Essential Oils for Hair Loss - Cedarwood, Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme

The essential oils for hair growth listed here are perfect for improving blood circulation and for stimulating the hair follicles. Furthermore, they can help to prevent dandruff, flaking, a dry scalp and sometimes, even graying.

Human hair goes through a long cycle of growth (the anagen or active phase), which can last up to 3 years, a static period of 3-4 months (the catagen phase), and then shedding (the telogen phase). When we are living a balanced and healthy lifestyle, this process largely goes unnoticed. However, during times of stress or illness, you may notice increased hair loss.

If you notice a substantial amount of hair in your brush or the shower drain, you should first see your physician in order to rule out underlying reasons. Common reasons for hair loss include:

• Dietary - A vitamin or mineral deficiency (most often iron, zinc, B12, or D)
• Skin Conditions - like Allergies, Eczema, Psoriasis, Ringworm
• Medications - Anticoagulants, Amphetamines, Birth Control Pills, Hormone Therapies, Chemotherapy
• Hormonal Imbalances - PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), Menopause, Pituitary deficiency, Thyroid conditions
• Environmental and Situational – Chemical Toxicity, Emotional stress, Over-exercise, Sudden weight loss, Overuse of hair dye and bleach, and even tight hair styles and hats that strain the root of the hair
• Auto-immune disorders
• Heredity

Once you have an idea of possible triggers you’ll be better equipped to deal with the problem and you’ll find that essential oils can be especially helpful for controlling hair loss.

Essential Oils for Hair Loss

Essential oils contain high concentrations of the chemicals that give plants their essence - or fragrance and flavor. Distilled from the leaves, bark, flowers and other parts of plants, these oils have been used for centuries to promote hair growth in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Many oils are helpful in increasing hair health, but I’m going to focus on one specific clinical study that showed significant increase in hair regrowth for patients with Alopecia areata a hair-loss condition.

LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL

Lavender essential oil has a sweet, refreshing aroma. The stems and leaves induce camphoraceous notes that are softened by the sweetness of the flowers. Lavender brings deep relaxation and encourages compassion and gentleness toward others. When massaged into the scalp, lavender essential oil improves blood circulation, can prevent hair loss and promotes hair growth. Furthermore, lavender essential oil is a powerful moisturizer, antimicrobial and antiseptic. It moisturizes the scalp, balances sebum production and is ideal for those who suffer from dandruff.

ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL

Rosemary essential oil has a powerful effect. It's one of the freshest and pungent essential oils with its minty and woodsy scent. Rosemary’s aroma is instantly youthful and deliciously herbaceous. Rosemary is packed with antioxidants which can prevent thinning hair and even graying hair. It’s another essential oil which promotes blood circulation, so it’s perfect for stimulating hair follicles and hair growth. Furthermore, rosemary essential oil can help with over greasy scalps and hair as it tones down sebum production. It also clears pores, so it’s great for itchy scalps and dandruff relief.

*As a precaution, it is not recommended to use rosemary essential oil when you are pregnant or if you suffer from epilepsy.

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL

Cedarwood essential oil has a warm, woodsy scent. It’s great for the treatment of hair loss and for dandruff control. Cedarwood is an ideal essential oil for hair growth because it balances the oil producing glands of the scalp. The warming oil significantly improves blood circulation which can result in vigorous hair growth. Furthermore, it’s antibacterial and antiseptic which treats fungal problems and dandruff build up.

THYME ESSENTIAL OIL

Thyme is a popular herb which has small, highly aromatic leaves and spikes of tiny pink flowers in high summer. Thyme increases the blood flow to the scalp and rejuvenates hair follicles which promote hair growth. In fact, it is often added to shampoos and hair products aimed at preventing hair loss.

*Be aware that thyme is a potent oil so it should be used in moderation. Furthermore, it always should be blended with carrier oil and even other essential oils.

Songline has blended these oils with Emu Oil in our line of   Luxe Hair Care Products. Emu Oil has been shown to work as a superior carrier oil which penetrates the scalp to deliver these oils deep into hair follicles and has shown hair regrowth properties of its own.