When it comes to hair, many people tend to panic if they notice it isn’t growing as fast as it normally should, or if patches of thin hair are visible.
In haste, they often turn to potent and sometimes harmful synthetic preparations which may deliver short-term relief, but tend to not address the underlying condition. Often times, essential oils are quite effective for helping with hair growth, and the readily available throughout most parts of the world.
Below you will find the best options for promoting lustrous growth of hair.
1. Lavender
Lavender essential oil is mainly used for its relaxing properties, which can help you unwind and relieve anxiety after a tough day. However, Lavender oil is also very helpful in promoting hair growth, possessing several advantageous benefits.
For instance, application of lavender oil directly to the scalp can help to increase blood flow to the follicles, which is often a common source of thinning hair. In addition to this, lavender oil possesses natural moisturizing properties, in addition to antiseptic effects, which can deal with fungal infections that may impact hair growth.
Finally, lavender can also help to modulate the production of sebum, the natural oily substance produced by hair follicles and which is implicated in dandruff development and possibility of follicle blockage or seborrheic dermatitis.
To use, mix approximately 10 drops of lavender oil into a suitable carrier, massage into the scalp and leave overnight. Be sure to wash off in the morning. It can be applied nightly but would necessitate daily washing of the hair.
2. Thyme
Thyme is primarily used in the preparation of foods, but is also an effective moisturizer when used on the skin or scalp, as it contains a compound by the name of linalool which can act as an emollient.
Thyme can also improve blood flow to the scalp, which as previously mentioned has a beneficial effect on hair growth. Thyme is not very popular for helping to promote hair growth, but more hair care products such as shampoos and conditioners are beginning to include it in the formulation as its benefits are catching on.
To use, just add two drops of thyme essential oil to a carrier, massage into the scalp and leave for 20 minutes. Subsequently, wash out.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint has been used for a number of years for management of hair loss, and for the most part appears to do its job well.
Its multiple actions include increasing blood flow to the scalp, rejuvenating hair follicles in the process by helping to stimulate their active growth phase.
In addition to this, peppermint oil also cleans sebum build up quite effectively, and can remove the accumulation of dead skin, making it suitable for use in persons with dandruff.
To use, add five drops of peppermint oil into a suitable carrier such as coconut oil, massage into the scalp and leave for 20 minutes before washing off.
4. Lemon
Have you ever wondered why citrus based shampoos and conditioners are so popular nowadays? Particularly suited for oily scalps, lemon essential oil has a drying effect and can help to reduce the production of sebum that can cause dandruff and associated hair loss.
It is also antiseptic in nature, and can help to control fungal or bacterial overgrowth that may complicate dandruff and cause further hair loss.
To use, you add five drops of lemon oil to a carrier, leave on for approximately two hours then wash off. It is best to use while you are at home, as it is not advised to go into the sun while the lemon oil is on your scalp.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Very popular for the management of dandruff and for reducing sebum production, it also possesses antimicrobial properties and can assist with drying and itchiness.
To use, add three drops of tea tree oil to a carrier base, massage into the scalp and let it rest for 30 minutes. Subsequently wash off.
6. Chamomile
Chamomile does not possess features of the previously mentioned oils, but helps by exerting and anti-inflammatory action.
Inflammation can often result in thinning of hair, or development of patches of hair loss. It can even help you sleep if the quality of your hair has given you anxiety that keeps you up at night.
7. Juniper
Juniper essential oil is one of the less discussed options on this list, but is very helpful for helping to manage over production of sebum, and for reducing the development of split ends. It also has antiseptic properties that can prevent microbial infection, and can stimulate active growth of hair strands.
8. Rosemary
Rosemary essential oil be used individually or in conjunction with other effective essential oils such as thyme and lavender, where it can help to increase the rate of hair growth, hair volume or to diminish the effect of hair loss.
It is also suitable for all hair types, and can help to nourish hair so that split ends do not occur.
9. Patchouli
An essential oil that is very common in Asian cultures, it is very effective at managing multiple skin and scalp related issues, including hair loss. It exerts an anti-inflammatory action, which can reduce irritation on the scalp that can cause impaired hair growth, and also protects against microbial infection owing to its antiseptic properties.
To use, add three drops of patchouli essential oil into a carrier, massage into the scalp leaving on for about two hours, then wash off.
10. Vetiver
Vetiver is not a common essential oil, occurring mainly in the regions of India and Nepal. However, it can help promote hair growth and prevent hair loss and damage owing to its very strong antioxidant potential.
In particular, it is believed to reduce the impact of heat damage on hair strands, and can also decrease the impact of stress on premature graying of hair, and related hair loss.
To use, add about five drops of the essential oil into a warmed carrier base, massaging into the scalp and allowing to sit for about two hours. You may also leave it on overnight, being sure to cover with a shower cap. Wash off subsequently.
11. Carrot Seed
Many persons do not even realize that there is such a thing as carrot seed oil, even though it is still widely used throughout parts of Europe.
Carrots are known to possess high amounts of vitamin A and related antioxidants, with the seeds retaining some of these compounds.
It is primarily used for helping to add nourishment to the scalp in order to promote hair growth, and is also said to help reduce the impact of hormones on hair follicles (especially DHT and its impact on male pattern hair loss), and can also help to detoxify waste material.
This makes it very useful for cleansing and is particularly beneficial for use in men.
Add four drops of carrot seed oil to a suitable carrier, massage into the scalp leaving on for about two hours then subsequently washing off with shampoo.
Conclusion
As you can see, natural essential oils do a good job of addressing many aspects of hair growth, and should be your go to option if you notice a decrease in the quality of your hair.
Caution
On a final note, it is important to dilute any essential oil you plan to use on your scalp in a suitable carrier. This is because concentrated oils may be corrosive to the skin, or can cause unpleasant sensitivity issues.