Essential oils really shine in the beauty industry where they are using for skincare, nail care, and hair care. Many still don’t understand the science behind essential oils and aren’t willing to give them a try. In this article, we will discuss ten essential oils for fast hair growth and how to mix essential oils for hair growth.
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Historical Use of Essential Oils
Before we tell you the ten essential oils to grow your hair long and strong, we’re going to give you a little history lesson about essential oils.
Essential oils have been around for at least 5,000 years. They first appeared in ancient Egypt, where they were used for mummification purposes. Egyptians have long been recognized as being far ahead of their time with their innovations and medical understanding, and it wasn’t long before they realized that these oils were as helpful for the living as they were in preparing their dead for their journey into the afterlife.
From Egypt, it is believed the Romans next took up the evolution of essential oils, adding them to their hot, steaming bathhouses for aromatic relaxation. The ancient Romans would also bathe in oils without water if they couldn’t get to the bathhouse.
Essential oil knowledge began to branch out, with practitioners from Persia and Israel all the way to Germany and beyond through the 12th century and beyond. Ancient healers left written pages and guides regarding the healing properties of the herbs and oils that are still used today.
The oils of old were made by mixing powdered botanicals into olive oil or animal fats to make topicals that were easier to use both aromatically and topically.
The essential oils that we use today are the perfect balance of ancient wisdom and modern preparation. They are still considered as effective as they were in days gone by.
Essential oils have been used for everything ranging from mood enhancers to pain relievers. They aren’t entirely a new concept, but they have been getting a lot of attention in the modern world as a safe, natural alternative to over the counter and prescription medications.
Essential oils are used in skincare and for the healthy growth of the nails and hair. Some promote shine, some are for growth, and some are for overall conditioning; when you use any of these oils, you are giving your hair the nutritious boost it needs for growing long, strong, and healthy.
Essential Oils for Hair Growth Fast
In modern times, essential oils also use as home remedies for hair growth and thickness. Now, you may ask which essential oils are the best for fast hair growth? Well, there is no specific answer for it because there are several essential oils which are proven for fast hair growth such as;
1. Peppermint Oil
This is the perfect essentials oil that makes your hair grow fast. Peppermint oil promotes growth by increasing circulation to the hair follicles. You will feel a cold, tingly, pleasant sensation as you massage it through your hair.
A study discovered that peppermint oil, when used on mice, increased the number of follicles, follicle depth, and overall hair growth (1).
- How to use peppermint essential oil for hair growth: Two drops mixed with the carrier oil are massaged into the scalp. After five minutes, wash and condition as normal.
Related: 12 Home Remedies for Hair Growth and Thickness: How to Use
2. Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood has certain antifungal and antibiotic characteristics and can be useful for treating dandruff or some forms of hair loss by restoring the oil-producing glands in the scalp. According to a study, cedarwood essential oil found to reduce hair loss (2).
- How to use Cedarwood essential oil for hair growth: Three to four drops in two tablespoons of your carrier oil applied directly to your scalp. After ten minutes, wash and condition as normal.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is the staple of essential oils with many uses for the skin and hair care. It is a powerful cleansing agent full of antimicrobial and antibiotic characteristics. This oil increases hair growth by unblocking hair follicles. It has been proven to increase effectiveness when used alongside hair loss treatments than hair loss treatment alone (3).
- How to use tea tree essential oil for hair growth: Three drops of tea tree oil into two tablespoons of your carrier oil massaged into your scalp and rinsed off after fifteen minutes. Alternatively, you can mix about ten drops into your bottles of shampoo and conditioner for daily use.
4. Lemongrass Oil
Dandruff is one of the reasons for hair fall, but the good news is that you can use lemongrass essential oil as a home remedy for dandruff.
In 2015, research findings were released that showed that people using lemongrass oil saw a significant reduction in the itchiness and flakes associated with dandruff within the first seven days of use (4).
- How to use lemongrass essential oil for hair growth: Mix five to six drops of lemongrass oil directly into your bottle of shampoo to use daily for best results.
Related: 12 Home Remedies to Control Hair Fall
5. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary essential oil for hair growth has been proven to be as effective as some hair loss treatments, but with absolutely no side effects commonly associated with those treatments. It improves hair growth and thickness by improving cell generation.
- How to use rosemary essential oil for hair growth: Two times per week, massage a mixture of rosemary oil with coconut or olive oil and leave on the scalp for ten minutes. Wash and condition as usual.
6. Horsetail Plant Oil
Horsetail Plant contains silica, a substance known for increasing the thickness, growth rate, and overall health of hair. A study found that oral tablets containing the horsetail plant oil improved hair growth and strength in women with self-perceived thinning hair (5).
- How to use horsetail plant essential oil for hair growth: Horsetail Plant Oil can be taken orally, in tablet form you can find at a nutrition store. Alternatively, when the essential oil is mixed 2 drops per 2 tablespoons of your preferred carrier oil, it adds the benefit of increasing scalp circulation. Leave the mixture on your scalp for ten minutes, then wash as usual.
7. Thyme Oil
Thyme Oil is like cedarwood oil, only a little easier to find. It stimulates your scalp, with some studies suggesting it is useful in battling some types of hair loss. According to a study, thyme oil was found to be helpful in treating alopecia areata also known as spot baldness (6). Because of this reason essential oil is a perfect remedy for hair growth fast.
- How to use thyme essential oil for hair growth: Mix to a ratio of two drops per two tablespoons of your preferred carrier oil. Massage the mixture into your scalp, let sit for ten minutes, then rinse it out.
8. Ylang Ylang Oil
Ylang Ylang Oil is effective for treating brittle, dry hair. It stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, the scalp’s natural oils.
- How to use ylang ylang essential oil for hair growth: Ylang-ylang oil is most effective when used as a leave-in treatment for at least thirty minutes. The mixture will be 5 drops of ylang-ylang stirred into two tablespoons of warmed carrier oil. After applying, wrap your hair in a towel for half an hour before washing your hair as usual.
9. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is another essential oil staple with many uses. It has a calming effect when used in a diffuser, and it has scalp improving antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits when used topically on the hair. It encourages faster hair growth.
- How to use lavender essential oil for hair growth: Lavender oil is most effective when used a few times per week. It should be mixed to a ratio of four or five drops into three tablespoons of your preferred carrier oil and massaged into the scalp. Let the mixture stay on your hair for ten minutes before shampooing as normal.
10. Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage oil is like lavender oil because it encourages faster hair growth, but it also is known to increase the strength of your hair. This discourages breakage, and unsightly split ends.
- How to use clary sage essential oil for hair growth: Clary sage oil can be used daily by mixing three drops of the oil directly into your conditioner or with a tablespoon of your favorite carrier oil. For daily use, rinse it out after about two minutes. Alternatively, you can use it a couple of times per week, leaving it on for ten minutes at a time.
Carrier Oils for Hair Growth
A carrier oil is used for dilution of the essential oils. Essential oils are prone to rapid evaporation before being mixed and are too strong to be used directly. Many carrier oils have beneficial properties on their own and are a great complement to the benefits of the oils they are mixed with. Some favorites for use with the ten essential oils to grow hair long and strong are:
1. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is extracted from the inner part of the avocado fruit, and it is very rich in oleic acid and linoleic acid.
Avocado oil when applied to the hair penetrates into it deeply and prevents the hair shaft from getting damaged. This oil is known for its protective quality, that is; it is used as a protective coat, protecting the hair from conditions that may damage it.
As long as the hair is protected from damaging conditions, it has a better chance to grow well. The avocado oil promotes tangle-free hair and removes dandruff. When mixed with other essential oils, the avocado oil causes the hair to grow.
2. Argan Oil
Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree. It is a rich source of vitamin E, which also turns out to be an essential vitamin for hair growth. The argan oil is known for its amazing softening and moisturizing quality.
This carrier oil is suitable for all hair types because it is non-irritating. It prevents the scalp from dryness and combats dandruff.
What’s more, is its ability to add a shining touch to your hair. Argan oil can be used as a leave-in moisturizer, which in turn adds benefits to your hair, like increasing the strength of your hair and adding volume.
3. Jojoba Oil
This is an oil extract from the seed of the jojoba plant. The effect of the jojoba oil on the hair is outstanding.
Jojoba oil is like the naturally produced sebum oil in our scalp, which helps in getting rid of hair dryness. This oil is said to have hair restoring qualities.
This means that this carrier oil would be the most suitable oil for those experiencing hair loss. It does this by strengthening hair follicles on the scalp which in turn, causes hair to grow strong and healthy. It prevents split ends and promotes hair thickness, and helps clear the scalp of dandruff.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an extract from the coconut fruit. This oil is one of the most common types of carrier oil, known for smoothening the hair.
Apart from that the fact that the coconut oil is a good hair hydrant, and that it locks moisture in your hair, it also adds luster to your hair.
Coconut oil when applied to the hair goes deep into the roots and prevents breakage from the roots to the ends. Coconut oil also adds volume to your thinning hair as it stimulates the growth of healthy and strong hair.
This oil is also used for treating and repairing your damaged hair, additionally, removing hair frizz. For ladies that want more length to their hair, this is the type of oil you would want to use
5. Castor oil
Castor oil is an extract from Castor beans. This oil is anti-bacterial, this means that it fights hair damaging bacteria.
Castor oil is very rich in fatty acids like, ricinoleic acid which combats inflammation or anything that causes inflammation of the scalp.
This oil is a good conditioner for your hair, as it conditions, strengthens, and smoothens your hair. It has been said but not yet proven that this oil increases hair length. It is also a good hydrant.
Application of this oil strengthens each hair follicles, this builds a strong resistance against hair loss.
6. Olive Oil
Olive oil is an extract from olives; it is extracted by squeezing or pressing- whichever you want- whole olives.
So basically, you don’t really get much oil from squeezing a few olives, this makes unadulterated olive oil a bit difficult to find, and when you do find you might need to pay a little more.
Original olive oil is amazing for reducing scalp irritation, and moisturizing your hair. Not only does olive oil moisturize your hail, but it also smoothens and strengthens your hair. Olive oil is enriched with vitamin E which prevents your hair from falling out.
This oil brings out the shine in your dull hair, making it really attractive. This oil when applied is as a protective coat, protecting the hair from damaging conditions.
7. Almond Oil
Almond oil is an extract from the nut-like almonds. This oil contains magnesium, vitamin E, and rich fatty acids, hence it is very nourishing.
Almond oil is useful for repairing hair damage, getting rid of split ends, and has a really good lubricating property; it is also used for treating hair loss.
This oil is suitable for hairstyling because it reduces friction in the hair; it also adds that elegant silky look to your hair. You’re more confident with your shining and extremely soft hair.
8. Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is an extract from the beautiful Sunflower. Sunflower oil is enriched with fatty acids, anti-oxidants, ceramides as well as vitamin E.
Sunflower oil repairs your damaging hair, helps you get rid of frizzes and dandruff.
It is a highly nourishing oil, as it nourishes the scalp into its roots and prevents your hair from damaging while treating the already damaged part of your hair. The sunflower oil is also known for avoiding hair loss.
This oil adds a certain smoothening and shining quality to your hair. When applied onto your hair with essential oils, the sunflower locks in moisture and all that goodness and richness your hair needs, allowing your hair to stay healthy and strong.
These carrier oils when used alone produce great changes in the texture, length, appearance and even the volume of our hair, and this still not to be compared to when used alongside essential oils.
How to Choose the Right Hair Oil
As long as you choose a clean and natural hair oil from the plant kingdom, it can’t really be wrong. Natural oils are always good for your hair and they are as good as ever better than hair care products containing artificial substances and chemicals. However, some oils are better suited for certain hair types.
1. Greasy hair
Oily hair is really a problem with an oily scalp. It is generally from the hair roots and outwards that the hair is at its fattest. Opposite to what you might think, adding hair oil to the hair and scalp can make hair feel less fat in the long run.
By adding oil you can soothe the scalp’s own production of sebum. The sebum in the scalp is what makes the hair greasy.
If you have oily hair, you should choose a hair oil that is not too oily as you obviously do not want to weigh down the hair even more in the short term. Argan oil is an excellent product for you with problems with oily hair.
2. Dry hair
Dry hair feels good from oil. Feel free to treat regularly and often. Make it a habit to massage a few drops of oil into the scalp as you shower. It is then possible to “comb out” the oil residues using the fingers in the rest of the hair.
How much oil you need to use and how intensely you need to rinse the oil depends, of course, on your individual conditions and on what you want for the look in your hair afterward.
You must be careful not to look greasy in the hair. An alternative is to make a wrap where the oil is absorbed in-depth for time. After packing, you can then wash out all oil with a mild shampoo. Almond oil is an excellent oil for moisturizing dry hair.
3. Curly Hair
Curly hair is often dry in nature and therefore you need to add extra moisture for it to feel good. Because it is good to regularly apply some hair oil when washing your hair.
It is also possible for the hair to regularly wrap with oil. Avocado oil is a semi-fat oil that adds a lot of moisture to the hair while being relatively easy to work in curly hair. Anything too oily can be difficult to distribute in this hair type.
4. Normal hair
If you have a normal hair type in large parts without any special needs then you can really choose any natural vegetable hair oil.
Most oils that come from the plant kingdom have similar properties and contents, although there are obviously variations and differences in texture. Also, most oils are rich in vitamins that nourish our hair and all help to moisturize our hair and scalp.
It is advantageous to test different oils to find which one is the best fit. A good and very affordable option for you with normal hair is the classic coconut oil.
5. Thick hair
By thick hair, we mean hair where the hair itself is of a coarser type. All the oils in this article help the hair as a whole become thicker and fuller as it stimulates the growth of hair while also nourishing existing hair which means that hair is lost to a lesser extent.
If you have thick hairs, you need a stronger oil that moisturizes and straightens the hair. One oil that does the job is castor oil.
6. Thin hair
If you have thin hair, you should at all costs avoid having a thick oil in the hair as you want to show off their best side.
Thick oils weigh down your hair and for you, with thin hair, it looks like you have even less volume in your hair. We, therefore, recommend jojoba oil for thin hair!
Now that you know the ten essential oils to grow hair long and strong, you can pick and choose which ones are best for your hair needs. All these oils are available in nutrition shops and health food stores as well as Amazon. Come on, let’s grow your hair!
