Essential oils may promote hair growth, minimize hair loss, and improve scalp health, hair texture, strength, and shine.
Essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, lemongrass, thyme, and more, are highly concentrated plant extracts that some people use in aromatherapy for relaxation or topically for hair health, headaches, and more.
This article discusses how to stimulate hair growth with essential oils and which works best.
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Essential Oils for Your Hair
There is some evidence that certain essential oils can promote hair growth, especially when combined with standard therapy.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil may help with hair growth in people with alopecia (a condition leading to hair loss). In one study, 44% of participants who used lavender oil combined with thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood oils saw improvement in their hair loss due to one type of alopecia compared to 15% of the control group.
In another study, 75% of participants who used lavender combined with thyme, rosemary, cedarwood, and evening primrose oils experienced improved hair growth compared to 30% in the placebo (fake treatment) group.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Little to no human studies support peppermint oil for hair growth. However, a study on mice found that peppermint essential oil produced thick, long hair after four weeks of topical application. Researchers believe it holds promise as an alternative treatment for hair loss in humans.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Studies show that rosemary oil for hair may be beneficial for multiple reasons. Rosemary has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Research shows rosemary essential oil improves circulation around the hair follicle in alopecia.
Compared to a 2% minoxidil concentration found in brand-name Rogaine, rosemary performed as well as the standard treatment but with less scalp irritation.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood has antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. There is very little research on the impact of cedarwood essential oil on hair health. However, some evidence suggests combining with other oils, including lavender, may improve hair loss.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil may help with dandruff. Researchers found that a hair tonic containing lemongrass essential oil effectively reduced dandruff. It was significantly reduced at a week and even more at two weeks. All formulations (5%, 10%, and 15%) were effective, but the most effective seemed to be the 10%.
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Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme essential oil is another promising oil for treating dandruff. It has known anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. In one study, thyme demonstrated anti-dandruff activity by stopping microbial growth associated with dandruff formation.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil is a common ingredient in hair care products, including shampoos. Research shows it may help with dandruff. A study found that 5% tea tree oil effectively reduced dandruff. Among participants, the tea tree oil group showed a 41% improvement compared to 11% in the placebo group.
There is evidence that tea tree oil may be beneficial for treating head lice. An older study found that 2% tea tree oil effectively killed head lice after 30 minutes and louse eggs after five days.
Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
Research has found that ylang-ylang essential oil may help with scalp psoriasis. This plant oil has known antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which makes it a good candidate for treating psoriasis. While studies have found promising results, more research is needed to evaluate long-term safety and efficacy.
Chamomile Oil
Chamomile oil's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial for treating scalp eczema. An animal study involving rats found that when chamomile was delivered in a topical gel carrier, the duration of skin healing decreased twofold compared to chamomile oil applied without the carrier gel.
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Geranium Oil
Research shows that geranium oil demonstrated hair growth in in vitro (performed in a lab dish or test tube) and in vivo (performed on living organisms) studies. Researchers say this is due to its ability to regulate growth factors and cellular response.
An Alternative Natural Hair Growth Oil: Horsetail Plant Extract
As a nutraceutical (a plant product with medicinal benefits), horsetail may potentially benefit hair loss in people undergoing breast cancer treatment. Horsetail is also an ingredient in a hair-growth supplement called Viviscal. Studies show this supplement is effective in promoting hair growth.
In one study on Viviscal, after 90 and 180 days of use, participants noticed an increase in hair count and diameter. They also said it improved their skin and hair health and their quality of life.
Risks and Potential Complications
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate essential oils, so be careful when using them for hair or other purposes.
Some known risks associated with essential oils include:
- Coughing
- Nose and throat irritation
- Shortness of breath
- Allergic reactions
People with asthma or allergies are more susceptible to reactions from essential oil inhalation or skin exposure.
How to Use Essential Oils for Your Hair
If you decide to use hair oil, you may be able to find hair products that already contain it, including instructions for use. If you want to use it alone, you may want to seek guidance from a healthcare provider familiar with essential oils first.
It's important to put a few drops of essential oils in a carrier oil or solution. Essential oils alone are highly potent, so you never want to use them undiluted. You might try adding some drops to a shampoo or conditioner for hair. It's a good idea to test the solution on a small patch of skin first to be sure you don't have a reaction.
How to Mix Essential Oils and Carrier Oils
Essential oils are not meant to be used alone. Because their potency is highly concentrated, they are used in tiny amounts in a carrier oil. Common carrier oils used to dilute essential oils include:
- Sunfloweroil
- Sweet almond oil
- Jojoba oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Coconut oil
To begin, add just a few drops of essential oil to an ounce of a carrier oil. If you do not experience any respiratory or skin-related side effects, you can increase the number of drops you use (up to six drops for sensitive skin and up to 15 drops for regular skin).
How to Stimulate Hair Growth: Other Tips
In addition to natural hair-growth products, like essential oils, the following may encourage your hair to grow:
- Supplements: Vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, fish oil, or iron supplements may help your hair grow. Biotin (vitamin B7) is essential to hair health and growth.
- Protein: Getting an adequate daily amount of protein, which contains dietary biotin, is essential for producing healthy hair.
- Castor oil: This oil's anti-inflammatory properties and vitamin E may help reduce hair loss and increase moisture and hair thickness.
- Scalp massage: One study found that hair thickness increases with standard scalp massage.
Summary
While research is limited, some essential oils hold promise for hair growth and other hair and scalp conditions. Some essential oils include lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, tea tree, and more.
Remember that essential oils, while natural, are not risk-free. Always dilute these highly potent oils in a carrier oil, and use a small amount on your skin first to be sure you are not sensitive to the product.
