Masters of Health Magazine January 2018 | Page 60

How to Use Essential Oils for Hair & Homemade Recipes

All of these essential oils for hair are easy to find online or at your local health food store. It is very important that you only purchase essential oils that are 100 percent pure grade, especially when you are ingesting the oil or applying it topically. It’s also a good idea to do a patch test with any essential oil that you’re using for the first time.

Because essential oils are so potent, they should be diluted with a carrier oil before topical application. Some beneficial carrier oils for hair include:

Coconut Oil — Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids, including lauric acid and capric acid, that have strong antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. These properties help to thoroughly clean your hair and scalp, thereby helping to prevent and treat issues like dandruff.

Jojoba Oil — Jojoba oil encourages hair growth and moisturizes the scalp. It works as an emollient, soothing the skin and unclogging hair follicles.

Olive Oil — Olive oil is a source of vitamin E and other antioxidants. Some olive oil benefits include its ability to hydrate and soothe the skin, working to get rid of dry scalp and dandruff.

You can simply combine your essential oils for hair and a carrier oil of your choice and massage the mixture into your scalp. You can also add essential oils to your everyday shampoo or conditioner. If you are looking to address a more specific issue, here are some DIY recipes that will also help to boost the health of your hair:

Thicken your hair: To help thicken your hair naturally, use this natural hair thickener that’s made with a combination of rosemary, cedarwood and sage essential oils. These oils will stimulate your hair follicles by increasing circulation to the scalp and helping to balance your hormones.

•Style your hair: You want to avoid using conventional hair sprays because many conventional products on the market today include toxins that you don’t want anywhere near your head and face. To help set your hair and prevent fly aways, use this homemade hair spray that’s made with lavender and rosemary, plus vodka and cane sugar, which will give you the hold you’re looking for.

•Prevent oily/greasy hair: Add 2–3 drops of peppermint oil to your conditioner to get rid of greasy hair.

•Add shine: Giving your hair and scalp a good hair mask treatment on a weekly basis can help take care of unruly strands, moisturize your hair and add shine.

•Lighten your hair: Add 2–3 drops of chamomile oil to your hair before going out in the sun.

Final Thoughts on Essential Oils for Hair

•Instead of using conventional hair care products that contain dangerous and even carcinogenic chemicals, essential oils for hair are all-natural and just as effective.

•Essential oils for hair can help to boost the health of your hair in several ways, whether you want to thicken your hair, add shine, hydrate your scalp, treat dandruff or lighten your hair naturally.

•It’s simple to use essential oils for hair — simply combine your favorite oil with a carrier oil and massage the mixture into your scalp. You can also diffuse essential oils at home to beat stress and aid hair growth.