As I have mentioned before, very few oils have been studied by the medical
community for their benefits on the hair. One of the few exceptions is an essential oil blend which was studied for a form of hair loss called alopecia areata. In alopecia areata, the body's cells, designed to attack bacteria and viruses, instead begin to attack
the hair follicle leading to coin-shaped patches on the scalp. In a study published in the Archives of Dermatology (now called JAMA Dermatology) half of the patients with alopecia areata were treated with the essential oil blend and the other half were treated with a placebo consisting just of grapeseed and jojoba oil. After seven months they noticed more patients treated with the essential oil blend (44%) had at least some hair growth compared to those who used the placebo blend (6%).
Before you decide if you would like to try this mixture yourself, remember that even
though essential oils are available over the counter, they can still cause severe allergic
reactions, especially if not diluted with inactive/carrier oils first. Before you start, apply the combination oil behind your ear to see if you react. If you notice a reaction,
then this may not be for you.
Also, in general, essential oils should be avoided by women who are pregnant, have
high blood pressure, a history of seizures or other chronic medical conditions. Get
approval from your doctor first before trying any new treatment.
Essential Oil Blend For Hair Growth
2 drops thyme oil
3 drops lavender oil
3 drops rosemary oil
2 drops cedarwood oil
3 mL jojoba oil
20 mL grapeseed oil
Combine all oils as listed above into one container. Massage three drops into thinning
areas for two minutes. Cover with a warm towel afterward for 10-15 minutes. Repeat
every night.
As with all things regarding hair, this method requires patience; ingredients can be
tough to find, and it may take months to see hair growth. All that aside, if you are a
fan of essential oils this may be worth a try.