Increasing numbers of people are turning to essential oils as a hair growth treatment. Hair loss is incredibly common, affecting 80% of men and 42% of women by the age of 70 [1].
So, it’s no surprise that relaxing, cheap, at-home treatments like lavender oil are incredibly popular. But how effective is lavender oil for hair growth? In this article, we will explore:
Research behind lavender for hair is pretty limited. So far, the few studies on this topic focus on lavender’s effect on hair growth in animals, or other factors that may indirectly support hair growth.
However, initial findings are positive. For example, researchers found that applying lavender oil to mice helped them grow more hair. Their hair also grew thicker and faster than usual. [2]
Lavender oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may contribute to a healthy scalp [3]. A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair growth, so lavender oil may indirectly improve hair growth and reduce hair loss by reducing your risk of common scalp problems.
Research from 2011 suggests lavender oil may stop you from getting head lice, and may even kill them if head lice are already present [4]. As head lice may indirectly cause hair loss (through scratching and excessive combing), lavender oil may help you avoid hair loss related to this.
Finally, breathing in the scent of lavender oil can help you feel more relaxed and improve your mood [5]. Stress can cause hair loss [6], so anything that helps to reduce high levels of stress may indirectly stop you from losing more hair.
Despite a lack of solid evidence to back up lavender’s use as a hair growth treatment, you may still wish to try it. Here are the steps to follow if you want to give it a go.
Mix a few drops of lavender essential oil with a carrier oil. Good choices of carrier oil include coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil. Use around 2 to 3 drops of lavender oil per tablespoon of carrier oil.
Gently massage the lavender and carrier oil mixture into your scalp for around 5-10 minutes. Scalp massage can improve hair growth [7], so combining lavender oil with scalp massage is a smart way to increase oil absorption while giving your hair follicles the benefits of massage.
Let the lavender oil mixture sit on your scalp for 30 minutes to an hour before washing it out. This gives your scalp time to absorb the lavender oil.
Try this two or three times a week for several months. Hair growth takes time, and results won’t be instant. Alternatively, you can try adding a few drops of lavender oil to your regular shampoo or conditioner for a low-hassle way to get your lavender oil fix.
Research suggests that lavender oil may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions at high concentrations [8]. For this reason, always mix lavender essential oil with a carrier oil.
You should also avoid using too much lavender oil. Essential oils are very concentrated, and a few drops are more than enough.
If you use carrier oils but you still get a rash, hives, or dermatitis, stop using lavender oil immediately. These symptoms may be a sign that you’re allergic to lavender.
Furthermore, never get plain essential oils in your eyes or swallow them. If you accidentally get lavender oil in your eyes, bathe them immediately with cool water.
Research suggests lavender can slow your heart rate and calm your central nervous system [9]. While this is great news if you’re stressed, it means lavender oil may actually be dangerous when combined with anaesthesia and other medications given during and after surgery. Stop using lavender oil two weeks before a scheduled surgery to be on the safe side.
Aside from these factors, using diluted lavender essential oil on your skin is generally considered safe.
Lavender oil isn’t the only essential oil that may help with hair growth. Several other oils may offer benefits, and some have more research behind them than lavender oil.
Rosemary oil is considered one of the best essential oils for hair growth, especially for people with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). One study found that rosemary oil for hair growth led to similar results as 2% Minoxidil. Both groups had increased hair density after six months [10].
Research suggests that black seed oil can stimulate follicles for hair growth and reduce hair loss [11]. It also works as an antioxidant, preventing oxidative stress that can cause some types of alopecia, and has been shown to reduce inflammation and symptoms of psoriasis [12].
Tea tree oil can work well for hair growth when combined with Minoxidil. One study found that the combination of Minoxidil, diclofenac and tea tree oil slowed hair loss and improved hair growth better than just Minoxidil [13]. It also had no noticeable side effects, unlike Minoxidil alone.
While lavender oil may possibly help hair growth, there are plenty of other treatments that are better backed by research. Here are some of the top options to treat hair loss and improve hair growth.
If you’re experiencing hair loss or your hair isn’t growing, it’s worth speaking to a trichologist. These hair doctors can perform diagnostic trichology tests and complete expert assessments to identify why your hair is falling out.
If you’re keen to use natural at-home treatments like lavender oil, they can advise how effective these are likely to be, and recommend anything else you can do to speed your hair growth process along. You may also be a candidate for PRP hair treatment, low-level laser therapy, or a natural-looking hair transplant.
To learn how we can help you get your hair looking its best, book a consultation at your nearest clinic location today.
Rosemary oil has much more research supporting it as a hair growth treatment than lavender oil. However, it depends on the type of hair loss you have. Rosemary oil blocks dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone involved in androgenetic alopecia. So if you have a different type of hair loss, rosemary oil may not be effective.
Rosemary is often considered the most powerful herb for hair growth, particularly if you have androgenetic alopecia. Studies have likened its effects to that of topical Minoxidil, so it’s worth trying if you have symptoms of male or female pattern baldness.
You can soak lavender leaves in hot water to make a scalp rinse or infuse them into oil for a relaxing scalp massage. Research is limited on the use of lavender leaves for hair growth, but it’s a relaxing practice that is unlikely to do any harm, as long as you don’t have a lavender allergy.
Lavender oil doesn’t work overnight, and it will likely take several weeks to months before you see results — if you see them at all. Give it at least 2-3 months for the best chance of seeing results.
We’ve put together a list of the best shampoos for dry hair. The top three are Dr Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Shampoo, Second Chance Repairing Shampoo for Dry or Damaged Hair, and Monpure Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo.
Argan oil, also known as Moroccan hair oil, is a natural substance that has been used as a hair treatment for centuries. It’s used as a hair conditioning treatment used to improve hair quality and protect it from damage.
Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) can be used as part of your hair care routine. It can help to smooth split ends, tame frizz, and lock in hydration after you apply conditioner. But use it with caution — too much Vaseline can make your hair look greasy.
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