Some people have no problems growing long and thick hair, while others struggle to maintain its length. Essential oils help to improve hair growth and make it look healthy. This method is not new; aromatherapy has long been popular in medicine and beauty. You can find essential oils in serums, shampoos, and other hair care products.
How Essential Oils Enhance Hair Health
Essential oils have many advantages when it comes to improving hair condition. They promote hair growth and enhance scalp health, hair texture, and strength. The use of oils minimizes hair loss and makes the hair shine. All this positively impacts a person’s self-esteem and overall satisfaction with appearance.
Essential Oils vs Carrier Oils: Find Your Best Option
Essential oils are derived from plants by distillation. Unlike carrier oils, which are more neutral, they are highly concentrated and boast a distinctive scent. Carrier oils also come from plants, but not necessarily through distillation.
Here is how your hair may benefit from essential and carrier oils:
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Clary Sage Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Jojoba Oil (promote hair growth and stimulate the scalp);
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Coconut Oil, Chamomile Oil (soften hair and add shine to it);
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Lavender Oil (helps control dandruff, conditions the hair, and keeps it shiny);
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Sandalwood Oil (adds fragrance to the air and helps with dry ends);
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Rosemary Oil, Geranium Oil (strengthen hair and stimulate the roots).
Numerous studies report that to achieve a better effect on hair condition, people should try essential oil blends.
Hair Texture: A Benefit or An Obstacle
Essential oils have long been known for their ability to transform hair appearance. However, not all oils can perform the same function and equally fix problems with various hair textures. Their effectiveness depends significantly on their chemical composition and the specific needs of different hair types.
Coily Hair
Coily hair is scorched, fragile, and curly, making it challenging to care for. Still, essential oils high in saturated fatty acids can help manage frizziness, nourish coily textures, soften the curls, reduce breakage, and simplify combing and styling. Baobab and argan oils are the must-haves for coily hair owners.
Curly Hair
Oils with low molecular weight (olive, coconut, and avocado) are perfect for curly hair. They can penetrate the hair shaft, help maintain shape, and moisturize the hair. Moreover, they reduce breakage and ensure that curls remain healthy and attractive. Curly hair looks shiny with their help.
Wavy Hair
The main task of essential oils for wavy hair is to help it maintain a natural look and not let it weigh down. Olive oil, jojoba oil, and sunflower oil suit these requirements, as they keep the hair frizz-free, hydrated, and moisturized. In addition, they are rich in vitamins essential for wavy hair health. Remember to use these oils in small quantities, not to overweigh the hair.
Straight Hair
Essential oils for straight hair should have a low molecular weight to prevent moisture loss and keep the appropriate hydration level. Use argan, grapeseed, and sunflower oils to maintain smoothness without making the hair greasy.
Essential Oils for Hair Growth and Repair: How to Use Them
Some hair growth products can be harmful, but not essential oils (if used properly). These natural plant extracts ensure significant improvement of hair condition and are easy to implement into daily beauty procedures.
Adding 2-3 drops of essential oil to your favorite carrier oil is the most effective way to enhance hair growth and repair. Massage this oil mixture into your scalp, leave it for 5-10 minutes, and wash it out with your shampoo and conditioner. When you are short of time, add one drop of the essential oil to your shampoo and wash your hair. Afterwards, apply your hair conditioner.
Repeat this procedure twice weekly to achieve better results. When you use new essential oils, remember to patch test on a small area of skin before applying them to your scalp or hair to avoid allergic reactions.
Potential Complications and Risks
Be aware that even a small amount of pure essential oil may irritate the skin, so it is important to dilute it before applying. Skin irritation and allergic reactions are the most significant risks of essential oils. The main symptoms of such reactions include:
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Discomfort;
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Burning;
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Contact Dermatitis;
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Discoloration in the Affected Area.
Some allergic reactions can be life-threatening. Be sure to call emergency services or 911 if you experience at least one of the following symptoms:
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Narrowing of the Throat;
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Swelling of the Tongue;
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Severe Skin Irritation and Rashes;
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Problems with Breathing.
Note: Only adults and teenagers can topically apply the mix of essential and carrier oils. It’s better not to use them on children.
To Sum Up
Essential oils are mainly known for their aromatic properties, but their health benefits cannot be underestimated. Fragrance oils contain bioactive compounds that enhance cellular generation and have antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiinflammatory properties. Often, these oils are less expensive and more effective than conventional hair care products. So, why not use them and choose what suits you best?
