If you are like any other woman, your hair can probably tell a story. It has gone through different phases with you in life and is still going strong – well, sort of. You probably bleached your hair at some point, permed it, put on some really tight braids just to look hip and used a whole load of artificial product.
Now, you are probably looking at your hair and sending up a prayer that someone will come and rescue your hair because you do not know where to start! This article aims to tell you how you can restore your hair to its pre-damaged state by simply following a regimen using essential oils. You can nowadays purchase these oils without parting with an arm and a leg in many health food stores. Many people are realizing the err of their ways and turning back to natural ways of dealing with hair. So you can ditch the oil-stripping shampoos, the serums and heat straighteners. Go for essential oils which will breathe new life into your hair and have the added advantage of their lovely fragrances.
Here are a few essential oils you could try:
- Lavender – This essential oil is mild and soothing and can be used for any type of hair. Massage it into your scalp to improve blood circulation, promote hair growth and prevent loss of hair. Lavender oil balances sebum production and is ideal for those who have a mixed scalp type IE oily at some parts, dry at others. It is also an antiseptic and antibacterial, therefore, is can heal abrasions on your scalp and help get rid of dandruff.
- Chamomile – This essential oil has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. When rubbed onto the scalp, it relieves itchy and scaly scalp. It also has soothing benefits to the scalp. This is a natural hair conditioner as it protects the hair from damage caused by environmental pollutants. It may also be used as a rinse as it lightens the color of hair and gives it a bit of a golden sheen.
- Rosemary – This essential oil is extracted from the herb Rosmarinus officinalis and has a strong minty scent. It is jam-packed with antioxidants that help combat premature thinning and graying of hair. It stimulates hair follicles by encouraging blood circulation in the scalp. Even though it has anti-dandruff properties, Rosemary is best used for oily hair. It balances the action of sebum glands and opens clogged pores. When using Rosemary, you can be assured that your hair will be healthy and non-greasy.
- Moroccan Argan oil – This essential oil is high in fatty acids and vitamin e. It reverses the effect of heating and environmental factors on the hair such as smog. It is known to prevent split ends, control frizzy hair, repair damaged hair and to make hair shiny. It also has antioxidant properties making it ideal for dry scalp
- Ylang Ylang – This essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the Cananga odorata tree. It is used to stimulate the sebaceous glands to increase sebum production, therefore is it suitable for those with very dry scalps. It is also known to have been used to get rid of head lice. This essential oil is also good because it reduces stress levels and associated hormonal imbalances that may cause hair loss.
- Tea Tree Oil – This essential oil is of Australian origin, having been extracted from the Melaleuca alternifoliate tree. It is used to treat almost any skin ailment and is known to be the number one remedy for dandruff. It relieves itchiness and moisturizes the scalp. It works deep into the hair follicles, unclogging each and every one of them.
- Peppermint – This essential oil is known for its cooling effect as is commonly felt when chewing peppermint chewing gum. When it is applied to the skin, it improved blood flow to the particular area. This is useful in hair growth and rejuvenation of hair follicles It is ideal for people with dry scalp as it also controls dandruff.
- Thyme – This essential oil has a strong, spicy scent. It is commonly added to shampoos and other hair care products for preventing hair loss. It also increases blood flow to the scalp and rejuvenates hair follicles.
- Sage – This essential oil, extracted from Salvia sclarea is known for its use in preventing premature balding. It regulates oil production and controls dandruff when applied to the scalp. It can be used for all types of scalps but is particularly useful for those with dry scalps. It has a high phytoestrogen content, which has been attributed to hair growth as well.
- Cedar oil – This essential oil has proven to be effective in reversing alopecia, which is the formation of bald spots on the scalp, caused by continuous pulling of the hair, for instance, when in braids. It has a warm woody aroma and is extracted from the wood of the Cedrus atlantica tree. It is beneficial for both dry and oily scalp as it balances the oil secreted by the sebaceous gland while also treating dandruff. Its antiseptic properties make it effective against bacterial or fungal issues as well as dandruff.
You have to be careful that the essential oils that you buy are of high quality. Several people are over-eager to earn that extra buck that they dilute the essential oils they sell or add other cheaper components. You should use a tiny amount of essential oil on your skin first before applying it onto your whole head just in case you might be allergic to one of them.
For starters, try different essential oils to be used one by one until you find your own unique mixture of essential oils to suit your hair. Also, read about different essential oils before using them. Some, for example, need to be diluted before use while others can be rubbed onto the scalp straight from the bottle.
