Essential oils have for years been used in homeopathic medicine but are now also commonly used for skin and hair nourishment. Although many of the numerous essential oils available in the market will do your hair some good, a few stand out as exceptionally beneficial for reducing hair loss and promoting the regrowth of thick, healthy hair. 

Here is a list of some easily available essential oils which could be what stands between you and a full head of shiny mane. 

Coconut Oil

Oil from this palm tree is perhaps the most easily available essential oil of all. No matter where in the world you are, there will be some form of coconut oil available near you.

Its primary strength is antibacterial and antifungal properties which help to treat a dry and itchy scalp and manage dandruff. Excessive itching can damage scalp skin and hair follicles which contribute to hair loss.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint is a popular ingredient in skincare products but can also be effective for hair growth. Its strength is in the fact that it is a vasodilator. The menthol in peppermint oil causes dilation of blood vessels, which in turn improves blood circulation to hair follicles. 

Considering that most forms of hair loss, including male pattern baldness, are linked to starved hair follicles, improved blood supply promotes hair growth and also prevents hair loss.

Castor Oil

Like other essential oils, castor oil helps to improve blood flow to the scalp, therefore, keeping hair follicles healthy. 

It is rich in vitamin E which is a natural antioxidant. Antioxidation reduces free radicals which are often behind the breakdown of hair follicles and subsequent hair loss.

It also contains omega-6 fatty acids which reduce inflammation in hair follicles, therefore, promoting hair growth. Antibacterial and antifungal properties are essential in managing dandruff.

Tea tree Oil

Apart from improving blood supply to the scalp for increased hair growth, tea tree oil also brings antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. These make it ideal for managing dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis which causes excessive itching and hair loss.

One of tea tree oil’s unique benefits is its ability to balance the pH levels of the scalp which helps hair growth by stimulating natural growth cycles. It also helps to unplug hair follicles.

It is worth noting that unlike other essential oils like coconut oil, tea tree oil is strictly for topical use only. It can cause serious symptoms if ingested. 

Ylang Ylang Oil

Oil extracted from the fragrant ylang-ylang flower has numerous benefits including promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss.

It was used in England as far back as in the Victorian age when it was a popular hair growth treatment. Despite much scientific research, it proves to be just as beneficial today as it is used to combat alopecia-related hair loss.

If you have an oily scalp, ylang-ylang oil may not be for you as it stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce sebum which is exceptionally useful for people with very dry scalp skin. That said, it should not be used on inflamed skin or if you suffer from dermatitis.

Conclusion 

These are just a few of many essential oils each with numerous benefits including hair growth. Such oils are preferred because they provide the same benefits to be gained from hair growth medications but with no side effects. 

Before using any one of these or other essential oils, take time to find out how it should be used. It may not be safe for use in its concentrated form, therefore requiring a carrier oil. In many instances, it should only be left on the scalp and hair for some time then rinsed off.

References

1. https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-homeopathy

2. https://www.verywellhealth.com/coconut-oil-for-your-hair-4171883 

3. https://www.healthline.com/health/peppermint-oil-for-hair#benefits

4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322836#benefits

5. https://www.femina.in/beauty/hair/benefits-and-uses-of-tea-tree-oil-for-hair-115838.html

5. https://scratchmommy.com/benefits-of-ylang-ylang-essential-oil-for-hair/

6. https://www.scalpny.com/blog/how-to-use-essential-oils-for-hair-growth/