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Let’s talk about thinning hair and breakage for a sec. It’s not at the top of anyone’s list of fun topics to think about. But hair dilemmas can also be addressed, sometimes with natural remedies like oils. Dr. Ailynne Marie Vergara-Wijangco, a Clinical Dermatologist and researcher with ThankYourskin.com, says essential oils have long been used in alternative, Eastern, and homeopathic medicines thanks to their effectiveness and low risk of side effects. “One benefit some essential oils have is improving hair health,” Sr. Vergara-Wijangco says. “Different oils can do everything from helping hair grow to adding strength and shine.” Here, she outlines some of the best natural oil that can help thinning hair, breakage, dandruff, and more.
Lavender essential oil
Lavender oil can speed up hair growth and one animal study found that this oil was able to generate faster hair growth in mice, according to Dr. Vergara-Wijangco. “It also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which can improve scalp health,” she says. “Mix several drops of lavender oil into 3 tablespoons of carrier oil, like olive oil or melted coconut oil, and apply it directly to your scalp. Leave it in for at least 10 minutes before washing it out and shampooing as you normally would. You can do this several times per week.”
Peppermint essential oil
Like lavender oil, peppermint essential oil can promote hair growth. “Peppermint oil can cause a cold, tingling feeling when it increases circulation to the area it’s applied to,” Dr. Vergara-Wijangco says. “This can help promote hair growth during the anagen (or growing) phase. Mix 2 drops of peppermint essential oil with the carrier oil of your choice. Massage it into your scalp, and leave on for 5 minutes before washing out thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner.”
Rosemary essential oil
“If you want to improve both hair thickness and hair growth, rosemary oil is a great choice thanks to its ability to improve cellular generation,” Dr. Vergara-Wijangco says. “Mix several drops of rosemary oil with olive or coconut oil, and apply it to your scalp. Leave it in for at least 10 minutes before washing it out with shampoo. Do this twice per week for best results.”
Cedarwood essential oil
If dandruff is a concern, cedarwood essential oil is thought to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss by balancing the oil-producing glands in the scalp.
“It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can treat different conditions that may contribute to dandruff or hair loss,” Dr. Vergara-Wijangco says. “Mix a few drops of cedarwood essential oil with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil of your choice. Massage it into your scalp, and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it out.
It may be hard to find in grocery stores, but you might be able to purchase it from smaller health food stores.”
Some other natural oils that Dr. Vergara-Wijangco mentions include lemongrass, clary sage, thyme, tea tree, and ylang-ylang. No matter which you try, be sure to purchase them from a trusted source and to include a carrier oil where needed.
