Nourishing Oils for Healthy Hair & Scalp
When it comes to looking after your hair, there are a multitude of beneficial oils you can use to promote healthy hair and scalp and support hair growth.
One of the most important steps you can take is eliminating use of toxic hair products which can disrupt the endocrine system and also negatively impact the health of your scalp, not to mention your respiratory system every time you inhale synthetic fragrance and other toxic airborne ingredients in your “beauty” products. For more information on toxic ingredients, please head to my blog post Toxic Beauty.
Your hair, skin and nails will thrive when nourished with natural products containing essential vitamins and fatty acids that support you on a cellular level and allow your skin to breathe! Many commercial products contain petrochemicals (e.g. petroleum jelly and mineral oils) which can actually be drying but also trap other pore-clogging ingredients into the skin.
There are some wonderful essential oils and carrier oils known to protect hair, boost your natural shine and stimulate hair follicles naturally.
Essential oils are volatile compounds made up of chemical constituents whose molecules have antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can help support healthy follicles, scalp and hair.
Rosemary essential oil helps fight fungi and bacteria to support a healthy scalp and due to its circulation-improving effects may promote hair growth when used long term.
Peppermint essential oil promotes circulation and increased hair growth in the anagen (or growing) phase.
Cedarwood essential oil balances oil-producing glands in the scalp and can reduce hair loss by promoting healthy hair follicles.
Lavender essential oil is known to reduce stress and generate cell growth. Its antimicrobial properties can improve scalp health and soothe dry, itchy skin.
Carrier oils are nutrient-dense extracts from nuts, seeds or whole fruits and can be used to support healthy hair, skin and nails. Unlike essential oils, carrier oils can be used directly on the skin. The safe use of essential oils relies heavily on the use of a carrier oil and a safe dilution of approximately 4-6 drops of essential oils per 10ml carrier oil is recommended for adults.
Jojoba Oil is rich in nutrients such as Vitamin E and B, antioxidants and essential fatty acids that closely resembles the sebum of the skin. This helps reduce excess sebum on the scalp which can promote hair growth.
Argan Oil is incredibly high in Vitamin E and has proven benefits for hair and scalp health which may in turn help prevent breakage and hair loss.
Castor Oil is a nutrient dense oil that promotes blood circulation and a healthier scalp making way for better hair growth. It is often used to treat hair breakage, dandruff, eczema and a dry, itchy scalp.
Sweet Almond Oil is high in protein, Omega-9 fatty Acids and Vitamin E and when used on the scalp and ends, can make hair more resilient and less prone to breakage and split ends. It improves the softness, shine and strength of the hair by treating your hair at a cellular level.
Grapeseed Oil contains natural conditioning properties and due to its high content of linoleic acid, a fatty acid necessary for the function of our major organs, it can help prevent hair loss and dry scalp. It also hydrates hair, fights scalp inflammation and supports hair growth.
Here is a wonderfully simple DIY Hair Serum using all of the above ingredients:
6 drops Cedarwood
6 drops Lavender
4 drops Peppermint
4 drops Rosemary
10ml Organic Jojoba Oil
10ml Organic Argan Oil
10ml Organic Castor Oil
10ml Organic Sweet Almond Oil
10ml Organic Grapeseed Oil
Combine all ingredients in a 50ml amber glass dropper or pump bottle. Just a few drops a day massaged into the scalp and the ends of the hair will leave your scalp feeling nourished and your locks looking fabulous. And there's no need to rinse!
Use organic carrier oils where possible and don’t be put off if you are missing a few ingredients — use what you have but always stick to the essential oils-carrier oils ratio. In this case, 20 drops essential oils to 50ml carrier oil.
Not surprisingly, avoiding inflammatory foods and nourishing our bodies from the inside will also contribute to noticeably healthier hair, skin and nails. Some wonderful products include Type I and Type III sustainably sourced Collagen in the form of Nutra Organics Collagen Beauty and a Radiance Tonic such as Superfeast Beauty Blend.
Taken daily, these can provide much needed vitamins and minerals to support healthy gut, liver and kidney function as well as boost our body’s natural detoxification and antioxidant function, all of which can promote healthier looking hair, skin and nails!
Taken daily, these can provide much needed vitamins and minerals to support healthy gut, liver and kidney function as well as boost our body’s natural detoxification and antioxidant function, all of which can promote healthier looking hair, skin and nails!
If you are ready to enjoy the amazing benefits of certified pure, therapeutic grade essential oils at the best price, please get in touch or visit my doTERRA Wholesale page.