Here are a few essential oil blends to try out on your scalp to manage dandruff, strengthen hair to reduce hair loss, stimulate hair growth and more. There are two ways you can use it, practice the following methods once or twice a week. It is important to remember not to overuse essential oils:

• Add 2-4 drops into your shampoo when washing your hair
  (e.g. 2 drops rosemary + 2 drops tea tree/4 drops rosemary or tea tree)

• Combine 4-6 drops essential oil of your choice with 2 tablespoons carrier oil of your choice. Jojoba, sweet almond and argan oil are more versatile as they are suitable for all skin types. If you have a drier scalp, try coconut or olive oil instead. Massage the mixture, leave on scalp for 10 minutes. Follow up with shampoo and conditioner.

Rosemary + Tea Tree

Rosemary essential oil stimulates the hair follicles to strengthen hair, reduce hair loss and slow down the process of greying hair. Tea tree essential oil’s anti-septic and anti-fungal properties are beneficial in eliminating dandruff, lice and nits, while improving circulation to stimulate hair growth.

Geranium + Chamomile

Geranium essential oil can help to improve hair strength and restore the scalp’s natural pH. Just like your skin, your scalp is happier when it’s a little bit acidic. Chamomile essential oil’s soothing nature helps to reduce itchiness while softening the hair and making it appear healthier and shinier.

Cypress + Frankincense

Cypress essential oil can be added to your favorite shampoo or conditioner to promote silkier and healthier hair. Its cleansing and anti-bacterial properties also help with dandruff and irritation. Frankincense essential oil is excellent for moisturising the scalp and promoting hair growth.

Ylang Ylang + Atlas Cedarwood

Ylang ylang essential oil has balancing properties, making it suitable for both dry and oily scalps. It helps to manage shine by regulating sebum production on the scalp, helping with hair manageability. Atlas cedarwood is not only nourishing, the abundance of sesquiterpenes, is known to boost circulation, thus helping with hair growth.

Clary Sage + Lavender

Clary sage essential oil contains linalyn acetate that is not only effective in terms of helping with hair growth, it also makes the hair stronger and reducing breakage and split ends. Lavender’s anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties provide itch and pain relief, while effectively dealing with dandruff and lice.

Never use essential oils undiluted anywhere on your skin. For your scalp, combine it with carrier oil, shampoo or conditioner. Be sure to carry out a patch test before proceeding, apply a small amount with carrier oil on a small portion of your scalp (that’s easily accessible and easy to check like the front or sides). If any negative reaction occurs, try another essential oil or use it on your hair ends instead.