What is hair loss?
Hair loss is commonly referred to as “alopecia.” Alopecia is a blanket term that refers to many different conditions related to hair loss. It can refer to conditions such as hereditary balding (androgenic alopecia) or even alopecia areata, which is when the body’s immune system begins attacking the hair follicles resulting in patchy bald spots.1
Factors that contribute to hair loss
While there are many factors that can contribute to hair loss, some of the most common ones include:
- Age
- Stress and anxiety
- Illness
- Malnourishment
- Hormones
- Medications
- Genes
- Overall health
Not all hair loss is the same
Not everyone experiences hair loss in the same way. Some individuals may experience a gradual thinning of the hair with age, while others may experience more drastic hair loss, such as losing it in large clumps. Regardless, it’s important to check with your doctor to determine what is causing your alopecia. This can also help you to find out if your hair loss is indicative of a more serious health condition.
Essential oils for hair loss
If you suffer from hair loss, the good news is that there may be some natural ways you can help slow it down and possibly even promote hair growth. Besides maintaining good health by focusing on diet, exercise, and lowering stress, research suggests that some essential oils may be beneficial for hair loss as well.
Did you know that your can get your hair in better shape, stimulate
longer hair growth and acheive overall healthy, thicker hair
just by adding a few drops of essential oils to your regular hair products? Well
the fact is that essential oils can help to positively support the health of
your hair follicles as well as your scalp. People have long been using essential
oils to treat various issues and as remedies for different problems having to do
with skin, nails, hair etc.- so it is very evident that these types of
oils have been in existence for quite some time.
If you’re wondering the ways to which you can add essential oils to your
haircare routine as well as to your haircare products, keep reading on to find
out the different kinds of essential oils and what
their benefits are in order to know which ones are right for your specific
needs.
You can make essential oils a part of the active ingredients in your hair
care shampoos, conditioners, serums, hair masks, products and formulations etc.,
– all you need to do is choose the ones best suited for your needs and add a few
drops to your carrier
oils, then massage this blend onto your scalp on a regular basis.
So without further adieu, I proudly present to you the working powers of
essential oils..( *Please note: If you are pregnant or nursing, it is not
recommended for you to use any of the essential oils listed below).
Basil: In case you suffer from dry and dull hair,
Basil essential oil can add luster to your strands. It also works well to treat
dandruff when combined with tea tree oil and jojoba oil for maximum
benefits.
Carrot Root: This particular oil is high in antioxidants and
carotene. Carrot oil works to stimulate the follicles and has been used for many
years as a remedy for male pattern hair loss/thinning. Carrot root essential oil
is one of the best oils to use if you suffer from hair loss since it works to
encourage healthy and longer hair growth.
Cedarwood: Bacteria, any type of infection and a weakened
immune system can result in thinning hair. Cedarwood is an essential oil that is
best known to encourage longer
and thicker hair growth. It works well when combined with Lavender,
Rosemary,Joboba and Grapeseed oil.
Chamomile: This is one of my favorite essential oils.
Chamomile essential oil helps to calm and soothe an irritated scalp. German
Chamomile is especially anti-inflammatory, has a sweet and pleasant smell and it
encourages hair growth and also helps to cool the scalp, especially if you’re
tender headed.
Clary Sage: This essential oil is believed to help balance
the estrogen hormone levels within the scalp as well as the skin. Clary Sage
helps to encourage thicker hair growth.
Clove: If you want an essential oil with both antioxidant
and antiseptic properties, clove essential oil is known as one of the most
tested and potent antioxidants as it helps to increase circulation – and can
work to stimulate new healthy
hair growth. It is recommended that you use very small amounts of clove
because this particular essential oil can cause varying levels of skin
sensitivity if overused.
Cypress: The Cypress essential oil helps to increase
circulation as well as works to strengthen hair follicles. It is very important
to have adequate blood circulation if you want your hair to grow longer and
stronger.
Lavender: Found in most haircare products, Lavender
essential oil helps to treat many scalp conditions. It is also an
anti-inflammatory and it helps to soothe and condition the scalp. Lavender oil
is most commonly used to properly balance the scalp and it also encourages and
supports healthy hair and growth.
Peppermint: If you want an ultimately refreshing and clean
feeling to your entire head, then Peppermint essential oil is the one oil you
just have to try! It helps to give your scalp a cool, tingly and refreshed
feeling. Peppermint also helps to keep your scalp free of bacteria and
stimulates circulation on your scalp for better hair growth.
Rosemary: This is yet another one of my favorite essential
oils to use for hair growth. It is thought to stimulate healthy hair
growth by increasing the scalp’s circulation. If you suffer from
thinning edges or hair loss of any kind, I would strongly recommend adding
Rosemary to your daily hair care regimen.
Sage: The most effective essential oil for hair growth is
the hormone balancing Clary Sage when used with Rosemary essential oil works to
help balance your scalp’s oil production and it can also be used to fade acne
scars. (*Do not use Sage essential Oil or Basil essential oil on children 12 and
under or if you are pregnant or nursing).
Tea Tree Oil: Is the very best essential oil to use if you
have a dry and flaky scalp. It helps to balance oil production and it also has
antiseptic and antibacterial properties that work to kill any germs or fungus on
your scalp. With a healthier scalp, comes healthier hair!
Ylang Ylang: Similar to Lavender essential oil, Ylang Ylang
is very calming and is thought to help in the lowering of stress levels. It can
also be used to grow
thicker hair, it is also known to help in balancing the scalp’s oil
production in order to keep dandruff at bay and works well when combined with
tea tree oil, coconut oil and olive oil for dandruff prevention and control
1. Rosemary
rosemary sprigs and bottle – best essential oils for hair
Arguably one of the most well-known essential oils for hair loss, rosemary is considered beneficial for a myriad of issues, including skin and hair care. It has traditionally been used to treat lice, greasy hair, and dandruff, as well as promote hair growth and stimulate the scalp.2
As a regenerating oil, it’s useful for maintaining hair health in general. In fact, a study in 2012 was conducted testing the efficacy of rosemary leaf extract promoting hair growth and the results were promising. The study found that the rosemary extract did in fact promote hair regrowth in mice that had been treated with it.3
Still another study in 2015 found that individuals who were treated with rosemary oil had a significant increase in hair count after 6 months.4 However, it’s important to note that due to its high 1,8-cineole content, it is not recommended to be used on or near the face of children or infants.5
2. Lavender
Lavender is widely considered one of the most versatile essential oils, being extremely beneficial for numerous issues. Because of its normalizing and synergistic properties, it is considered useful for most ailments.6 Therefore, it should come as no surprise that lavender is also considered one of the most beneficial essential oils for treating hair loss as well.
A a very soothing and calming oil, lavender can help with an irritated scalp, but it is also regenerating as well. It has long been used as a treatment for alopecia and baldness. In fact, a study conducted in 2016 found that lavender oil significantly increased the number of hair follicles and hair follicle depth on mice that had been treated with it.7 And since it’s considered one of the safest essential oils, lavender can be used on just about anybody!
3. Peppermint
peppermint plant in pot
It may surprise you to find peppermint on this list. Traditionally, peppermint essential oil has been most commonly used for its ability to help with gastric and digestive issues. However, it is a very stimulating oil that can not only perk you up mentally, but also promote hair growth.
According to a 2014 study, mice that had been treated with peppermint oil experienced an increase in follicle count, increase in follicle depth, and a thickened dermal layer after four weeks.8 However, please note that due to its high menthol content, peppermint oil should not be used on or near the face of young children or infants.
4. Geranium
Geranium is another essential oil that is used for hair loss. Because it is another regenerating essential oil, it is considered beneficial in stimulating hair growth. Comprised of mostly citronellol and geraniol, geranium has a high count of monoterpenes which are considered to be immune stimulants and general tonics.9 It is also commonly used in skin care due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its abilities to balance out skin types. This also makes it beneficial to use when dealing with hair loss due to allergic or irritated skin.
5. Cedarwood
Cedarwood essential oil can also be beneficial when dealing with hair loss. It is considered to be useful for multiple skin and scalp conditions, including itchy scalp, dandruff, oily hair, and hair loss.
A study was published in 1998 regarding patients who suffered from alopecia areata. The patients were treated with an essential oil blend of cedarwood, rosemary, lavender, and thyme. The blend was massaged on the scalp of individuals every day for 7 months. The results showed that 44% of the patients found improvement with their alopecia after using the essential oil blend.10
6. Clary sage
clary sage plant in garden
Another essential oil to consider when dealing with hair loss is clary sage. Not to be confused with common sage, clary sage is a stimulating oil and can be used to both reduce hair loss and promote hair growth.11 Because it is commonly used to regulate hormones and stress, it can be especially beneficial for hair loss that is due to stress or hormonal issues. Please note that clary sage should not be used by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, when drinking alcohol, or if estrogen levels need to be monitored.12
7. Roman chamomile
Another one of the best essential oils for hair loss is Roman chamomile. Gentle and calming, chamomile has been used for numerous issues for decades. While it’s most known for its calming and gastric properties, chamomile is also used to support hair health.
Because of its ability to help with stress and anxiety, chamomile can be beneficial for hair loss due to anxiety or nervous disorders. It is also very calming to the skin and helpful when dealing with irritated, allergic, or itchy skin and scalp. It is considered beneficial in reducing hair loss.13 Chamomile is often used in hair care and is even thought to help lighten hair color. Like lavender, chamomile is considered a safe oil and can be used on most individuals.
Essential oil blends for hair loss
hair dressing applying essential oils to woman’s hair
It’s important to remember that a little goes a long way with essential oils. Because they are highly concentrated substances, only a small amount is needed. If not diluted properly, essential oils can cause irritation and sensitization, so make sure to always dilute them accordingly.
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