In a previous blog, I wrote about the Ayurvedic herbs that help to treat hair loss that you need in your hair care regimen.

Today we will learn about the essential oils that will work in combination with Ayurvedic herbs to promote healthy scalp and hair growth.

What are essential essential oils

According to the Herbal Encyclopedia, Essential oils are the concentrated vital essences of aromatic plants used in cosmetics, perfumes, flavourings, and in aromatherapy. Known as volatile oils, the essential oils of a plant are the aromatic oils responsible for flavour and aroma in such herbs as mints, citrus, and spices. Although called “oils”, they are more like water as they are a liquid that readily evaporates or volatilizes. The fixed oils in a plant do not evaporate. Read more here

How do they benefit your hair

Below are 14 essential oils that provide wonderful benefits for your hair such as : cleaning the scalp, fighting dandruff and itchy scalp, eczema, psoriasis and hair fall as well as promoting hair growth.

Cedarwood essential oil– Cedrus atlantica

Cedarwood essential oil is obtained by steam distillation from the wood of the Cedar tree made up of various species. It has a warm and woody scent. The oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties which treat any fungal infections like dandruff and an itchy scalp. There are about four (4) know types of cedarwood essential oil – Cedarwood essential oil atlas, Chinese, Himalayan, Texas, Virginian.

Benefits

Cedarwood essential oil stimulates the hair follicles and increases blood circulation to the scalp to combat thinning hair. It has also been helpful at improving dandruff symptoms and itchy scalp. It effectively treats alopecia areata. Thus, Cedarwood oil balances out sebum production of the scalp, clean clogged hair follicles. This results in hair growth and the treatment of hair loss. To naturally reduce hair loss, dilute Cedarwood Essential Oil in your regular shampoo and conditioner before applying to your hair.

Cinnamon bark essential oil – Cinnamomum zeylanicum 

Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil comes from the bark of the Cinnamomum zeylanicum tree, also known as Cinnamomum verum, and is native to Sri Lanka. It has a sweet and woody, spicy scent and is a mood enhancer. 

Benefits

When applied to the scalp, it stimulates the scalp and circulation to boost hair shine, volume, and growth. Cinnamon bark essential oil controls greasy scalp, adds volume to hair and is used as an all-natural insect repellent.

Clary sage essential oil – Salvia sclarea

Clary sage oil is extracted from the herb clary sage. The leaves and flowering tops of the plant are steam distilled to get the essential oil. 

Benefits

Clary Sage Essential oil for balances the production of natural oil and sebum. For those who have got dull-looking hair or struggle with breakage or any other hair-related problems, this essential oil is effective in treating dandruff, dry scalp and hair. 

Clove bud essential oil – Syzygium aromaticum

Clove Bud Essential Oil is obtaind through steam distillation of the dried flower buds of the clove tree–botanical name Eugenia caryophyllata, comes from the dried buds of the Syzygium aromaticum L. tree, indigenous to the Spice Islands of Indonesia.

Besides being used as a delicious spice in baking, Clove Bud oil has therapeutic properties that is helpful in treating everyday ailments.

Benefits

Historically, clove has also been used as an insect repellent. Clove bud oil contains a main compound known as Eugenol that promotes hair growth when applied to the scalp. It enhances blood circulation, adds shine to hair, prevents premature graying and treats dandruff. 

Eucalyptus essential oil – Eucalyptus globulus 

Eucalyptus oil is obtained through steam distillation of fresh or partially dried Eucalyptus leaves. It has analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antiviral properties.
Benefits
With regular use of eucalyptus, you will notice a remarkable decrease in hair breakage and hair fall.
Eucalyptus essential oil keeps the scalp free from lice, and is also very effective in treating dandruff and itchy scalp by hydrating dry hair strands.

Frankincense essential oil –Boswellia carterii

Frankincense essential oil is obtained from the dried and distilled resin of the Frankincense tree, which is native to specific regions of Africa and the Middle East.

Benefits

It has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to soothe hair follicles. and helps with stimulating faster hair growth, as well as treating eczema and psoriasis.

Ginger essential oil – Zingiber officinale 

Ginger essential oil is obtained from the root of the Zingiber officinale herb, better known as Ginger. It has a a warm, sweet, woody, and spicy scent that has an energizing effect and has a higher Gingerol content, a compund known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefits

Ginger Essential Oil contributes to the health and cleanliness of the scalp, soothes dryness and itchiness, and enhances healthier hair growth by stimulating and improving circulation to the scalp, fights dandruff, promotes shiny hair, reduces hair thinning.

Geranium essential oil –Pelargonium graveolens 

Geranium essential oil is obtained from steam distillation of the leaves & flowers. Traditionally, Geranium Essential Oil has been used as an insect repellent and it has also to flavor food, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. The main chemical constituents of Geranium Essential Oil are: Linalool, Geranyl formate, Citronellol, and Geraniol (this compound is also found in Lavender essential oil).

Benefits

For decades, Geranium Oil has also been used to promote hair growth by nourishing the scalp and balancing the production of sebum and natural oils.

Lemongrass essential oil – Cymbopogon flexuosus

Lemongrass Essential Oil is derived from the steam distillation of the fresh or partly dried Lemongrass leaves.

Benefits

Lemongrass oil is an effective dandruff treatment, with one 2015 study finding that it significantly reduced dandruff after one week. This essential oil has so many uses ranging from medicinal and fragrances for cosmetic including oils, gels, lotions, soaps, shampoos, sprays, and candle making.

It has anti-inflammatory properties in order to relieve redness, itching, and swelling. as well as antiseptic and astringent properties to clean the scalp, strengthen hair, stimulate hair growth, and relieve itchiness and irritation on the scalp and skin.

Lavender essential oil– Lavandula angustifolia

This medicinal herb has been used in ancient times as an astringent and antiseptic properties with a soothing and calming effect.

Lavender essential oil is used as a fragrance in perfumes, cosmetics, skin care products, and air fresheners.

Benefits

Lavender essential oil stimulates blood circulation to the scalp thus encouraging hair growth. The essential oil can be diluted in water and used on the hair to treat lice. 

Peppermint  essential oil – Mentha piperita

Peppermint essential oil is collected through the process of steam distilling the fresh or partially dried plant leaves.

Benefits

Peppermint essential oil has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic properties. It stimulates the hair follicles and increases blood flow to the scalp. It also relieves headaches and stress.

Rosemary essential oil – Rosmarinus Officinalis

Rosemary essential oil is extracted through the steam distillation of the plant’s flowering tops and leaves. It has a powerful and refreshing smell resembling that of mint.

Rosemary contains many active constituents like flavonoids which are good in antioxidants, tannins (especially rosmaricine which helps reduce pain) and phenols (notably rosmarinic acid) helps fight off inflammation.

Benefits

Rosemary essential oil has been shown to stimulate hair growth. According to clinical studies conducted on some patients,with rosemary compared to Minoxidil 2% showed that considerable results in regrowing hair due to alopecia or androgenic hair loss.

Tea tree essential oil – Melaleuca alternifolia 

Tea Tree Essential Oil is derived from steam distillation of the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, commonly known as the Tea Tree which is native to the swamps regions of Australia. Tea tree oil has a pungent, fresh and medicinal aroma which later gives rise to a woody, musky scent. Tea tree oil has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.

Benefits

Tea tree essential oil relieves the scalp of dandruff, itching, and drying. Another major advantage of using this oil on the scalp is that it sinks into the hair follicles, unclogs them and regulates the sebum production. Thus, your scalp will neither become too greasy and oily nor will it become super dry. All these properties and benefits make tea tree oil highly beneficial for hair.

Ylang-Ylang essential oil – Cananga odorata

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil is derived from the steam distillated flowers of the Cananga odorata botanical.

If you have oily hair and skin you would want to skip this one, ylang-ylang oil is ideal for those with dry scalps, as it can stimulate sebum production.

Benefits

As lack of enough oil and sebum causes hair to become dry and brittle, ylang-ylang can improve hair texture and reduce hair breakage.

Our products are crafted with these essential oils to prevent dandruff, dry and itchy scalp, reduce hair thinning, thickens hair root and promote overall healthy hair growth.

Conclusion

Essential oils should not be used undiluted on the skin, scalp and body to avoid irritation. Make sure to dilute your essential oil in carrier oil before using. Some essential oils are not to be used on children and in pregnant women.

Reference:

1. New Directions Aromatics blog

2. Healthline

Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice but for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options.