Daisy Raybould
Essential oils are a wonderful addition to your haircare routine and can encourage luxuriant growth, as well as treating many hair and scalp problems.
Used with the correct ratio of carrier oil – a neutral oil that you mix with essential oils before applying to skin, hair, or scalp – essential oils can treat dandruff and psoriasis of the scalp, alopecia arreata, and itchy scalp. Carrier oils include: jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, and even olive oil.
The right ratio of oils can actually reduce oiliness. They can also smooth, soften, and reduce split ends in dry hair as well as encouraging circulation in the scalp. Need more information on how oiling your hair works? We’ve got you covered! Check out Beauty Secrets from India: Oiling Your Hair.
These 5 oils are the most versatile and useful for promoting gorgeous hair.
1. Lavender
Lavender is the most versatile and useful of all the essential oils for hair care, skin care, and much more. It works with all hair types, encourages hair growth, and is very helpful for treating dandruff and/or psoriasis of the scalp.
Lavender essential oil works well in combination with other essential oils, and it’s one of a very few essentials considered safe enough to apply full-strength. In addition, lavender oil is very helpful in reducing stress. High stress levels can lead to many common hair and scalp issues, especially hair loss and alopecia arreata.
Use lavender at a concentration of 4 to 24 drops per 1 oz. of carrier oil.
2. Rosemary
Perhaps the best essential oil for hair care, rosemary essential oil encourages hair growth and has been successfully used in the treatment of alopecia arreata when blended with lavender, cedarwood, and thyme in a 50/50 base of jojoba and grapeseed oils. It’s an excellent oil for dry hair and is helpful for treating both dandruff and psoriasis.
Use rosemary at a concentration of 4 to 16 drops per 1 oz. of carrier oil.
3. Cedarwood
Cedarwood essential oil supports hair growth and can help reduce hair loss due to infections or immune system issues. It is also helpful in treating psoriasis and dandruff and helps to relieve anxiety.
Use cedarwood at a concentration of 4 to 8 drops per 1 oz. of carrier oil.
4. Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is perhaps the best essential oil for treating dandruff and psoriasis. It cleanses and purifies the scalp, and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Use tea tree essential oil at a concentration of 4 to 24 drops per 1 oz. of carrier oil.
5. Sage
Sage essential oil encourages hair growth, cleanses and purifies the scalp, balances scalp oils, and helps to normalize hormone levels. You don’t want to use sage oil on children, or if you’re pregnant. In either case, substitute clary sage in its place.
Use sage oil at a concentration of 4 to 8 drops per 1 oz. of carrier oil.
Essential oils are important allies in the quest for gorgeous hair and healthy growth. Lavender, tea tree and rosemary oil even made it into my top ten list of best oils for hair. What are your favorite oils for hair? Share them below by leaving a comment.
Photo Credit: iStockPhoto.com/Beboy_ltd
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