Essential oils are nothing but plant oils, plant extracts or the “essence” of the plant. It is usually extracted through a process of distillation (via steam and/or water) in Industries, but also can be made at home. These essential oils are therapeutic in nature and are commonly used in aromatherapy or essential oil therapy (a form of therapy which uses essential oils for healing and well-being).
Can essential oil be used without carrier oil?
Since essential oils are highly potent by nature, carrier oils are used as using essential oils undiluted can be sensitive to the skin, burn and/or cause irritation. These carrier oils (like coconut oil, olive oil etc.) are used to dilute the essential oil or can also be used alone. These carrier oils don’t interfere with the therapeutic properties of the essential oil.
Hair fall is something concerning to most people and can occur due to various reasons including stress, lifestyle, water used to wash your hair, genetics, weather conditions, food habits and many other reasons.
Here are some of the best essential oils which can help reduce hair fall:
1. Tea Tree essential oil:
Tea tree oil is known to have properties like anti-inflammation and also can effectively help keep bacteria and fungus away. Using tea tree oil can help keep the hair moisturized and dandruff free. It helps keep the scalp healthy and free from dead skin cells. This is beneficial because dead skin can clog the hair follicles and prevent proper growth. Using tea tree oil can help increase blood circulation and stimulate growth in the dormant hair follicles.
To use – Warm some 1 tbsp. of coconut oil and in 4 drops of tea tree essential oil (use pure tea tree essential oil). Massage this on your scalp for few mins, leave it on for 30 mins and rinse off. If you are using tea tree essential oil to treat dandruff then only use it with non comedogenic oils that doesn’t clog the pores on your scalp, such as, argan oil or jojoba oil.
3. Rosemary essential oil:
As excess amount of oil on your scalp can trap dirt in the pores, increase dandruff and prevents new hair growth. Rosemary oil helps improve the blood circulation in the scalp and prevents the scalp from being starved of the essential nutrients, which lead to hair damage and hair fall. It can stimulate hair growth and also help treat alopecia. It has potent antiseptic properties and can help fight fungal, bacterial or viral scalp infections which may have triggered hair fall.
To use – Add 1 tbsp. of argan oil along with 4 drops of rosemary essential oil, pour everything into a spray bottle. Add in 1/4 cup of rose water or aloe juice to it. Spray this on your hair after hair wash to use it as a leave in conditioner. READ MORE – Aloe Leave in spray conditioner to repair hair
4. Lavender essential oil:
Lavender has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties which help improve scalp health. It is known to aid faster hair growth and improving the blood circulation in the scalp, further stimulating the hair follicles. It can help improve scalp health and protect your hair from damage and prevent breakage and formation of dandruff.
To use – You can even add it to carrier oil and apply it on your hair, around once or twice a week and leave for around 10 minutes before washing off with a mild shampoo.
5. Peppermint essential oil:
Peppermint oil works as a cleanser for clogged pores. It is known to reduce dry and itchy scalp problems because it has antimicrobial properties. It can help promote hair growth during the anagen phase (also known as the “active growing” phase of hair). . It can help improve scalp health and protect your hair from damage and prevent breakage and formation of dandruff.
To use – Add 1 tbsp. of warm castor oil along with 2 drops of peppermint essential oil. Massage it on your scalp and leave it on for 30 mins or overnight before you wash it off. READ MORE – Hair Wash Powder for longer stronger hair
Please Note: Do not directly apply these oils on your scalp, it can be mixed with your shampoo or carrier oil and then applied.