Lavender Oil For Hair – How To Use, Benefits, & Side Effects

Lavender oil is obtained by the distillation of lavender flowers and lavender spikes. The oil obtained from the flowers is colorless, has a soothing aroma, and contains a complex mix of phytochemicals. Lavender oil has multiple uses, from aromatherapy and body massage to skin and hair care. It is suitable for all hair types and textures. Hair experts also attest to the fact that it is one of the best oils for natural hair.

Know Your Ingredient: Lavender Oil

What Is It?
It is the oil obtained from the distillation of lavender flowers and spikes.

What Are Its Benefits?
Maintains scalp health, promotes hair growth, boosts blood circulation, kills head lice, and boosts healthy hair growth.

Who Can Use It?
Suitable for all hair types (especially those with thin hair or scalp issues) and skin types (especially those with dry skin issues)

How Often?
Apply it to your scalp once per week.

Caution
Dilute the oil with a carrier oil or water or liquid like rose water or cucumber juice, as it may irritate your scalp. Those with oily scalps should use it moderately.

What Is Lavender Oil?

Lavender oil is obtained by the distillation of lavender flowers and lavender spikes. The oil obtained from the flowers is colorless, has a soothing aroma, and contains a complex mix of phytochemicalsⁱ  Bioactive chemical compounds in plants responsible for their color and aroma that protect them from predators and the environment. . Lavender oil is used as a perfume, in aromatherapy, and for massages.

Trivia

Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, the father of aromatherapyⁱ  A holistic therapy that uses aromatic substances to promote calmness and physical and mental well-being. , was the first person to scientifically document lavender oil’s healing properties.

How Lavender Oil Works For Hair Growth

• Promotes Hair Growth: Korean scientists found that the topical application of lavender oil once a day for four weeks increased the number of follicles and stimulated hair growth in laboratory mice (1). However, more studies on humans are required to understand why and how lavender oil promotes hair growth.
• Improves Blood Circulation: Applying lavender oil to the scalp and gently massaging it in a circular motion helps improve blood circulation to the scalp. This improves scalp health and helps the nutrients reach the follicles, making them stronger, and preventing hair loss.

• Kills Head Lice: Head lice are a menace. The parasites feed on the blood on the scalp and weaken the hair, leading to hair fall and dull hair. A study shows that applying a combination of lavender oil and tea tree oil for lice is very effective. It can prevent or even suffocate head lice (2).

• Has Antimicrobial Properties: Lavender oil has antimicrobial properties and is effective against bacteria and fungi (3). This property of lavender oil may help reduce itchy scalp, dandruff, and other infections caused by microbes on the scalp.
• Has A Calming Effect: Sudden hair loss, hair thinning, and bald patches can cause stress and anxiety. This can further aggravate hair fall. Lavender oil has a calming effect that helps reduce anxiety (4). Hence, applying it to your scalp helps relax your mind and provides stress relief.

According to a YouGov poll of 32,601 US Adults, the majority of men (59%) and women (57%) in the age group of 18 to 24 express fear when confronted with the prospect of going bald. Similarly, among individuals aged 25 to 34, a significant portion of women (55%) and approximately half of the men (51%) also share the sentiment that a receding hairline or thinning hair is a frightening prospect.

Naya Nzeka, a beauty and haircare content creator, tried using lavender oil on her hair for 14 days and saw visible changes in her hair growth. By the end of the 14th day, her texture improved and her hair grew one and a half inches long. In her video, she mentioned, “Lavender is a very effective hair growth treatment. I definitely have to incorporate this into my hair care regime (i).”

Now, what may be the best way to apply this hair growth oil? Scroll down to know the different options.

How To Use Lavender Oil On Your Hair

• Massage Lavender Oil: Comb your hair and divide it into sections. Massage two drops of lavender oil onto one section in a circular motion for 2 minutes to help the oil penetrate the deepest dermal layer of the scalp and hair follicles. Repeat the process all over the scalp. Take 10 drops of lavender oil in your palms and run them through the hair strands. Tie your hair up in a bun. Wait for 30 minutes before washing it off your hair with a good shampoo.
• Use Lavender Oil As A Serum: The beautiful aroma of lavender oil will add a calming effect, make your hair shiny, and prevent the need for perfume.
• Add Lavender Oil In Hair Products: Adding a few drops of lavender oil to your shampoo, conditioner, hair oil, or hair serum can help you reap its benefits without having to spend a lot of time on hair care every day.
• Buy Products With Lavender Oil: Check the labels of shampoos, conditioners, oils, and serums for ingredients like lavender essential oil or lavender hydrolateⁱ  The aromatic water left behind from condensation during the steam distillation process of an essential oil. . You can buy these products and use them to avoid the extra step of adding lavender oil to your hair care products.
• Lavender Oil In Hair Masks: You can mix a few natural ingredients like coconut oil or almond oil along with lavender oil to prepare a deep conditioning hair mask for dry and damaged hair. Apply it to the scalp and hair strands and massage well. Wash off after 30 minutes. Do this once a week.

Quick Tip

Lavender essential oil may last for 3 to 4 years. You can store it in a cool and dark place to increase its shelf life. Use a small container to prevent trapping the oxygen.

Benefits Of Using Lavender Oil

• Helps promote hair regrowth.
• Rejuvenates damaged and dull hair.
• Suitable for all hair types.
• Helps reduce dandruff and head lice.
• Helps to relax and calms the nerves.
• Can easily be mixed with other oils and hair care products.
• Can also be used for body massage.
• Easily available.

But before you start using it, should you be aware of any side effects lavender oil may have? Scroll down to know.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Using too much lavender oil may irritate your scalp or skin. Do a patch test before you use the oil on your hair to check for allergic reactions or irritation, especially if you have a sensitive skin type. There are proven benefits of scalp massage for hair growth. Massage your scalp with a minimum amount of the oil. Mixing lavender oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil can also help. If the aroma is too strong for you, you may dilute it with olive oil before applying it to your scalp. Do not consume it under any circumstances, and keep it away from children and pets. Additionally, make sure the oil does not come in contact with your eyes. If you experience any sort of irritation, immediately rinse the area with water and stop using the oil.

Infographic: How To Make Lavender Oil At Home

Now that you know the benefits of using lavender oil for your hair, you may want to get some for yourself. While you can choose to purchase the best quality lavender oil, making it at home would ensure you get the best of quality at a much lesser price. Check out the infographic below to know how you can make lavender oil at home from fresh sprigs and dried flowers.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Illustration: Lavender Oil For Hair – How To Use Benefits & Side Effects

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

How effective is lavender oil for hair growth? Watch this video that explores the science behind it to confirm if it can really help your hair health.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Shruti ChavanMBBS

   

Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth's Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee member of CDSI (Cosmetic dermatologist Society of India). She is highly skilled in non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation and face lift by the use of injection treatments and lasers.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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