Essential oils have gotten a lot of buzz lately for being solutions to just about everything. Got a cold? Put some tea tree oil in a diffuser to clear out your airways. Feeling anxious? Massage yourself with lavender oil for better relaxation and sleep. However, essential oils are not just renowned for their aromatic capabilities. These popular plant extracts can also help hair grow healthier and stronger. Each oil works differently and offers some distinct benefits aside from hair growth. With so many different oils out there, it can be hard to choose the one that’s right for you. That’s why we’ve come up with a brief guide on essential oils. Read on to find out more.
- Tea Tree Oil.
Tea Tree has antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent cleaning agent for your scalp. For this reason, it is one of the best essential oils for dandruff. When used regularly, this essential oil helps to unplug and stimulate hair follicles, resulting in longer and thicker hair. Be sure to dilute tea tree oil before use, as it tends to be very concentrated.
- Lavender Oil.
Like the tea tree essential oil, lavender oil has antimicrobial properties, thereby keeps hair shafts and follicles free of bacteria. Its most distinctive benefit is its capacity to soothe the scalp due to its sedative properties. This is ideal for fighting dry hair, and it will have your tresses looking silky smooth. Regular use of lavender essential oil could result in fuller and thicker hair.
- Olive Oil.
Olive oil is one of the most versatile essential oils out there. Derived from pressing olives, this essential oil has protective and moisturizing effects that nourish the scalp. This, in turn, helps reduce dandruff, which is one of the causes of hair loss. You can mix it with other oils like castor oil to thin it out.
- Rosemary Oil.
Aside from being a popular kitchen ingredient for its assertive and piney flavor, rosemary essential oil is also great for growth. A potent antioxidant, this essential oil is ideal for those suffering from hair thinning and graying. Rosemary essential oil facilitates hair growth, both in length and volume, by increasing circulation, thus stimulating hair follicles.
- Peppermint Oil.
The ideal essential oil for those with oilier hair types. If you have a dry scalp and brittle hair, then you should stay clear of this one. Peppermint essential oil works by increasing blood circulation to the skin, which improves the health of the hair follicles, ultimately promoting hair growth.
- Coconut Oil.
Most of us have probably used coconut oil as part of our hair routine at some point in our lives. It intensely moisturizes hair strands, which helps to prevent breakage. Plus, this essential oil deeply penetrates hair because it’s rich in fatty acids. This results in silky soft, and shiny hair. Generally, coconut essential oil is one of the most effective hair treatments there is.
- Argan Oil.
Argan oil, also known as Moroccan oil, is rich in various ingredients, including fatty acids, ferulic acid, and vitamin E, which nourish hair and reduce dryness. This makes this essential oil perfect for preventing hair breakage and split ends and restoring your hair’s natural shine.
- Castor Oil.
Castor oil is yet another great addition to your hair regiment. This essential oil is rich in ricinolein acid, which helps lock in moisture, resulting in healthier hair. Castor oil’s nutty/earthy smell can be unpleasant for some. If that’s the case for you, you can mix it with a carrier oil and still realize its benefits.