Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the scalp, face or body loses hair. Hair loss may be temporary or permanent, depending on the ability of the hair follicles to reproduce hair. Most people who suffer from this condition lose hair and never grow them back.
It's a good thing that your situation is going to be different. If you notice a bald patch on your head and it's causing you so much stress to see your hair fall out, this article explains how you can use the magic of aromatherapy to grow your hair back.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a form of natural therapy that uses essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds to improve the overall health and wellbeing of an individual. These essential oils may be used in massage, heated in an oil burner, placed topically on the hair or skin, or inhaled with steaming water.
It is believed that the oil's scent stimulates the olfactory system of the brain, which controls our sense of smell. A whiff of fragrant oils prompts the limbic system of our brains (responsible for memory and emotions) to release chemicals that reduce the physical effects of stress, which is mainly responsible for hair loss.
However, when essential oils are used topically on the skin (including the scalp), thermal receptors are activated to destroy the microbes and fungi that inhibit the function of our immune system and prevent hair growth.
Hair Loss and Its Causes
Alopecia, or baldness in its extreme, is the medical term used to describe inexplicable hair loss from the head and body. It may be the result of genetics, stress, medication, hormonal changes and fatigue, and is a good measurement of how your health is faring in general.
Exposure to radiation, poor nutrition, excessive use of hair styling products and undergoing hair treatments frequently are other reasons that cause the hair follicles to weaken and hair to fall out permanently.
How Can Aromatherapy Help With Hair Loss?
Aromatherapy is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss. Like good nutrition, the essential oils used in aromatherapy abound with vitamins and minerals that feed the hair and promote its growth. It also successfully treats hair thinning and bald patches, as well as stimulating hair follicles that leads to increased hair growth.
The efficacy of aromatherapy in the treatment of alopecia has been proven by several clinical trials of the modality. In fact, the findings of these studies support the clinical observation of academic researchers (I C Hay et al.) that daily use of essential oils, such as rosemary essential oil and lavender essential oil, for seven consecutive months can significantly improve alopecia areata.
Aromatherapy Oils for Hair Loss
There are many aromatherapy oils that can help grow hair and prevent hair loss. They may be mixed in with your shampoo or blended with jojoba oils to be used as a hair treatment or in a head massage. You can also use castor oil as the carrier oil of your oil blends as it is packed with omega-9 fatty acids which promote hair growth. Here below is a list of essential oils that can help nourish the scalp and promote hair regrowth.
- Arnica has traditionally been prepared as a hair rinse as a natural treatment for alopecia (baldness). Massage three drops of arnica oil, combined with your choice of carrier oil, on your scalp and let its antibacterial agents work their magic on eliminating dandruff caused by skin irritation or dry scalp.
- Bay, which stimulates hair growth, diffuses dandruff problems and revitalizes dull hair. Adding three drops to your regular shampooing routine is the best way to use it.
- Basil helps increase blood flow to the scalp, thus promoting healing and natural hair growth. It can also be used as hair oil and works exceptionally well when combined with herbs such as Fenugreek and Ivy Burdock.
- Cypress prevents hair loss by easing the effects of stress and improving blood circulation to the scalp. Mixing four drops of cypress essential oil with two drops of jojoba oil and massaging the mixture onto your scalp four times a week will help strengthen the blood vessels and stimulate the scalp's natural oil production.
- Lavender essential oil improves scalp health, returning it to a cultivated state in which strands of strong hair can grow. Combining several drops of lavender oil with a mixture of carrier oils, like jojoba and coconut oils, and applying it to the scalp will help speed up hair growth.
- Rosemary essential oil contains camphor that works to strengthen the hair bulbs and condition the hair. Mixing drops of rosemary oil with coconut oil and applying it to the scalp twice a week will improve hair thickness and prevent hair loss.
- Jojoba oils are arguably the best oils to use for healing hair that regularly breaks or falls out. When treating the hair, approximately 30ml of jojoba oil should be used with 4 to 8 drops of the above aromatherapy oils.
Other Essential Oils That Promote Hair Growth
- Clary Sage oil contains high levels of antioxidants that stimulate the hair follicles, increase hair growth and control sebum production on the scalp.
- Ylang-Ylang is the opposite of Clary Sage as it stimulates sebum production in dry scalps to reduce hair damage and lock in moisture.
- Peppermint oil significantly increases hair growth and thickens hair. It contains menthol which expands the blood vessels and increases the blood flow, which, in turn, stimulates the hair follicles. Just two drops of peppermint essential oil mixed with your choice of carrier oil will go a long way in increasing your anagen hair rate.
- Cedarwood oil improves blood circulation in the scalp which stimulates hair growth. It also contains antifungal properties that strengthen the hair follicles and prevent hair fall.
- Bergamot essential oil stimulates the hair follicles and contains antimicrobial properties that prevent bacteria and maintain a healthy environment for hair growth. It also has linalyl acetate, a phytochemical that reduces inflammation and reinvigorates dry skin by restoring its natural oils.
- Tea tree essential oil is packed with antibacterial properties that curb fungi and bacterial growth. Mixing 10 drops of tea tree oil into your shampoo or conditioner and using it daily is a great way to nourish your hair follicles and maintain a healthy scalp.
As well as maintaining healthier hair and addressing scalp issues, such as dry or itchy scalp, using essential oils for hair loss has little to no side effects. What's more, they're relatively cheaper than conventional hair growth treatments.
To learn more about the wonders of aromatherapy and how to use essential oils to combat hair loss, head over to our listings on the Natural Therapy Pages to find an aromatherapist in your local area. Or you can also try online aromatherapy consultation.
You can also check out these other effective natural hair loss treatments.
Originally published on Apr 22, 2010
