Essential Oils for Hair (2024)

Certain essential oils are common ingredients in hair care products and may benefit hair by improving hair growth, scalp health, and texture.

Essential oils are extracted from plants through methods like distillation or evaporation. While essential oils are most famous for their aromatic capabilities, they also contain strong chemical properties that may benefit health.

Alternative, Eastern, and homeopathic medicine traditions have long-used essential oils as natural remedies.

Certain essential oils may benefit your hair and scalp health when properly diluted. Keep reading to learn about essential oils for hair and their possible benefits.

Lavender essential oil contains beneficial bioactive compounds that can have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal effects. This essential oil may possibly benefit scalp health, though more research is still needed on its direct effects on human scalp and hair health.

Multiple studies have used lavender essential oil in a mixture of other essential oils to support hair growth in a small group of people with alopecia. However, as lavender was not the only oil used, additional research is needed to determine if it can have this effect.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that lavender has long been used in skin care products, for aromatherapy, or added to baths. While it’s generally safe, some people may develop an allergic reaction to it.

Some people add a few drops of lavender oil into a carrier oil, like olive oil or melted coconut oil, and apply it directly to the scalp as a hair mask.

Read more about lavender essential oil for hair, including how to use it.

Peppermint oil contains menthol, which can cause a cold, tingling feeling when applied to the skin.

One 2014 study found that peppermint oil increased the number of follicles, follicle depth, and overall hair growth when used on mice. However, additional research is needed to determine if these benefits also apply to human hair.

According to the NCCIH, applying diluted peppermint oil to the skin is likely safe and may have some benefits, including reducing tension headaches. But it may also cause skin irritation and rashes in some people.

Read more about using peppermint essential oil for hair.

Rosemary essential oil may help improve hair thickness and growth thanks to its ability to enhance cellular generation.

According to an older 2015 study, rosemary oil performed as well as minoxidil, a common hair growth treatment, but with less scalp itching as a side effect. Additional studies have also used it for alopecia in mixtures of other essential oils.

However, larger studies are still needed to support its effectiveness and use, including in people without alopecia.

Read more about using rosemary essential oil for hair.

Cedarwood essential oil is thought to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss by balancing the oil-producing glands in the scalp. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which may potentially benefit conditions that contribute to dandruff or hair loss.

In multiple small studies reported on in a 2020 review of research, cedarwood extract in a mixture of other oils helped reduce hair loss and promote hair growth and thickness in participants with alopecia areata. However, as the oil was used with other essential oils, additional research is needed to determine whether it has these possible benefits.

Cedarwood oil may be hard to find in grocery stores, but you might be able to purchase it from smaller health food stores or online.

Read more about the possible benefits and safety precautions of cedarwood oil.

A 2024 review of research on lemongrass essential oil suggests a tonic made from 10% lemongrass essential oil may help reduce and manage dandruff. The authors note the effect may be due to lemongrass essential oil’s antifungal properties.

However, additional larger studies are needed to support this use of lemongrass essential oil.

Learn more about the possible uses of lemongrass essential oil.

Common sage may help support hair growth by inducing the cells responsible for it into a proliferative phase, according to a 2020 study in test tubes and mice.

However, this potential benefit needs to be further evaluated in studies on humans to determine if it has the same effect. Additional research is needed to determine the required amount and the application schedule.

Learn about essential oils derived from sage.

Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. When used topically, it may help increase hair growth.

A small 2013 study even found that a mixture of tea tree oil, diclofenac (an anti-inflammatory), and minoxidil (Rogaine) was more effective than minoxidil alone in improving hair growth. However, larger studies are needed to confirm this benefit. The study included tea tree oil as an anti-infective agent, so it is still unclear what benefit, if any, tea tree oil may have when used outside of this mixture.

Tea tree oils come in many concentrations, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s directions. Some are highly concentrated essential oils, and other products are mixed in a cream or oil.

The NCCIH notes that tea tree oil has antiseptic properties and may be helpful for fungal infections. However, it can also cause rashes and skin irritation.

Read more about the benefits of tea tree oil on the scalp.

Ylang-ylang essential oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

A 2021 study on essential oils in cosmetics notes that ylang-ylang essential oil may help tissue regeneration.

A 2024 study suggests it may benefit scalp psoriasis and dandruff. However, the study’s purpose was to create a gel containing nanoparticles to improve the absorption of ylang-ylang rather than to test its benefits outright.

More evidence is needed to determine the benefits of this essential oil for hair and scalp health.

Read more about the potential benefits and uses of ylang-ylang essential oil.

The biggest risk of essential oils is skin irritation and allergic reactions. This is especially common when an essential oil is applied directly to the skin, so it’s vital to always use a carrier oil to dilute it.

Symptoms of skin irritation include:

  • contact dermatitis
  • burning, discomfort, or painful tingling
  • discoloration in the affected area

An allergic reaction can be an emergency

An allergic reaction can be life threatening. If you or someone else has symptoms of an allergic reaction, contact 911 or your local emergency services. Symptoms can include:

  • swelling of the tongue
  • narrowing of the throat
  • difficulty breathing
  • severe skin irritation or blistering rashes

Only older teenagers and adults should use essential oils topically for hair health. If you think essential oils could benefit your child, it’s best to talk with their pediatrician before using an essential oil to make sure it’s safe for them.

Some essential oils, such as peppermint essential oil, should not be applied to children’s faces, as it can cause difficulty breathing.

To evaluate for irritation, remember to test a small amount of the mixture on a small patch of skin before full use.

Essential oils can help you improve the health of your hair with very little risk of side effects at an affordable price point. They’re also easy to use.

For many, mixing some with a carrier oil or your shampoo and applying that to your scalp regularly may increase hair growth, strength, or shine.

You can also read about other herbs with benefits for your hair and scalp.

Essential Oils for Hair (2024)

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