Dry hair is not an uncommon malady afflicting the hair. Anyone can be affected and bothered with dry hair problems. Dry hair happens due to the lack of moisture in the scalp. It also happens when the hair is not able to retain the moisture. The dry hair problem makes the hair look dull and frizzy making it brittle and vulnerable to split ends and breakage. But, is it a problem that only affects a certain gender? No, dry hair problems can affect both men and women, and it is more likely as you age.
Natural oils and carrier and essential oils for dry hair are simple and easy ways to tackle dry hair problems no matter the cause of the issue. Before diving deep into the topic let us know which essential oils are useful in resolving dry hair problems.
So, what are some of the best essential oils for dry hair? There are some essential oils that have the ability of keeping the hair hydrated for a long time and regulating the secretion of sebum. Out of the plethora of essential oils, these oils can keep the scalp and thus the hair moisturized. Here’s the list of 11 essential oils for dry hair, (arranged in no particular order): -
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Tea Tree essential Oil
- Chamomile Essential oil
- Geranium Essential Oil
- Bergamot Essential Oil
- Birch Essential Oil
- Rose Essential Oil
- Rosemary Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Sandalwood Essential Oil
- Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
Now, let’s dive deeper into the world of dry hair and essential oils for dry hair therapy. First, we need to know about dry hair and what causes dry hair.
Dry Hair And The Causes Of Dry Hair
There are lots of factors that can lead to loss or lack of moisture in the scalp and hair. Some of these factors are environmental, genetic, lifestyle and hair care practices.
Environmental factors that cause dry hair are: -
- Hot and humid climate
- Working or playing too much in the sun
- Bad water for bathing. Chlorinated water can result in dry hair and hair loss.
Lifestyle choices that cause dry hair are: -
- Smoking and alcohol abuse
- Not drinking enough water and relying on carbonated drinks
- Bad food habits
Hair care practices that cause dry hair are: -
- Blow drying the hair everyday or regularly.
- Coloring or dyeing hair regularly
- Using powerful shampoos and conditioners.
- Straightening and curling hair regularly can also cause dry scalp.
- Washing hair too often
Genetic factors and underlying health conditions that cause dry hair: -
- The genetic disease called Menkes syndrome leads to dry hair.
- Malnutrition caused by anorexia nervosa (eating disorder).
- Issues with the thyroid glands. Hypothyroidism and Hypoparathyroidism both result in dry hair.
What Are Essential Oils?
Now that we know the causes of dry hair, we must know about the easiest way of moisturizing the scalp and hair. Essential oils not only moisturize the hair, it nourishes it with amino acids, proteins and vitamins.
Essential oils are concentrated oils obtained from various parts of plants. The plant kingdom has trees, grasses and roots that have good medicinal properties. The flowers, buds, petals, rhizomes, roots, bark, stem, fresh leaves, dry leaves etc are used in making essential oils. The processes used for the extraction of essential oils are:
- Steam distillation
- CO2 extraction
- Solvent extraction
- Maceration
Essential oils have a strong fragrance and have many compounds from the plant in concentrated form. Every essential oil has a unique aroma given to it by the aromatic molecules unique to its source plant. These essential oils are used in aromatherapy or diluted and applied on the skin (face and scalp included).
When essential oils are diluted and applied on the scalp it boosts the hair health right from the scalp and hair follicles to the tip of the hair, hence preventing breakage and split ends. It also does not make your hair greasy.
Now, let’s learn more about the essential oils for dry hair.
11 Best Essential Oils For Dry Hair
1. Lavender Essential Oil For Dry Hair
Now, even though we said at the beginning that this list is not in any particular order, lavender oil had to be the first in this list. Lavender essential oil extracted from species Lavandula and is a versatile essential oil that can be used on any skin and hair problem. The oil is also used as an ingredient in cosmetic products.
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil For Dry Scalp
Tea tree essential oil is extracted from the tall shrub Melaleuca alternifolia. The oil supplies essential nutrients to the scalp and maintains the scalp health and moisturized hair. The potent properties of oil are useful in eliminating blockages from the scalp which stimulates hair growth.
3. Treat Dry Skin With Chamomile Essential Oil
Roman chamomile essential oil and German chamomile essential oil are the two varieties of essential oils that are obtained from different varieties of the chamomile plant. The oils have different colors, fragrance and properties of the oil. However, both these varieties are for treating dry hair. Besides being mild in nature, the chamomile essential oil supplied the scalp with vitamins and nutrients. It moisturizes the scalp and keeps the hair hydrated for a long time.
Chamomile oil also has a pleasant aroma and hence makes up for a great hair day. The reason for the many properties of the oil is due to the presence of terpenes, sesquiterpenes etc in the oil.
4. Geranium Essential Oil Dry Hair Home Remedy
The essential oil of geranium is from the Pelargonium graveolens plant and has a flowery scent, which keeps the hair smelling nice. The whole plant is used to make the oil, but the oil is still gentle in nature. The oil is used in hair care and as an ingredient in hair care products. It nourishes the hair follicles and hydrates the scalp thus stimulating hair growth.
5. Bergamot Essential Oil For Dry Hair And Scalp
Bergamot oil is obtained from the fruit of the Citrus bergamia plant native to Southeast Asia. Because of its many health benefits, bergamot plants are grown across the world. The fruits of the plant are cold pressed to extract the oils. The oil of bergamot has several benefits for the hair, and that is why the oil is used as an ingredient in hair care cosmetic products.
What does bergamot oil do for dry hair? The oil conditions the dry hair thus making it silky and shiny. Massaging the oil on the scalp also stimulates blood flow that is needed for the nutrients to reach the hair follicles. This helps the hair grow faster and get thicker.
6. Birch Essential Oil For Dry Hair
Birch essential oil for dry hair is obtained from the Betula alba tree by dry distillation. The oil of birch has some benefits for the hair and is used as an ingredient in cosmetic hair care products. Applying this oil regularly makes the hair stronger and prevents hair fall or hair breakage.
7. Rose Essential Oil Against Dry Hair
This oil of rose is extracted from the rose plant and has a sweet floral aroma. The oil has benefits that can support hair health and balance dry scalp, plus giving the aroma to the hair. Rose oil when applied with carrier oils including coconut oil or olive oil, jojoba oil moisturizes the scalp and makes the hair look shiny.
Some of the active compounds in the oil are linoleic and oleic acids which give the dry or damaged hair good fatty acid content. The fatty acids are good for dry hair roots as it moisturizes the scalp sufficiently. Rose essential oil has Vitamin C phenolic compounds.
8. Rosemary Essential Oil For Dry Hair Remedy
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil is a versatile oil from the Rosmarinus officinalis L. plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It has been utilized for centuries. It is applied on the hair to boost hair thickness. It amply moisturizes the scalp making it a good choice for dry hair types.
It also boosts blood circulation in the scalp that ensures that the nutrients reach the scalp.
9. Treating Dry Hair With Peppermint Essential Oil
From the Menthae piperitae aetheroleum plant, peppermint essential oil is rich in menthol that is efficient in soothing the scalp. The menthol in the oil is an efficient soothing agent that calms scalp irritation arising from dry scalp. The pulegone compound in the oil tightens the hair follicles thus preventing hair loss.
10. Sandalwood Essential Oil For Dry Hair Home Remedy
Diluting the essential oil of sandalwood with carrier oils including sweet almond oil, olive oil or fractionated coconut oil and massaging it twice a week on the scalp and the hair strands improves the hair health. This is the simplest home remedy for treating dry hair. Now, the sandalwood oil from the Santalum album tree has a rich aroma. In hair care, the oil is an excellent moisturizer and also helps in retaining moisture content.
11. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil For Dry Hair Care
Ylang ylang oil is extracted from the tropical tree Cananga odorata through steam distillation. The oil can resolve dryness issues of the scalp and hairDryness of the scalp can also result in infections and loss of hair. The oil of ylang ylang makes the hair feel soft by trapping the moisture. Your favorite essential oil also contains sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes and aliphatic compounds.
Best Oil For Dehydrated Hair
There are several oils mentioned here in our list of essential oils for hair dryness. But which one is the best oil for dehydrated hair? We have to break this down into carrier oils and essential oils. Now it is hard for us to pick the best oil for hair, so we will give you the most popular oils for dry hair. The oils for dry hair in the carrier oil category are coconut oil, argan oil and jojoba oil; and the best oils for dry damaged hair in the essential oils category are lavender oil, tea tree oil and rosemary oil.
How To Use Essential Oils For Dry Hair Treatment And Scalp Issues
Essential oils are concentrated plant oils that should not be applied on the skin directly. It should always be blended and diluted with carrier oils (rich in fatty acids) before applying on the scalp. Some of the popular carrier oils for treating dry hair are as follows:
- Coconut oil
- Jojoba oil
- Olive oil
- Virgin coconut oil
- Almond oil
- Sunflower oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Rosehip seed oil
- Fractionated coconut oil
Gya Labs Carrier oils are also good for damaged and dry hair. It strengthens your hair, moisturizes dry hair and prevents hair issues. Nutrients are supplied to the scalp such as vitamins and minerals which protect your hair and trigger new hair growth. The best oils for healthy hair are also used in hair masks.
How To Mix Oils For Hair Remedy –
- Mix 2 to 3 drops of essential oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil.
- Apply it on the scalp and hair and massage the scalp using the fingers.
- Make sure that the oil is spread evenly.
- Leave the oil for at least an hour or overnight.
- Wash it off with a good shampoo and conditioner.
- Gently dry the hair with warm towel.
When Using Oil Treatments for Dry Hair
1. Warm the Oil: Before applying oils for dry hair, warm it slightly. You can avoid applying direct heat to the oil. You can do this by placing the oil container in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. But, why should we warm the dry hair oils? Warm oil can penetrate the hair shaft more effectively and thus provide better hydration.
2. Part Your Hair: Part your hair into small sections to ensure even application of the oil treatment. This will help you to avoid missing any areas and ensure that all your hair receives the benefits of the hair oil for dry hair.
3. Apply to the Ends: Pay more attention to the oil treatment on the ends of your hair. The tips are more prone to dryness, split ends and damage, and they benefit the most from the extra moisture and nourishment.
4. Avoid the Scalp (if necessary): Essential oil scalp treatment works well with these blends, however, if you have an oily scalp, avoid applying too much oil directly to your scalp. Focus on the ends of your hair as it will prevent your scalp from becoming greasy.
5. Massage Scalp Gently: After applying the oils for dry hair, gently massage your hair and scalp with your fingertips. This helps to distribute the oil evenly thus stimulating blood circulation, and promoting hair growth and healthier hair.
6. Make Use of an Applicator: If you find it challenging to apply the oil with your hands, consider using an applicator bottle with a narrow tip. This can help you apply the oil for dry hair and scalp more precisely, especially to the ends.
7. Cover and Rest: After applying the oil, it would be nice to cover your hair with a shower cap or at least wrap it in a warm towel. Doing so creates a steam effect that opens up the hair cuticles, again allowing the oil for hair dryness to penetrate deeper.
8. Leave It On: Leave the oil treatments for dry hair for an appropriate amount of time. This can vary from 30 minutes to overnight, depending on your preference. Longer treatment times allow for better absorption.
9. Rinse Thoroughly: After keeping the oil on the hair for sufficient duration rinse it off. When you're ready to rinse, make use of lukewarm water to wash out the oil. Sometimes, you might need to shampoo your hair twice to ensure that all the oil is removed. This depends on the amount dry hair oils you might have used. Make sure there's no residue left, as this can make your hair look greasy once it dries.
10. Follow with Conditioner (if desired): After rinsing out the oil, you can apply a conditioner. This step helps seal in the moisture leaving your hair softer and more manageable.
11. Adjust Frequency: The frequency of oil treatments for dry hair depends not on the time in hand, but on your hair's condition. In case your hair is extremely dry, you might benefit from weekly treatments. But in case your hair is moderately dry, fortnightly treatments might be sufficient.
12. Be Patient: This is imperative. Consistency is key when it comes to hair oil treatment for dry hair. It might take a few treatments to see noticeable improvements in hair texture and hydration.
It is also important to remember that individual results may vary, so feel free to adjust the oil treatment routine based on how your hair responds.
DIY Tips And Recipes For Essential Oils For Dry Hair
Instructions For Mixing The Oils
- Mix the oils as mentioned in the recipe
- Apply on the scalp and hair
- Gently massage the scalp till the oil is absorbed and till the scalp feels warm.
- Keep the oil on the hair for a few hours. It is best if the oil is left overnight.
- Wash off the oil with shampoo and condition the hair.
Dry Scalp Hair Oil
Ingredients
- 8 drops of sandalwood essential oil
- 4 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
- 5 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil
Hair Thickener Oil for Dry Hair
Ingredients
- 1 drop of lavender essential oil
- 1 drop of bergamot essential oil
- 2 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 1 drop of cedarwood essential oil
- 3 drops of Clary sage essential oil
- Quarter cup of Argan oil
Other Treatments Of Dry Hair
Sometimes essential oils form a supplementary treatment for dry hair and dry scalp issues. The scalp may be undernourished and may need more than essential oils to repair itself. Some of the other treatments for dry hair and scalp are as follows:
- Keep the hair short
- Take multivitamin supplements
- Take fish oil supplements
- Stop air drying the hair
- Stop washing hair everyday
- Stop using heating appliance on the scalp like hot styling
Safety And Precautions While Using Essential Oils
Essential oils are great for self-care routines. However, we should also take care and follow caution when using them to keep ourselves and loved ones safe from its side effects. Generally essential oils are safe, but a few guidelines must be followed to avoid any adverse effects. Also, the oils are different, made up of different compounds.
Some people may be allergic to certain compounds while others may be allergic to others. Concentrated oil must be bought after careful deliberation. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.
- Read the label and instructions to make sure you’re using the oil correctly.
- While buying essential oils be wary of the terms fragrance oil, perfume oil and natural identical oil.
- The term pure essential oil can be widely seen on the bottles. These may be made from substandard sources.
- Ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients or compounds in the oil.
- Make sure to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil for safe application.
- Do not add too much of the oil in the diffuser.
- Avoid using essential oils of sensitive areas like the eyes and nose.
- Don’t apply it on broken skin either unless it’s mentioned on the bottle or label.
- Keep it out of reach of kids and fur kids.
- Do not diffuse the oil near kids and pets. Consult a doctor before doing so.
- Some oils may make you sensitive to sun damage, so be sure to load up on SPF.
- Check the label to see if the oil is photo-toxic.
- Always do a small patch test before topical application.
- If aromatherapy is performed directly from the bottle, make sure that the oil does not touch the skin.
- The common unwanted effects caused by essential oils up on topical application are rashes, redness and swelling.
- If you show signs of irritation, stop use and consult a health professional.
- Some essential oils cannot be used by people with kidney problems, whereas some essential oils cannot be used with blood disorders. It is always advisable to consult a doctor about your essential oil needs and predisposition for diseases.
