Many people are turning to age-old herbal remedies to cut down on the usage of medications and chemicals on their skin and hair. Turns out, using lavender oil for hair is the new-old trend now. Lavender oil has been scientifically proven to improve hair health and reduce hair loss. It is also known to condition the hair and boost its strength.
Lavender Oil For Hair
Let us look at the top benefits of lavender essential oil for hair.
Hair Growth
A 2016 animal study published in the Toxicological Research revealed that lavender oil application helped improve hair growth and thickness. However, human studies are required to explore the benefits of the oil’s application on hair. [1]
Lavender oil has long been used as a perfume, for aromatherapy, & for skin applications. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Reduces Hair Loss
A study conducted in 1998 found that a mixture of herbal oils, including lavender oil, massaged into the scalp daily for seven months was able to reduce hair loss. The other herbal oils included in the massage treatment were thyme, rosemary, and cedarwood and the carrier oils were jojoba oil and grapeseed oil. This has been suggested as an alternative treatment to alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss, often in patches. [2]
Body Hair
Hair removal may seem contradictory to lavender oil’s effect on hair growth. However, when lavender oil is mixed with tea tree oil, it has anti-androgenic properties, according to a study published in the Journal of Endocrinal Investigation. The randomized study participants were young women suffering from idiopathic hirsutism and they were given a treatment of lavender and tea tree oil for hair removal. A spray with the oil mixture was applied twice a day for three months in areas affected by hirsutism. At the end of the study, lavender and tea tree oil proved to be effective in reducing unwanted body hair in women. [3]
Helps Prevent Hair Lice
A 2011 study showed that a mixture of lavender and tea tree oil can effectively prevent hair lice and kill it too. However, further studies are needed to explore the therapeutic benefits of the oil mixture on lice. [4]
Hair Regrowth
Traditional lavender essential oil for hair growth recipes are available in many herbal handbooks.
According to the book “Grow Hair Fast: 7 Steps to a New Head of Hair in 90 Days” by beauty expert Riquette Hofstein, lavender oil mixed with other herbal oils helps promote hair regrowth. In her best-seller, Hofstein recommends a mix of basil oil, rosemary oil, lemon oil, and lavender oil. For hair regrowth, she advises massaging the herbal oil mix every night, especially on the areas which are most affected by hair loss. [5]
How To Use Lavender Oil for Hair?
Let us look at the different ways you can use lavender essential oil for hair.
Massage The Oil Into Scalp
Lavender oil is one of the few essential oils that are safe to topically apply directly on the skin, according to the Ayurveda and Aromatherapy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is best to dilute it with a carrier oil like jojoba oil, coconut oil, or almond oil. All three carrier oils are good for hair. You can massage the oil blend into the scalp and hair, and leave it in for half an hour before washing it off. If you find that the essential oils work well for your hair, you can try leaving the blend on overnight. [6]
Use It As A Hair Rinse
Research points out that hair fall also occurs due to stress. You can add a few drops of lavender oil into your bath water and use it as a hair rinse after regular shampooing. The lavender fragrance is known for its relaxing effects on the body and mind, which in turn can help reduce hair loss. [7] [8]
Lavender & Tea Tree Oil Hair Mask For Lice
Several DIY recipes call for mixing lavender and tea tree oil to kill and prevent hair lice.
- It is advisable to mix 10 drops of lavender oil and tea tree oil each into a carrier oil like almond oil or jojoba oil.
- Dividing the hair into sections, apply the essential oil blend on slightly damp hair and the scalp evenly.
- Use a wide-toothed comb to brush the hair from the scalp to the ends so that the hair strands are well coated.
- Put a shower cap and keep for 2-3 hours.
- You can then wash shampoo your hair. Comb the damp hair with a nit comb dipped in diluted vinegar. You can repeat this procedure once a week until the lice problem disappears. [9]
Word of Caution: Some people may suffer from rashes or hives as they may be allergic to lavender. While it is safe to use lavender essential oil topically, it is not recommended for ingestion. It is always advisable to consult your doctor or a certified herbalist before using essential oils on the skin or hair.
