The Power Of Fragrance: Essential Oil Blend For Hair Care

Essential oils are a great way to add fragrance to your hair. Not only can they lift your spirits and turn around sour moods, but they can also add shine and conditioning benefits to your hair. However, it's important to choose the right essential oils for your hair type and dilute them correctly, as they can cause allergic reactions and some may be unsuitable for hair use.

The benefits of essential oils for hair

While fragrance itself will not damage your hair, it can provoke allergic reactions. It is important to read ingredient labels carefully, especially when it comes to fragrance. If the hair product doesn't list its aromatic components, you should be cautious. You also want to steer clear of phthalates – a group of harmful chemicals often hidden under the ingredients, listed as 'fragrance'. If you have a sensitive scalp or skin, you have the right to know what is in the product.

Essential oils can add shine to your hair. Jojoba is a good carrier oil to use as it closely mimics the scalp's natural sebum. Aloe vera is another option, as it emulsifies the essential oils and water well, and may also add conditioning benefits and shine to hair.

Hair is known to hold aromatics longer than the skin, so it is a good place to add a refreshing essential oil spritz. It is important to dilute essential oils before use, as they are highly concentrated plant essences. For hair treatments, start with a very small amount of grain alcohol (1-3% dilution, or 1-2 tablespoons) which you should blend with essential oils.

Not all essential oils are suitable for hair use, so make sure you choose oils that are safe for your hair type.

The importance of diluting essential oils

While fragrance itself will not damage your hair, it can provoke allergic reactions. It is therefore important to dilute essential oils properly before applying them to your hair or skin.

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts with potent therapeutic properties. However, they can pose risks when used undiluted or in high concentrations. Diluting essential oils not only enhances their benefits but also minimises the risk of adverse reactions. For example, citronellol and geraniol are both TRPV1 activators, but in dilution, they are among our most potent anti-inflammatory agents.

Dilution ratios are significant as they aid in a better selection of new essential oils you may want to try. It is also important to note that not all oils can be good carrier oils, and essential oils containing chemical content are not advised to be used.

For hair treatments, it is recommended to start with a very small amount of grain alcohol (1-2 tablespoons) which you should blend with essential oils. When choosing a carrier oil, it is suggested to use jojoba as it closely mimics the scalp's natural sebum.

Hair is known to hold aromatics longer than the skin, so it is the perfect place to add a refreshing essential oil spritz.

Natural vs synthetic fragrances

While fragrance itself will not damage your hair, it can provoke allergic reactions. It is important to read the ingredient labels carefully, especially when it comes to fragrance. If the hair product does not list its aromatic components, you have the right to ask what they are hiding. You should also steer clear of phthalates – a group of harmful chemicals often hidden under the ingredients, listed as 'fragrance'.

Natural fragrances are of natural origin, containing only plant-based ingredients. They are aromatic materials which have been physically obtained from natural sources by either distillation, extraction or expression. They are generally made from ingredients harvested from sustainably grown plants rather than from petrochemicals. Natural fragrances are perceived to be greener, more sustainable, safer and more healthful and therapeutic. However, sometimes the natural option is actually more harmful than it is beneficial.

Synthetic fragrances, on the other hand, are chemically created and usually derived from petroleum or started as a natural and evolved through chemical modification. Synthetic fragrances can be stronger, longer-lasting, more complex and sophisticated, and less expensive than natural fragrances. They also have benefits including scent performance, range of olfactive expression, flexibility, novelty, affordability, complexity, accessibility, longevity, environmental sustainability, and even safety.

When choosing a fragrance for your hair, it is important to choose oils that are safe for your hair type and to dilute the essential oils following safe dilution practices. You can use a carrier oil such as jojoba, which closely mimics the scalp's natural sebum, or aloe vera, which emulsifies the essential oils and water well and may add conditioning benefits and shine to hair.

How to choose the right essential oil for your hair type

While fragrance itself will not damage your hair, it can provoke allergic reactions, so it's important to choose the right essential oil for your hair type.

Firstly, not all essential oils are suitable for hair use, so make sure you choose oils that are safe for your hair type. For example, Edens Garden's Ocean Breeze essential oil blend was formulated with oils that are beneficial for the mind, hair and scalp.

Secondly, dilute the essential oils. Following safe dilution practices is highly recommended. It's rare to need more than a 1-3% dilution as essential oils are highly concentrated plant essences. For hair treatments, start with a very small amount of grain alcohol (1-2 tablespoons) which you should blend with essential oils.

Thirdly, consider the carrier oil used, as this may affect the overall smell or cause hair to appear heavy or greasy. Jojoba is a good option as it closely mimics the scalp's natural sebum.

Finally, if you want to add shine to your hair, consider using aloe vera, which emulsifies essential oils and water well and does not affect the smell. Aloe may also add conditioning benefits.

The effects of fragrance on hair appearance

While fragrance itself will not damage your hair, it can provoke allergic reactions. It is important to read ingredient labels carefully, especially when it comes to fragrance. If the hair product doesn't list its aromatic components, you should be cautious. You should also steer clear of phthalates – a group of harmful chemicals often hidden under the ingredients, listed as 'fragrance'. If you have a sensitive scalp, or sensitive skin, you should be particularly aware of this.

Hair is known to hold aromatics longer than the skin, so it is a good place to add a refreshing essential oil spritz. However, depending on the carrier oil used, they may affect the overall smell or cause hair to appear heavy or greasy. Jojoba oil is a good option, as it closely mimics the scalp's natural sebum.

Aloe vera is another option, as it emulsifies essential oils and water well, and does not affect the smell. It may also add conditioning benefits and shine to hair. However, depending on the brand used, the mixture may need to be refrigerated or have a shorter shelf life than other options.

It is important to note that not all essential oils are suitable for hair use, so make sure you choose oils that are safe for your hair type. It is also recommended to dilute the essential oils, following safe dilution practices. For hair treatments, start with a very small amount of grain alcohol (1-2 tablespoons) which you should blend with essential oils.

Frequently asked questions