inflammation of the skin, which can be another symptom of this disorder.
Juniper oil also works as a stimulant, which is great for those follicles, which might be thinning. The astringent compounds found in juniper oil are another way it battles hair loss.
Who Should Purchase This?
This selection would be good for someone who is suffering from excessive dryness of the scalp or dandruff. It seems that all the properties point in helping those two issues the most. It is also a great choice for people dealing with baldness of any kind.
Cautions
This oil should not be used by pregnant women. It should also be avoided by anyone suffering from kidney issues since it can irritate those types of disorders. Follow all the dilution instructions when using juniper oil and be sure to do a spot check first.
Lime
- Disinfects ingrown follicles
- Anti-aging
- Fights baldness
- Refreshing
- Scent: lime
- Blends well with lavender, neroli, and ylang-ylang
The final oil on our list today is another that comes from the citrus family. This one is green, and when made from the Key variety, is the ingredient to one of my favorite pies. The essential oil extracted from this fruit is also done via cold pressing until the essence drips from the pore of the rind.
And, just like other citrus oils, lime comes with its own unique sets of benefits. It also brings down a fever, it gets the appetite going, and it has been used on toothaches for some time. Infections are tended to with this extract, which would also be great for ingrown hairs.
As for hair, this oil is used to battle the loss of it as well. This is because it has anti-aging compounds that fight all signs of physical decline like age spots, wrinkles, and weak muscles. This oil also works as an antidepressant, which leads to pulling or stress.
Who Should Purchase This?
Citrus fans should jump on the chance to try this oil. I have some and I love the way it smells. It brightens my day and might do the same for anyone who is down and might turn to hair pulling to relieve their stress.
Cautions
Since it’s a citrus oil, lime also comes with phototoxicity. Do not go out into the sun after application.
Conclusion
Our hair is important to us. We buy all kinds of products to make them look good and smell fantastic. Some of those products are based on chemicals, which enter your body through your pores and damage your natural hair. Others might be tested on animals, which is just plain horrible.
Natural remedies are the best choice if those things are a problem for you. If you like these oils then let us know in the comments section below. If you know someone who might benefit from this article, please share it with them so we can all work together to achieve a better mind, body, and soul.
The post 9 Best Essential Oils For Hair: Get The Mane You Want, Naturally appeared first on Better Mind Body Soul.
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