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Can essential oil recipes help your natural hair grow? Healthier hair and scalp– it’s a goal for many of us, and increasingly, black women are investing time and money in the maintenance and styling of their natural hair to achieve that goal.
Let’s be clear: there is nothing you can apply to your hair or scalp to make it grow. Your rate of hair growth is determined to some degree by genetics, but in general, hair grows approximately ½ inch per month while in the anagen (growing) phase. For approximately 1 – 4 months, it is in the telegen (resting) phase, when hair is dormant (not growing).
You can however, add tried and tested techniques to your black hair care regimen to maximize the health of your scalp, hair growth rate and encourage hair retention.
Regular scalp massage has been proven to be extremely effective in increasing blood flow to hair follicles. Massaging with essential oils gives a boost to this process because they have stimulating properties. Essential oils are potent, however, so you should only use 3 – 4 drops at a time, and they should always be diluted with a good carrier oil. (Lavender is the exception to this rule – it may be used alone.)
Please check with your doctor before using essential oils; pregnant or nursing women should avoid them because of their stimulating properties. Note, too, that peppermint oil, in particular, can be skin-irritating. Test on a small area of your inner arm before applying to your scalp.
Essential Oils - Which oils are essential oils? There are many, but those most commonly and effectively used in natural hair care are: Rosemary Peppermint Thyme Lavender Ylang Ylang Jasmine Cedarwood Oil
Carrier oils? These are thicker, and include: Jojoba Sesame Organic extra virgin Olive Sweet Almond Soybean Almond Coconut
Rosemary Oil recipe Heat 2 tbsp olive oil. When it has cooled, add 3 drops of rosemary oil. Apply this mix to your scalp and the cover your head with a heated, damp towel. Leave on for 30 minutes, then wash off with a sulfate-free, paraben-free shampoo. This treatment helps remove oil and un-clog pores. Apply once a week.
Cedar Oil recipe An excellent remedy for dandruff and, according to one long-term experimental study, for reversing alopecia areata (often called ‘spot baldness’, it is an autoimmune disease in which hair is lost). Mix 2 tbsp coconut oil with 2-3 drops of cedar oil and massage into scalp. Leave on for 1 – 2 hours, then wash off.
Thyme Oil recipe Thyme oil increases blood flow to the scalp, thus rejuvenating hair follicles, and has antimicrobial properties which help alleviate dry scalp and dandruff.
Mix 2 drops of thyme oil and 5 drops of lavender oil in 2 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil. Massage in and wash off after 20 minutes.
Peppermint Oil recipe. The cleansing, cooling effects of peppermint oil help to open up clogged pores and encourage the normal flow of skin oils. Mix 3 drops of peppermint oil and 4 drops of lavender oil in 2 tbsp warm coconut oil. Apply to scalp, leave on for 20 minutes, then wash off with a sulfate-free, paraben-free shampoo.
Note: Do not use a microwave to heat oils. Warm a vial of oil in a bowl of warm water.
Moisture, moisture, moisture. That’s the key to retaining hair length and healthy tresses. Black hair textures vary greatly, so knowing your hair type is a good start when deciding which treatments and oils will garner the results you want. Follow these general tips:
Don’t forget that diet has a significant impact on your rate of hair growth/scalp blood flow. Eat plenty of foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids (eg. salmon), Vitamin B (almonds and walnuts) and biotin (eggs). Red meat and sweet potatoes in moderation are also great sources of iron and Vitamin A, respectively. Substitute water or green tea for coffee or sugary drinks whenever possible.
That’s it for this week!
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Dedicated To Your Beauty,
Juliette Samuel,
Esthetician/Author/Publisher,