Here are the best essential oils for hair that will give you growth and thickness. We even included how to mix essential oils for hair growth. Your hair will benefit from all the nutrients, plus it will smell wonderful!
Essential oils are chemical compounds that retain the smell and flavor extracted from plants through steam distillation. These oils capture the most potent part of the plant. Aromatherapy and perfume making is their most common use. However, when these oils are used correctly, they can have amazing benefits for your hair.
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Best essential oils for your hair
1. Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil is extracted from the plant Mentha piperita, an herb of the mint family. The cosmetics and food industries use this oil a lot. It has a minty scent and flavor. For hair and scalp treatments this is one of the best essential oils for your hair.
Peppermint oil increases blood circulation to the scalp that can stimulate new hair growth. There was a study done by Toxicological Research that shows it is actually effective in helping hair growth.
It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that can sooth an irritated scalp and kill bacteria and fungi.
2. Ylang Ylang essential oil
Ylang-ylang essential oil (pronounced ee-lang ee-lang) is derived from a star shaped flower of the cananga tree. It is native in India, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Australia. Apart from its rich and fruity scent, this essential oil has a lot of medicinal benefits that are great for your hair.
When applied topically Ylang Ylang essential oil can release stress and anxiety. This is beneficial to your’s thickness hair because it combats stress related to hair loss and alopecia.
The compound linalool found in this oil has anti-inflammatory properties that largely fight off dandruff, lice, repel insects and larvae. Try it by adding a few drops in your shampoo or conditioner.
3. Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil is is one of the most popular essential oils on Earth. Known widely for its calming fragrance.
Use lavender oil by applying it topically or inhaling it through aromatherapy. It improves the health of your scalp because of its antibacterial properties.
In 2016 a research study was done and lavendar oil was applied to mice. The results showed a significant increase in hair growth for both thickness and length.
4. Tea Tree essential oil
Tea Tree essential oil is not related to the plant that gives us black or green tea. However, this oil has wonderful benefits for the hair and scalp.
Since this oil has anti-fungal properties, it is perfect in the fight against dandruff and other fungal infections found on the scalp. This oil is a great cleanser because it keeps your scalp cleaner for longer and without any build-up.
5. Rosemary essential oil
Rosemary essential oil is extracted from the rosemary plant. This aromatic oil has many benefits for hair. According to a study by Skinmed, this oil compares to minoxidil. Minoxidil is a chemical used in medicinal drugs to curb baldness and hair loss. The Rosemary oil showed to work better than minoxidil as a hair growth treatment. Plus, it didn’t have the itchy scalp side effect experienced by minoxidil users.
Rosemary essential oil contains carnosic acid. This acid helps to heal tissue and nerve endings on the scalp, which results in hair regrowth.
Two separate research studies were done in 2010 and 2011. In both studies there was hair regrowth from using Rosemary oil in persons suffering from pattern baldness and alopecia.
6. Lemongrass essential oil
Lemongrass essential is derived from the lemongrass plant in the grass family.This oil is native in tropical islands of Africa, Asia and Australia. Use this oil to strengthen your hair follicles and reduce hair shedding.
Lemongrass oil has properties of an astringent. For this reason, it can alleviate dandruff and keep your scalp clean in between hair washes.
How to mix essential oils for hair growth
In this DIY oil treatment we included a recipe for how to mix essential oil for hair growth and thickness. Essential oils are too strong to be used on the skin alone. You will need a carrier oil to dilute them.
In this recipe we recommend jojoba oil, olive oil and Black Jamaican castor oil. These specific carrier oils will increase hair growth and thickness.
DIY essential oil treatment recipe for hair:
- Jojoba oil – 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Black Jamaican castor oil – 1 tablespoon
- Tea Tree essential oil – 5 drops
- Lemongrass essential oil – 5 drops
- Ylang Ylang essential oil – 5 drops
- Rosemary essential oil – 5 drops
- Lavender essential oil – 5 drops
- Peppermint essential oil – 5 drops
Helpful Tip: If you don’t want to purchase each individual oil separately here is an affordable essential oil kit. It includes all the essential oils mentioned in this article plus four additional oils.
How to use essential oils for growth and thickness
Here are the ways to use your essential oil hair treatment. Put all of these ingredients in a nozzle bottle and shake it well.
Pre-poo
Use this treatment as a pre-poo and let it sit in your hair overnight or a few hours. The next day shampoo it out of your hair.
Hot Oil Treatment
Use your new oil treatment as a hot oil treatment. First, warm your oil up to a comfortable temperature. Second, get your hair slightly damp, not soaking wet. Third, apply the oil to your scalp and work into your hair down to the ends. Next, lightly massage the oil into your scalp using your fingertips for 10-15 minutes. Wrap your hair with a warm towel or use a deep conditioning cap for 20 minutes. Wash your hair and continue with your regular hair care routine.
Don’t have the time to make this diy oil yourself? Get a premium hair growth oil that already includes all the essential oils to increase hair growth and thickness.
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