Lavender oil is one the underrated oils in many households. It has heaps of benefits, but not many are aware of them. If you’re considering lavender oil for your hair, the good news is that you’re stepping in the right direction.
In this guide, I’ll explain five lavender essential oil benefits for your hair, and how to use it properly to maximize benefits.
What Is Lavender Hair Oil?
Lavender oil is an essential oil extracted from lavender flowers through steam distillation.
This purple-flowering plant grows in many parts of Europe, and people have used it for centuries in beauty and wellness routines.
The oil itself comes from the Lavandula anustifolia (English Lavender) plant, which has a soft and sweet smell that most people (myself included) find relaxing.
Unlike heavy hair products, lavender oil is lightweight and easily absorbed by your hair and scalp.
In most cases, it’s mixed with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba to make it safe for direct application.
Pure lavender essential oil is super concentrated, so you’ll want to dilute it before putting it on your hair or scalp to avoid damage.
Lavender oil became a popular hair oil for many reasons, but mainly because it’s packed with natural compounds that help hair look and feel healthier.
It’s also popular among those who want to avoid chemical-heavy hair treatments and prefer a more natural approach to hair care.
Lavender Oil Benefits for Your Hair
Now that we have an idea about lavender oil, let’s have a better look at its benefits:
1. It Promotes Hair Growth
Lavender oil can help you get fuller and longer hair. A 2016 study found that lavender oil can indeed promote hair growth if used properly.
Hormonal changes, stress, and nutrient deficiencies can slow down hair growth. Lavender oil helps combat these issues by creating a healthier scalp environment.
The oil works by improving blood circulation in the scalp. When you massage lavender oil it helps wake up dormant hair follicles and pushes them into an active growth phase.
This means more hair grows and grows faster. Some people report seeing new hair growth in as little as a few weeks of regular use.
2. It Has Antimicrobial Properties
Lavender oil isn’t just a pleasant-smelling hair product, it actually acts as an antimicrobial effect against harmful organisms that can damage your hair and scalp.
The oil contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which have natural germ-fighting abilities.
These compounds can stop harmful microbes from growing on your scalp, preventing potential infections that might lead to hair damage or loss.
Lavender oil also creates an environment where harmful microbes can’t grow, so it’s not just about eliminating them, it’s also about preventing them from growing again.
3. It Provides Superior Dandruff Control
Dandruff can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, but lavender oil offers a natural solution to this stubborn scalp problem.
Its powerful antifungal properties target the primary cause of most dandruff – a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia that lives on the scalp.
When this fungus grows out of control, it leads to flaking, itching, and those white flakes that show up on your shoulders. Lavender oil works differently from harsh chemical shampoos.
Instead of just masking the problem, it attacks the root cause by reducing fungal growth and balancing your scalp’s natural environment.
Plus, the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties also help soothe an irritated scalp. It reduces redness, itching, and the discomfort that comes with dandruff. Many people find that regular use of lavender oil helps calm their scalp and significantly reduces flaking.
4. It Reduces Hair Breakage
Hair breakage can make your hair look thin, damaged, and lifeless. That issue can be even more frustrating in hot climates, where dry, brittle hair is most prone to breakage.
Lavender oil steps in as a natural solution to strengthen your hair and prevent those frustrating split ends and breakage.
The oil is packed with nutrients that deeply nourish hair strands from root to tip.
It contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants that protect hair from damage caused by environmental stress, heat styling, and chemical treatments.
These nutrients help seal the hair cuticle, making each strand more resilient and less likely to snap or split.
5. It Has Scalp-calming Effects
Besides everything we mentioned earlier, lavender oil has an overall soothing effect on the scalp.
This is primarily because of its anti-inflammatory properties that help with conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or general scalp sensitivity.
The calming scent of lavender oil can also help reduce tension and promote relaxation.
When you massage the oil into your scalp, it not only soothes the skin but also provides a therapeutic experience that can lower overall stress levels.
How to Properly Use Lavender Oil?
Here’s how you can get the most out of lavender oil:
1. Choose the Right Carrier Oil
Before applying lavender essential oil directly to your scalp, you’ll need to mix it with a carrier oil.
Oils like coconut, jojoba, or argan work best. These carrier oils help dilute the lavender oil and prevent skin irritation.
Aim for a ratio of 2-3 drops of lavender oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
2. Perform a Patch Test
Always test the oil mixture on a small area of skin before full application. Apply a tiny amount to the inside of your wrist or behind your ear.
Wait 24 hours to check for any allergic reactions or skin sensitivity. If you see redness, itching, or irritation, do not use the oil.
Note: Don’t worry, you don’t have to do this every single time you use the oil. It’s just a one-time thing to ensure that you’re not allergic to lavender oil or carrier oil.
3. Prepare Your Hair and Scalp
Start with clean, slightly damp hair. This helps the oil absorb better and spread more evenly across your scalp. If your hair is dry, you can lightly mist it with water before application.
4. Massage the Oil Correctly
Using your fingertips, gently massage the lavender oil mixture into your scalp.
Use circular motions to improve blood circulation and ensure the oil reaches your hair follicles. Spend about 3-5 minutes massaging to get the best results.
5. Leave-In Time and Frequency
Leave the oil in for at least 30 minutes before washing. You can leave it overnight for deep conditioning.
Use lavender oil treatments 2-3 times a week. More frequent use isn’t always better and can lead to product buildup.
6. Wash and Rinse
Use a mild shampoo to wash out the oil completely. You might need to shampoo twice to remove all the oil.
Follow with your regular conditioner if needed, and you’re pretty much done.
Final Words
Assuming you’re using it correctly, lavender oil can be the solution to many lingering hair and scalp issues.
It reduces the harmful bacterial colonization in your hair and soothes inflammation, making it a great approach for anyone struggling with chronic hair issues like dandruff or flakey scalp.
Just follow the simple guide we provided, and you should start seeing results within weeks.
Have you tried using lavender oil for your hair? Let me know how you got on in the comments below!