A wise person once said, “Hair doesn’t make the woman, but good hair helps.” The hair is one of those parts of the body that so much attention needs to be centered upon, and that’s why a lot of women, and men alike, go about searching for the best hair products for their hair because after all, the hair is a crown that you can never take off, so it must be invested in.
In a bid to give our curly hair the treatment it deserves, we try out different things, and some of us fail to realize that nothing beats nature. Nature has provided us with a variety of solutions to all our hair problems, as well as ways to make our curly hair look even better. Quite specifically, nature has provided us with essential oils.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants that are obtained through distillation - via steam and/or water - or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell and flavor, or "essence," of their source.
It is imperative to know that the process of obtaining essential oils is very important. In other words, essential oils obtained through chemical processes are not original essential oils.
The benefits of essential oils cannot be overestimated. They help relieve stress, anxiety, headaches, migraine, insomnia, and other health issues. Essential oils are also used in aromatherapy, as mosquito repellents, and for industrial cosmetics.
They are also used around the house as cleaning wipes, toilet cleaner, hand sanitizer, car freshener, fabric spray, hand soap, home filter, carpet freshener, floor cleaner, and laundry detergent. What we are concerned with however is the benefits of essential oils for curly hair.
Best Essential Oils for Curly Hair
It is believed that essential oils can make hair grow faster. Essential oils are also known for their ability to keep hair healthy and strong, which diminishes breakage.
This is particularly important for those who have curly hair because it tends to be fragile and prone to dryness. Essential oils help your hair retain moisture when they are dry. They also help with hair growth and treatment of an itchy scalp.
This article highlights some of the best essential oils for the health, moisture, and growth of curly hair.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Centuries before now, people have found that cedarwood essential oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help improve scalp condition.
The scalp has to be in good shape because it serves as the foundation for healthy hair. It balances the hair-producing glands thereby preventing hair loss and improving hair growth.
Cedarwood essential oil also possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties, which make it a good choice for those who have dry scalp and dandruff.
These qualities also make it effective in preventing infections and fungus from growing in your curls. This essential oil is very effective when you massage it into your scalp.
To do this, you mix 3 to 5 drops with 6 to 10 drops of carrier oil and gently massage it into your hair for about two minutes, then you rinse off after about 15 minutes.
One amazing feature of cedarwood essential oil is that it can be mixed with other essential oils like lavender or rosemary essential oils.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the most impressive essential oils for curly hair. It has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties.
These qualities make Lavender oil the perfect essential oil for speeding up hair growth because it seamlessly improves scalp health by increasing blood circulation.
A study carried out on mice showed that lavender oil promoted faster hair growth and also improved the health and appearance of the underlying skin on the mice, and although there haven’t been significant human studies, it is believed that this essential oil would have the same hair growth effect on humans.
Furthermore, this essential oil has a soothing nature that is beneficial to the scalp. It is effective at improving dry scalp and keeping the hair healthy and shiny. One thing that makes Lavender oil a well sought after oil is the fact that it can be used for any hair type.
It can be used as a massage oil for your curls. You add 8 drops to 3 tablespoons of carrier oil, and you massage for about 2 minutes before leaving it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes; then you wash off.
You can massage this mixture onto your scalp several times a week to make your curly hair fuller and thicker.
Peppermint Essential Oil
You cannot expect to have a stunning curly hair when your scalp isn’t in the best condition. Peppermint essential oil is ideal for people who have dry scalp or are suffering from scalp problems, including dandruff. It possesses antiseptic and antibacterial properties that promote good scalp conditions.
If that is not enough, it would interest you to know that peppermint essential oil has a cleansing action which removes bad odor from your hair, providing you with an odorless curly hair.
It is also quite popular for its therapeutic and refreshing effects, tension relief, and insect repellent properties. As a result, it ensures that you have a cool tingly effect in your scalp and keeps out bugs or lice.
It has a very strong scent, compared to other essential oils, the recommended use ofPeppermint essential oil for scalp massage is tomix 2 drops of the oil with 6 drops of carrier oil and massage the mixture into the scalp for two minutes. You can leave it on for up to 30 minutes before rinsing off.
You can also add peppermint essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner for even better results.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil, extracted from the leaves of an herb called Rosmarinus officinalis, has one of the most calming scents amongst other essential oils – a minty-woodsy kind of scent.
Rosemary essential oil is a superb choice if you intend to improve the thickness and growth of your dreads because it enhances the generation of new cells. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal, and anti-bacterial properties that prevent bacteria and other germs from living in your hair.
It is also effective at slowing down the graying processes of your hair, curing dull hair, encouraging the production of new hair, and preventing split ends. As a natural insect repellent, it helps to keep lice and bugs out of your hair.
Adding Rosemary essential oil to your scalp will help to heal alopecia, reduce scalp irritation, stop hair loss, and promote thickness to your curly hair texture.
Another great feature of Rosemary essential oil is that it is perfect for any type of hair. To use Rosemary essential oil for scalp massage, mix three teaspoons of grapeseed oil, or any carrier oil of your choice, with 7-8 drops of rosemary essential oil.
You can leave it on for up to 4 hours before washing off.
Vetiver Essential Oil
Vetiver essential oil, extracted from the clumpy, green grass vetiver plant native to India that can grow five feet high or more, is quite popular for its tranquil feature.
Its calming and soothing effect cools the body and mind thereby reducing stress. As a result, it is effective at mitigating hair loss caused by high body heat.
Vetiver essential oil is very effective at keeping free radicals away from your hair follicles while also preventing premature graying, ensuring that your dreads do not fall off as a result of the damage done by these free radicals.
To use Vetiver essential oil effectivelyMix two tablespoons of sweet almond or avocado oil with 5-6 drops of vetiver oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Put the bowl in the microwave for 5-10 seconds and massage your scalp with it. It will soothe your scalp and stimulate your hair follicles, to give you the desired length, healthier curls within a short period.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil, derived by steam distillation from the leaves of peragonium, is quite popular as an antiseptic that heals wounds, but it is also effective at reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, fighting depression, relieving anxiety and keeping skin healthy and radiant looking.
Geranium Essential Oil is reputed to effectively eliminate dead cells, tighten the skin, promote the regeneration of new skin, and diminish signs of aging.
The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of geranium essential oil make it a beneficial ingredient for use in moisturizers that are meant to treat skin ailments such as excessive oil, acne, eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
Geranium essential oil promotes the balance of sebum production, and this helps regulate your hormones and prevent hair loss. The geranium essential oil will not only make your curly hair appear shiny and beautiful, but it will also give it a lovely floral scent.
To use Geranium essential oil for scalp massage, mix three teaspoons of coconut oil, or any carrier oil of your choice, with 7-8 drops of rosemary essential oil. You can leave it on for up to 4 hours before washing off.
Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile essential oil has soothing anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-itching properties that are efficient for an itchy scalp.
It retains the moisture level and strengthens the hair from within, leaving behind soft and strong tresses, while also easing the associated irritation and itching of a dry scalp.
This essential oil conditions and protects the hair from any form of damage caused by environmental pollutants. It is also effective on sunny days as a natural hair lightener.
Chamomile essential oil can be massaged onto the scalp to give your curly hair the beauty and shine that is expected of it. To do this, you mix 3 to 5 drops with 6 to 10 drops of carrier oil and gently massage it into your hair for about two minutes, then you rinse off after about 15 minutes.
Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary sage essential oil, derived from the Salvia sclarea herb, possesses nervine, bactericidal, antiseptic, astringent, and deodorant properties that prevent bacteria from growing.
It also regulates oil production which makes it effective for scalp conditions such as dryness and itchiness. It calms rashes, stimulates the scalp, and balances the production of natural oil and sebum.
As a result of its scalp simulating properties, clary sage essential oil strengthens hair follicles thereby promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss, as well as being great for dry, processed, or heat-treated hair.
Clary sage essential oil can be used as a scalp massage. To do this, you mix 3 drops of Clary sage essential oil with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil, and you apply on your scalp. Massage for about 2 minutes before leaving it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes; then you wash off. Like most essential oils, Clary sage essential oil can be added to your shampoo for daily use.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil, derived from the tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, is an impressive essential oil that has been known for many centuries because of its unique fragrance.
It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal, and anti-bacterial properties that prevent bacteria and other germs from living in your curly hair.
This essential oil is known for its ability to improve scalp health and condition the pores of the scalp, providing a clear, clean surface that can absorb moisture and conditioning products more readily. With its repellent properties, it helps to prevent lice and bugs from hiding in your hair.
It can also help stimulate blood flow and reduce inflammation in the follicular cells, which may help enhance hair growth, thicken and strengthen the hair strands. Another noteworthy feature of tea tree essential oil is that it serves as a powerful disinfectant that kills germs and controls bad odors, which is made possible because of its unique fragrance.
To use Tea Tree essential oil for scalp massage, mix 3 to 5 drops of with 6 to 10 drops of carrier oil, and massage the mixture into the scalp for two minutes. You can leave it on for up to 30 minutes or even overnight before washing off.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil is an effective cure for dandruff. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-bacterial properties. Its hair-strengthening properties cause the hair follicles to grow faster and stronger, ensuring that your dreads look shiny always.
It is also very effective when it comes to deodorizing and cleaning the hair. Lemongrass oil has been proven to be effective in treating dandruff. Human studies on the effectiveness of lemongrass essential oil show that it can reduce dandruff significantly after one week.
Lemongrass essential oil is known for its effectiveness at relieving stress, anxiety, and headaches. You can mix a few drops of this essential oil with 2 to 3 drops of carrier oil of your choice if you want to use it as a scalp massage oil. You can also mix several drops of it into your shampoo and conditioner daily and massage it into your scalp before rinsing as usual.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang Ylang essential oil, extracted from a tropical tree in Indonesia, is known for its many health benefits. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-bacterial properties.
These qualities also make it effective in preventing infections and fungus from growing in your curls. It helps to stimulate hair growth when massaged into the scalp. This is because Ylang-ylang essential oil promotes sebum production.
This impressive essential oil also helps to reduce hair breakage. The oil will also make your hair appear shiny and provide it with a healthy glow. Ylang ylang essential oil can be used for scalp massage.
All you have to do is mix 5 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil with 2 tablespoons of your preferred carrier oil while warm. Massage it gently into your scalp then wrap your head with a warm towel. Leave it on for about 30 minutes then rinse it off thoroughly.
For best results, you can also mix several drops of it into your shampoo and conditioner daily and massage it into your scalp before rinsing as usual.
Essential Oil Recipes for your Curly Hair
Ylang Ylang essential oil recipe for breakage
What you need:
- 4 oz. water
- 6 drops of any other essential oil of your choice
- 2 tsp. aloe vera juice
- 2 tsp. coconut oil
- 2 tsp. ylang-ylang oil
- 2 tsp. coconut water
- 2 tsp. honey
Process: mix the aloe vera juice and coconut water in a small cup, then add water and honey. Ensure that it is well nixed. Combine the carrier oil and your essential oils in another cup. Add this mixture of oils to the water solution. Shake well before each application and apply without stress and with your discretion.
Tea Tree essential oil recipe for a healthy scalp
What you need:
- 2 tsp. jojoba oil
- ½ cup shea butter
- 2 tbsp. aloe vera gel
- 2 tsp. tea tree oil
- ½ cup of coconut milk
Process: Melt the shea butter. Add jojoba oil, aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, and coconut milk. Mix well and refrigerate until you are satisfied with the consistency.
Are there any essential oils you feel should be on thebestessential oils for curly hair list? Share them in the comments below.
