I’m in a hair rut. I’m sick of my current style but I don’t know what to do with it next. discoloration? change the cut? Be natural and let my hair decide? All I know is that I’m bored. But until I make a plan, I don’t want to do anything drastic (like winter I had purple hair in high school). Ideally, whatever I do, it doesn’t jeopardize the health of my hair (again… winter I had purple hair in high school). So, I’m taking precautions. After obsessively googling heat protectants, i feel like an expert at it all projectAnd AppendixAnd treatment For healthy hair. It turns out that you can use essential oils to intensify, longAnd shiny hair. That’s right: good stuff Do Come three times.
I don’t know about you, but I go through the same old cycle every time I do anything to my hair. I love the new style for a while, but the second it starts to grow, I get frustrated. It’s impossible to work with the in-between and I’m dying for the next change. Every time I find myself in this situation, I try everything new hair grow A fad for getting hair out of my follicles faster.
Featured image from Our interview with Papa Rivera by Bellathe Photography.
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Why essential oils can be a game-changer for hair health
Oil training? rice water? Salt scrubs? I’ve tried everything. And I’m sure we’ve all fallen into at least one of these traps after being cut short by the quarantine. Personally, I blame TikTok for my less than successful experiences, but all those fruitless endeavors have made me more choosy about the products I use. And that means looking for ingredients that will give me longer hair in the long run. Who answers? Essential oils.
As I dig deeper into my commitment to using mostly clean beauty products, I’m swapping out my old hair products for new ones. Many of my new finds combine powerful clean ingredients with essential oil blends for thicker, longer hair, plus a healthier scalp.
For this less stressful way of finally achieving the shiny, full head of hair I’ve been dreaming of, I spoke to Wendy IslesFounder Iles formula. As one of the most respected hairstylists and an expert on damaged hair, she told me all about the benefits and limitations of using essential oils for thick hair.
What are essential oils?
According to Iles, “Essential oils are oils that have been distilled and haven’t been tampered with. Pure, virgin oils, often found in fragrances that are extracted directly from a plant.” From skin care to diffusers, they’re mostly known for their fragrances. However, essential oils also have medicinal qualities. Essential oils for thicker hair work by removing residue, eliminating dandruff, stimulating blood flow, and increasing hydration for your thirsty strands. It’s not all, but it enhances efforts in your quest for longer, healthier hair.
“Essential oils are oils that have been distilled and have not been tampered with. Pure virgin oils, often found in fragrances that are extracted directly from a plant.” – Wendy Isles
Breaking down the best essential oils for hair
Different essential oils have different benefits. The best products combine more than one to take advantage of their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, detoxifying, and revitalizing properties.
Rosemary
Rosemary oil is one of the most effective essential oils in stimulating blood flow to create new cells for fuller, thicker hair.
cedar
Cedarwood balances your scalp’s natural oils. Its anti-fungal properties keep your scalp healthy to make way for longer and thicker hair.
lavender
Lavender can have both physical and emotional effects on hair growth. While reducing inflammation for a healthier scalp, its calming properties can prevent stress-related hair loss in the future.
Mint
Do you know how mint pie leaves a tingling sensation in your mouth? Peppermint essential oil does the same thing when applied topically. Promotes blood flow and circulation to the follicles (hence the tingling) to accelerate hair growth and thickness.
tea tree
Known for its healing properties, tea tree oil is just as effective on your scalp as it is on your face. It refreshes your scalp, removing dead skin cells and excess product to make room for increased hair growth.
Bergamot
Bergamot is not only my favorite fragrance, it’s an antimicrobial essential oil that promotes scalp health, and in turn, hair growth.
orange
Vitamin C is just as powerful in your hair as it is on your face. Orange essential oil helps restore moisture content and balance the pH level of the skin.
Sweet basil
For a boost of volume, try sweet basil oil for stronger strands with a higher hydration.
Lemongrass
Known for its ability to reduce dandruff, lemongrass oil does more than that. It also strengthens hair shafts for thicker, more resilient hair.
zaatar
Thyme is one of the best essential oils for thick hair. It is often used to treat hair loss and thinning, making it a powerful addition to any hair treatment.
How to use essential oils to intensify or grow hair
Pure essential oils are very powerful, so a few drops go a long way. Add the essential oils of your choice to a carrier oil and try your luck.
However, not everyone is made for homemade mixes and handmade salt scrubs. Easier alternative? Look for products that contain essential oils. Take this recommendation from Iles: “Apply to the scalp area and massage in. Pure oils may lead to oiliness, so in my opinion it’s best to use a tint like liquid, which has a more water-like consistency.”
This is an easier way to effortlessly create more elegant combinations. Many clean beauty products contain essential oils for their aromatic and nourishing properties. This double feature makes it easy to spot in some of your soon-to-be favorite hair growth products and treatments.
Other ingredients that support hair growth
There are two FDA-approved ingredients in prescription and over-the-counter products for hair growth: minoxidil and finasteride. according to Healthline“Minoxidil is thought to work by partially enlarging hair follicles and prolonging the hair growth phase. Finasteride works by decreasing the amount of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in your body.”
Other growth-promoting ingredients can be applied to your hair or taken orally through dietary supplements. biotin It is a beloved ingredient for strengthening hair and nails, as are zinc, iron, and collagen. Some common skin care ingredients you may recognize are surprisingly good at promoting longer, thicker hair. Think niacin (as in niacinamide) or caffeine, which revitalize and open your face as much as they do your follicles.
What ingredients damage hair?
People are waking up to the negative effects of ingredients that are often found in low-quality hair products. Sulfates and phthalates are finally getting the bad rap they deserve. But what exactly are they? In short, they are aggressive chemicals that strip oils, but they do not distinguish between good and bad oils. Therefore, it can strip and leave your hair looking limp in the long run. not perfect.
Other ingredients to avoid are parabens, synthetic fragrances, and denatured alcohols. Iles also advises being wary of anything that coats the hair shaft with residue: “One needs to be aware of conditioners that overload the hair with protein, keratin, and most science blends that coat the hair shaft. This causes severe breakage.”
Fortunately, essential oils are good alternatives to synthetic fragrances, and they leave a pleasant scent without the negative effects of drying. It’s also natural detoxifying agents and antimicrobial ingredients, so no need for alcohol or parabens. Are you ready to start incorporating essential oils into your hair? Keep scrolling for the best hair products and treatments that contain essential oils.
Best essential oils for thick hair: Products to add to your routine
Each product is carefully curated by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Iles Formula Haute Performance Conditioner
According to Wendy Iles, “Our formulations feature several pure oils including Pracaxia, Argan, and Macadamia Oil.” It nourishes your hair and scalp without stripping or coating it.
Frigg Attuning Hair Oil
Tired, dry hair often causes itching and irritation. Frigg’s Hair Oil uses an abundance of essential oils to give you results and relief. Fatty oils like castor and baobab hold essential oils like peppermint, sweet basil, cedarwood, lavender, lemon peel, rosemary, and more.
Josh Rosebrook Enriching Hair Mask
This conditioning mask from hair care center Josh Rosebrook hydrates and smoothes your hair without clogging your follicles. A lightweight blend infused with orange and lemon essential oils.
Khalil Rescue Oil
This luxurious hair oil is a silky, lightweight blend of repairing and strengthening oils, plus the purifying and soothing powers of lavender and orange oil.
Noel hair serum
Keep your hair healthy while protecting it from further damage. This serum is hydrating and heat protectant. It also uses rosemary oil to revitalize the hair follicles, making it longer and stronger.
Maya Chia Powerfull Multi-Corrective Scalp & Hair Treatment
Maya Chia is known in the skincare world for its antioxidant-rich formulas. Their hair products do the same. Packed with peptides, amino acids, and collagen, this refreshing serum is powered by bergamot, coffee seed, and essential oils.
Ceremonia aceite de Moscow
Founded by Pappa Rivera to celebrate her Latino heritage, Ceremonia uses both natural and traditional ingredients to strengthen and define your strands. For high shine without the frizz, this is a heavy-duty blend of oils fortified with rosemary extract.
Oribe Scalp Thickening Treatment Spray
Get volume and body with this lightweight spray from favefruit, oribe. Not only does it contain an invigorating dose of biotin, but it’s also packed with peppermint, rosemary, lemon, sage oil, and more.
Bomba curls forbidden hair oil
Dealing with breakage or split ends? This restorative hair oil uses natural ingredients for curls to deeply nourish your hair from the scalp to split ends. Features a blend of rosemary extract, castor oil, and coffee seed oil.
Sunday II Sunday Soothe Me Daily Scalp Serum. Second Sunday Sunday Soothe Me Daily Scalp Serum
The main ingredients of this scalp soothing serum are peppermint extract and second sunday alt. Together, they make a soothing, hair-thickening blend.
Augustinus Bader Scalp Treatment
Anyone who uses Augustinus Bader products swears by them. Try this scalp treatment and you will too. Actives such as maca root and witch hazel leaf complement essential oils such as peppermint and rosemary.
Act + Acre Cold Processing Conditioner
Act + Acre is a favorite in the hair care world for its ability to remove toxins, leaving your hair healthy and resilient. Cedarwood, lavender, and rosemary oils are used for weightless moisture balancing and hydration.
This post was originally published on March 1, 2022, and has since been updated.
