Rosemary is a good example of an essential oil that performs better than minoxidil (a medicated hair loss treatment) without the side effects associated with conventional hair loss treatments.

In this article we will go into details of how Rosemary, Clary sage, Peppermint, Cedarwood, Tea tree, Pumpkin seed, Lavender, Thyme, Calendula, Chamomile and Frankincense essential oils can be beneficial for hair loss.

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So, without much ado,

Here are the best essential oils for hair loss and growth

Lavender

Lavender essential oil is derived from the flower spikes of lavender. Recently, lavender oil has gained popularity as a hair growth stimulant.

In a study, topical application of lavender oil in mice resulted in the sprouting of new hair strands. The hair strands turned out to be thicker and grew faster than normal. [1]

Lavender oil has antimicrobial effects meaning it inhibits growth of microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria.

When the oil is applied on the scalp, it prevents the development of common scalp issues. Scalp infection potentially causes hair loss therefore, when the scalp is left free of infection hair loss also reduces.

The use of lavender oil may be beneficial for scalp inflammation and dryness. In a study application of lavender oil on skin inflammation and ulcers reduced inflammation and sped up the healing process. [2]

Inhaling the divine fragrance of lavender oil has a calming effect. It relaxes the nervous system and reducing stress levels which may be the reason for your hair loss.

Clary Sage

Clary sage is a stimulating essential oil used to reduce hair loss and promote hair growth.

It contains the same linalyl acetate which makes lavender oil effective in increasing hair growth. Also, it strengthens the hair strands making them more difficult to break.

This oil helps with hair loss caused by aging. It does this by strengthening the hair follicles and preventing the thickening of the membrane tissue around the hair follicle which can cause hair loss.

Clary sage can be used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and alleviate mood. This makes it to be especially beneficial when you are experiencing hair loss due to stress and anxiety. 

It also has excellent anti-inflammatory and moderate antibacterial effects. These properties make it beneficial for scalp issues.

Clary sage can also regulate sebum production.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Several studies have shown that rosemary has rich plant components that may reduce hair loss.

In one study, carnosic acid, an active ingredient in the rosemary, healed tissue and nerve damage. The ability to heal nerve endings revitalizes nerves within the scalp therefore restoring hair growth. [3]

Some other study shows that rosemary directly helps protect against hair loss. In this study the oil was found to be as effective as minoxidil, a common hair loss treatment. [4]

In another study conducted on mice with hair loss that was triggered by testosterone, application of rosemary leaf extract stimulated hair growth. [5]

Here are the health benefits that rosemary offers that also contribute to making it an effective hair loss treatment.

1. Antibacterial and Antifungal properties

Rosemary essential oil contains carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid which have powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties.  These properties help clear infections present on the scalp

2. Has anti-inflammatory properties

Scalp inflammation contributes to hair loss. Rosemary is high in magnesium hence enables faster healing of injuries. Phenolic compounds (rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid) also contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

3. Improves blood circulation

Similar to peppermint oil, rosemary oil improves blood circulation within the scalp. Poor blood circulation within the scalp deprives hair follicles of nutrients. The hair strands that grow from these starved hair follicles tend to be weak and can easily fall out.

4. Reduces stress levels

In a stressful event a stress hormone, cortisol, is produced. Cortisol affects the growing hairs in the anagen phase by causing them to prematurely enter the resting phase. In this situation you get to experience more hair fall and less hair growth.

Rosemary essential oil helps reduce stress and anxiety consequently less hair loss.

In a study, 22 young adults who inhaled the fragrance of rosemary oil had 23% less cortisol in their saliva as compared to those who smelled a non-aromatic compound. [4]

Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil is the strongest type of peppermint oil and the most common type available for purchase. It can be used for medicinal, beauty and cleaning purposes.

Peppermint contains a compound, menthol, which is responsible for many of its benefits. The taste, smell and cooling sensation of peppermint oil are thanks to its major component, menthol. [6]

• Peppermint can be used as a remedy for hair loss.

In many cases hair loss happens due to undernourishment of hair follicles.  Menthol in peppermint is vasodilator. Vasodilator causes the widening of blood vessels usually near the surface of the skin leading to increased blood flow.

Increasing blood supply to hair follicles means they get to receive more nutrients hence you experience less hair loss and improved hair growth.

In one study the use of peppermint resulted in increased blood flow to undernourished follicles, growth of thicker strands at a faster rate. [7]

It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties making it beneficial when dealing with scalp issues such scalp itchiness and dryness. Scalp issues may cause hair loss their absence on the scalp leads to more hair growth and less hair loss.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood essential oil is extracted from neddles, bark, leaves and berries of cedar trees using several techniques such as cold pressing, steam distillation or carbon dioxide distillation.

The main components found in cedarwood oil include cedrine, cedrol and thujopsene.

Cedarwood essential reduces hair loss and stimulates hair growth. In a study, people with alopecia areata experienced significant hair growth when given a scalp massage of lavender, rosemary, thyme and cedarwood essential oils along with a carrier oil for a seven-month period. [8]

Cedrol in cedarwood oil may have a soothing effect on the mood making it beneficial for stress related hair loss.[8]  Reduction in stress levels reduces hair loss and promotes hair growth.

Cedarwood essential oil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties which help treat conditions present on the scalp that may contribute to hair loss. It is soothes an itching, flaking scalp therefore effective when treating dandruff and scalp eczema.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is derived from fresh leaves and wood of tea tree shrub by steam distillation. Tea tree essential oil has for centuries been used for medicinal purposes though since the recent years it continues to gain popularity as a remedy for hair and scalp problems.

It moisturizes the scalp and improves blood flow within the scalp. This makes it possible for healthy hair to grow. It also stimulates growth of new hair strands from dormant follicles.

In a study, a mixture of minoxidil and tree tea oil was found to be more effective in treating androgenic alopecia than minoxidil alone by improving more hair growth. [9]

Tree tea oil has powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties play an important role in relieving scalp issues such as dandruff which may lead to hair loss.

Tree tea oil can act as a cleanser. This function makes it good for removing dirt and toxins from the hair follicles.

Dirt and harmful toxins are inhibitors for healthy hair growth but once they are removed from the hair follicles thick healthy hair grows.

Pumpkin Seed Essential Oil

Pumpkin seed essential oil can possibly be used for hair loss.

In a study, men with male pattern baldness randomly took either the pumpkin supplements or placebo. Results of the study showed that those who received the pumpkin supplements experienced 30 percent more hair growth than those who received a placebo. [10]

Thyme

Thyme essential oil boosts hair growth by stimulating the scalp and preventing hair loss.

In a study, people with alopecia areata experienced significant hair growth after they were given a scalp massage using lavender, rosemary, thyme and cedarwood essential oils along with a carrier oil for a seven-month period. [11]

Calendula

Calendula has been used for centuries to heal wounds and scalp irritations. Calendula oil is good for the scalp. It moisturizes dry scalps, removes dandruff and generally improve its condition.

It boosts hair growth. Calendula oil has regenerative properties which help the hair follicles grow thicker and abundantly.

Calendula oil is richly contains antioxidants that help protect the hair and the scalp against oxidative damage caused by the presence of free radicals.

Chamomile

Chamomile essential oil has been used for decades for medicinal purposes.

Flavonoids, terpenes and sesquiterpenes in chamomile oil strengthen hair follicles from within and makes them strong thus preventing hair loss.

The aroma of Chamomile essential oil is calming. Therefore it helps with stress and anxiety, a possible reason for hair loss.

Chamomile oil has strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are essentially good for dealing with dandruff and other sources of scalp inflammation that may cause hair loss.

It is good for oily hair and scalp. Excess production of sebum on the scalp leads to many scalp issues. Chamomile helps control sebum production.

Chamomile richly contains vitamin C and E which neutralizes damage causing free radicals which may be present on the scalp. This shields your hair strands from oxidative damage leading to hair loss.

Frankincense

Applying of frankincense essential oil on the scalp slows down hair loss and promotes hair growth.

Frankincense oil inhibits the production of 5- alpha reductase hence preventing hair loss.

5-alpha reductase is an enzyme which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, DHT. DHT clogs the pores of hair follicles forming a barrier to the access of nutrient and moisture needed for hair growth. Consequently, the hair strands get weak and more susceptible to breakage.

This type of hair loss is known as androgenic alopecia. Frankincense oil inhibits the production of 5- alpha reductase hence preventing hair loss.

Besides being a source of nutrients, frankincense hot oil treatment works well as a natural hair conditioner. This would help you reduce hair loss when managing and styling.

Vitamin E content in frankincense essential oil, though present in small amounts, nourishes and strengthens hair strands.

In conclusion;

Even though essential oils are plant based and considered to be natural solutions, they are concentrated so they should be properly diluted with a carrier oil (coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil and almond oil) before application.

Also, ensure you test if you are allergic to the oil by applying it on a small area of skin preferably at the back of your hand before using it on hair and scalp.

Lastly, to round up everything, here are the best essential oils for hair loss:

1. Rosemary
2. Clary Sage
3. Peppermint
4. Cedarwood
5. Tea Tree Oil
6. Pumpkin Seed Oil
7. Lavender
8. Thyme
9. Calendula
10. Chamomile
11. Frankincense