Essential Oils for Your Hair: What to Know (2024)

Using oils in your hair care is a hot trend, from products infused with essential oils to homemade coconut oil deep conditioners.

But they’re 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. You can also use them to make your own hair care treatments.

Essential Oils and Carrier Oils

Essential oils are distilled from the plant itself. They have the signature scent of the plant they came from. And they’re highly concentrated. For instance, it takes 220 pounds of lavender flowers to make a single pound of lavender oil.

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

Here are the benefits of some essential and carrier oils:

  • Almond oil soothes and moisturizes the scalp.
  • Cedarwood oil stimulates the scalp and promotes hair growth.
  • Chamomile oil adds shine and softness to hair, and soothes the scalp.
  • Clary sage oil promotes hair growth and stimulates the scalp.
  • Coconut oil softens hair and increases shine.
  • Geranium oil strengthens hair.
  • Jojoba oil moisturizes the hair, adds nutrients, and stimulates the scalp.
  • Lavender oil deep conditions the hair, keeps it shiny, and helps control dandruff.
  • Moroccan argan oil moisturizes, nourishes, and provides antioxidants to hair.
  • Rosemary oil stimulates the roots, improves hair growth, and increases circulation in the scalp.
  • Sandalwood oil helps with dry ends, and adds fragrance to the hair.

How to Use Essential Oils for Your Hair

You only need a few drops of an essential oil. You can mix one or more types in a shampoo or conditioner. Or mix the drops into 2 ounces of a carrier oil.

Be aware that if you put some essential oils directly on to your scalp, they may cause irritation. Read label instructions for how to dilute oils, and never use more than the recommended amount.

If you're allergic to plants such as ragweed, test the oil on a small area of your skin or scalp to see if you have a reaction.

Try these combos:

  • Cedarwood, clary sage, and lavender
  • Jojoba, clary sage, and cedarwood

After you apply the oil mixture, cover your head in a towel or shower cap.

You can wash out the treatment after 30 minutes, leave it on overnight and shampoo in the morning, or use some as a leave-in conditioner. See what works best for your hair texture.

Essential Oils for Your Hair: What to Know (2024)

FAQs

How do I know what oils are good for my hair? ›

If your hair is thick, coarse, dry, or unruly, try heavier oils like coconut oil to tame it. Hair types on the fine, thin, and oily side will likely fare better with lighter oils like argan oil and jojoba oil. If you would like to give hair oil a try, explore Function of Beauty's custom haircare range.

What essential oils should you put in your hair? ›

Cedarwood oil stimulates the scalp and promotes hair growth. Chamomile oil adds shine and softness to hair, and soothes the scalp. Clary sage oil promotes hair growth and stimulates the scalp. Coconut oil softens hair and increases shine.

What is the best oil for hair growth scientifically proven? ›

As it turns out, there's actually scientific evidence to suggest that rosemary oil can be as effective as the hair growth drug minoxidil–a research study from back in 2015 showed it increased the hair count of alopecia sufferers after six months of use.

What is the number 1 oil for hair? ›

Ingredients: It's always best to seek formulas with nourishing ingredients, like squalane, plant oils, and coconut oil (which is particularly effective in helping to prevent damage).1 According to hairstylist Davey Matthew, jojoba, grape seed, argan, and castor oils are great for sealing and provide slip, shine, and ...

What is the best oil for thinning hair? ›

Jojoba Oil: Best for Thinning Hair

A 2021 study from Egypt concluded that jojoba oil effectively penetrates the hair follicle, reducing protein loss that can contribute to thinning hair. It also appears to reduce hair breakage and strip body oils (sebum ) that can leave your hair looking greasy.

Which essential oil thickens hair? ›

05/6​Cedarwood Essential Oil

It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties and helps control dandruff. It helps fight hair loss and thickens hair. Cedarwood essential oil also facilitates good scalp health.

What essential oils are best for thinning hair? ›

Some essential oils are known for their action on hair loss, such as essential oils of rosemary, orange, lavender and lemon. The essential oils of orange and lemon are known for their booster effect. They contain limonene, a molecule found in citrus fruit with cleansing, purifying and vasodilating properties.

What essential oils are good for GREY hair? ›

Lavender, rosemary, cedarwood, and sage are just a few examples of oils known for their grey hair-reversing benefits.

How do you mix all essential oils for hair growth? ›

Combine rosemary, lavender, cedar, and thyme for a time-honored mixture. This combination of essential oils has long been recommended to help promote hair growth. Studies have shown that using these oils is more effective than using a carrier oil alone.

What carrier oil is best for hair? ›

The best carrier oils for hair
  1. Argan oil. Argan oil helps to maintain moisture levels of the hair shaft and reduces the appearance of frizz.
  2. Grapeseed oil. Grapeseed oil helps to protects against environmental stressors and is beneficial for the scalp.
  3. Jojoba oil. ...
  4. Coconut oil. ...
  5. Castor oil. ...
  6. Sweet almond oil. ...
  7. Avocado Oil.

Is coconut oil or rosemary oil better for your hair? ›

Rosemary oil nourishes your scalp, while coconut oil moisturizes your hair. This combo can make your scalp healthy, strengthen your hair, and give you the thick hair you want. If you use it regularly and maintain it properly, you will see the natural benefits of these oils for beautiful, healthy hair.

What oils make your hair grow really fast? ›

According to one study , rosemary oil performed as well as minoxidil, a common hair growth treatment, but with less scalp itching as a side effect. Mix several drops of rosemary oil with olive or coconut oil, and apply it to your scalp. Leave it in for at least 10 minutes before washing it out with shampoo.

What is the most nutritious oil for hair? ›

All-natural, unrefined jojoba oil is the best type to use on hair and skin, since it does not contain any chemical ingredients. Ideal for: Dry, damaged or dull hair and those with dandruff and dry scalp issues. Benefits: Jojoba oil moisturizes hair, prevents dandruff and dry scalp and makes hair soft and shiny.

Which oil is best for hair growth and thickness for black hair? ›

Castor Oil

Castor oil is a rich, thick hair oil that's absolutely great for afro hair. Why? Because it's high in fatty acids and vitamin E.

How do I choose hair growth oil? ›

Oils like castor, peppermint, onion, coconut, jojoba, argan, amla, olive, grapeseed, rosemary, and tea tree are often recommended for hair growth. They help boost blood circulation and strengthen hair. Remember that essential oils must be mixed in with carrier oils before application.

How do I know if my hair needs oil or moisture? ›

If your hair lacks shine since coloring or chemically treating it, and you're experiencing dull, brittle strands, your hair is in need of moisture. Hair that is dry or damaged won't have a shiny, healthy look.

What should a good hair oil contain? ›

They can also help to prevent split ends and promote healthy hair growth. Hair oils are usually derived from natural ingredients like coconut, argan, and jojoba oils, and contain essential vitamins and fatty acids that can nourish and strengthen the hair.

What oils should not be used on the scalp? ›

Hair oils that can damage your hair
  • Mineral oil. Is mineral oil bad for hair? ...
  • Lemon oil. You may think of this hair oil as exotic, but ladies, do not use it for your tresses. ...
  • Camphor oil. Contrary to popular belief, camphor oil may not be the best oil for hair. ...
  • Castor oil. ...
  • Coconut oil.
Jan 12, 2024

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