Aromatherapy For Hair Growth

Aromatherapy is the holistic practice of using specific essential oils and fragrances to heal, promote certain moods and enhance your overall well-being. Essential oils are oils distilled from specific parts of plants, generally the roots, stems and flowers. Oils are extracted from these parts using methods such as cold-pressing or steam distillation.

History of Aromatherapy

The history of aromatherapy as a healing art form goes back thousands of years. According to Janice Cox in her book "Natural Beauty at Home," ancient Greeks and Romans used essential oils to heal and enhance moods. The term "aromatherapy" was invented by a French chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé, in the early 20th century. Aromatherapy has grown in popularity since the 1970s as a healing method. Physicians, nurses, licensed aromatherapists and pharmacists can provide topical treatment using essential oils. Specialized training is required in order to recommend oral treatments using essential oils, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss can be caused by a number of factors. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair loss is generally a result of genetic factors, frequent and improper use of chemical treatments, disorders such as alopecia areata or other illness, stress and nutritional deficiencies such as low protein or iron levels.

Types of Essential Oils for Hair Growth

Certain essential oils may have the ability to promote hair growth. When used in head and scalp massage, oils such as peppermint, sage and rosemary may help to stimulate hair growth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Lavender, thyme and cedarwood essential oils may also have some benefit in promoting hair growth. Before application, essential oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil, such as olive or grapeseed oil, because of the risk of skin irritation. The oil is then applied to the scalp using the fingertips.

Evidence

A clinical study by Scottish dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Hay and fellow researchers published in the November 1998 issue of the journal Archives of Dermatology showed that patients suffering from alopecia areata, a hair loss disorder, benefited from topical application of specific essential oils. In this study, essential oils of lavender, thyme, cedarwood and rosemary were applied to the scalps of study participants over a period of seven months. The patients who received the essential oil treatment had a significant improvement in hair growth over the control group, who only received treatment with jojoba and grapeseed carrier oils.

Warning

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you should always consult your doctor or health care provider before mixing essential oils with prescription hair growth products such as Minoxidil due to the possibility of drug interactions.