Aromatherapy Oils for Hair

Essential oils have been used in aromatherapy to enhance a person's physical as well as psychological well-being. Aromatherapy benefits have been enjoyed by people in various ways such as massages, inhaling vapors of essential oils directly, lighting aromatic candles, etc.

However, now this ever famous aromatherapy is being used to treat hair loss problems such as thinning hair and bald patches.

Essential oils extracted from special plants by distillation, when applied on the scalp are observed to stimulate hair follicles, thereby conducing to better hair growth. Today, we have scores of aromatherapy shampoos and conditioners lined in stores across the globe.

Marketers claim that these shampoos and conditioners infused with aromatherapy oils nourish, balance and condition one's hair. Moreover, since these hair care products are pH balanced, they are mild, gentle and can be used on a daily basis without fearing drying of the scalp.

There are several different types of essential oils available in the market. Their cost will vary according to the country in which it is extracted and the climatic conditions of the region. Below are some commonly used aromatherapy oils.

• Basil
• Rosemary
• Rose
• Jojoba oil
• Lavender
• Myrrh
• Carrot seed essential oil
• Ylang-Ylang
• Geranium

• Palmarosa
• Bay
• Roman Chamomile
• Lemon
• Olive oil
• Tea tree oil
• Chamomile
• Sage
• Cedarwood
• Thyme
• Grape seed oil
• Atlas cedarwood essential oil

A blend of essential oils are used to massage the scalp, which nourishes the hair and scalp and keep them clean. The type of blend formulated will depend on the hair type. Let's have a quick look at the blend formulated for each type of hair.

Oily Hair: A blend of basil (promotes hair growth), rosemary oil (prevents dandruff, keeps scalp clean) and ylang-ylang (promotes hair growth) is used for oily hair type. These oils need to be mixed in a base oil like sunflower oil or safflower oil and then massaged onto the scalp.

Dry Hair: Underactive sebaceous glands lead to drying of the scalp, which in turn conduces to hair breakage and split ends. To counter this problem, one can massage a blend of rose essential oil, carrot seed essential oil and myrrh, mixed in a carrier oil or base oil: jojoba oil.

This combination is highly recommended for dry hair as the essential oil rose extract soothes the scalp, while carrot essential oil nourishes it. Myrrh on the other hand helps stimulate underactive sebaceous glands.

Normal Hair: Palmarosa and germanium essential oils assist in strengthening the hair and imparting a gleaning effect to the hair. Moreover, lavender oil helps prevent formation of dandruff on the scalp. Thus, blending these three essential oils in a suitable carrier oil is perfect for normal hair.

If you're specifically looking for a blend that can be used for improving hair growth, then you can try out this aromatherapy blend. In a small glass jar take 2 drops of thyme essential oil, 3 drops of lavender oil, 3 drops of rosemary oil and 2 drops of atlas cedarwood essential oil, and mix well.

Then into this mixture add 4 teaspoons of grape seed oil and half a teaspoon of jojoba oil. Mix this entire mixture thoroughly. Every night before sleeping, massage your scalp with some of this mixture for three minutes. Wrap your head in a warm towel and wash it off in the morning. However, if you have high blood pressure, refrain from using rosemary oil.

Preparing a blend of lavender essential oil and bay essential oil, 6 drops each and mixing it in 4 ounces of carrier oil like soybean or almond oil will help improve hair health.

Massaging this oil properly onto the scalp will stimulate the hair follicles, thereby enhancing hair growth. After half an hour, wash your hair with shampoo (add 3 drops of bay oil into the shampoo).

The use of these oils for hair loss, hair growth, hair strengthening, reducing itchiness of a dry scalp, improving scalp condition, controlling dandruff, etc. have a very good effect. All these benefits cause people to flock to stores and pick up essential oils.