For centuries, men and women have dealt with hair loss. Hair loss can occur for a variety of reasons ranging from hormones and stress to chemical damage. One of the early solutions for dealing with hair loss in many cultures was using herbs and oils. In 1999, a team of researchers from the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Scotland demonstrated that essential oils can treat hair loss in some people.
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Hair Loss Study
In 1999, Scottish dermatologist Dr. Isabelle C. Hay and a team of researchers from the Department of Dermatology at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary studied the effect of essential oils on 86 patients who suffered from hair loss caused by alopecia areata. The double-blind, controlled study took place over a seven month active period with follow-ups at three and seven months after the treatment.
Researchers divided the 86 patients into two groups - active and control. Over a 7 month period, the active group massaged an essential oil recipe onto their scalps daily for two minutes. The control group used the carrier oils jojoba and grapeseed for their daily scalp massages.
At the end of the study, 19 of the 43 patients in the active group demonstrated significant improved hair growth while only 6 of the 41 patients in the control group showed some slight improvement. One man in the active group grew a full head of hair after being completely bald. Dr. Hay and the research team found that essential oils can safely treat hair loss and stimulate hair growth.
The Aberdeen Royal Infirmary study used the following essential oil recipe:
- Atlas cedarwood essential oil - 2 drops
- Thyme essential oil - 2 drops
- Rosemary essential oil - 3 drops
- Lavender essential oil - 3 drops
- Jojoba carrier oil - ½ teaspoon
- Grapeseed carrier oil - 4 teaspoons
Use a small glass oil dispenser jar. Mix the carrier oils, jojoba and grapeseed first. Add the essential oils one at a time and then place the lid on the jar. Shake the oils together to mix the recipe.
Essential Oils that Treat Hair Loss
Other studies have identified a number of essential oils that can potentially stimulate hair growth in hair loss patients. Some of the essential oils include:
- Lavender
- Arnica
- Rosemary
- Bay
- Lemon
- Roman Chamomile
- Basil
- Grapefruit
Lavender and rosemary are always considered hair growth essential oils. A 1998 Archives of Dermatology study found that rosemary essential oil can stimulate hair growth.
How to Use Essential Oils for Hair Loss
There are many ways to apply essential oil recipes for hair loss to scalps. Here are some tips on how to apply essential oils to the scalp:
- Always mix essential oils with a carrier oil, such as jojoba. Undiluted essential oils are too harsh on skin.
- Apply the essential oil recipe to the scalp when the hair is dry for the best distribution.
- Pour a small amount of the oil mixture into a bowl and dip fingers into the bowl to wet fingers with oil during the scalp massage. Dip fingers into the bowl as needed to cover the scalp area.
- Massage oil into the entire scalp at once or work on small section at a time. Dip fingers into the oil mixture at the beginning of each section.
The studies provide hope for people searching for possible hair loss treatments. It may not be the solution for everyone but it may help some individuals.
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