Essential oils have become popular home remedies, and lavender essential oil is a favorite among them. Known for its many uses and pleasant smell, lavender essential oil is made from the lavender plant. Special distillation methods create a strong extract, full of lavender’s helpful compounds, and provide various health benefits.
These benefits include relief from pain and migraines, freshening the air, cleaning, and even helping with hair care. Research suggests lavender essential oil has many perks for keeping hair healthy and beautiful, highlighting the “Benefits of Lavender Oil for Hair“.
In this article, we will explore these benefits in detail.
Is Lavender Good for Hair?
Absolutely. Lavender oil is extracted from the flowers and spikes of the lavender plant through a meticulous process. This produces a potent, colorless oil that is rich in beneficial chemicals and has a fragrance that has been adored for centuries.
Lavender oil is incredibly versatile within the world of essential oils. It is commonly used in aromatherapy for stress relief and is also a key ingredient in perfumes, massage oils, and a variety of skincare and hair care products, showcasing its broad utility and benefits for hair health.
Notes:
- Hair Growth: Studies have shown that lavender oil can promote hair growth and prevent thinning.
- Scalp Health: Lavender oil has antimicrobial properties, which can help maintain a healthy scalp and prevent dandruff.
- How to Use: Mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing your hair.
Benefits of Lavender Oil for Hair
Lavender oil offers several benefits for hair health:
Lavender Oil Has Antimicrobial Properties
Lavender oil is effective in preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi, as evidenced by a 2014 review. When applied to the scalp, it can combat common issues like an itchy scalp, dandruff, and infections.
Lavender Oil Promotes Hair Growth
Research, including a 2016 study on mice, has shown that lavender oil can stimulate hair growth, producing thicker and faster-growing hair.
This suggests potential benefits for conditions like pattern baldness or alopecia, though more studies on humans are needed. It’s safe for people to experiment with lavender oil in their hair care regimen.
Lavender Oil Has a Calming Effect and Delightful Fragrance
Lavender oil is also appreciated for its soothing aroma, which has been proven to relax the nervous system.
A 2012 study found that inhaling lavender oil helped participants feel more relaxed, happier, and improved their overall mood.
Lavender Oild May Prevent Dandruff
Dandruff is often caused by yeast infections on the scalp. Diluted lavender oil can help prevent dandruff due to its antibacterial properties, which have been shown to aid in wound healing. Depending on the cause, lavender oil may help prevent the development of flakes.
Lavender Oil May Help Reduce Skin Inflammation
Lavender oil can treat scalp infections, itchiness, and dryness. It reduces inflammation and speeds up the healing process, making it beneficial for overall scalp health.
Lavender Oil May Help Prevent or Eliminate Head Lice
With its powerful antiseptic qualities, lavender oil is effective in treating and preventing head lice, lice eggs, and nits, helping to alleviate the irritation and embarrassment associated with lice.
Notes:
- Patch Test: Always do a patch test before applying lavender oil to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
- Aroma Tip: Add a few drops of lavender oil to your shampoo or conditioner for a soothing, fragrant hair care routine.
How to Use Lavender Oil For Hair
Recognizing the many benefits of lavender oil for hair, let’s explore how you can incorporate this exquisite oil into your hair care routine.
Your hair deserves regular pampering, and using lavender oil is a luxurious way to indulge and treat your tresses.
Massage With Lavender Oil
Massaging your scalp with lavender oil is a great way to promote hair growth and improve scalp health. Here’s how:
- Preparation: Start by combing your hair and dividing it into sections.
- Application: Gently massage a few drops of lavender oil onto each section of your scalp using circular motions for about two minutes. This helps the oil penetrate deep into the scalp and hair follicles.
- Hair Strands: Once done, apply about ten drops of lavender oil to your hair strands.
- Wait Time: Tie your hair up in a bun and let the oil sit for 30 minutes before washing it off with a high-quality shampoo. This process nourishes the scalp, promotes hair growth, and strengthens your hair.
Lavender Oil as a Serum
Lavender oil can be a great addition to your regular hair serum. It provides a soothing aroma that calms the mind and gives your hair a shiny appearance.
Its lightweight texture makes it an ideal natural hair serum.
Add Lavender Oil to Your Hair Products
To use lavender oil daily without much hassle, add a few drops to your shampoo, conditioner, or any hair oil you use. This method allows you to enjoy the benefits of lavender oil without changing your hair care routine.
Buy Products with Lavender Oil
If DIY isn’t your style, you can choose ready-made products that contain lavender oil. Just check the ingredient list for lavender essential oil or lavender hydrolate.
Lavender Oil in Hair Masks
A deep conditioning hair mask with lavender oil is excellent for dry and damaged hair. Here’s how to make one:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine natural ingredients like coconut oil or almond oil with lavender oil.
- Application: Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair strands.
- Massage: Massage well and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing off. Doing this once a week can greatly improve your hair’s condition.
Using Lavender Oil for Specific Hair Types
Lavender oil is versatile and suitable for all hair types, whether dry, oily, or normal. Lavender oil is a great choice for low porosity hair as it’s light and doesn’t weigh your hair down while providing essential nourishment.
Notes:
- Storage Tip: Keep lavender essential oil in a cool, dark place to maintain its strength.
- Safety Advice: Always mix lavender essential oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin to prevent irritation.
- Usage Tip: Add a few drops to your bathwater for a soothing and fragrant experience.
- Eco-friendly Cleaning: Combine lavender essential oil with vinegar and water for a natural household cleaner.
Does Lavender Oil Have Side Effects?
While lavender oil is generally safe for most people, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects:
- Skin Irritation: Undiluted lavender oil may cause skin irritation. Always dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin.
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to lavender oil. Perform a patch test before widespread use.
- Hormonal Effects: Lavender oil has mild hormonal properties. Pregnant and nursing women should use it with caution and consult a healthcare professional.
- Ingestion Risks: Ingesting lavender oil can be toxic. Only use food-grade lavender oil in tiny quantities and consult a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
In summary, lavender essential oil offers numerous benefits for your hair, from promoting growth and preventing dandruff to providing a calming fragrance and aiding scalp health. Adding this versatile oil to your hair care routine can make a significant difference in the overall health and beauty of your hair.
We’d love to hear your stories! Share your experiences with lavender essential oil in the comments below. For more tips and beauty advice, be sure to check out our other blogs at BlondeBeauty.
Keep your hair healthy and beautiful with the magic of lavender essential oil!
Laureate Professor Clare Collins
Professor Clare Collins is a leading expert in nutrition and dietetics at the School of Health Sciences, part of the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing. Her work is changing the way we think about food and health. She grew up as one of nine children and was the first in her family to finish high school and go to college. This background gave her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for seizing opportunities.
As the Director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s Food and Nutrition Program and a recipient of three NHMRC Research Fellowships, Professor Collins is making a big difference in public health. She focuses on helping people who are often overlooked, using new technologies like apps and online programs to improve their nutrition and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Professor Collins is well-respected and has been recognized as a Fellow in four major health and science organizations. She leads a diverse team of experts, including dietitians, computer scientists, and engineers, working together on global health projects.
Her achievements are impressive. She has received over $29 million in research funding, published more than 450 papers, and helped 35 PhD and Master’s students complete their degrees. She’s also active in sharing her knowledge with the public. She has developed tools like the Australian Eating Survey and the Healthy Eating Quiz, and she often appears in the media to talk about nutrition.
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
- Collins, C. (2019). “The Effect of a Pilot Dietary Intervention on Pain Outcomes in Patients Attending a Tertiary Pain Service.”
- Collins, C. (2022). “Variation in cardiovascular disease risk factors among older adults.”
- Collins, C. (2022). “Evaluation of an online intervention for improving stroke survivors’ health-related quality of life: A randomised controlled trial.”
These articles show Professor Collins’s commitment to understanding how better nutrition can improve health. Her work is important for researchers, doctors, and anyone interested in healthy living.