Oiling hair has been an integral part of Indian culture since forever. Those oil massages have the power to take us into a different world of relaxation and peace. It’s time to get back to those good old days of massaging oil to get healthy and beautiful hair. Markets these days are filled with numerous hair oils, and it becomes hard to pick one oil when every hair oil seems like the best option. Here, we will discuss how hair oils help hair growth, usage, and the precautions needed. For someone into haircare, you must have come across terms like essential oils and carrier oils. So, what are essential oils and carrier oils?
Essential Oil
Different parts of a plant like roots, bark and leaves through evaporation or distillation help derive essential oils. They have a heavy potency and aroma. Even a little quantity is enough.
Carrier Oil
These are vegetable oils extracted from the seeds, kernels and nuts of a plant. Carrier oils are heavy, and either has mild or no aroma.
How to Use These Hair Oils?
Essential oils help treat specific hair problems. On the other hand, carrier oils aid in diluting the essential oils and carrying them into the skin. They (essential oils) can irritate the skin as they are highly concentrated. Hence, always use a carrier oil to dilute the essential oil. Don’t get too excited and start using a lot of essential oil. A few drops of essential oil diluted in carrier oil is enough.
Word of Caution
If you are using essential oil or carrier oil for the first time, put a small amount to the skin to check the reaction. Always talk to a dermatologist before incorporating it as part of your hair care routine.
Essential Oils to Promote Hair Growth
1. Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme oil is known to stimulate the scalp and prevent hair fall. It is a powerful essential oil and can help treat alopecia areata (1).
Usage
Just add a few drops of thyme essential oil to around two tablespoons of carrier oil that you like. Apply it on your scalp, massage and leave it for a few minutes. Then, shampoo your hair.
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree essential oil has antimicrobial, cleansing, and antibacterial properties that improve hair growth, work on dandruff and keep the scalp healthy. According to study (2), tea tree oil is effective in reducing hair loss.
Usage
Mix some drops of tea tree oil and carrier oil of your choice. Massage it and then shampoo later.
3. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil has a pleasant aroma and tingling sensation when applied. The use of peppermint oil on hair can boost hair growth (3). The main ingredient in this oil, menthol, has shown an increase in blood flow after application.
Though there isn’t any direct link to hair growth, one could imply that good blood circulation can be a reason which could have led to hair growth.
Usage
You can mix two drops of peppermint oil along with a carrier oil. Massage the oil gently and leave it for some time. Later, shampoo and condition it.
4. Lavender Essential Oil
Apart from its stunning purple shade, Lavender is known for its divine aroma. This oil can decrease stress levels and generate new cells. As per a study (4), lavender essential oil helped in rapid hair growth in mice. Thanks to its antimicrobial and antibacterial qualities, it works wonders to maintain a healthy scalp. Though, a lot more research is required to understand the effectiveness of lavender oil.
Usage
You can mix a few drops of the lavender oil along with three tablespoons of carrier oil. Massage it properly and leave it for a few minutes. Rinse your hair with shampoo.
5. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil (5) is another herb that can help in increasing the growth of hair. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which helps treat itchy scalp and dandruff.
Usage
You can take a few drops of rosemary oil and mix it with olive or coconut oil. Leave it for a few minutes, and then wash your hair with shampoo.
6. Jojoba Essential Oil
Jojoba essential oil is rich in minerals and vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, copper, Vitamin B and zinc. This oil has an oily composition and acts as a brilliant moisturiser. Due to this property, it helps moisturise the hair follicles and aids in reducing hair loss. According to a study (6), jojoba oil leads to an increase in hair growth too.
Usage
You can use warm jojoba essential oil on your hair, massage it and rinse with shampoo later. Use 1 tablespoon for short and two tablespoons for longer hair. It can also be added (3-5 drops) to your shampoo or conditioner to reap benefits.
c. Risks & Precautions to Keep in Mind
By nature, essential oils are potent and can cause skin irritation as well as allergic reactions. Avoid applying it directly to your skin or hair. Add carrier oil to dilute the essential oil. Those with sensitive skin or allergic to some of the essential oils should be extremely cautious. You can discuss with a dermatologist if you plan to use any of the essential oils.
d. Symptoms to Notice After Using Essential Oils
- Burning or weird kind of tingling
- Itching
- Rashes
- Issues with breathing
- Redness in some areas of skin
- Swelling in your tongue
- Dermatitis
In case of any of these symptoms, wash off the essential oil or remove it from the skin and consult your skin doctor immediately.
It’s a Wrap
With all the information related to essential oils, we understand your excitement to start using them right away. Just be careful with all the precautions and details that are crucial to help you stay safe. Keep in mind to always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil. Go for a patch test before trying any essential or carrier oil.
By following the things we have mentioned above, you can easily include essential oils in your hair care routine to improve your hair growth. Choose the essential oil based on your hair/scalp type and issue. For any confusion or query regarding hair, reach out to a dermatologist.
FAQs
- Which oil makes hair grow faster?
Several oils are available, but the crucial aspect is your hair type and condition. You can choose oils such as castor oil, coconut oil, rosemary oil, olive oil and lavender oil etc.
- Does hair oil stop hair loss?
Oiling should be an integral part of your hair care routine to ensure your hair stays healthy and hydrated. Massaging oil to your scalp improves blood circulation, which can aid in hair growth.
Remember that oiling is vital, but various other factors are equally essential to prevent hair loss, like your diet, stress levels, hair products, and so much more.
- Can essential oils be left on hair overnight?
It won’t be suitable for every hair type to leave essential oils overnight. You need to be aware of your hair type and issues. Check with a dermatologist to know more about essential oils and the right one for you.
