Rosemary herb flower and leaf sprig with aromatherapy essential oil 

Essential oils are a natural way to treat hair dryness, thinning, oily and breakage..  Because they help alter our physical, mental and emotional well-being by triggering and strengthening our bodies’ own natural processes they have long been ingredients in hair care recipes. You’ll often find Lavender, Chamomile, Rosemary and Tea Tree in shampoos and conditioners, and for good reason—these oils can positively support the health of the scalp and hair follicles. Which may be the best oils for you? Here’s a look at many essential oils and carrier oils used in hair care, with some tips to helping you create your most effective formula.

Chamomile

Chamomile is one of aromatherapy’s most effective agents for reducing inflammation. Hair loss is sometimes attributed to inflammation in the scalp and follicles, resulting in less-than-ideal cellular function. Some even attribute hair loss to an over-heated scalp. German Chamomile is both anti-inflammatory and cooling, with a pleasant sweet herbaceous aroma.

Ginger Oil

There are many reasons why you could be losing hair. From genetics, stress or hormone imbalances hair loss  can be disheartening and impossible to find the root of the problem without consulting a physician. However, ginger oil contains circulatory agents that when applied to the scalp, can increase blood circulation, stimulating the hair follicles, and help trigger new growth. It also contains fatty acids, which aid in preventing hair thinning.

Jojoba Oil

The molecular makeup of jojoba has similar characteristics to the natural oil the glands of the scalp produce. Jojoba oil can be applied directly to your hair or you can add a few drops to your favorite conditioner to promote hair growth. Jojoba is hypoallergenic and will not harm your hair or scalp. Although it’s referred to as an oil, jojoba oil is actually a wax ester that’s full of fatty acids and organically close to sebum, a natural moisturizer produced by your skin, and is what makes it such an effective hydrator.

Lavender Oil

Lavender is known for its soothing effects, and aromatherapy properties. It makes it a great deep conditioner that boosts shine, nourishes hair, and leaves a pleasant scent that will linger throughout the day. For centuries, lavender has been used by herbal practitioners to prevent baldness and to encourage new hair growth because contains potent anti-bacterial agents that soothe and heal scalp infections. It is useful in treating dandruff and adds volume to the hair shaft. To make your own, place a few sprigs of lavender in a glass container and cover with extra-virgin olive oil and cover tightly. Place in a cool, dark spot and allow to age for 3 to 4 weeks. Use the lavender infused oil as a daily scalp massage. Apply and leave on overnight. In the morning, wash hair with a gentle organic shampoo and style as usual.

Tea Tree Oil

If your major problem is dandruff look no further than tea tree oil. Most often, dandruff is caused by dry skin, but can also be the result of irritated, oily skin, sensitivity to hair products, or worse—fungus. Tea tree oil also moisturizes in addition to its calming, anti-bacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary will get rid of that grease that seems to defy your best efforts at keeping your hair clean. Used for centuries to promote hair growth and delay the onset of gray hair, Rosemary oil stimulates blood circulation of the scalp. A refreshing daily rinse of rosemary leaves simmered in water retains hair color. The rinse is most effective on dark hair. A few drops of rosemary oil can be added to olive oil and used as scalp massage oil. Applying rosemary oil to your scalp can help regulate the secretion of the sebum gland (natural oils produced by your skin), to stop the excess oils.

Geranium Oil

Breakage and split ends can cause frizz and fuzz, making hair harder to style and control, not to mention it’s aesthetically unpleasant. Use geranium oil—which is full of antioxidants— as a treatment to strengthen weak strands and follicles and minimize and prevent further damage. The floral essential oil also works wonders in bringing dull hair back to life by boosting its shine.

Burdock Root Oil

Also known as Bur oil, this oil is one of the most important herbs used to restore hair. Burdock promotes healthy hair by relieving scalp irritations and improving blood circulation to the hair follicle. Burdock root oil supplies natural phytosterols and important essential fatty acids to hair roots, and has been traditionally used to reduce and reverse hair thinning. It is a key ingredient in many hair restoration treatments.