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The power of essential oils for healing and wellbeing has been known for centuries, with different oils offering different effects to help restore or retain good health across all areas of the body. Particularly, aromatherapy practitioners, homeopaths and alternative healers have recognised the benefits of working with essential oils for hair and natural oils for skin care. Whether you are using essential oils for face treatments, or prefer to work with them for hair growth or replenishment, results can be rapid and striking.
Essential oils are potent, as they are concocted using the plant extract, obtained through distillation or evaporation and then added to a carrier oil for easy application. This means they are not diluted in any way and should be used sparingly and according to the instructions on the bottle or container. Whether you are looking to find out how to use essential oils on skin or hair, or are wondering which ones to try first, read on to learn about ten popular choices.
Lavender is one of the best essential oils for hair growth as it helps to promote healthy cell growth and reduces stress on the skin. It also has excellent anti-bacterial properties, which helps with scalp health and calming any irritated areas. The oil is mild, and can be used on anyone, with a few drops mixed in with a carrier oil such as olive oil or melted coconut oil. Apply directly to the scalp, leave in for 10 minutes and then shampoo out as normal.
Many people love peppermint oil for the invigorating, tingling sensation it leaves on contact with then skin, as well as its fresh, minty smell. It increases blood circulation, helping to boost hair growth and protect the hair follicles so they can work more effectively. Mix two drops into the carrier oil of your choice and massage into your scalp. Leave for five minutes before washing out.
There are several benefits to using rosemary oil for skin and hair, not least its ability to strengthen and boost cell regeneration. It can really help thicken the hair and boost regrowth at the same time as helping to get rid of free radicals, thanks to its anti-oxidant properties. Mix several drops with your carrier oil and massage into your scalp and hair. Leave in for 10 minutes before shampooing out.
Lemons give off a fresh, zingy, citrussy aroma that will lift the mood and energise you as you go about your daily routine. Lemon is an effective anti-septic too, so it can help clear up any fungal issues in your hair or on your skin, as well as cleansing the scalp of dead skin cells, dirt and grease. Lemon oil can help with hair or skin that is prone to grease, as the citric acid in it can cut through the excess oil. It can stimulate hair growth by clearing out any clogged up hair follicles and it is also a good anti-dandruff ingredient due to its anti-oxidants and ability to calm an itchy scalp to reduce your desire to scratch and produce flakes.
As well as an unmistakable aroma, tea tree oil has powerful cleansing and healing properties, with anti-bacterial and anti-microbial advantages as well. It can help unplug any trapped hair follicles to stimulate hair growth when used topically. It can also be added to a carrier oil for dandruff treatments, as well as applied topically in a range of essential oils for skin complaint solutions, including acne, athlete’s foot, nail fungal infections and insect bites. Read the instructions before applying the oil to ensure you have the correct concentration.
The smoky, woody scent of cedarwood makes this an ideal choice for men seeking to boost their hair health by using an essential oil for hair. It is thought to promote regrowth and reduce hair loss by balancing the scalp’s oil-producing glands. Cedarwood oil also has good anti-bnacterial and anti-fungal properties to help with overall scalp and hair health and can even help to reduce dandruff. It can be mixed with rosemary and lavender for a potent mix of hair growth enhancing essential oils.
Almond essential oil nourishes and hydrates your hair, at a cellular level, making it great for dry, brittle or broken hair. It can make your hair look glossy and sleek and help mend split ends and dry roots. Massage a mix of almond essential oil and carrier oil into your scalp and leave in for 10 minutes. Rinse, dry and enjoy shinier, lustrous hair. The additional benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids, proteins and Vitamin E that almonds contain will also help to keep your hair and skin super healthy and fresh.
Another good essential oil for hair growth is eucalyptus, with its excellent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties helping to keep the scalp clean and to stimulate the hair follicles to produce stronger, healthier hair. It can also help nourish the scalp and hair, adding vital moisture and soothing the skin to minimise stress. Eucalyptus oil can also help with stuffy noses as the potent aroma can clear out sinuses, helping you to feel better as your body fights off the cold or virus.
Dandruff sufferers, take note. Thyme essential oil has been seen to achieve good results in the fight to reduce flaking and to promote a healthy, hydrated scalp. It is a strong essential oil, so only use a couple of drops mixed with two tablespoons of carrier oil when treating your hair. Leave in for 10 minutes before washing your hair as normal. Thyme has good anti-bacterial properties and can often be found in mouthwash products and treatments involving essential oils for face and skin. The earthy aroma is especially attractive to men seeking an effective essential oil for hair.
Finally, this unusually named blend of essential oils comprises a powerful combination of clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus and rosemary oils, mixed carefully to create the perfect balance to treat a raft of skin and hair complaints. Thieves oil is anti-bacterial, so it can help with scalp soreness or itching. It can also help encourage healthy hair growth due to its immune system-boosting properties and its pleasant, yet potent aroma can lift the spirits and inspire you in your daily hair and skin care grooming routines. The balance must be mixed correctly, or you can get commercial blends, pre-mixed for optimum safety.
