Essential oils for hair can be used easily and can bring new life to ones scalp and locks. But, there are many things that go into creating a healthy head of hair! For instance, what you eat and drink is as important as your overall level of health. Remember what is good for your body is good for your hair as well!

Other factors such as heredity, anxiety and hormones also affect an individual’s hair growth and health. Some of these factors we can easily change, and other things such as heredity are predetermined; but one thing that is super simple to change is what you use on your hair. But how would the health and appearance of your hair differ if one were using therapeutic grade essential oils? Keep reading to learn more.

Traditional Shampoos or Natural Shampoos

One may be using the best shampoo with good quality ingredients but still not be satisfied with the condition and appearance of their hair. Most of the time, this can be traced back to the chemicals found in the shampoos and conditioners. These synthetic substances not only can create scalp issues but can severely damage the hair roots and shaft. For instance, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a chemical that is found in many commercial shampoos, has shown to not only corrode hair follicles but to impede hair growth! This is just one of the reasons that many people have begun looking outside the norm for more natural hair products; and shampoos that contain essential oils can be great for your hair!

Essential Oil Products

You can find essential oil products on the market today that seek to improve your hair and scalp health. However, many people prefer to simply make their own right at home. You may find that you have one issue (dry hair) you would like to select an oil for; or a combination of issues that you would like to address (hair loss and dry hair). Either way, start by using a base shampoo and add the essential oils you need for both conditions! You can even add oil that will give you the scent and sensation that you desire. It’s that simple and fun!

Essential Oils for Hair and Scalp

There are several oils that are great for your hair including lavender, Ylang Ylang and rosemary essential oil. Rosemary not only conditions the hair but adds body! You can use these essential oils in a base shampoo for everyday use or create a custom blend to treat a specific hair or scalp condition. I usually add 1-2 drops of oil to about a teaspoon of shampoo and use therapeutic grade, not perfume grade essential oils for best results.

If you have alopecia areata (inflammation of the scalp), cedarwood, thyme and rosemary can help combat this condition. Add five drops of essential oil to about 20 drops of carrier (base) oil. Jojoba or grape seed oil is suggested here. Then gently massage the mixture into your scalp before you go to sleep; or during the day, massage and leave it on for at least 15 minutes. You can also add oils to your shampoo but wait as long as you can before rinsing them out!

For dandruff, therapeutic grade Tea Tree or Melaleuca alternifolia is the most effective essential oil because it contains antifungal properties. Again, place several drops on your scalp with a carrier oil (50:50 dilution); and leave on for at least 15 minutes. Or place several drops in about a tablespoon of your shampoo.

Conclusion

Therapeutic grade essential oils have many benefits for the hair and body. They have been used for thousands of years because they do not contain synthetic chemicals that damage your body or your hair! Making your own shampoos and treatments with essential oils is easy and fun and you can combine a number of oils to combat several hair problems at once or to obtain the look and style you want.