Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp — an area that most conditioners, hair serums, and hair masks actually fail to address. While these moisturizing products can work wonders on dry and damaged strands, to truly help with hair loss, many experts recommend nourishing hair oils that contain effective ingredients that can help combat hair shedding and keep the scalp and hair in amazing shape. Whether you choose to use a silicone shampoo brush or your fingers to work these oils into the scalp, the additional benefit of giving yourself a stimulating hair massage also helps wake up follicles and keep your hair healthy. Kickstart a hair oil habit with the help of these two scalp oils that experts swear by for hair loss.
Coconut Oil
Let’s start with one of the most popular oils used for scalp health — coconut oil. “You can use it directly on your scalp or put it in a spray bottle and apply it to your hair when you shower,” said Jason Tyler, editorial director and professional hairstylist at Macho Hairstyles. “Many people prefer to use coconut oil instead of conditioners because it penetrates deeper into the scalp and works faster than a conditioner. To make your own coconut oil, simply melt one cup of organic coconut oil in a double boiler (a glass bowl suspended over simmering water) or in the microwave oven for about five minutes. Let it cool down completely and then pour it into a glass container.”
The benefits of coconut oil include that it is rich in Vitamin B and natural essential fatty acids that help stimulate the scalp and prevent hair loss, Tyler said. “You can also add essential oils to coconut oil,” Tyler added. “Essential oils provide a pleasant fragrance to the coconut oil and give your hair a wonderful smell. These oils include rosemary, peppermint, lavender, tea tree and lemongrass. Adding a few drops of essential oil to your coconut oil will help your hair grow faster and feel soft and smooth.”
Rosemary oil, in particular, is one that contains ketones that can stimulate hair growth, while jojoba oil contains essential fatty acids that can nourish the scalp and promote hair growth, Tyler said.
Lavender Oil
Even though coconut oil is more widely used, it isn’t the one hair-stimulating oil on the block.
“Lavender Oil is effective for long-lasting fragrance and an antimicrobial product that eliminates hair dirt and alleviates dandruff,” said Jean Lopez, co-founder at LilyHair. “Because of this, it became an effective protector of the scalp. A healthy scalp free from bacteria can improve the scalp’s blood circulation, which helps strengthen hair follicles.”
Unlike coconut oil, you should never apply lavender oil directly to the scalp — it requires a carrier oil. “To effectively use this, you can incorporate it into at least three tablespoons of carrier oil (olive or melted coconut oil),” Lopez said. “Then, gently massage it to your scalp. Leave it for at least ten minutes, then wash it thoroughly. You can do this at least thrice a week with alternating days.”
Too much application, just like other products, is the only limitation of using lavender oil, Lopez warned. “Hence, ensure that you appropriately use it and don’t forget the carrier oil to prevent experiencing adverse side effects like rash, hives, or dermatitis,” Lopez said.
Ready to add a hair-stimulating massage into your weekly routine? Start with these nourishing scalp oils that experts use (and love).
