Down through the ages, hair has been played an important role in the lives of men and women. A good head of hair has been a source of pride in the holder and a source of admiration in the eyes of the beholder. As Shana Alexander has said,
hair brings one’s self-image into focus; it’s vanity’s proving ground
Ever since human beings became self-aware, people have looked for ways to nurture their hair better. This search has led to the discovery of many substances which have been thought to enhance and improve scalp and hair qualities. Of these, essential oils are some of the earliest finds. We find their mention in ancient cultures such as the Oriental, Indian and Egyptian civilizations. They have been with us for a long, long time.
15 Essential Oils for Black Hair Growth and Thickness
Essential oils, also known as ethereal oils or volatile oils are oils which contain the volatile essences of the plants from which they are extracted. A few common examples are Clove oil, Lavender oil, Jasmine oil, Eucalyptus oil and Peppermint oil. Many such oils have properties that which increase hair growth, improve hair health, and cure scalp conditions that may result in damage or loss of hair. The use of Essential oils in aroma-therapy is extensive.
There are many essential oils available. However, not all of them are beneficial for your hair. We have created a list of most common and popular essential oils for hair care.
1. Arnica Oil
There are no doubts about the therapeutic properties of Arnica. As they have long been used in Homeopathy for a large number of disorders including many hair-related ones. Herbalists consider Arnica as the most effective essential oils to prevent hair loss. They often use it to cure alopecia neurotica. Its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties protect hair from everyday damages. It also enriches the scalp.
2. Basil Oil
This is an essential oil that stimulates blood circulation in the scalp. Which nourishes the hair roots and removes dead skin. Basil oil is used in combination with fenugreek and ivy burdock herbs to improve scalp health.
3. Carrot Root
Carrot Root oil is the extract of carrot root. It emulsifies in Jojoba oil as it is a solid in pure form. It has high concentrations of carotenes and other anti-oxidants. This makes it an excellent choice as a stimulant for the scalp and hair follicles.
4. Carrot Seed
Carrot seed oil invigorates hair follicles. Another possible application of this oil is detoxification. Especially for the people who are exposed to polluted environment.
5. Clary Sage
It is surmised that Clary Sage balances estrogen levels in the skin and scalp. The right hormonal balance is essential for both women and men for good health.
6. Clove
Known to increase circulation and may stimulate new hair growth. One of the most powerful anti-oxidants known, Clove is also an antiseptic.
7. Cypress
Cypress has the capability to increase circulation and capillary strength. Hair follicles need a good blood circulation in the scalp for good hair growth. That’s why, people often use it in different hair treatment recipes.
8. German Chamomile
Inflammation of the hair follicles and scalp is one of the biggest reasons of hair loss.. German Chamomile has both anti-inflammatory and cooling properties.
9. Lavender
Lavender has similar effects as German Chamomile. It calms the nerves and removes stress. This leads to cooling the scalp and de-stressing the hair. Lavender also helps to get rid of head-lice as it is also work as an antiseptic.
10. Myrtle
When over-production of sebum tends to clog the follicles and pores, Myrtle helps to regulate scalp oil. Moreover, it also work as an antiseptic.
11. Rosemary
Rosemary oil is quite popular as a cure for scalp itch, dandruff, dry hair and other scalp problems. It is also an effective anti-irritant. It stimulates hair follicles and encourages rapid growth of hair.
12. Sage
Sage oil purifies the scalp. It contains anti-fungal, antioxidant and antiseptic properties. It also treats hair loss and darkens the tint of graying hair.
13. Sea Buckthorn
Works to regenerate the scalp by providing antioxidants and nutrients. It could also protect the scalp from harmful UV rays.
14. Tea Tree
Conditions hair and purifies the scalp. Tea tree oil also has strong detoxifying qualities, and it promotes healthy hair growth by enhancing blood circulation.
15. Ylang Ylang
Cleanses the scalp and hair and is very effective in case of dandruff. Ylang ylang stimulates lymph drainage, and keeps your scalp germ free. Thereby stimulates healthy hair growth.
What is Carrier Oils
As crucial to hair and scalp care as essential oils are carrier oils. Essential oils are too concentrated to be applied directly. Carrier oils are the vehicle that carries the essential oils to all parts of the hair and the scalp. They are just as necessary as essential oils as they contain those fatty acids and nutrients that nurture the hair and the scalp. In fact, you can use carrier oils by themselves and get some improvement. But when various essential oils are blended with them in the right proportion, they can do much more.
Most Common Carrier Oils:
- Coconut – Coconut oil, by itself has hair improving qualities. It tends to solidify at room temperatures, but will remain liquid if blended with other carriers. Coconut oil provides a large amount of nutrition to the scalp and hair.
- Evening Primrose – This oil is an effective solution for all kinds of dermatitis. It is an excellent source of essential fats, which has a salutary effect on many skin conditions. Evening Primrose is particularly effective on preventing by providing adequate circulation,.
- Grape seed – Grape seed oil contains large amount of antioxidant polyphenols. As very light oil, and it is always an ideal choice for combating oily scalp. When dark green in color, it carries a larger amount of the antioxidant.
- Hemp – This oil contains significant quantities of essential fats. It even improves hair conditions when taken internally or with food. It has positive effect on circulation and inflammation.
- Jojoba – Jojoba oil is a constituent of many natural hair care products. It cleanses the follicles of sebum by preventing excess production by the skin. It is believed to encourage soft, shiny and vibrant hair.
- Rosehip seed – This oil has been studied extensively in the field of reduction of sun damage and wrinkles of the skin. Its highly therapeutic quality should be effective where scalp or hair needs regeneration.
- Sesame – Sesame enhances the effectiveness of Vitamin E, and it increases luster and darkness of hair.
Essential Oils Recipes for Hair Growth
Finally, when it comes to using the essential oils, these recipes could be just the thing you need.
Healthy and Vigorous Hair Growth –
| Jojoba | 2oz. |
| Coconut | 2oz. |
| Lavender | 64 drops |
| Rosemary (Cineol or Verbenone) | 64 drops |
| Sage | 16 drops |
Meant for those who have normal scalps. In case of pregnancy use Rosemary Cineol and avoid Sage.
Healthy Growth and Mature Feminine Beauty –
| Jojoba | 2oz. |
| Evening Primrose | 1oz. |
| Rosehip Seed | 1oz. |
| Lavender | 48 drops |
| Rosemary Verbenone | 48 drops |
| Carrot or Sea Buckthorn | 48 drops |
| Clary Sage | 24 drops |
This recipe encourages hair growth to emphasize a mature feminine look.
Alopecia Areata –
| Jojoba | 2oz. |
| Grapeseed | 2oz. |
| Lavender, Thyme, Cedarwood and Rosemary c.t. Verbenone | 32 drops each |
Dark Thick Hair –
| Jojoba, Coconut and Sesame in equal quantities to male | 4ozs. |
| Lavender | 48 drops |
| Rosemary Verbenone | 48 drops |
| Ylang Ylang | 48 drops |
Final Thoughts
These are only a few recipes. You can use these recipes as a standard guideline. Try gather many recipes from internet. However, your first job is to identify your scalp and hair type. You also should understand the exact reason for your problem. That will help you to find the right solution, and speed you on your way to luxuriant and healthy hair.
