Want Luxurious Natural Hair Care? Here Are the Best Essential Oils to Use!

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

Did you know you can amp up the benefits of your natural hair care products by adding essential oils? You might love using essential oils in other ways, but it’s interesting to know that their therapeutic properties are also fantastic for hair care. Let’s dive into how essential oils can transform your hair care routine, promoting thicker, more luxurious locks naturally…

How to Easily Add Essential Oils to Your Hair Care Routine

Here are some ways to incorporate essential oils into your hair care routine:

• Add a few drops of your chosen oils to your shampoo or conditioner for an aromatic boost.
• Create your own hair mask by blending essential oils with natural ingredients like honey, yogurt, or avocado.
• Dilute essential oils in a carrier oil and use for scalp massages to promote circulation and relaxation.

See the tips below on how to choose the best essential oils for your type of hair. But first, remember this safety concern, always properly dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil. Applying undiluted essential oils may irritate or burn your scalp. If you have a skin condition or skin sensitivity, exercise caution — introduce small amounts for short periods of time to see how you react.

Choose the Right Essential Oils for Your Hair

Among the vast array of essential oils, three stand out for their remarkable benefits in hair care. If you’re just getting started, try one of these:

• Rosemary — Known for its stimulating properties, Rosemary invigorates the scalp, promoting hair growth and thickness.
• Carrot Seed — Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, Carrot Seed nourishes the hair and scalp, encouraging healthier growth.
• Cedarwood — With its woody aroma, Cedarwood balances oil production, making it ideal for both dry and oily scalps. One study reported that people with alopecia areata (a disease that leads to hair loss) experienced significant hair growth when given a daily scalp massage

Match Essential Oils to Your Specific Hair Conditions and Desired Solutions

Choose a carrier oil based on your scalp type — an oily scalp likes a lightweight carrier oil like grapeseed or Almond Oil; a dry scalp loves a heavier carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil. Golden Jojoba is a good all-around option.

You can use essential oils to target specific hair concerns effectively.

To soothe and moisturize dry, flaky scalps: Combine 3 drops of Cedarwood with 2 drops of Rosemary and dilute in a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil or Jojoba. Massage into the scalp and leave on for 30 minutes before shampooing.

To stimulate hair growth:  Mix 3 drops of Rosemary with 2 drops of Carrot Seed and blend with a carrier oil. Apply to the scalp and leave on for 4 hours or overnight for maximum benefit. Note: Less is more in a healthy hair oiling routine. The important thing is to massage it in well. It shouldn’t show up on your pillow.

To nourish and strengthen hair:  Add 10-20 drops of Carrot Seed to 8 ounces of shampoo. Do the same for your conditioner. Use normally. Finish with a hair rinse of  3–4 drops of Carrot Seed added to 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. After rinsing out shampoo, shake the Carrot Rinse bottle and apply, leaving it in for 5 minutes, then end with a final rinse of clear water.

To balance scalp health: Cedarwood is a natural balancer, regulating sebum production to keep the scalp moisturized without being greasy. Its antimicrobial properties also combat scalp infections, reducing dandruff and itchiness. Alternatively, you can use Geranium as it also helps regulate dryness, excess oil, and sebum production. Add 10-20 drops of Geranium or Cedarwood to 8 ounces of shampoo; 15-30 drops to 8 ounces of conditioner.

To get rid of dandruff: Combine 25 ml Super Carrier Oil, 20 ml Rosehip Oil, 5 drops Cedarwood Atlas, 5 drops Eucalyptus Smithii, 3 drops Lime and 8 drops Lemon. Store in dark glass bottle. Massage about a teaspoon of blend into scalp (not hair) just before going to bed. In the morning use a gentle shampoo and wash as usual. Apply every evening until dandruff subsides. After symptoms subside reduce use to 2-3 times per week or as needed.

Bonus: e3’s Super-Restorative Scalp Oil

• 12-24 drops of a combination of Cedarwood Atlas, Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender
• 2 ounces of Fractionated Coconut Oil or Jojoba

Store in a glass bottle with a cap. Use approximately 1 teaspoon to massage into your scalp at night. Use an old pillowcase or towel to protect your good linen. Shampoo in the morning.

How often can you use essential oils in hair care products?

Essential oils added to your shampoos and conditions are safe for normal use. Scalp oiling 2-3 times a week should suffice. Listen to your hair and scalp, adjusting the frequency based on their response.

Essential oils offer a natural, holistic approach to hair care, utilizing the power of plants to nourish, strengthen, and beautify your tresses. Experiment with different oils, blends, and application methods to discover what works best for you, and embrace the journey to healthier, more luxurious hair, the natural way. Make sure to use oils that are all-natural, and quality-tested.

For more blending recommendations, including worksheets to track your efforts, download our free workbook, The Art & Science of Blending Essential Oils. You’ll also get a coupon you can use for your next order.

Some photos by Isaiah McClean and Lera Kogan