The International Organisation for Standardization defines an essential oil as a product manufactured by either vapor- or water-distillation, mechanical processing of by dry distillation of stem, leaves, flowers, bark, and seeds of plants. Extensive research on the therapeutic potentials and properties of essential oils has been gaining momentum for the past few decades.
Essential oils for hair can be used along with shampoos or hair oils for treating scalp conditions. As essential oils have antimicrobial properties, they have become critical ingredients in many cosmetic products. More importantly, their incorporation does away with the need to add any preservatives in products.
As essential oils have specific effects, they are also used independently or in combinations for their synergistic effects on health.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HAIR GAIN
Hair loss is being reported in the clinics at an epidemic scale, particularly in the wake of the ongoing COVID 19 scenario. While hair loss is inherently a multifactorial problem, there is enough evidence to favor the use of essential oils for its treatment. Some combinations score over the rest.
Camia recommends a combination of Lavender, Rosemary, and Cedarwood oils for best outcomes. The synergy in this combination is due to the slightly different effects of the individual oils. So, while Rosemary oil treats oily skin and improves hair strength and volume by increasing circulation, Lavender oil helps to reduce inflammation and directly improves hair growth.
Cedarwood oil adds to the skin hydration and helps treat scalp ulcerations. This further improves hair quality.
TREATING DANDRUFF WITH ESSENTIAL OILS
Dandruff is a perennial problem for many and results from an oily, inflamed, and infected scalp. The right combination of essential oils such as tea tree, Rosemary and Cedarwood can help wonders for an itchy scalp with scaly dandruff.
Rosemary reduces inflammation and itching while Tea tree oil controls scalp infections particularly fungal infections. Cedarwood is an excellent natural emollient and helps preserve scalp moisture resulting in stronger hair shaft. Together, they form a potent and powerful combination for treating dandruff.
Cedarwood essential oil promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss by balancing the oil-producing glands in the scalp. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can treat different conditions that may contribute to dandruff or hair loss.
Included in a mixture with lavender and rosemary, cedarwood extract was also found to reduce hair loss in those with alopecia areata.
USING THEM RIGHT
Using essential oils for hair directly is not recommended as they are quite concentrated, it is best to mix them in a carrier oil of your choice. You may choose your favorite carrier oil based on your experience and skin type. Alternatively, a good choice for this purpose can be organic cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil or organic cold-pressed olive oil.
Camia believes in bringing to you natural, un-tampered goodness of essential oils for hair in a cruelty-free manner. That too packed in plastic-free, eco-friendly packaging. We recommend preparing the essential oils recipe with our range of organic carrier oils. Camia offers USDA certified organic extra virgin coconut oil and organic olive oil
Next, you will need to make your own recipe (you are free to change it over time to suit your requirements!). This is done by choosing the right essential oils and mixing a few drops of each for massaging gently on your scalp. Often, essential oils act in synergy with other oils and carrier oils.
Now, if you are quality conscious, you need to match the quality of your essential oils with the carrier oil(s).
Imagine using the best quality organic essential oils for hair and spoiling them with a lesser quality carrier oil and mixing in all the unwanted chemicals you were originally trying to avoid.
It is best to use a glass bottle to prepare your recipe of essential oils for hair. Also, this bottle should be dark to prevent exposure to strong light so that all the natural goodness of the oils is preserved. You could use essential oils independently or combination, after diluting with a carrier oil. As a rule of thumb, mix 8-10 drops of essential oil(s) for every 30 ml (about six tsp.) of carrier oil. Shake the bottle gently and you are ready!
Remember to shake the bottle gently before every use. Try to not make too much of the oil in one go. Best policy is to make just enough for about a fortnight or month.
Store all the oils in a cool, dark space.