Lavender oil is an essential oil extracted from the lavender plant. It is the oldest essential oil, discovered more than 2,500 years ago. It is one of the most used essential oil in the world best known for its unique scent and calming effect on the mind and nerves. Lavender plants thrive in oceanic climates and are found in the Mediterranean regions, Africa, Europe, The Canary Islands, India, and the Middle East.
Lavender oil is extracted through the process of steam distillation of the flower or stem of the lavender plant. This process captures the strong essence of its fragrance and properties. Essential oils are highly concentrated and have many health and beauty benefits.
Let us understand the various advantages of lavender oil and the ways of using it.
Benefits of Lavender Oil for Healthy Hair:
For centuries, people have been using lavender oil for its curative benefits on body, hair, and skin. It is one of the most unique of all essential oils. It is known to display antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, soothing, and relaxing properties. The various therapeutic properties of lavender oil are due to its chemical composition of linalool, linalyl acetate,terpinene-4-olandlavandulol, lavandulyl acetate,1,8-cineole, and camphor.
Let us look at the various advantages of lavender oil on hair:
See More: Rosemary Oil For Hair Growth
1. Treats Hair Loss:
Lavender oil is known to be a very powerful remedy for increasing blood circulation in the scalp. This helps in nourishing the scalp, hair follicles, and roots, thus improving hair growth. It is found to be a very effective treatment for male pattern baldness and alopecia areata. One of the main causes of hair loss is stress, insomnia, and anxiety. Lavender oil is very effective in calming and soothing the mind. This restores the blood flow in the nerves and blood vessels, thereby aiding in hair growth.
2. Improves Scalp Health:
The anti-bacterial properties of lavender oil help treat various scalp infections effectively. The anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties help in treating dryness and other scalp conditions like dandruff, itchy scalp, scaly scalp, etc. It soothes scalp cells and improves scalp health significantly.
3. Conditioning The Hair:
It is a very good moisturiser that makes the hair smooth and soft. Sufficient moisture helps strengthen the hair strands and reduce hair breakage. Moisture also helps retain nutrients in the hair cells and make them healthy, shiny, and lustrous.
4. Oil Balance on Scalp:
Lavender oil is very effective in controlling sebum levels on the scalp. It helps balance natural oils, ensuring there is no dryness or excess oily on the scalp and hair. Excess oil and dryness, both cause inflammatory scalp conditions that affect hair growth and scalp health.
5. Treats Parasitical Infestations:
Lavender oil is very effective in eliminating lice infestation on the scalp. Head lice can damage the scalp, and cause inflammation, ulcers, and various other conditions that affect the health of the hair.
How to Use Lavender Oil for Promoting Hair Growth?
There are various hair care products that contain lavender oil, but they may also be loaded with chemicals, additives, and other ingredients, decreasing the effectiveness of pure lavender oil. The most effective method of using this oil is by including pure, organic oil in simple home treatments.
1. Applying Lavender Oil to The Scalp:
The best way of using lavender oil is by massaging the scalp with it, but as it is an essential oil, it must always be used with carrier oils like coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, and castor oil, etc. Regular massage of the scalp with lavender oil helps in promoting hair growth and controlling dandruff very effectively. It calms the nerves of the scalp, which increases the blood circulation in the scalp and aids in nourishing the scalp and hair cells. It also treats scalp conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Ingredients:
- Four tablespoons of any carrier oil of your choice, like coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, etc.
- Five drops of lavender oil.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Mix the carrier oil and lavender oil thoroughly.
- Apply it on the scalp thoroughly. Make sure it is applied on the hair as well, covering the hair strands from root to tip.
- Massage the scalp for 5-8 minutes so that oil is absorbed by the scalp well.
- Leave it on for one hour.
- Wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week.
See More: Rogaine Hair Regrowth
2. Lavender Oil and Tea Tree Oil Hair Mask:
Tea tree oil is very beneficial to the hair. It has high anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat various scalp conditions like dandruff, itchy scalp, flaky scalp, infectious growth on the scalp, etc. that may cause hair fall. It helps in cleaning the scalp and hair follicles of excess oil, dirt and dead cells that irritate the scalp. This is an excellent moisturiser and helps in controlling the production of natural oils on the scalp. Lavender oil and tea tree oil make an excellent hair packs for preventing hair fall and dandruff.
Ingredients:
- Four tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Five drops of lavender oil.
- Five drops of tea tree oil.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Apply the mixture on the scalp thoroughly. Make sure it is applied on the hair as well, covering the hair strands from root to tip.
- Massage the scalp for 5-8 minutes so that oil is absorbed by the scalp well.
- Leave it on for one hour.
- Wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week.
3. Lavender Shampoo for Hair Fall:
The easiest ways of using lavender oil to prevent hair fall are putting some oil in your shampoo and washing your hair with the mixture. You can also add it to your conditioner, but you must make sure that you add no more than five drops of oil to an ounce of shampoo. Essential oils must be used in limitation, as they are highly potent and can give adverse effects if used in excess.
Ingredients:
- One ounce of a mild herbal shampoo of your choice.
- Five drops of lavender oil.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Mix lavender oil and shampoo thoroughly.
- Wet your hair.
- Pour the shampoo mixture on your scalp and gently rub the scalp to form a lather.
- Massage the scalp for 2 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
- Repeat, if required.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week.
4. Coconut Oil and Lavender Oil for Hair:
Coconut oil is rich in proteins, essential fats, and several vitamins and minerals that help nourish the hair follicles, hair cells, and scalp, thus stimulating hair growth. The high anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of coconut oil help in treating scalp infections, dandruff, and other scalp conditions. It is also a very good moisturiser that helps in strengthening the hair strands and reducing hair breakage. Coconut oil and lavender oil hair pack is an excellent remedy for complete hair and scalp health.
Ingredients:
- Four tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Five drops of lavender oil.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Mix coconut oil and lavender oil thoroughly.
- Apply it on the scalp thoroughly. Make sure it is applied on the hair, covering the hair strands from root to tip.
- Massage the scalp for 5-8 minutes so that oil is absorbed by the scalp well.
- Leave it on for one hour.
- Wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week.
5. Castor Oil and Lavender Oil for Hair Growth:
Castor oil is one of the best natural remedies for hair growth. It is packed with essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, fatty acids, and minerals that help in nourishing the hair follicles and aiding in healthy hair growth. The ricinoleic acid present in castor oil helps in increasing the blood circulation in the scalp and promoting hair regrowth. The anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties of castor oil help to treat scalp conditions. It keeps dandruff at bay, keeping the scalp healthy and clean. It also helps in balancing the natural oils in the scalp and controlling dryness and oiliness. Castor oil and lavender oil packs help treat hair loss and make the hair healthy and beautiful.
Ingredients:
- Four tablespoons of castor oil.
- Five drops of lavender oil.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Mix castor oil and lavender oil thoroughly.
- Apply it on the scalp thoroughly. Make sure it is applied on the hair as well, covering the hair strands from root to tip.
- Massage the scalp for 5-8 minutes so that oil is absorbed by the scalp well.
- Leave it on for one hour.
- Wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week.
See More: Mustard Oil For Hair Growth
6. Rosemary and Lavender Oil for Hair Growth:
Rosemary is very beneficial for hair as it helps strengthen the roots and preventing hair fall. It improves blood circulation and aids in the supply of nutrition to the hair follicles, thus aiding in hair growth. The anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties of rosemary help in preventing dandruff, scaly scalp, itchy scalp, and other inflammatory conditions. It is also found that rosemary oil benefits the nerve tissues and aid in the growth of nerve cells. Rosemary oil and lavender oil hair pack is a very good remedy for hair growth and scalp health.
Ingredients:
- Four tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Five drops of lavender oil.
- Five drops of rosemary oil.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Mix all the stated ingredients thoroughly.
- Apply the mixture on the scalp carefully. Make sure it is applied on the hair as well, covering the hair strands from root to tip.
- Massage the scalp for 5-8 minutes so that oil is absorbed by the scalp well.
- Leave it on for one hour.
- Wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week.
Tips and Additional Benefits of Lavender Oil:
Let us look at some tips and other benefits of using Lavender oil:
- Lavender oil is an excellent remedy for treating insomnia.
- It also helps calm nervousness, headaches, and anxiety.
- It has high antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help in healing wounds very effectively.
- This is very effective in treating burns and insect bites.
- It is an excellent remedy for acne.
- It helps in lightening the skin colour and treat dark spots, dark patches, scars, etc.
- This is very effective in treating wrinkles and fine lines.
Does Lavender Oil Have Any Side Effects?
All essential oils must be used with caution, as they are highly concentrated and intense oils. Lavender essential oil is safe when the guidelines are warnings are followed.
- Avoid lavender oil if you are using sleep-inducing medications or blood pressure-lowering medications.
- Avoid lavender oil if you are pregnant or lactating as it may cause adverse effects.
- Always follow the recommended dosage; excess dosage may cause stomach and intestinal irritation, and kidney damage.
- Always make sure to use essential oils by diluting them in carrier oils like coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, etc.
- Do not use essential oil around the eyes as it may cause irritation and burning.
- Keep essential oils away from infants and children.
- Some people can be allergic to essential oils, so a patch test is advised.
Essential oils are very beneficial and are worth a try. When buying essential oil, one must make sure they are pure and do not have any synthetic compounds, which may reduce the effectiveness of those oils, though they may give a good fragrance. Lavender oil is an excellent remedy for hair growth and various other health benefits. If you face any allergic reactions like nausea, chills, headache, etc. you must consult a doctor immediately.
