What are the Benefits of Essential Oils for Haircare?

The use of hair oil has been a longstanding trend amongst beauty lovers, with a myriad of products to choose from, from the use of essential oils to conditioners made from coconut oil.

But the use of essential oils is not new. For centuries, people have used oils for various medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Now, you can find them in many shampoos, serums and other hair care products, and also use them do your own DIY home treatments.

Essential oils are distilled from the plant itself, and they have the characteristic smell of the plant they came from and are highly concentrated. For example, 220 kilograms of lavender flowers are needed to make a single litre of lavender oil.

Carrier oils (such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil and olive oil) also come from plants, but they smell more neutral and are not necessarily distilled like essential oils.

The benefits of some of the most popular essential oils

Almond oil soothes and moisturizes the scalp.

Cedar oil stimulates the scalp and promotes hair growth.

Chamomile oil adds shine and softness to the hair and soothes the scalp.

Sage oil promotes hair growth and stimulates the scalp.

Coconut oil softens hair and increases shine.

Geranium oil strengthens the hair.

Jojoba oil moisturizes the hair, adds nutrients and stimulates the scalp.

Lavender oil deeply conditions hair, keeps it shiny and helps control dandruff.

Moroccan argan oil hydrates, nourishes and provides antioxidants to the hair.

Rosemary oil stimulates the roots, improves hair growth and increases circulation to the scalp.

Sandalwood oil helps with dry ends and adds fragrance to the hair.

How to use essential oils for hair

You only need a few drops of an essential oil. You can mix one or more types in a shampoo or conditioner. Be aware that if you put some essential oils directly on the scalp, they can cause irritation. Read the instructions on the label to learn how to dilute the oils and never use more than the recommended amount.

If you are allergic to plants, test the oil on a small area of your skin or scalp to see if you have a reaction.

After applying the oil mixture, cover your head with a towel or shower cap. You can wash the treatment after 30 minutes, let it pass through the night and use shampoo in the morning, or use a little as a leave-in conditioner. See what works best for your hair texture.