You can add essential oils to your shampoo to make it more aromatic and to enhance its effectiveness. Not all essential oils are considered safe for skin absorption, especially if you are using the shampoo on children or if you have sensitive skin, so it is best to use mild essential oils for your shampoo. Dosage is also important and a few drops of essential oil go a long way. Try a skin patch test with the essential oils of your choice to know whether or not you will have an allergic reaction before adding them to your shampoo.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is a very gentle essential oil that can be added to shampoo for its aromatic and mood enhancing properties. It works on all hair types and all hair colors, according to herbalist Dina Falconi in her book "Earthly Bodies and Heavenly Hair." Falconi recommends adding 30 drops of lavender essential oil to a 16 oz. bottle of shampoo and she combines it with a teaspoon of basil and nettle leaf herbal infusion. Discontinue the use of your shampoo with lavender essential oil if it causes any type of skin or eye irritation and consult your dermatologist.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil is beneficial to add to a shampoo that you are using to treat dandruff and lice, as well as dry scalp, since it has antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, according to acupuncturist David Crow in his book "The Pharmacy of Flowers." Always shake your shampoo before use so that the tea tree essential oil is evenly distributed and diluted in the mixture and discontinue at any sign of irritation.
Chamomile Essential Oil
According to herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, chamomile essential oil gives golden highlights to hair. In her book "Family Herbal—A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality," Gladstar recommends combining the oil with one ounce of calendula, chamomile and comfrey herbal infusion for a stronger effect, before adding it to your shampoo. Chamomile essential oil is very gentle and can be added to children's shampoos as well, but it is only recommended if the hair is already light brown or blond, as it may discolor dark hair and make it look red or an unwanted shade of brown. Do not use this essential oil if allergic reactions develop.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil also gives golden highlights to light hair when it is added to shampoo and used regularly. Gladstar also notes that it has the added benefit of treating under-active sebaceous glands and dry scalp, as it has invigorating qualities for the skin. Lemon essential oil has a pleasant citrus smell but should be discontinued if your eyes or skin become irritated.
References
- "Earthly Bodies and Heavenly Hair"; Dina Falconi; 1998
- "The Pharmacy of Flowers"; David Crow; 2005
- "Family Herbal-A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
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