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A combination of both modern and ancient medicine, essential oils have been utilized lately for their beneficial qualities. Essential oils are usually extracted from plants by crushing, distillation or evaporation techniques. While they are mostly valued for their aromatic capabilities, some of them also have strong chemical properties that can be beneficial for health, when used in moderation for alternative, Eastern, and homeopathic medicines.
One benefit of some essential oils is believed to be improving hair health. It is believed that various oils can help the hair growth , hair strength and allow one to have luscious hair. Most often hair is oiled twice a week, and is left oiled overnight as this has been believed as the best way to nourish and pamper hair.
Good hair oil is expected to stimulate hair growth, and negate dry hair, thereby avoiding dandruff, heal natural damage to the hair itself and nourish the hair follicles. The hair type and the quality of the person using the oil are also known to play an important role for the effectiveness of the oil itself when helping hair growth.
Here is a list of different essential oils for hair growth.
Lavender oil is long believed to help speed up hair growth. Various studies have been held on the matter, and researchers on an animal study have observed that lavender oil was able to assist faster hair growth in mice, while reducing stress. In addition, Lavender oil has both antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which may improve scalp health in general.
To use lavender oil properly, it is suggested to mix several drops into three tablespoons of carrier oil, such as coconut oil, or olive oil and apply the mixture directly to the scalp. Unlike other types of oil, this solution should not be left overnight, but instead after ten minutes, it should be washed normally. This may be utilized multiple times per week.
Peppermint oil is believed to create a cooling and tingling feeling in the area it’s applied to. It is also believed to increase the circulation and as such help promote hair growth during the growing phase of the follicles. During an animal study, it has been observed that peppermint oil increased the hair follicle depth, numbers and overall hair growth speed in mice.
To use peppermint oil properly, it is suggested to mix 2 drops of it with a carrier oil, again one such as olive oil, or liquid coconut oil. After massaging the mixture into the scalp, it should be left there for five minutes, and then washed away normally.
Whose with sensitive skin should avoid applying peppermint oil, and places where skin is generally thinner, like around the eyes should also be avoided, as this may cause discomfort in the form of burning or irritation.
Rosemary oil is believed to improve both hair growth and hair thickness due to its ability to improve cellular generation. In one study rosemary oil is observed to be as efficient as minoxidil but with less itching on the scalp as a side effect.
To use rosemary oil properly, it is suggested to mix several drops of it with carrier oil, and apply it to the scalp area. After ten minutes, it can be washed away normally. This can be done twice per week for best results.
Coconut oil, one of the more common carrier oils, is one of the most popular hair oils for growth in the world, as it is believed to be excellent for nourishing the skin as well. It has a lot of fatty acids in, which penetrate the hair follicles deeply without evaporating. It can also be used as a conditioner, as it is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, plus it can protect the follicles against heat damage and repair the strands. While it is believed to work on all hair types, its most beneficial results have been observed on people with dry, or damaged hair who want to have soft hair. Coconut oil is also believed to assist with faster hair growth.
It is suggested to mildly heat the oil before applying to your scalp and hair. Especially during cold seasons, it may solidify, so it might be necessary to heat it to body warmth levels to liquify before use. Those who have a dry scalp should massage the oil. Coconut oil, as a common carrier oil, can also be mixed with other oils as a base to provide even more beneficial results.
Olive oil is another carrier oil that has both protective and moisturising qualities. It shields the natural keratin of the follicles, by being a natural conditioner with its antioxidant content. Rich in vitamin E, olive oil great for hair growth, and its oleic acid content seals in the moisture. It is believed to revitalise the scalp, nourish the hair roots and promote the growth of hair, while softening it and providing it with a smooth texture. Olive oil has been observed to work best with damaged, dull, dry or frizzy hair or hair with dandruff.
Olive oil can be applied to either dry or damp hair. One simply needs to spread a little oil evenly through the scalp and hair. After twenty to thirty minutes, it can be washed normally with shampoo.
Almond oil has the highest content of natural vitamin E. It is also rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and proteins, along with magnesium. These are believed to reduce hair breakage and help the follicles grow. As such it can be consumed normally, especially by people who have dry skin and hair, along with using it for skin and hair applications. Almond oil has been observed for moisturising, then sealing in the moisture and finally protecting against hair loss and breakage, while promoting fast hair growth.
This oil can be used directly from the bottle and applied to the scalp and hair. Almond oil can be left on hair overnight, and washed off normally next morning. A few drops of it used after showering can also help the hair look lustrous by sealing in moisture.
Sesame oil is used for many remedies for hair growth. It has been observed to have antimicrobial properties and as such, is believed to assist in treating scalp infections. Sesame oil is rich in vitamin E. It conditions the hair, nourishes the scalp, treats dandruff and quickens hair growth. While it is suitable for all hair types, sesame oil is believed to be most efficient for people who wish to have regrowth of lost hair or want a sleek sheen for their hair.
Sesame oil is believed to be best used warm. After heating the oil, it should be spread evenly on hair and scalp, and then left overnight. In the morning it can be washed off normally.
Thyme oil is a nutrient-rich oil containing flavonoids and antioxidants. It is also known to have both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Its flavonoids are also believed to assist in its ability to promote hair growth, as they have been observed to play an important role in the formation of new hair strands during natural hair growth cycle. Thyme oil can reduce inflammation on scalp, and ultimately create a healthier environment for hair to grow.
Thyme oil is believed to be best used directly. Utilizing two tablespoons of the oil to directly apply on the scalp and hair itself, then leaving it for ten minutes twice a week seems to produce the best results. The oil can be washed off normally afterwards.
Lemongrass oil is another essential oil from a very fragrant herb. It is known to contain various vitamins and minerals that are believed to assist in the growth of hair, while strengthening hair follicles and reducing hair loss. It also has been observed to have antifungal and antiviral properties. It is known to be ideal for all hair types.
Lemongrass oil is recommended to use as three to five drops applied during the shower. One can simply put the drops into the shampoo or conditioner bottle. Allowing the hair to soak it in for two minutes and then washing it off has been observed to provide the best results. It also can be used by adding ten drops into two tablespoons of carrier oil, and then left overnight. Next morning it can be washed off normally.
Please do not forget to consult your specialist before using any oils or health supplements. Rarely some medicines can interact with these and produce unwanted side effects, or reduce the effectiveness of the medicine used for treatment of other issues.
