Author: Kadambari R. | Illustrator: Parvathi Nayanar
Essential oils are nothing but potent botanical extracts widely used for skin care and hair care. There are plenty of essential oils that concerns hair health. Many have acknowledged the benefits of essential oils and have been incorporating them into the hair care routine for a long time. Essential oils have gained importance in the last few years and have been used in a variety of shampoos and conditioners for us to gain the benefits of the bioactive ingredients present in the essential oils. Though there have been only a few pieces of research on essential oils, many claim to do wonders on the hair. So, this article will focus mainly on those essential oils that provide thickness and volume. Let’s quickly check out the benefits and ways to use the essential oils for hair thickness and volume –
List of Essential Oils for Hair Thickness and Volume:
Sage oil
It is extracted from either dried or fresh leaves and stems and is studied and researched to prevent hair loss and promotes hair growth. Increases the supply of nutrients to the hair follicles and boosts circulation in the scalp thereby strengthening and rejuvenating the strands of hair. It adds shine and volume to the hair. Has zinc which plays a vital role in hair regeneration. It also has Vitamin K which makes the hair grow faster and thicker.
Rosemary oil
There are so many essential oils available in the market today but rosemary essential oil is something that people always go back to because of its efficacy in stimulating hair growth. It has vitamin B6 which supports healthy hair growth. It increases the blood flow to the hair follicles and prevents thinning of hair. Besides these, it also increases the production of melanin and restores hair colour. Rosemary oil also has vitamin A and C which nourishes the hair.
Sweet basil oil
This oil is used in many shampoos and conditioners for its mild and refreshing scent. Its efficacy in promoting speedy hair growth is widely being recognised these days. It also has vitamin B6, an important nutrient that stimulates hair growth. Sweet Basil Oil not only aids in strengthening hair strands but also cleanses, moisturises and hydrates the hair well.
Tea tree oil
The known benefits of Tea Tree oil are plenty. It strengthens the hair follicles, maintains scalp health and cleanses it well. Also helps in unclogging hair follicles providing unrestricted hair growth. It has antimicrobial properties and aids in reducing dandruff. Regular use of tea tree oil will make the hair grow longer and thicker.
Thyme oil
Thyme essential oil significantly promotes hair growth. This is one of the strongest essential oils that are effective in promoting hair growth. It improves the overall texture of hair. It is enriched with nutrients like Vitamin A, C and most importantly vitamin D and B6. This helps in thickening the hair and helps in regenerating new hair follicles. It also has potassium which helps in adding shine to the hair. It’s a key element that helps in maintaining hair health.
Peppermint oil
A few pieces of research have shown that peppermint essential oil might be a potent ingredient that aids in promoting hair growth. It increases blood supply to hair and claims to strengthen hair follicles. Peppermint oil contains vitamin A and C along with iron, potassium which are essential for facilitating healthy hair growth. It also has folic acid which helps the hair grow thicker with more volume.
Lavender essential oil
Studies have shown that lavender essential oil potentially makes the hair grow faster and thicker. It tends to treat baldness, stimulates hair growth and maintains hair follicles. It is commonly used when it comes to hair care. Also used in many shampoos and conditioners, for it stimulates hair growth and adds a mild scent to the hair.
Ylang-ylang essential oil
This oil is extracted from ylang-ylang flowers and has a strong fragrance. It helps in improving the hair texture and reduces hair breakage. Also claims to enhance blood circulation thereby promoting hair growth. It makes the hair strong, long and shiny. It repairs damaged, dry and dull hair by rejuvenating the scalp.
Cedarwood essential oil
This oil gives one lustrous hair. It moisturises the scalp and enhances the flow of blood facilitating a healthy space for hair growth. It balances oil secretion and controls dandruff as it has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Chamomile essential oil
It’s been widely used in hair care routines. Chamomile essential oil is efficient in restoring damaged hair Follicles. Has anti-inflammatory properties and fights dandruff. It protects hair from breakage and nourishes the scalp. It also strengthens hair follicles and facilitates hair growth. Makes the hair soft and manageable.
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HAIR THICKNESS AND VOLUME:
- Add 3-5 drops of any essential oil of your choice to any carrier oil like castor oil, coconut oil, olive oil etc. Mix it well and gently massage it onto the scalp. Leave it for 45min and rinse it off using a mild shampoo.
- To use it as a post-shampoo spray, add a few drops of essential oil to rose water. Pour it in a spray bottle and spray accordingly.
- To use it as a leave-in conditioner, add 2-3 drops of essential oil to the store-bought aloe vera gel. Mix them and use according to your hair length.
- Add a few drops of essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner and apply to your hair. Rinse it off as you’d normally do to get smooth and shiny hair.
- To smoothen your hair immediately, take fenugreek water and add a few drops of essential oil to it. Pour it into a spray bottle and use it on your hair. This can be stored in a refrigerator for 4-5 days. Before using the spray, shake the bottle well.
- To make hair oil infused with essential oil, take coconut oil and add 3-5 drops of the essential oil. Set aside for a day and use it as hair oil.
- Take a few drops of essential oil and add it to your hair mask. Leave it for 20 mins and then rinse as usual.
- Add a few drops of Rosemary essential oil to vitamin E oil and apply it on bald spots to restore hair growth.
- To make an egg hair mask, add a few drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil to an egg and apply it to your hair. Leave it for 20 mins and then wash it off. Use a mild shampoo followed by a conditioner.
- Rice water treatment: Add a few drops of essential oil to soaked rice water. After washing your hair with a shampoo, pour the rice water onto your scalp. Leave it for 2 mins and rinse it off with plain water.
DISCLAIMER:
- Do a patch test before using any of the mentioned essential oils for hair thickness and volume . Choose an essential oil that is best suited for your hair type and condition.
- Essential oils are concentrated. So, dilute it before using it to avoid irritation.
- Essential oils like Ylang-Ylang oil have a strong fragrance. Make sure to use them in moderate amounts to avoid discomfort.
- Be consistent and use them twice a week to see the best results.
- Consult a doctor if you have scalp issues before using essential oils.
