Essential oils can be safely used at home to reverse chemical over-processing and sun and wind damage and to restore hair's shine, strength and vitality. However, the quality of essential oils varies widely and great care should be taken to choose pure, organic essential oils to use for at-home hair and scalp treatments. Although many essential oils are used to treat hair and scalp, the best essential oils for the hair are those that are similar to natural skin oils, do not cause facial or scalp blemishes and simultaneously eradicate troublesome hair and scalp conditions.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil, a botanical extract from the Jojoba tree, is actually a wax ester, not an essential oil. Jojoba's wax ester compound is most similar to sebum, human skin oil, which makes it the most superior natural oil to moisturize hair. Jojoba oil shines hair and prevents dandruff when applied to the scalp. Jojoba oil is non-comedogenic, which means it does not cause or aggravate acne on any exposed facial skin or scalp. Jojoba oil is also widely used as carrier oil for many essential oil hair-conditioning blends.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil is extracted from the twigs and leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree. Tea tree oil minimizes scalp oil production and is extremely beneficial for dandruff and scalp psoriasis. The oil also moisturizes hair when used as a hair conditioner. Tea tree oil is non-toxic, but is known to cause ear, nose and eye irritation. Therefore, use tea tree oil in a carrier base of olive or jojoba oil before applying to the hair or scalp.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil, from the English lavender plant, soothes the scalp. Lavender may also promote hair growth and facilitate scalp wound healing. Pure, organic lavender oil may be safely applied directly to the hair and scalp or used with a carrier oil such as jojoba or olive oil.
Olive Oil
Olive oil moisturizes dry hair and improves hair elasticity. Although olive oil is mainly used as a carrier oil for other essential oils such as lavender and tea tree, it can be used full-strength as a deep conditioner, split-end repairer and dandruff eliminator.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil, which contains menthol, stimulates blood flow to the hair roots. The increased blood flow allows the roots to receive nutrients from the body, which in turn expedites hair growth. Peppermint oil tingles the scalp, which may cause discomfort. Therefore, carrier oils such as olive or jojoba oil should be used with peppermint oil for at-home hair treatments.
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