How Can Lavender Oil Benefit Your Hair?

Did you know that lavender oil, which is popular in aromatherapy, can rapidly increase your hair growth?

This essential oil is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and prevents hair follicle death. It provides deep nourishment to your hair and protects it from environmental and heat damage.

Read on to know the various benefits of this magical essential oil and how it can be used to fight different hair problems.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

“Massaging essential oils on the scalp has both systemic and local effects.”

Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

Highlights:

• Is Lavender Oil Good For Hair?
• What Are The Benefits Of Lavender Oil For Hair?
• How To Use Lavender Oil For Hair Growth & Prevent Hair Problems?
• How Often Should You Put Lavender Oil In Your Hair?
• Does Lavender Oil Have Side Effects?

Is Lavender Oil Good For Hair?

Lavender is an evergreen medicinal oil crop widely cultivated across the world for its various health benefits [1]. Due to its sweet aroma, lavender essential oil extracted from lavender flowers is a popular ingredient in many skin care products and perfumes. It is also valued for its therapeutic properties in relieving post-operative pain and anxiety disorders. However, what most are not aware of is its role as an excellent hair growth promoter.

According to the ancient science of Ayurveda, the balance of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) is crucial for maintaining good hair health. Hair problems are mostly related to dosha vitiations and your unique prakriti. Lavender oil’s calming nature works on all three doshas and keeps various hair conditions at bay.

A. What Does Lavender Oil Do For Your Hair?

Lavender oil’s medicinal properties keep your scalp healthy. Frequent application ensures thick, lustrous locks that can easily endure environmental damages. Linalool and linalyl acetate, the two main components of lavender essential oil, improve your hair texture, keeping them smooth, silky and also amazingly fragrant the whole day.

What Are The Benefits Of Lavender Oil For Hair?

The increasing popularity of lavender essential oil among hair experts is due to its multiple hair benefits. Some of the well-known benefits of lavender oil for hair are mentioned below.

1. Strengthens Hair

Dryness and split ends are two major culprits of hair breakage. When your hair lacks adequate moisture, it can become brittle and more susceptible to damage. Dryness often raises the uppermost cuticle layer, allowing further moisture to escape from the hair fiber making your hair porous and frail.

Lavender oil replenishes your hair’s moisture requirement, giving it health and bounce. This essential oil deep-conditions your hair and forms a protective layer over it. This prevents breakage, improves hair texture and strengthens your tresses.

2. Nourishment For Damaged Hair

Apart from deep conditioning and improving hair strength, lavender oil acts as topical nutrition for damaged hair. Massaging it on your scalp and hair nourishes your strands and keeps your hair follicles healthy.

3. Promotes Hair Growth

Lavender oil is now being used in various hair growth solutions, oils and masks for its ability to prevent hair fall. It is also considered helpful in treating various forms of alopecia including Alopecia Areata [2].

Lavender oil contains natural ingredients that boost follicle health, promote new hair growth and prevent hair thinning. It improves sub-cutaneous blood circulation on the scalp. This leads to better oxygen supply and nutrition absorption by your hair roots.

4. Prevents Scalp Infections

Lavender oil’s antibacterial and antifungal nature is an added advantage that keeps your scalp free from infections. Adding lavender oil to your regular hair oil can easily ward off dandruff and ringworm-like scalp issues. Lavender oil is also known for being effective against head lice. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving nature helps in treating Alopecia Areata, a hair condition that makes the scalp tender and painful.

5. Prevents Stress-Related Hair Fall

Stress-related hair fall, Telogen Effluvium, results from high levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands during periods of anxiety. For people affected by Telogen Effluvium, a large number of hair strands quickly transition into the telogen or resting phase. In a short while, slight tugs and pulls while combing cause these hair strands to fall out.

Lavender oil is a known anxiolytic and is used in aromatherapy to relieve stress [3]. Regular head massage with lavender oil can drastically bring down hair cortisol levels. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to water and use it to wash your hair to bring your stress levels down.

6. Keeps Your Hair Smelling Great

Constant deposition of sweat and sebum on the scalp can lead to bacterial or fungal proliferation. This leads to smelly hair syndrome, where your scalp and hair emit a foul odor. Applying lavender oil on your scalp not only inhibits bacterial and fungal growth but its divinely sweet fragrance keeps your hair smelling great all day.

“Massaging essential oils on the scalp has both systemic and local effects. Essential oils are light and quickly seep in the bloodstream, exerting systemic effects”, says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.

How To Use Lavender Oil For Hair Growth & Prevent Hair Problems?

Lavender oil for hair growth can be added to a variety of hair care products such as hair oils, masks, serums and conditioners. Below are some popular methods of using lavender oil for hair.

1. Lavender Oil For Hair Growth

Combining the benefits of amino acids present in hibiscus and other natural hair growth promoting nutrients in bhringraj with lavender oil, ensures thick long tresses. These natural compounds prevent drying of hair follicles, improve blood circulation on the scalp and strengthen each strand of hair. Vitamin E being a great antioxidant, further prevents hair loss and nourishes your hair.

A. Ingredients:

• Lavender essential oil
• Hibiscus petals
• Bhringraj oil
• Vitamin E oil/ capsule

B. Method

• Simmer 6 to 8 hibiscus flowers in bhringraj oil.
• Once the flowers sink to the bottom of the vessel, cool the mixture.
• Once cooled, add a few drops of lavender oil and the contents of 1-2 Vitamin E capsules.
• Apply this oil to your scalp and hair 2 to 3 times a week or as frequently as you like for gorgeous thick hair.

2. Lavender Oil For Dandruff

Thyme essential oil along with hibiscus are effective dandruff remedies. Hibiscus also helps regulate sebum secretions on the scalp which prevents dandruff from coming back. Both lavender and coconut oil provide deep hydration to your scalp and protect from bacterial and fungal growths which are major causes behind Seborrheic Dermatitis (dandruff).

A. Ingredients:

• Lavender oil
• Thyme oil
• Coconut oil
• Hibiscus leaves and flowers

B. Method

• Simmer 5 to 6 hibiscus leaves and 6 to 8 hibiscus flowers in coconut oil.
• Once the leaves and flowers sink to the bottom of the vessel, cool the oil.
• Add a few drops of lavender and thyme oil to it.
• Massage on to hair and scalp for 15 minutes. Leave it on for half an hour and wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.

3. Lavender Oil Deep Conditioning Mask For Damaged Hair

While lavender oil deep conditions your hair, honey acts as a hydrator that seals moisture into the hair shaft. Basil oil is highly nourishing for damaged tresses. Yogurt cleanses your scalp and removes product build-up from the hair strands.

A. Ingredients:

• Lavender oil
• Basil oil
• Honey
• Yogurt

B. Method

• Add honey and a few drops of lavender and basil oil to a cup of yogurt.
• Blend into a paste.
• Apply on the scalp and through the length of your hair.
• Keep for 20 to 30 minutes and wash off.

4. Lavender Oil Shampoo

You can add lavender oil to your regular herbal shampoo for frizz-free, shiny, healthy hair. According to Ayurveda, lavender oil helps to remove toxins from the scalp which cause various hair problems. Cleansing with lavender oil shampoo keeps your hair fragrant and fresh all day long.

5. Lavender Oil Serum For Damage Control

Aloe vera is known to promote shine and improve hair texture. Along with lavender oil, aloe vera is also an excellent moisturizing agent that prevents dryness, frizz and split ends.

A. Ingredients:

• Lavender oil
• Aloe vera gel

B. Method

• Add a few drops of lavender oil to a dollop of aloe vera gel on your palm and apply it through the length of your hair as a serum.

How Often Should You Put Lavender Oil In Your Hair?

There is no restriction in using lavender oil on your hair. You can apply it as frequently as you like. But remember to dilute it with a carrier oil or aloe vera gel before application. Direct application of any essential oil is not advisable as they include active ingredients in high concentrations which may irritate your skin.

Does Lavender Oil Have Side Effects?

Though lavender essential oil has multiple health benefits it may not suit all skin or body types. The possible side effects of lavender oil are listed below:

1. Lavender oil can be toxic if consumed or inhaled in large amounts. It can cause vomiting, nausea and other relative symptoms.

2. Those with sensitive skin are advised to do a patch test before applying lavender oil on skin or scalp to check for allergic reactions. Always use lavender oil with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritations.

3. Avoid contact with eyes as it may cause burning or irritation. In case of accidental contact, wash off with cool water immediately. Seek medical attention if irritation still continues.

Vedix Tip: Consult your Ayurvedic doctor to know your Prakriti (body constitution). This will help you decide a proper hair care routine with lavender oil for enhanced hair growth.

The Last Word

Lavender oil has been in use since traditional times for its curative properties. Recent research shows its great value as a ‘keshya’ or hair-benefitting herb. Lavender oil is safe for regular use and can quickly enhance your hair thickness, texture and shine. Dilute it with a carrier oil or add it to your regular hair care products to experience a boost of vitality in your hair health.