Hair Loss Alopecia and Essential Oils
One of the most common types of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, though it can also affect females, is better known as male pattern baldness.
Androgenetic alopecia the cause of this condition is a by product of testosterone attacking your hair follicles . When men with androgenetic alopecia massaged diluted rosemary oil into their scalp twice daily for six months, they experienced the same increase in hair thickness as those who used minoxidil (Rogaine), a common hair regrowth remedy. Those who used the rosemary oil reported less scalp itching compared to minoxidil, which suggests that rosemary may be more tolerable. Other research indicates that rosemary oil may help patchy hair loss, or alopecia areata, which affects up to half the population below age 21 and about 20% of people above 40. When people with alopecia areata rubbed a rosemary essential oil blend into their scalp each day for seven months, 44% showed improvement in their hair loss compared to only 15% in the control group, who used the neutral oils jojoba and grapeseed.
Lavender has long been used as a treatment for healthy hair. is widely considered one of the most versatile essential oils, being extremely beneficial for numerous issues. Lavender is also considered one of the most beneficial essential oils for relaxation, skin, bedtime routines, and for healthy hair and scalp as well. A a very soothing and calming oil, lavender can help with an irritated scalp, but it is also regenerating as well. In fact, a study conducted in 2016 found that lavender oil significantly increased the number of hair follicles and hair follicle depth. And since it’s considered one of the safest essential oils, lavender can be used on just about anybody!
According to a 2014 study, those treated with peppermint oil experienced an increase in follicle count, increase in follicle depth, and a thickened dermal layer after four weeks. However, please note that due to its high menthol content, peppermint oil should not be used on or near the face of young children or infants.
Geranium is another essential oil that is used for healthy hair growth, because it is another regenerating essential oil, it and is considered beneficial in stimulating hair growth. Comprised of mostly citronellol and geraniol, geranium has a high count of monoterpenes which are considered to be immune stimulants and general tonics. It is also commonly used in skin care due to its abilities to balance out skin types. This also makes it beneficial to use when dealing with hair loss due to irritated skin.
Another essential oil to consider to achieve healthy hair and scalp is clary sage. Not to be confused with common sage, clary sage is a stimulating oil and can be used to both reduce hair loss and promote hair growth. Because it is commonly used to regulate hormones and reduce tension, it can be especially beneficial for hair loss that is due to tension or hormonal issues. Please note that clary sage should not be used by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, when drinking alcohol, or if estrogen levels need to be monitored.
Cedarwood A study was published in 1998 regarding patients who suffered from alopecia areata. The patients were treated with an essential oil blend of cedarwood, rosemary, lavender, and thyme. The blend was massaged on the scalp of individuals every day for 7 months. The results showed that 44% of the patients found improvement with their alopecia after using the essential oil blend. Cedarwood can also be beneficial for achieving healthy hair, and is considered to be useful for multiple skin and scalp conditions, including itchy scalp, dandruff, and oily hair.
Roman chamomile is most known for its calming and gastric properties, chamomile is also used to support hair health. Gentle and calming, chamomile has been used for numerous issues for decades. Because of its ability to help with tension and worry, chamomile can be beneficial for hair loss due to worry or nervous feelings. It is also very calming to the skin and helpful when dealing with irritated, or itchy skin and scalp. Chamomile is often used in hair care and is even thought to help lighten hair color. Like lavender, chamomile is considered a safe oil and can be used on most individuals.
If not diluted properly, essential oils can cause irritation and sensitization, so make sure to always dilute them accordingly.It’s important to remember that a little goes a long way with essential oils. Because they are highly concentrated substances, only a small amount is needed.
A great product that combines all of these oils in a easy to use solution is Root to Tip Serum. 
To purchase oils outside of Australia – please go to myDoterra.com/Kyliejene and select shop from the top menu.
Here are two blends for hair loss.
Hair-Growth blend #1
- Lavender–12 drops
- Peppermint–4 drops
- Rosemary–4 drops
Hair-growth blend #2
- Geranium–6 drops
- Cedarwood–6 drops
- Chamomile–5 drops
- Clary Sage–3 drops
Thoroughly combine each of the blends and store them in a dropper bottle. Use one or both of them to treat hair loss in one of the following ways…
Shampoo
Add 1-3 drops to your shampoo each time you wash your hair. Gently massage into hair and scalp and rinse as normal.
Scalp oil
Add 1-2 drops of essential oil blend to ½ tsp. jojoba oil and gently massage into scalp. Leave on scalp or shampoo if needed.
Other essential oils for healthy hair
While this list is by no means exhaustive, it will certainly get you well on your way to treating your hair loss naturally.