All About Hair: Essential Oils and Herbs for Hair

Did you know you can use essential oils for hair? Adding essential oils and herbs to your hair care is a great way to enhance the natural beauty and health of your hair and scalp. In this blog post we will be highlighting some of the best essential oils and herbs for your hair type and scalp condition. Not sure about your hair type? Check out our previous blog post here for more information on hair type and scalp conditions.

Essential Oils for Hair

Essential oils help to balance natural skin oils, cleanse and refresh hair and scalp. They work like a tonic and promote shiny hair.

For Most Hair Types:

Bergamot
Calendula
Lavender
Sweet Orange
Tea Tree

For Dry Hair Types:

Clary Sage
Lavender
Myrrh
Patchouli
Rose Geranium

For Oily Hair Types:

Bergamot
Clary Sage
Lemon
Lavender
Rose Geranium
Tea Tree

For Dandruff:

Basil
Patchouli
Rose Geranium
Tea Tree
Ylang Ylang

For Hair Loss:

Bergamot
Calendula
Peppermint
Rosemary
Ylang Ylang

Irritated & Itchy Scalp:

Calendula
Chamomile (Cape, German, Morrocan, & Roman Types)

An easy way to use essential oils on your hair is to add 1-2 drops of the oil on your hair brush prior to brushing your hair. Your hair will smell nice and the essential oil will promote smooth and shiny hair.

Herbs for Hair

Herbs are another great way to enhance the health and beauty of your hair and scalp. You can use fresh or dry herbs. An easy way is to make a hair rinse by first making an herbal water/tea or infusion with your herb of choice. Here are some great herbs and their properties:

Calendula: Highly nourishing, soothing and softening. Adds shine and highlight to hair and soothes irritated scalp.Use fresh or dried flowers.

Chamomile: Anti-inflammatory and promotes regeneration of skin cells and softening of the scalp. Lightens hair and soothes irritated scalp. Use fresh or dried flowers.

Lavender: Cleansing and astringent properties. Helps with dandruff and to strengthen the hair. Use dried or fresh flowers.

Lemon Balm: Soothes the scalp. Use dried or fresh herb.

Peppermint: Refreshing and revitalizing properties. Use dried or fresh leaf.

Rosemary: Purifies, cleanses and stimulates. Darkens the hair, stimulates circulation and revitalizes- promotes hair growth. Use dried or fresh leaf and flower.

Thyme: Great antiseptic. Good for dandruff. Use dried or fresh leaf and flower.

To make an herbal water/tea simply add fresh or dried herbs to boiling water. Cover and steep for 2-15 minutes depending on the herb. Strain out herbs and once cooled can use as a hair rinse. For an infusion the herbs will be steeped for a longer period of time for 2-8 hours prior to straining out the herbs.

Are you interested in learning more about essential oils and herbs for hair care? Check out our ebooks below:

Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Body, Hair, and Skin

How to Make 47 Herbal Extracts with Herbs, Flowers, Fruits and Vegetables

For those interested in more serious hair care product making, check out our Professional Natural Hair Care Product Making Course. Enrollment for our spring mentored course is happening now!