8 Best Essential Oils for Hair Loss, Thinning & Alopacia

Most of us at some point in our lives deal with some degree of hair loss.

Losing your hair is not a fun feeling. It doesn’t help you feel good about your appearance, and it can potentially be a symptom of some deeper bodily imbalances.

But the nice thing is that we can vastly improve the health of our hair, and put a stop to hair loss by embracing healthy habits and natural remedies, including essential oils.

Let’s first let’s list the major causes of hair loss.

You’ll find in this list a variety of disorders, imbalances, and illnesses, including:

• Stress (elevated levels of cortisol)
• overuse of hair dyes and bleaches
• too much aspirin (two or more daily)
• birth control pills
• diet pills
• cortisone
• anticoagulants
• amphetamines
• chemotherapy
• nutritional deficiency
• hypo or hyperthyroidism,
• hormonal imbalance
• pituitary deficiency
• poorly functioning ovaries
• acute stress

8 Essential Oils for Preventing Hair Loss & Alopecia

Now let’s cover some specific oils to use for hair loss. Later, we’ll cover specific recipes and application methods to keep your hair healthy and strong

So how do essential oils combat hair loss?

The main ways they help are by stimulating the hair follicles (roots) and promoting healthy circulation. They also provide important oil balancing qualities along with a nice dose of nutritional support for the scalp and follicles.

Related post: Essential Oils For Hair Growth

Below you’ll find oils that will do just that.

1.) Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary is undoubtedly the most coveted essential oil for hair care. It’s great for both hair and scalp. Rosemary effectively increases circulation, treats dandruff and gives life to all types of imbalanced and undernourished hair.

Rosemary supports the scalp by reducing oily and congested skin and stimulating follicles at the base of the scalp thus promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss.

It’s also fantastic for relieving mental fatigue, increasing memory retention, and reducing the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines.

All around it’s a phenomenal oil to put on your hair and scalp!

2.) Clary Sage Essential Oil

Clary Sage is another circulation-boosting oil that’s highly recommended for hair concerns. Sage’s ability to balance and support healthy sebum levels lends to its renown for putting a halt to oily hair and oily scalps. This sebum balancing power, mixed with its ability it counteract sluggish circulation and improve blood flow means it’s an excellent choice for treating and preventing hair loss.

Clary sage is a valuable oil for all hair types in general. It combats dandruff, counteracts sluggish circulation, and regulates oil and sebum production. The sebum balancing effects of clary-sage render it a perfect oil for controlling oily hair, as well as supporting healthy hair and scalp that is resistant to alopecia.

Sage also treats dandruff, boosts creativity, relieves insomnia, lifts depression, lowers high blood pressure, and acts as an aphrodisiac to boot!

3.) Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is an all-arounder type of oil. It’s an ideal oil for a lot of ailments, including those involving hair. It replenishes lost moisture in the scalp, which treats dry, inflamed skin thus reducing dandruff.

Lavender’s therapeutic compounds help keep the hair strong and healthy, and its ability to calm nerves and reduce hyperactivity also makes it a good choice to treat the physiological manifestations (all forms of stress) that promote hair loss.

Lavender is a beautiful oil. Even people who know little about essential oils and aromatherapy can appreciate the power of this therapeutic oil.

4.) Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme oil is great for supporting and promoting blood circulation. Applying it to the scalp with a carrier oil will strengthen the health of your scalp and reduce the likelihood of hair fall. It’s also an excellent oil for detoxification, promoting mental clarity, relieving muscular aches and pains, relieving arthritis, and boosting the immune system.

5.) Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile, like lavender, is a potent oil. It’s effect on so many conditions and is a great calming and relaxing oil. It soothes anger and relieves inflammation – especially muscular aches and pains. It’s a great oil to supplement a busy, stressed mind – a mind which often leads to conditions such as hair loss. Use chamomile to reduce your irritability and lessen any anxiety.

6.) Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood essential oil is known as a supportive oil for hair loss. It both helps prevent hair loss and promotes new follicle growth. It also smells fantastic! Cedarwood is a useful oil for cleansing impurities of the skin and scalp. It works effectively for both dry and oily skin conditions and is a universal oil recommended for treating dandruff. Cedarwood is excellent for treating both existing and new hair loss, while also promoting new hair growth.

7.) Bay Leaf Essential Oil

The leaves of the bay tree have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for people suffering from hair loss and scalp infections. Natives in the Caribbean have combined bay leaves with rum to make a tincture that’s used both as a hair loss preventative body rub and a rub for sore muscles and joints. Bay oil remains a celebrated hair tonic and is often added to shampoos and conditioners to bolster hair and scalp health.

8.) Carrot Seed Essential Oil

In addition to being an excellent tonic oil for the skin, the rich golden oil of carrot seed is also highly nutritive to your hair. The essential oil is distilled mainly from the seed of wild carrots. But the oil is contained within the whole plant. Carrot seed is highly regarded for its nourishing, detoxifying, and hormone-regulating qualities. It is particularly good at controlling liver health. And a healthy liver maintains healthy hair.

Honorable mentions:

Juniper, yarrow, ylang-ylang, birch, cypress, lemon, Palmarosa, rose, calendula

3 Essential Oil Based Recipes and Application Methods for Hair Loss / Thinning Hair

Hair loss/Alopecia Scalp Massage Oil 

Ingredients:

• 4 tsp (20 mL) jojoba oil
• 4 tsp (20 mL) coconut oil
• 10 drops lavender oil
• 5 drops rosemary
• 5 drops clary sage

Alternative scalp massage oil recipe:

• 5 tsp slightly warmed jojoba oil, castor oil, or extra virgin olive oil
• 12 drops rosemary or lavender

Directions:

1. In a 2 oz (60 mL) glass bottle combine your ingredients and shake to mix thoroughly
2. Pour 1/2 tsp of your scalp massage oil into the palm of your hands
3. Run your palms together and gently apply them to your scalp
4. Locking your fingertips onto your scalp, massage by moving the skin over your skull in small circular motions.
5. Massage your entire scalp thoroughly
6. Next, soak a small hand towel in hot water then wring it out and wrap over your hair.
7. Cover with a shower cap or dry towel
8. Rest with your head covered for 30 minutes
9. Do not shampoo for at least an hour
10. Follow up with the hair loss/alopecia hair loss shampoo listed below

Alopecia/Hair Loss DIY Shampoo

For this shampoo, we will start by making a basic herbal shampoo and adding the necessary essential oils for thinning hair.

• 1/2 cup Castile liquid soap
• 1/2 cup distilled or filtered water
• 4 tsp coconut, macadamia, meadowfoam seed oil
• 14 drops jojoba oil
• 10 drops lavender
• 4 drops rosemary

Directions:

1. In a glass measuring cup combine your Castile soap with half of the water
2. Stir to combine
3. Add coconut oil and stir
4. Pour into an 8 oz glass bottle and add your jojoba oil, lavender, and rosemary essential oils.
5. Top off the bottle with your remaining water
6. Shake to combine

Some variations:

• For a creamy and moisturizing lather: add 1/2 cup coconut milk
• For dry hair: add 6 tsp vegetable glycerine, which acts as a natural humectant
• To lighten or add highlights to hair: steep 3 chamomile tea bags in 1/2 cup boiling water for 6 minutes. Remove the bags and 1/2 cup of this tea in place of water in your recipe. Also, add 2 tsp lemon juice

Hair Loss Prevention Vinegar Rinse

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup raw apple cider vinegar
• 50 drops of mixed or single essential oil (any of the recommended essential oils at the beginning of the article)

Directions:

• In a 4 oz glass bottle combine vinegar and essential oils
• Shake to blend
• In a non-reactive bowl mix 3 tsp of your hair loss prevention vinegar rinse with 2 cups of warm water.
• Pour over your hair to rinse
• Repeat once more and finish with a rinse of plain water

Alternative vinegar rinse recipe:

• 1 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
• 3 drops Bay leaf
• 3 drops rosemary
• 3 drops lavender
• 3 1/2 oz rose, lavender, geranium, or helichrysum flower water(hydrosol/hydrolat)

Additional (Non-Essential Oil Based) Natural Remedies for Hair Loss / Alopecia

While essential oils alone can make a significant impact on the health of your hair, it is also good to enlist the support of other natural medicines.

Below you’ll find a wide variety of natural hair health tonics, starting with the best in hair care that the world of Ayurveda has to offer.

Banyan Botanicals Healthy Hair (Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine)

Ayurveda provides a renowned, holistic look at health. According to Ayurveda hair loss is indicative of excess pitta in the system.

These healthy hair supplements combine detoxifying herbs that remove excess pitta from the body while also supporting the factors that contribute to hair growth.

Bhringaraj – the main ingredient in the formula – has been long known as “the ruler of hair” for its balancing and rejuvenating effects on the scalp and the hair. Additional herbs in the blend provide nutrient support and work to cleanse the liver which helps the body properly balance hair health.

Bhringaraj leaf (Eclipta alba)⁺, Amalaki fruit (Emblica officinalis)⁺, Brahmi leaf (Centella Asiatica)⁺, Hibiscus flower (Hibiscus rosa)⁺.

Suggested Use:
1-2 tablets, once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

As already noted, a head massage is a great way to remedy hair conditions like hair loss.

Herbalized massage oils have been a staple in Ayurvedic traditions for centuries as a way to maintain healthy, thick, and lustrous hair.

I’ve already covered some DIY essential oil based recipes above. This Ayurvedic healthy hair oil could be a great alternative or a replacement carrier oil with essential oils added to it. This oil stimulates the hair follicles, and the nourishing herbs that it includes can penetrate the scalp and strengthen and thicken the hair at its roots.

As a bonus, this oil is also very calming. It is a great routine to apply this hair oil before sleep to promote a sound, restful sleep.

The main herbs in this blend that have an affinity for oils are Bhringaraj (“the ruler of hair” in Ayurveda), Amalaki, and Brahmi (Gotu Kola). They are blended with a base of sesame and coconut oils and then infused with hibiscus flower essence.

Use it on a weekly basis to significantly improve the health of your hair, calm your mind and prevent hair loss.

Ingredients: Sesame oil⁺, Coconut oil⁺, Bhringaraj leaf (Eclipta alba)⁺, Brahmi (Centella asiatica)⁺, Amalaki (Embilica officinalis)⁺, Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa)⁺, Rose (Rosa damascena)⁺.

Consume plenty of healthy omega-3 essential fatty acids

Essential fatty acids, especially omega 3 in the forms of EPA and DHA, are fantastic for hair, skin and brain health.

You can get them from walnuts, flaxseeds, fish, cod liver oil, and avocado, to name a few sources.

I’m sure you’ve heard that omegas (3, 6 & 9) are great for your health and can help alleviate, cure, or ease any number of ailments. Let’s explore.

Omega-3

The omega-3 fatty acid is considered one of the essential fatty acids because our bodies cannot make it. It is chiefly famous for being an anti-inflammatory agent, which can ease any number of medical conditions. Additionally, it counteracts the pro-inflammatory properties of omega-6. Regarding hair benefits, omega-3:

• Increases hair elasticity (less breakage)
• Nourishes hair follicles
• Can help re-start hair growth
• Increases hair strength and thickness
• Prevent or reverse hair loss
• Improve flaky/dry scalp
• Improve scalp circulation

Get omega-3 in your diet with seafood (salmon, sardines, halibut, tuna, herring, mackerel, cod), seeds & nuts (almonds, brazil nuts, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds), and fruits & veggies (strawberries, cabbage, broccoli, turnip greens, spinach).

Omega-6

Omega-6 is another essential fatty acid that our bodies cannot produce. It supports brain development, and the immune system, and helps regulate blood pressure. When it comes to hair, omega-6:

• Controls water loss in hair
• Stimulates hair growth
• Controls/helps improve eczema and similar skin/scalp conditions

Omega-9

Omega-9 is a non-essential fatty acid because our bodies can generate it from unsaturated fats. Omega-9 helps regulate bad cholesterol and supports immune function. Omega-9 in the hair:

• Controls water loss in hair
• Makes hair softer and more pliable

Add some Collagen to your diet

Maybe you’ve heard about gelatin/collagen in recent years. It’s become quite the beauty and health hack.

A lot of people know how gelatin powder can help digestion, skin, and joints, and now people are now starting to tout the benefits of gelatin for hair health. It’s great for making your hair grow faster, and help it remain healthy and robust (and not falling out).

It’s also incredibly easy to add to your routine.

If you have the type of gelatin that’s pictured above, you’ll find that it dissolves easily into any beverage and blends well into your shampoo, too. I add gelatin to my tea and shampoo and have noticed huge benefits over time (my hair, which has been prone to falling out, doesn’t do much anymore, if ever).

Here are some of the major benefits of gelatin:

• It improves hair and nail health and makes them grow faster and stronger.
• Improves joint and bone health. Our bones and joints are mostly made of collagen, thus consuming collagen in gelatin results in stronger bones, higher bone density, and reduced bone loss.
• Prevents and treats wrinkles. The collagen in gelatin is the same ingredient that’s used in exorbitantly priced face creams.
• Provides lots of protein. Gelatin has 6 grams of protein per tablespoon
• Improves digestive health by promoting healthy stomach acid production. It also helps the stomach acids move from the lining of the stomach to the food that needs to be digestion, preventing gas, bloating, and constipation.
• Induces weight loss with its boost to metabolism and propensity to regulate blood sugar levels
• Reverses allergies by soothing and healing the gut lining

I recommend that you get this green bottle of gelatin, as it dissolves easily and is sourced from a conscientious company.

Aloe vera gel for hair growth & hair loss prevention

If you haven’t noticed already, aloe vera is in the vast majority of hair care products available such as hair creams, shampoos, and conditioners.

It is very good for hair and contains over 20 vitamins and minerals that are essential for hair growth.

Here are some major benefits of aloe vera for hair loss prevention:

• Reduces excess sebum production. Aloe vera stops excess sebum production that can hamper hair growth and follicle health at the root of the hair and cause dirt to pile up. Aloe vera keeps the scalp clean and well moisturized.
• Promotes new hair growth. If you’ve been losing some hair, you’re going to want to get new hair growth as quickly as you can. Aloe vera activates new hair growth and increases blood circulation to the scalp with its unique enzymes and pH balancing.
• Prevents hair loss. Aloe vera has been used at the first sign of excessive hair loss and alopecia for centuries for its restorative qualities.
• Provides great moisturizing. Directly applied to the scalp aloe vera and its 20+ minerals and vitamins, and cooling qualities provide a lot of moisture and sustenance.
• Conditions hair naturally. Aloe vera makes hair soft without any trace of dryness that’s common with conventional conditioners – plus it leaves no greasy buildup behind, either.
• Prevents dandruff. The cooling qualities of aloe vera help it prevent dryness that can lead to dandruff. It’s also anti-fungal which provides additional dandruff support.

Along with Aloe Vera home remedies, you can also try hair care products containing Aloe Vera. There are gels, shampoos, conditioners, and hair care to name a few. These natural Aloe Vera hair care products are an ideal alternative to commercial hair products which have harsh chemicals in them.

Closing Recommendations for Preventing Hair Loss

Typically hair loss is a slow, gradual process; but sudden hair loss has been known following traumatic events and extreme fear, anxiety, or severe reactions to chemicals.

Hair loss can be either temporary or permanent, but the good news is that (in most cases) it is temporary, and the condition will be resolved once the underlying conditions are diagnosed.

Even some so-called “permanent” cases of hair loss can be reversed with the right therapeutic care.

Essential oils can surely be a remedy for hair loss, thinning hair, and Alopecia. But it’s also important that you visit a healthcare practitioner if you have hair loss.

A doctor can run tests and diagnose whether there is an underlying balance in the body. If there is, in fact, an imbalance (often hormonal), it will need to be addressed to resolve the issue completely.

Drink plenty of water:

Water is an essential part of the human body. The body can function well only if it is well-hydrated. The hormones and enzymes in the body can work only if there is the necessary amount of water in the body. At least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day are necessary for the body to function well, and also for proper hair growth. Make sure you have a healthy diet and a regular intake of all the essential nutrients.

Never comb wet hair:

Hair becomes more prone to breakage when it is wet. So, you must avoid combing your just after a bath. You could run your fingers through it to settle your hair. Wait for it to dry out to comb or style it.

Good Sleep for hair growth:

Sleep is an essential part of good health. You need enough sleep to let your body relax. After a hectic routine, even your body needs rest. It is during sleep that most of the tissues are regenerated and rejuvenated. You need a minimum of 8 hours of sleep every day. This is important for staying healthy and fit. Hair growth is also promoted if you get enough sleep.

Now you know what you should do to have good and healthy hair. Choose your favorite remedy and follow it regularly to make your hair thick, strong, and long. Also, remember the above tips to take good care of your hair.

Address a possible underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) which can cause thinning hair:  Add sea vegetables like kelp, nori, dulse, kombu, and wakame, all of which are rich in iodine may be helpful to balance this condition.  Avoid drinking tap water since it typically contains fluorine and chlorine, two chemicals that inhibit iodine absorption.  You may also want to supplement with 100 mg or 1 mL of the herb bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) daily.  Work with a qualified holistic health care professional if you suspect a sluggish thyroid gland.

Identify underlying issues

Certain medications like birth control pills, beta-blockers, anabolic steroids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and others may also contribute to problems such as hair thinning and hair loss.

Seborrheic dermatitis and scalp infections cause issues like an itchy scalp and mild hair loss. So, identify any underlying issues contributing to hair problems and address them as soon as possible, so they don’t hamper your hair growth efforts.

Biotin can cause problems like breakouts, weight gain, stomach problems

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has been helpful for you!

If you have any questions, comments or recommendations of your own for treating hair loss and alopecia, please let us know in the comment section below!