Key Highlights: 

• Importance of hair oil for growth and the role of essential oils 
• Types of essential and carrier oils suggested for hair growth benefits
• Suggested tips for using hair oils effectively and safely 
• Understanding potential complications and risks of hair oils 
• When to consult a doctor for hair loss 

Introduction 

Good hair does more than just enhance our looks, it boosts our self-esteem too! Hair oils have been known to promote hair health forever. They are known to enhance hair growth, make hair stronger, and reduce hair fall. This blog will dive into the various benefits of hair oils.  

We’ll look at how different essential and carrier oils may boost your hair health, and talk about their safe and correct usage. We will discuss the possible problems you could run into, and when it’s wise to see a doctor for hair fall. So, let’s get started! Let’s learn the secrets to achieving amazing hair growth and health! 

Benefits of essential oils for hair growth 

Extracted from various plants, essential oils are found to bring about abundant health benefits. Research has shown that these oils promote hair and scalp health., however, further studies are needed to confirm their benefits. Here are a few proposed reasons why essential oils could be good for your hair health: 

• They  pump up blood flow to the scalp 
• They can feed and toughen hair roots 
• They may help battle  hair fall and scalp issues  

How essential oils work 

When applied to the scalp, essential oils reach the hair roots. This may help nourish them and increase blood flow to the scalp. The surge of key nutrients and oxygen may help boost hair growth and lessen hair fall.  

Essential oils also can possibly help with scalp condition, due to their proposed antimicrobial and oil balancing properties. However, it is always best to consult your dermatologist before using any new therapy for scalp issues as these could signal a more serious condition like psoriasis (a skin disease) or a major infection like ringworm. 

Types of essential oils and their benefits 

Many essential oils are shown to spur hair growth and boost scalp health. Let’s go through each type and their specific properties that may help improve hair health. 

1. Lavender essential oil 

Lavender oil not just has a calming fragrance; it may help spur hair growth too. Studies have shown that lavender oil may help in: 

• Accelerating hair cell growth  
• Keeping the scalp healthy possibly due to its germ-fighting power 

2. Peppermint essential oil 

Peppermint oil with its refreshing scent and cool feeling may also help by by: 

• Revving up scalp blood flow, which can potentially improve hair growth  
• Balancing scalp oil, which helps keep hair in good shape  

3. Rosemary essential oil 

Rosemary oil comes with a lovely herbal scent and can provide certain hair benefits too. It has been found that rosemary oil may help improve hair health by:: 

• Boosting hair cell growth and giving volume to hair 
• Soothing dry and itchy scalps  

4. Cedarwood essential oil 

With its soft and earthy scent, cedarwood oil can potentially offer the following benefits for your hair: 

• Balancing scalp oil
• Fighting minor scalp infections and other scalp issues  
• Increasing scalp blood flow and possibly stimulating hair growth  

5. Lemongrass essential oil 

Lemongrass oil, with its vibrant citrus scent, may also help maintain healthy hair. Studies have shown that it has:

• Antifungal properties that can help keep the scalp flake-free
• Ability to promote a healthy scalp for best hair growth  

6. Thyme essential oil 

Thyme oil has a potent herbal scent and might also aid in maintaining hair health. Although, there are limited studies, it has been reported to:: 

• Improve hair growth by stimulating the scalp  
• Help in reducing hair fall by reinforcing hair roots  

7. Clary sage essential oil 

Clary sage oil boasts a pleasing aroma and may offer the following benefits for your hair: 

• Help increase hair toughness and resistance to damage
• Provide key nutrients and minerals for best hair health

8. Tea tree essential oil 

A lot of studies have shown that tea tree oil has strong germ and fungus-killing power. It may aid in improving hair health by: 

• Clearing hair roots and potentially promoting hair growth
• Battling scalp issues

9. Ylang-ylang essential oil 

Ylang-ylang oil is sweetly floral. It has been reported to be a boon for dry scalps as it can help with: 

• Boosting sebum production to hydrate the scalp and reduce hair breakage
• Enhancing hair texture and lowering hair thinning  

10. An extract oil alternative: Horsetail plant extract oil 

While not an essential oil, horsetail plant extract oil deserves mention. Studies have  found that it provides hair  benefits such as: 

• Holding in silica which can possibly improve hair growth and strength   
• Boosting blood flow and overall scalp health 
   

Although studies have found essential oils to be beneficial, large scale human studies are still limited to the use of these oils in promoting hair and scalp health.  It is, therefore, advised that for proper management of your hair and scalp conditions, you should always consult your healthcare provider. 

Before we delve into the next section, let’s have a quick overview of different essential oils and their potential benefits in a nutshell. 

Carrier Oils 

Importance of carrier oils 

Carrier oils play a big part in using essential oils for hair growth. They are used to: 

• Dilute concentrated essential oils, making skin contact safe  
• Support skin absorption of essential oils to maximize their benefits 

Types of carrier oils and their benefits 

Several carrier oils exist. Each may offer a unique mix of hair growth benefits. 

1. Pumpkin seed oil 

Pumpkin seed oil may help in promoting  hair health by: 

• Supplying nutrients like oleic acid and vitamin E
• Cutting down scalp inflammation that can lead to hair fall  

2. Jojoba oil 

Jojoba oil resembles our scalp’s natural oils. It gels well with our hair and skin and may help by: 

• Moisturising the scalp and hair without coming off as greasy
• Balancing oil production, leading to healthier hair growth  

3. Argan oil 

Argan oil stars in many hair care products. It potentially  promotes hair growth by: 

• Going deep into the hair shaft for hydration and conditioning
• Shielding hair from harms such as sun rays  

4. Coconut oil 

Everyone knows about coconut oil’s vast hair growth benefits. Coconut oil may help: 

• Maintain the protein within hair strands, avoiding hair breakage
• Feed the hair roots deeply and promote a healthy scalp  

5. Avocado oil 

Avocado oil is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. It may aid in maintaining hair health by: 

• Moisturizing and feeding hair, refining hair texture and cutting down breakage
• Promoting scalp health, encouraging ideal conditions for hair growth 

It is advisable to consult an expert before you start using a new type of hair oil as he/she can suggest you the best choice based on your specific hair texture and scalp condition. 

Before we move ahead, here’s a simple rundown of different carrier oils and their potential benefits. 

Tips for Using Hair Oils for Growth 

Want to use hair oils right while keeping your hair safe? Here are some tips suggested by experts: 

1. Source your oils carefully 

• Try opting for top-grade, unrefined oils to get the best results  
• Check the oil’s brand or source to ensure you get a pure, real product

2. Use with a carrier oil 

• It is advisable to always mix essential oils with a carrier oil before scalp application to avoid irritation or skin reactions
• You can test different carrier oils to find the perfect match for your hair type and needs  

3. Application methods 

The following application methods can help you make the most from your hair oils: 

Following the hair oil treatment routine 

• Mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil. 
• Rub the mix onto your scalp, softly massaging it in with your fingertips. 
• Let it sit on your scalp for at least 10 minutes. You can also leave it overnight. 
• Wash the oil out with a mild shampoo. 

 Letting oils saturate 

• Be patient. Give the oil time to soak into your scalp and hair roots for the best effect.
• Stick to a consistent use of hair oils (weekly, ideally) to see clear betterment in hair growth and health. 

Also Read: Peppermint Oil For Hair: A Research-Backed Guide To Benefits And Usage

Here’s a quick summary of some expert tips for using hair oils for growth. 

Potential Complications and Risks 

While hair oils can massively boost hair growth, they may come with certain risks: 

1. Allergic reactions 

Some individuals may have skin issues or allergies due to essential oils. In such cases: 

• It is advisable to take a patch test on a tiny skin area before applying the oil all over your scalp
• If your face has constant itchiness, redness, or discomfort, stop using the oil and talk to your healthcare provider  

2. Overuse concerns 

Using too much essential oil or not diluting it well with a carrier oil might lead to: 

• Skin irritation or discomfort 
• Extended exposure to strong essential oils may cause sensitization or allergies in some  

3. Not suitable for all hair types 

All essential oils may not suit every hair type, therefore, always: 

• Choose the hair oil based on your hair texture, the nature of your scalp and your specific needs
• Consider your choice if you have very sensitive skin as you might have an allergy or sensitivity to a given essential oil 
   

Let’s quickly go over the potential risks and how to avoid them. 

When to Consult a Doctor for Hair Loss 

If you think an underlying issue is causing your hair loss, it is best to see a healthcare provider.  

1. Identifying the underlying causes of hair loss 

Some reasons could be: 

• Hormone issues like thyroid problems or PCOS  
• Lack of key nutrients like iron or vitamin D
• Health conditions like alopecia areata or scalp infections 
• Certain medications such as those given for cancer treatment, depression, arthritis, heart problems and high blood pressure  

2. Determining the right treatment approach 

A doctor or a dermatologist can: 

• Help find the root cause of your hair loss
• Suggest the right treatments or steps based on your specific needs

Also Read: Unlocking the Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Hair: A Deep Dive

Conclusion 

Hair oils can naturally enhance your hair and scalp health and may help boost hair growth. With the right blend of essential and carrier oils, and a regular hair oil treatment routine, your hair can become stronger, longer, and healthier. However, you must always seek your healthcare provider’s advice if you think an underlying issue is causing your hair loss. They can provide you with the best management options based on your particular scalp and hair type and condition. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

References: 

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25842469 
2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9828867 
3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents—Myth or Real Alternative? [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6612361 
4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Review article: The physiologic effects and safety of Peppermint Oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5814329 
5. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Beneficial effects of pumpkin seed oil as a topical hair growth promoting agent in a mice model [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6823528 
6. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017725 
7. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8197201 
8. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020 
9. PubMed. Argan oil as a pretreatment of human hair before exposure to oxidative damage: Attenuated total reflectance and protein loss studies [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 16]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35226791 
10. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Benefits of Argan Oil on Human Health—May 4–6 2017, Errachidia, Morocco [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5535876 
11. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Lemongrass ( Cymbopogon flexuosus ) essential oil demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect in pre-inflamed human dermal fibroblasts [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5801909 
12. PubMed. Anti-dandruff Hair Tonic Containing Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) Oil [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 16]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26566122 
13. PubMed. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 16]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094 
14. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Hair Cosmetics: An Overview [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693 
15. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931 

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