Natural hair enthusiasts will tell you all about how essential oils have done miracles to their hair. From easing the detangling process to even aiding in hair growth and length retention. As the name suggests, essential oils stem form natural plants and fruits, here are some essential oils that are great for your hair:
1. Lavender oil
Lavender oil can speed up hair growth. It also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which can improve scalp health. Moreover, lavender has a pleasant scent.
How: Mix several drops of lavender oil into 3 tablespoons of a carrier oil (carrier oils are oils that dilute the concentrated essential oils so they can be applied to the skin without side effects). Such as olive oil or melted coconut oil and apply it directly to your scalp. Leave it in for at least 10 minutes before washing it out and shampooing as you normally would or leave in the hair until you next wash day.
2. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil once applied causes a cooling and, tingling feeling .The oil increases circulation to the area it’s applied to. This can help promote hair growth and aides in the reducing dandruff on the scalp.
How: Mix 2 drops of peppermint essential oil with the carrier oil of your choice. Massage it into your scalp, and leave on for 5 minutes before washing out thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner or leave it in until your next wash day.
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil contains powerful cleansing, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. When used topically, it can help unplug hair follicles and increase hair growth. Due to these strong properties, tea tree also helps in getting of dandruff on the scalp. 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.
How: Mix 3 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil, apply the mixture to the scalp only and massage it. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it out.
4. Castor oil
Castor oil is said to moisturize the scalp, ease dandruff, and leave your hair smooth and shiny. Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid - a type of fatty acid that fights inflammation. When applied to the scalp, it enhances the health of the hair follicles and in turn, promote hair growth as well as length retention. This castor oil is mostly categorized as a carrier oil, the properties it has are very beneficial to the hair.
How: Rub a few drops of the oil into your scalp. You can also massage a few additional drops of castor oil into your hair’s midsection and ends, which may protect against breakage and improve hair texture. Mix it with other oils to reduce the slightly pungent smell.
5. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish hair, including vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin E, copper, and zinc. These properties help to strengthen hair, retain length and promote hair thickness. The idea behind this is that the oil moisturizes hair follicles, which prevents dryness that leads to hair loss.
How: Apply to hair from root and work down evenly to hair tips. Leave in for about 20 minutes and then shampoo, condition and rinse.
These are but some of the amazing essential oils available in the market. Remember to always doing a patch test to check if you have any potential allergies.
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