There has been an upward trend in the demand for hair products that are more natural, healthy, and free of harsh toxins and chemicals. If you want the benefits of natural hair care without breaking the bank, so to speak, there are a variety of essential oils that have been proven to promote hair growth and repair.
These are safe, simple to use, and very effective. However, there are thousands of essential oils out there, so picking the best oils for your hair can get confusing. Below, I’ll teach you how to create DIY hair treatments with the 5 most effective oils for hair growth and repair.
First things first
Before we discuss the 5 best essential oils for hair growth and repair, we need to discuss the first (and probably most important) step you need to take.
Carrier Oils
When making a DIY oil treatment for your hair, it is crucial to consider which carrier oil to use that has the most hair benefits. For those of you who do not already know, applying most essential oils directly to your skin can cause irritation due to the high concentration of the oil. You must first dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil for safe use.
Which carrier oil should you use?
Most carrier oils are going to be good for your hair – let’s be honest.
However, what you choose should depend on what your hair needs the most.
For dry, dull hair that needs a deep moisturizer and boost of shine, you should reach for coconut oil.
For healthy, longer, and stronger hair from root to tip, carrot seed oil.
To reduce dryness and flakiness on your scalp, use sweet almond oil.
For an oily scalp, jojoba oil will be your bff.
For super fast hair growth, thickening, and moisture, castor oil is your savior.
Personally, I have been using a combination of one part jojoba oil, and three parts castor oil as a base and have seen dramatic results. After looking for years for hair growth and thickening products that work, my DIY oil treatment is the only thing that has ever worked. The key is in consistency and patience.
After deciding what you would like to use as your carrier oil, it is now time to add some essential oils for hair growth.
5 Most Effective Essential Oils for Hair Growth and Repair
1. Rosemary Essential Oil
According to one study conducted in 2015, rosemary essential oil was as effective as the popular hair growth treatment minoxidil, without the scalp itching as a side effect. This is probably due to its ability to improve cell generation. Rosemary will give you longer and thicker hair.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil
While it is not the first essential oil you might consider to put on your head, peppermint has been known to promote hair growth in the anagen phase. This means that it improves hair growth at the root, in the “growing” phase of the “cycle when the cells in the root of the hair divide at a rapid rate. Hair grows approximately 1 cm a month and can stay in this active phase of growth from anywhere between two and seven years.”
Peppermint can cause a cold, tingling sensation and stimulates the circulation of the area it is applied to.
3. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree oil is a popular essential oil for hair growth and is used in many shampoos, conditioners, and anti-dandruff products. This is due to it’s powerful antimicrobial, antibacterial, and deep cleansing properties.
If you suffer from blocked hair follicles, tea tree oil can unplug hair follicles and increase hair growth.
4. Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme essential oil can be used for hair growth and repair by actively stimulating the scalp and preventing hair loss.
One study conducted a randomized trial on patients with alopecia areata – sudden hair loss caused by the immune system attacking hair follicles. This study found that thyme essential oil helped treat the condition and worked better than using a carrier oil alone.
5. Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary sage is an amazing essential oil for hair growth and repair because it contains linalyl acetate – a compound also found in lavender – that improves hair growth by increasing hair strength. If your hair breaks easily, it will be difficult to grow your hair out. By making your hair stronger, you are also making it longer. Clary sage essential oil can also balance sebum levels in the skin if you suffer from oil or dry skin.