8 Best Essential Oils for Hair Loss and Thinning Hair

Essential oils have long been proven beneficial and healing for our health and wellbeing, and even for hair problems, namely hair loss and thinning.

Thinning hair and hair loss is often associated with aging. However, this is not always the case. Androgenetic alopecia, the most common hair loss, can affect men and women in their late twenties, though it’s most common in men.

The primary reason why men experience alopecia is because of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from testosterone. These DHT attack hair follicles and cause hair loss or prevent them from growing. Men are known to have more testosterone than women, which is why baldness is more common among men.

Meanwhile, for women, various factors are tied with Androgenetic alopecia. Some of these are hormonal imbalance, having ovarian cysts, pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, anemia, or even taking high-androgen index birth control pills.

But don’t worry, hair loss like Androgenic alopecia is treatable. If you’re interested in holistic healing, it’s best to know the eight essential oils that can help improve your hair’s health and help regrow your hair when used regularly.

Peppermint essential oil (Mentha Piperita)

Peppermint oil can promote hair growth during the anagen phase (the growing phase) of hair growth. It can help increase the depth and number of your hair follicles. The menthol content of Peppermint oil is known to improve blood circulation on the scalp.

How to Use Peppermint oil:

You can mix 1-2 drops of Peppermint oil with the carrier oil of your choice. Then gently massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes afterward, and wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner.  You can also add a couple drops directly into your shampoo and massage into the scalp and rinse out.

Cedarwood essential oil (Cedrus Atlantica)

The second one is Cedarwood essential oil. This essential oil helps regulate the scalp’s oil-producing glands (sebum secretion). Having a high amount of sebum can mean a higher amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), so it’s beneficial to use Cedarwood alongside Lavender and Rosemary to reduce hair loss and balance the sebum in your hair.

How to use Cedarwood oil:

Mix 1-2 drops of Cedarwood, 1-2 drops of Rosemary, and 1-2 drops of Lavender with two tablespoons of your favorite carrier oil. Massage into your scalp, and after 8 – 10mins, wash your hair thoroughly.

Lemon essential oil (Citrus Limonum)

Lemon essential oil is perfect for hair growth. Lemon’s solid astringent and antioxidant properties help prevent hair fall. Lemon oil comes from the peel of lemons. Lemon oil can be diluted and applied to the scalp and skin also. It tightens up your skin and also prevents hair fall. This oil is helpful if you want to grow long hair as weak, dull hair tends to grow slower as it lacks nutrition. One thing to note with lemon essential oil is that it is a photosensitive oil so if you are applying it to your skin you will want to avoid direct sunlight for 12 hours immediately after applying as it may darken the skin.

How to use Lemon oil:

Dilute 1-2 drops of lemon oil with your preferred carrier oil before applying it to your hair. You can also add it to your favorite shampoos and conditioners. Rinse well after.

Rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis)

This essential oil is synonymous with hair growth. Rosemary essential oil has primary health benefits. It’s one of those oils that can improve your hair’s growth and prevent premature graying and dandruff. This fantastic essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and improves blood circulation, which helps prevent hair follicles from drying off which may lead to hair loss.

How to use Rosemary oil:

Add about 3-5 drops of rosemary essential oil to your favorite carrier oil and massage evenly into your scalp after a bath. You may mix it with your favorite shampoos. Add 2 to 3 drops to your shampoo when you apply a little of it onto your palm before use. Gently massage your hair and ensure to rinse thoroughly after a few minutes.

Thyme essential oil (Thymus Vulgaris)

Like Cedarwood essential oil, Thyme oil is known to help treat hair loss. This oil transports nutrients to the hair follicles which support healthy hair growth.

How to use Thyme oil:

Add 1 – 2 drops of Thyme oil to 2 tablespoons of your preferred carrier oil, such as coconut oil, olive oil, argan oil, or other carrier oil, and gently apply to your scalp. Leave it for about 8-10 minutes and wash evenly.

Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium)

Geranium is another helpful essential oil for hair growth and prevents hair loss. This essential oil has regenerating and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for stimulating healthy hair growth.

How to use Geranium oil:

Add 1-2 drops of Geranium essential oil to your favorite shampoo and massage into your scalp. Wash it afterward and try to repeat this process frequently for a week. Geranium essential oil is also a great sleep support so adding a couple drops with a carrier oil and leaving it on your scalp overnight is great for the hair and the adrenals.

Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender essential oil is not only well-known for its relaxing effect and helpful for healthy hair. It helps make your hair thicker and prevents hair loss.

How to use Lavender oil:

Add 1-2 drops of Lavender oil to your favorite hair care products like shampoos and conditioners or you can also mix this oil with your preferred carrier oil and apply it gently to your hair. Wait for 10-15 minutes, and rinse after.

Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) – carrier essential oil

Coconut oil can help your hair moisturize, grow thicker and be healthier. It contains vitamins and fatty acids that have a good effect on your hair follicles. It also helps prevent hair breakage.

How to use Coconut oil:

Use a teaspoon or two of Coconut oil and apply it to your scalp – you can add more if you’d like. Apply it to your hair from root to tips and massage gently. Make your hair into a bun, cover it with a towel for around 20-30 minutes, and rinse thoroughly afterward.

These are some of the best essential oils for hair loss and thinning, but it’s also best to see your doctor if you are experiencing persistent hair loss as it can also indicate other underlying issues.

When to See a Doctor For Your Hair Loss

It’s recommended to see a doctor if you notice sudden hair loss when combing or washing your hair. Sudden hair loss can signal an underlying illness. Your doctor may inquire about your diet, hair care routine, and medical and family history of your hair loss. Your doctor may also advise you to take a series of blood tests, pull tests, scalp biopsy, and light microscopy.

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