Your hair goes through changes throughout your life and, at times, it can experience thinning and dryness. When we age our hair often loses volume and can begin shedding more often, sometimes as a result of genetics, hormonal changes, diet, stress, or even specific products that we are using. The first step toward figuring out why your hair may be thinner than usual is to visit your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist and ask them to analyze your scalp and figure out the root cause of your issues. From this session alone you may gain insight into vitamins or supplements that you can take to boost your hair health. Or you may discover that your hair loss is genetic and that a topical treatment like Minoxidil is your best bet.
We don’t recommend starting new treatments that can have medicinal effects before consulting with a doctor. But one step you can take that can make a difference is massaging your scalp and using an oil that is deemed effective for its hair strengthening abilities. Here are two scalp oils that some hair experts swear by.
Argan Oil
Argan oil may not be the darling of the essential oil universe — in fact, you may have never even heard of this oil. But it has been used for centuries for cooking and home remedies, including hair and skincare. Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E. As a moisturizer, its oleic and linoleic acids prevent dryness and can even reduce frizz in your hair.
But where it truly excels is as a scalp oil.
When applied to your scalp, argan oil offers its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits and can improve skin conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. It may even have anti-fungal effects that prevent and treat dandruff. It can prevent hair breakage and protect against the damaging effects of UV rays.
Although there is no research supporting its ability to regrow hair, tons of people swear by it for this purpose. Its vitamin E content can keep your scalp healthy and prevent breakage, so fewer split ends and wear and tear can result in healthier, thicker hair.
Rosemary Oil
One small scientific study found that rosemary oil improved hair growth in mice that were experiencing hair loss as a result of hormonal shifts. Is this totally convincing? Maybe not — but another study linked rosemary oil to minoxidil and claimed it can have a similar effect on treating male pattern baldness. Now we’re getting somewhere.
Rosemary oil has antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties — so it’s a good one to keep in your medicine cabinet. When it comes to boosting your scalp and hair health, it has the ability to increase blood flow to the scalp, which can aid in new hair growth.
Many of today’s scalp oils contain rosemary, argan, or some blend of the two oils. They’re often sold in dispensers that make it a cinch to add a few drops to your scalp, either in the morning or at night, and then rub the oils in using your fingertips or a scalp brush with silicone fingers.
Whenever you use a scalp oil be sure to mix your essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil (unless it comes in a formula that’s ready to be applied to your hair). Apply the oil and then rub your scalp with your fingers in a circular motion from the front of your head to the back. Pay attention to the sides of your head as well and behind your ears. If you’re using a thicker oil formulation, you can schedule your massage to take place before a shower. Or keep the oil on your scalp overnight and wash it out in the morning.
High-tech scalp and hair growth advancements may be all the rage, but sometimes a soothing massage using an effective hair oil can make a difference in how your hair looks and feels.
