Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Natural and essential oils can have many benefits for your hair. Many help decrease the inflammation that can lead to hair loss, and some have been shown to help improve hair growth. These 5 mega hair growth oils can pack a potent punch of health benefits.
1. Thyme Essential Oil
One of the leading causes of hair loss in black women is CCCA. CCCA starts slowly, but spreads over time to cause baldness all over the top of your head. Dermatologists treat CCCA with medications that decrease inflammation.
Thyme essential oil has been shown to decrease inflammation, and it can help fight off some types of bacteria. It has also been shown to help stimulate hair follicles and help hair growth in cases of alopecia areata hair loss.
2. Pumpkin Seed Oil
The enzyme 5-alpha reductase is associated with genetic hair loss. Pumpkin seed oil has been shown to block the action of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, and to have androgen blocking effects. In one study, men with androgenetic alopecia had a 40% average increased hair count after being treated with pumpkin seed oil. Pumpkin seed oil also has antioxidant activity and has been shown to be effective in wound healing.
3. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca, is used for its antibacterial, antifungal and inflammation-cutting abilities. It has also been shown to help decrease itch, which may make it effective for treating an inflamed and itchy scalp. It’s a common component in many shampoos for dandruff and itchy scalp.
Tea tree oil has also been shown to help with hair growth. In a study comparing a mixture of tea tree oil and minoxidil versus minoxidil by itself, the mixture with tea tree oil led to greater hair growth.
4. Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood oil is often used to help treat a dry flaky scalp. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe irritated skin and scalp. Aromatherapy with cedarwood oil can help release stress. Cedarwood essential oil also has anti-bacterial properties that help it kill some types of bacteria. Cedarwood essential oil may also help with hair growth. Aromatherapy with cedarwood oil, along with others, has been shown to grow hair in cases of alopecia areata.
5. Horsetail Plant Extract Oil
A 2015 study showed that an oral supplement containing horsetail extract was beneficial for hair growth. Horsetail plants are known for their high silica content. Silica is an important component for strong, elastic hair and resilient nails. Many hair vitamins, including Nutrafol and Viviscal, contain horsetail extract.
Infusions with horsetail extract oil are also used to combat infections and inflammation because of the antibacterial and antioxidant benefits of horsetail.
Warnings When Using Essential Oils
Never place essential oils directly on your skin without diluting them first. You can dilute essential oils in your favorite carrier oil. Castor, olive and grapeseed oil are great carrier oils to use on the skin and hair. Essential oils can cause irritation, and some people can be sensitive or develop serious allergic reactions from them. It’s always recommended that you do a patch test first to make sure that you can tolerate using an essential oil. Keep in mind that essential oils are generally recommended only for adults and should only be used on children with the advice of your pediatrician. Essentials oils, when mixed into your favorite oils, shampoo or conditioner can have wonderful hair growth promoting and inflammation reducing benefits. You may want to give one of these mega hair growth oils a try.
