Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts obtained from plants, requiring significant amounts of raw materials to produce even a small quantity.
Despite their popularity in hair care products, claims about their benefits - such as promoting hair growth, improving scalp health, and enhancing hair texture - are often not strongly supported by scientific evidence. In fact, there is no serum, drug, lotion, or essential oil that is clinically proven to help regrow hair except for Minoxidil (Rogaine®), Finasteride (Propecia®) and laser phototherapy (LPT).
In this article, we’ll discuss the most commonly used essential oils in hair care, their purported benefits, and provide insights into a more effective alternative for addressing hair loss.
1. Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil is rich in bioactive compounds which may support a healthy scalp environment. While its direct impact on hair and scalp health still requires more research, its soothing effects on irritated skin could offer potential benefits for those with scalp issues.
Some studies have shown that lavender oil, when combined with other essential oils, might promote hair growth in individuals with alopecia. However, since lavender wasn't used alone in these trials, further research is necessary to confirm its specific role in hair growth.
2. Sage essential oil
Sage essential oil may promote hair growth by stimulating the cells involved in hair production, as demonstrated in studies using mice. Its ability to encourage cellular activity suggests it could be beneficial for hair regeneration. Although, further research is necessary to confirm these effects in humans.
3. Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil is known for its high menthol content, which creates a cooling, tingling sensation when applied to the skin. This stimulating effect may enhance blood circulation, potentially benefiting scalp health.
Studies on mice showed that peppermint oil significantly increased the number of hair follicles, improved follicle depth, and promoted overall hair growth. Yet, current research is insufficient to confirm whether these effects translate to human hair growth.
4. Rosemary essential oil
Rosemary essential oil is believed to promote hair growth and thickness by stimulating cellular regeneration. While past studies have used rosemary oil in combination with other essential oils to treat alopecia, larger-scale research where rosemary oil is tested by itself is needed to fully validate its true efficacy.
5. Ylang-ylang essential oil
Ylang-ylang essential oil possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, which might help with tissue regeneration. Research suggests that ylang-ylang could potentially support scalp health by addressing conditions like dandruff. That said, research to fully understand its effectiveness for improving hair and scalp health is lacking.
6. Cedarwood essential oil
Cedarwood essential oil is believed to support hair growth and reduce hair loss by helping to balance the scalp's oil production. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties may also aid in treating conditions that can contribute to hair thinning.
Several small studies have shown that using cedarwood oil, combined with other essential oils, might improve hair growth and thickness in individuals with alopecia areata. Albeit, since it was used in combination, more research is needed to confirm cedarwood’s specific effects on hair health.
7. Tea tree essential oil
Tea tree essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties, which might support scalp health and potentially aid in hair growth.
Small studies illustrated that combining tea tree oil with minoxidil was more effective for hair growth than using minoxidil alone. Though, larger studies are required to confirm tea tree oil’s specific role, so its direct impact on hair growth when used on its own remains uncertain.
What are the side effects of essential oils on hair?
Since the FDA does not regulate essential oils, caution is necessary when using them on your hair and scalp. The most common risks include skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Direct application of essential oils to the skin can increase the likelihood of irritation, so it's important to always dilute them with a carrier oil if you do choose to use any.
Theradome: a safe and effective alternative for hair growth
As highlighted throughout this article, evidence supporting the effectiveness of essential oils for hair growth is quite limited. Most studies indicating potential benefits were either conducted on animal subjects, involved small sample sizes, or combined the oils with other treatments. Additionally, the lack of FDA regulation for essential oils raises concerns about their safety for some individuals.
This is where LPT, also known as Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), becomes relevant. Aside from minoxidil, it is the only FDA-cleared treatment for hair growth discussed here. LPT works by stimulating hair follicles, thereby promoting regrowth and enhancing hair thickness.
One of the most highly recommended options by experts is the Theradome helmet, which boasts an impressive 98% success rate. Unlike many other treatments, LPT has no known side effects. As such, Theradome offers a reliable, non-invasive solution for hair growth. Instead of spending money on essential oils, consider the Theradome laser helmet to take control of your hair restoration journey today.
Theradome offers two advanced laser hair growth devices: the Theradome PRO LH80 and the Theradome EVO laser hair growth device. The PRO LH80 features 80 medical-grade lasers, providing maximum scalp coverage for deeper follicle stimulation. The EVO has 40 lasers, offering effective treatment in a more budget-friendly option. Both devices use low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to boost blood flow, deliver essential nutrients, and energize hair follicles. This process helps reduce hair loss, improve hair density, and promote regrowth with consistent use. Both helmets are cordless, lightweight, and easy to use, making them ideal for at-home hair restoration.
