Aromatherapy: essential oils for hair

It seems that no one needs to be convinced that essential oils for hair are an interesting way to bring hair into perfect order. Let’s try to figure out how to use them correctly.

How do essential oils affect hair?

The use of oils in hair care is one of the fashionable and useful trends of recent years. But we must admit that the trend is not new. For centuries, people have used oils for various medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Now essential oils can be found in hair shampoos, serums and other hair care products. But you can use them on their own as one of the components during spa treatments.

Essential oils are odorous substances found in plants and are highly volatile. For example, a drop of essential oil that has fallen on paper does not leave a greasy trace after evaporation.

To date, there are about 3000 species of essential oil plants in the world, but only 200 of them are of industrial importance. The most popular include:

  • coriander;

  • mint;

  • Melissa;

  • sage;

  • oregano;

  • sagebrush;

  • rose flower;

  • jasmine;

  • anise;

  • chamomile;

  • lemon;

  • lavender, etc.

Each of them is valuable in its own way. But we will move on to the details a little later, but for now we will tell you how essential oil affects hair.

Unlike ordinary oil, the action of esters is considered more effective. Enveloping the hairs, the essential oil creates an invisible protective film on their surface, smoothing the cuticle. As a result, the moisture inside the hair seems to be sealed, and the hair itself becomes obedient, shiny and looks healthy. It’s not all about the magic of transformation, but the chemical composition of the oil, which, according to our expert Maria Nevskaya, depends on how the plants were grown, when they were harvested, and how well the crop was stored. She also listed the main properties of essential oils for hair.

  1. It has already been established that some oils, thanks to phytoncides, have antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal effects, which is important for maintaining the microbiome of the scalp.

  2. In addition, oils can help slow down hair loss due to various reasons.

  3. Essential oils are also used for hair growth. There are many studies confirming that oils of rosemary, mint, thyme, cedar, lavender have a pronounced stimulating effect to enhance hair growth.

  4. And the use of essential oils for hair in the most positive way affects the functioning of the nervous system – relieves anxiety, calms, relaxes.

Selecting essential oils for the scalp should be either an aromatherapist, or a dermatologist, trichologist, who has undergone special training. Essential oils have many features that only a certified specialist knows. For example:

  • almost all essential oils are used to slow down hair loss;

  • to stimulate the growth of new hair – rosemary, mint, thyme, lavender, cedar.

Best essential oils for hair

It is difficult to isolate the best essential oils for hair. Everyone has strengths. Let’s talk about the most popular and effective.

But first, let’s figure out how to use essential oil for hair. Since, as we said above, it is very volatile and evaporates quickly, a solvent is needed to get the expected effect. Usually, essential and base oils (almond, jojoba, apricot or grape seed) are mixed in a ratio of (approximately) 1:5.

We have compiled a short list, in our opinion, of the most useful essential oils for hair. And this is only a part of them, because, as mentioned above, about 200 varieties of esters are used for industrial purposes today.

Lavender essential oil

The oil combines a caring effect for the hair and a relaxing and soothing aroma for the soul. Among the advantages: soothes the skin, prevents split ends, restores hair strength, shine, copes with brittle hair. Lavender essential oil is credited with antiseptic and bactericidal properties. It fights hair loss and stimulates their growth, returns a healthy shine, helps get rid of dandruff.

Rosemary essential oil

Rosemary essential oil is commonly used to strengthen hair. It does not weigh down the hair, does not cause dryness of the scalp and dandruff. Masks with rosemary are especially useful – restoring, against hair loss, soothing. The best companions for rosemary essential oil are wheat, avocado, almond, cedar, and chamomile oils.

Chamomile essential oil

Chamomile essential oil is widely used in facial skin care, but it is no less valuable for hair: it moisturizes and soothes the scalp, strengthens strands, fights dandruff, and prevents dry ends. Lightens hair a little.

Cedar essential oil

One of the most effective essential oils for hair growth. Vitamin E, which is part of it, has an excellent ability to neutralize the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, and also promotes new hair growth and stops hair loss. Use of cedar essential oil is useful for all types of hair.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

It is known for its effective antibacterial and antiseptic action. An excellent fighter against dandruff and dry scalp. Usually used with base oils of lavender, rosemary, almond.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Fashionable sandalwood oil is valued for its super ability to repair hair quickly and provide an overall calming effect.

fir essential oil

To care for weakened hair, fir essential oil is often used. It is famous for its regenerating and moisturizing properties, and is also used for hair growth. But with one caveat – it is recommended to use it no more than 1-2 times a week.

Lemon balm essential oil

It has a pleasant aroma, which then gives a good mood for a long time. Well moisturizes hair, tones strands, helps get rid of itching, dryness, peeling.

Eucalyptus essential oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is suitable for oily hair and oily scalp. It also copes with the dryness of curls, gives them shine and gives a feeling of freshness for a long time. It is usually paired with rosehip, sea buckthorn and almond base oils.

Ways to use essential oils for hair

It is clear that the benefits of essential oils for hair can not be argued. Let’s talk about some of the most common ways to use them. They are very simple.

Combing

After mixing your favorite essential oil with the base oil, rub the mixture in your palms and run your hands along the entire length of the hair. Take a comb and start combing your hair. This procedure is useful for damaged hair, normal, prone to falling out – the list goes on. In general, comb your hair in this way every time before washing your hair and you will immediately see how the quality of the hair changes.

Add to shampoo or balm

We don’t see much point in adding a drop of essential oil to a ready-made shampoo, mask or hair balm, and the effectiveness and safety of products are not tested for compatibility with similar ingredients. But the fragrance will accompany you all day later.

In masks

For a wow effect: a mixture of fragrant essential and base oils (proportion 1:5) is applied as an oil mask on the scalp at night, putting a cap on the head. The ritual is repeated 2-3 times a week for at least three months. Unless, of course, there are any negative sensations or an allergic reaction.

Recipes for hair masks with essential oils

Hair masks based on essential oils are considered quite effective. We offer several simple recipes for solving a variety of problems.

To strengthen hair

Mask with rosemary and burdock root

Rosemary and burdock root, infused with olive or almond oil, have a strengthening effect on hair. Take 5 drops each of rosemary and burdock root essential oils and mix them with 25 drops of olive or almond oil. Let it brew a little. Apply the resulting oil mixture to your hair and leave for 5-10 minutes. Wash away.

With frankincense essential oil

This mask not only strengthens the hair, but also makes them smooth and manageable. Mix a teaspoon of castor and burdock oils, add 5 drops of ylang-ylang, orange, frankincense essential oils. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave it on for about 60 minutes. Be sure to rinse.

For scalp

Spruce oil mask

Mix about 30 drops of castor oil with 5 drops of spruce essential oil. Rub into the scalp, and distribute the remainder throughout the length of the hair. Wash off after 45 minutes.

With bergamot and rosemary

Mix 40 ml of jojoba oil (previously slightly warmed up) with essential oils of bergamot, sage, lemon, rosemary and geranium – take 5 drops of each oil. Apply the resulting mixture first to the root zone along the partings, and then rub it into the scalp with massaging movements. Wrap your head in a warm towel and leave for 40-60 minutes. Wash away.

Moisturizers

Essential oils that moisturize hair include oils of geranium, chamomile, sandalwood, lavender, ylang-ylang. Take 30-40 ml of warm jojoba oil and add 2 drops of all the above essential oils to it. Rub the mixture into the hair roots and scalp. Leave overnight with a towel wrapped around your head or a hat. Wash off in the morning.

Mask for dry hair

Mash half a ripe avocado well in a porcelain bowl, add 1 tablespoon of warm jojoba oil and 5-8 drops of lavender oil. Apply to the scalp and along the entire length of the hair. Be sure to make a warm turban out of a towel. You can wash off after an hour.

For hair growth

Mask with clove oil

Take 3-5 drops each of clove, pine, cinnamon and rosemary essential oils. Mix with 50 ml of any carrier oil (such as jojoba). Apply to hair and rinse after 30 minutes.

Spruce oil mask

Mix 5 drops of essential spruce oil with a coffee spoon of ground red pepper and a tablespoon of burdock or castor oil (you can use any vegetable oil). Apply the resulting mixture exclusively to the root zone. Wash off after 15 minutes.

For damaged hair

Coconut oil mask

You will need 40 ml of warmed coconut oil and 4 drops each of cypress, lavender, eucalyptus and chamomile essential oils. Mix everything thoroughly and apply to your hair. Wash off after 30 minutes.

Precautions When Using Essential Oils

To make your hair look better, before using an essential oil, read a few rules for using this active product.

  1. Never use pure essential oils. Solvent only. It can be base oil, sometimes wax.

  2. All homemade mixtures for cosmetic use are prepared immediately before use.

  3. Keep in mind that not all ester-based masks can be rubbed into the skin. Carefully read the annotation to a particular essential oil.

  4. Always use aromatic blends with essential oils on slightly damp hair.

  5. To compile a recipe for solving any specific problem, it is better to contact a specialist – an aromatherapist.

Cosmetics with essential oils

Cosmetics manufacturers keep up with trends. We easily found several products with essential oils for hair.

Oil for damaged hair “Extraordinary”, L’Oréal Paris

The product contains six oils of rare colors at once, which help to moisturize and restore damaged hair. The oil can be used both before and after shampooing and even during styling.

Oil before shampooing “Lavender. Essence of moisturizing» Botanicals, L’Oréal Paris

Soothes sensitive scalp and relieves discomfort well. Oil should be applied before shampooing, and then washed off with shampoo.

Mask for very dry hair “Superfood. Banana. Extra Nutrition, Garnier Fructis

Contains olive and shea oils. It can be used as a mask, as a balm, and even as a leave-in treatment. The oils in the product make the hair more vibrant and shiny.

Summary results

What are the benefits of essential oils for hair?

They are able to help in solving almost any hair problems:

  • promote the growth of new hair;

  • help to improve the condition of hair loss;

  • moisturize and soothe the scalp;

  • make hair shiny and soft.

What kind of essential oil for hair to prefer, the aromatherapist will answer.

What are the best essential oils?

We believe that it is not correct to put the question in this way. It is impossible to single out the best or worst essential oils among all the abundance. All of them have certain “superpowers” and help improve the condition of the hair. Among the most popular are: sandalwood, lavender, rosemary, lemon balm, chamomile, cedar.

Can essential oils be used in their pure form?

In no case! So you can provoke an allergic reaction or even a skin burn. To compose aromatic compositions, we advise you to contact an aromatherapist who will help you choose the best mixture for you and teach you how to use it correctly.

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