Essential Oils For Dry Hair

Dry hair lacks moisture and the oil needed to maintain its shine and texture. Hair can become dry due to excessive shampooing, blow-drying, malnutrition as well as an overactive or under-active thyroid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Dry hair can be brittle, frizzy and hard to manage. You can add moisture to hair with essential oils.

Chamomile Oil

Chamomile appears to contain antibacterial and antifungal properties and is often used in shampoos and other hair care products, according to the UMMC. Some hair conditioners contain chamomile. According to Aromatherapy at Home, it is the most soothing essential oil for the hair and scalp.

Lemon Oil

Lemon oil may help stimulate sluggish sebaceous glands and relieve dry hair and scalp, according to Aromatherapy at Home. Sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance known as sebum that helps retain moisture in the hair and skin. You also can use lemon oil can as hair tonic to help strengthen hair and give it shine.

Olive Oil

Olive oil might work especially well for hair that has dried out from environmental factors such as the sun and heat. Massaging a small amount of olive oil into the scalp and allowing it sit for about a half hour might nourish dry hair and help give it more bounce, according to Natural Cures for Dry Hair. Wear a cap or towel to produce a warming effect on the oil as it penetrates the hair. Shampoo your hair when finished to rinse the oil thoroughly.

Almond Oil

Almond oil might help restore moisture and condition dry hair. Almonds have antioxidant properties and contain protein, unsaturated fats and minerals, according to the website Drugs. Applying a few drops of warm almond oil to the scalp with your fingertips and massaging for several minutes might help stimulate the oil glands.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is a recognized antimicrobial agent, a substance that destroys fungus and bacteria. Rosemary oil has been used historically to stimulate hair growth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This essential oil might also help condition dry hair and relieve dry, flaky and itchy scalp.