10 best herbal essential oils for dry hair

Herbal essential oils for dry hair are a natural and effective way to nourish and moisturize parched locks.

These oils, derived from plant extracts, work by penetrating the hair shaft to provide intense hydration, reduce frizz, and promote softness. Examples of herbal essential oils that help with dry hair include coconut oil, argan oil, and lavender oil, which can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment or added to shampoo for an extra moisturizing boost.

By using these oils, people with dry hair can enjoy healthier-looking locks, reduced breakage, and a more manageable mane, ultimately improving their overall confidence and self-esteem.

The following article describes in detail the most important essential oils for dry hair, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Lavandula angustifolia

English lavender essential oils helps with dry hair because of its incredible moisturizing properties.

The oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that deeply nourish and hydrate the hair, leaving it soft, silky, and manageable. Additionally, lavender's anti-inflammatory properties help to calm and soothe the scalp, reducing irritation and flaking caused by dryness.

As a result, English lavender essential oils can provide long-lasting hydration and leave your hair feeling smooth, supple, and luscious.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in english lavender essential oils that aid with dry hair.

• Antioxidant: English Lavender essential oil's antioxidant properties help to protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to dryness and breakage.
• Moisturizing: The fatty acid composition of English Lavender essential oil helps to moisturize and nourish the hair, leaving it soft and supple, while also reducing frizz and flyaways.
• Anti-inflammatory: English Lavender essential oil's anti-inflammatory properties can help to soothe and calm irritated scalps and dry ends, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy hair growth.

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make essential oils for dry hair.

• Flowers: Lavender flowers are a popular choice for making essential oils due to their sweet, calming aroma and ability to soothe dry, itchy scalps.
• Seeds: The seeds of the lavender plant contain a high concentration of camphor, which helps to nourish and moisturize dry hair while reducing dandruff and flaking.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for dry hair.

1. Harvest high-quality fresh or dried lavandula angustifolia flowers in quantities of approximately one pound for small-scale production.
2. Dry the harvested flowers using shade-drying techniques or low-temperature drying machines to preserve their essential oil content within 24 hours.
3. Steam distill the dried flowers using a traditional steam distillation apparatus or a commercial still at atmospheric pressure with water temperatures around 100 degrees celsius for four to six hours.
4. Collect and filter the obtained essential oil by decanting it from the distillate and separating it from any impurities within two days of distillation.
5. Store the extracted lavandula angustifolia essential oil in dark glass containers with tight-fitting lids at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat sources for up to six months.

2. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary essential oils helps with dry hair because of its remarkable ability to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, promoting healthy follicle function and nourishment.

The oil's antifungal and antibacterial properties also help to combat dryness-causing scalp irritations and infections.

Additionally, rosemary oil's natural astringent and antiseptic qualities help to balance the scalp's pH levels, reducing dryness and frizz while leaving hair looking smooth and vibrant.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in rosemary essential oils that aid with dry hair.

• Anti-inflammatory: Rosemary essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and irritation on the scalp caused by dry hair, promoting healthier and more balanced hair growth.
• Antioxidant: The antioxidant properties of rosemary essential oil help protect the hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and preserving the natural moisture balance of the hair.
• Stimulant: Rosemary essential oil is a stimulant that can help increase blood flow to the scalp, promoting healthy circulation and delivering vital nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, which can improve hair texture and reduce dryness.

The list below shows the primary parts of rosemary used to make essential oils for dry hair.

• Leaves: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, rosemary leaves help to nourish and protect dry hair, promoting a healthy scalp.
• Buds: The tiny, immature flowers on rosemary stems contain concentrated amounts of flavonoids and terpenes, which work to strengthen and revitalize dry, brittle hair.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic rosemary for dry hair.

1. Harvest fresh rosmarinus officinalis leaves, weighing approximately 10 kg, at dawn when the plant is most aromatic.
2. Wash the harvested leaves with clean water to remove impurities and debris, then gently pat them dry with a soft cloth.
3. Prepare a steam distillation apparatus according to manufacturer's instructions, using a stainless steel boiler and condenser coil.
4. Add 1 kg of the washed rosemary leaves to the boiler, followed by 2 liters of distilled water, and heat the mixture under controlled conditions for approximately 2 hours.
5. Collect the extracted essential oil from the distillate, which should have a pale yellow color and a pungent aroma, and transfer it to dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids for storage.

3. Thymus vulgaris

Thyme essential oils helps with dry hair because of its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help to purify the scalp and balance the pH level.

The oil's antioxidant compounds also nourish and moisturize the hair shaft, reducing frizz and flyaways while adding shine and softness.

Additionally, thyme essential oil stimulates blood circulation, promoting healthy hair growth and strengthening damaged strands, leaving dry hair looking healthier and more vibrant.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in thyme essential oils that aid with dry hair.

• Antimicrobial properties: Thyme essential oil has antimicrobial properties that can help to reduce dandruff and other scalp irritations, which are common causes of dry hair.
• Antioxidant properties: The antioxidants present in thyme essential oil can help to protect the hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals, reducing dryness and brittleness.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Thyme essential oil's anti-inflammatory properties can help to soothe and calm irritated scalps and hair, reducing redness and flakiness that can contribute to dry hair.

The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make essential oils for dry hair.

• Roots: The roots of the thyme plant are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in soothing and calming irritated scalps.
• Flowers: Thyme flowers contain flavonoids and terpenes that help to nourish and moisturize dry hair, reducing frizz and adding shine.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for dry hair.

1. Gather 2 cups of fresh thymus vulgaris leaves and flowers and 1 cup of carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil.
2. Chop the thymus vulgaris leaves and flowers into small pieces and combine them with the carrier oil in a clean glass jar.
3. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 4-6 weeks to allow the herbs to infuse their properties into the carrier oil.
4. After the infusion period, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar discarding the solids and retaining the infused oil.
5. Transfer the infused oil to a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to 6 months or freeze it for longer storage.

4. Calendula officinalis

Pot marigold essential oils helps with dry hair because it is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help to nourish and moisturize the scalp and hair.

It also contains flavonoids, which can help to repair damaged hair cuticles and improve hair elasticity. Additionally, pot marigold oil has natural emollient properties that help to lock in moisture, leaving dry hair feeling soft, silky, and manageable.

Regular use of this oil can help to hydrate and protect dry hair, leaving it looking healthy and vibrant.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in pot marigold essential oils that aid with dry hair.

• Antioxidant properties: Pot marigold essential oil's antioxidant properties help to protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to dryness and breakage.
• Inflammatory reduction: The anti-inflammatory properties of pot marigold essential oil help to reduce inflammation in the scalp, which can cause dryness, itchiness, and irritation, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth.
• Moisturizing properties: Pot marigold essential oil's moisturizing properties help to lock in moisture and hydrate the hair shaft, leaving it soft, supple, and manageable, while also reducing frizz and flyaways.

The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make essential oils for dry hair.

• Roots: The roots contain a high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help to soothe and moisturize dry hair.
• Leaves: The leaves have been traditionally used to treat scalp issues, including dandruff and itchy scalps, making them an excellent choice for creating essential oils for dry hair.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for dry hair.

1. Harvest 20 fresh calendula officinalis flowers in the morning after dew has evaporated for optimal potency.
2. Dry the harvested flowers using air circulation for 3-4 days or by oven drying at 35°c for 1 hour.
3. Crush 10g of dried calendula flowers into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle to increase surface area.
4. Combine 10g of powdered calendula with 100ml of carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil in a dark glass jar.
5. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 14 days, shaking the jar daily, allowing infusion to occur.

5. Hypericum perforatum

St John's wort essential oils helps with dry hair because of its remarkable ability to nourish and moisturize the scalp and hair follicles.

The oil's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties soothe an itchy scalp, reduce dandruff, and promote a healthy environment for hair growth. Additionally, its emollient properties help to lock in moisture, leaving dry hair feeling soft, supple, and manageable.

Regular use of St John's wort essential oils can also improve hair elasticity and shine, resulting in a luscious and vibrant mane.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in st john's wort essential oils that aid with dry hair.

• Antioxidant: St John's Wort essential oil contains antioxidant compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help protect the hair follicles from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation caused by dryness.
• Anti-inflammatory: The essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties due to its content of terpenes like hypericin and pseudohypericin, which can soothe and calm irritated scalps and reduce redness associated with dry hair.
• Wound-healing: St John's Wort essential oil has been shown to promote wound healing by increasing collagen synthesis, improving tissue elasticity, and reducing scarring - all of which can help repair and restore damaged hair caused by dryness.

The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make essential oils for dry hair.

• Roots: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making them effective in soothing dry scalp irritation.
• Seeds: Containing linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that nourishes and moisturizes dry hair follicles.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for dry hair.

1. Gather one pound of dried st. john's wort flowers hypericum perforatum in a clean glass container.
2. Place the dried flowers in a stainless steel steam distiller and add five cups of distilled water.
3. Steam distill the mixture at 100 degrees celsius for two hours to release the essential oil.
4. Collect the resulting essential oil using a separating funnel and store it in dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids.
5. Blend the hypericum perforatum essential oil with carrier oils such as coconut or jojoba oil in a ratio of one percent to one hundred percent.

6. Salvia officinalis

Sage essential oils helps with dry hair because it has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties that soothe and calm the scalp, reducing irritation and flaking.

The oil's antioxidants also help to nourish and moisturize the hair shaft, leaving it soft, silky, and manageable. Additionally, sage's astringent qualities help to balance the scalp's natural pH, preventing excess oil production and reducing frizz.

Overall, sage essential oils work wonders in restoring dry hair's health and vitality.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in sage essential oils that aid with dry hair.

• Antioxidant: Sage essential oil helps neutralize free radicals that can damage hair follicles, leading to dryness and breakage.
• Anti-inflammatory: Sage oil reduces inflammation in the scalp, which can contribute to dryness and itchiness of the hair, making it more manageable.
• Astringent: Sage's astringent properties help tighten and close the cuticle layer of the hair, reducing frizz, flyaways, and adding shine, while also reducing moisture loss.

The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make essential oils for dry hair.

• Roots: Sage roots are a rich source of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in soothing and repairing dry, damaged hair.
• Seeds: Sage seeds contain fatty acids and vitamins that nourish and moisturize dry hair, promoting healthy growth and reducing frizz.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for dry hair.

1. Harvest 2 cups of fresh or dried salvia officinalis leaves and rinse them gently under cold running water.
2. Combine the rinsed herbs with 4 cups of carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil in a clean glass jar.
3. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 14 days to allow the herbal properties to infuse into the oil.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into another clean glass jar discarding the solids.
5. Allow the infused oil to sit at room temperature for an additional 24 hours before transferring it to dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids.

7. Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm essential oils helps with dry hair because of its nourishing and moisturizing properties.

The oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that deeply penetrate the hair shaft, locking in moisture and reducing frizz. It also helps to balance the scalp's natural pH, promoting healthy hair growth and preventing dryness.

As a result, lemon balm essential oils can help to leave hair soft, silky, and manageable, even in its driest state.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lemon balm essential oils that aid with dry hair.

• Antioxidant properties: Lemon balm essential oil helps to combat oxidative stress caused by environmental factors, which can damage the hair shaft and lead to dryness and brittleness.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Lemon balm essential oil reduces inflammation in the scalp, which can cause irritation and itchiness that leads to dry and flaky skin on the scalp, making it a great treatment for dandruff and dry scalp conditions.
• Antiseptic and antibacterial properties: Lemon balm essential oil has antimicrobial properties that help to prevent bacterial and fungal infections on the scalp, which can lead to irritation, itchiness, and dryness.

The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make essential oils for dry hair.

• Roots: Lemon balm roots contain a high concentration of sesquiterpenes, which help to moisturize and nourish dry hair.
• Leaves: Lemon balm leaves have antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help to soothe and calm irritated scalps associated with dry hair.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for dry hair.

1. Harvest fresh melissa officinalis leaves measuring approximately one pound.
2. Clean the harvested leaves by gently brushing off dirt and debris with a soft-bristled brush.
3. Steam distill the cleaned leaves using a still or a steam distillation apparatus for 30 minutes.
4. Collect the essential oil produced during distillation in a clean glass container with a lid.
5. Store the collected essential oil in an amber glass bottle away from direct sunlight.

8. Anthemis laxa

Yarrow essential oils helps with dry hair because of its incredible moisturizing and nourishing properties.

The oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids that deeply penetrate the hair shaft to provide hydration and lock in moisture. This helps to restore the natural balance of the scalp and hair, reducing frizz and flyaways, while adding shine and softness to dry locks.

Additionally, yarrow essential oils help to stimulate blood flow, promoting healthy hair growth and reducing dandruff and itchiness associated with dry hair.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in yarrow essential oils that aid with dry hair.

• Antioxidant: Yarrow essential oil contains antioxidant properties that help protect the hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to dryness and breakage.
• Inflammation-reducing: The essential oil has anti-inflammatory compounds that can soothe irritated scalps and reduce inflammation, helping to alleviate dry scalp conditions and promote healthy hair growth.
• Antibacterial: Yarrow essential oil's antibacterial properties can help control the growth of bacteria and fungi on the scalp, which can contribute to dandruff, itchiness, and flakiness, leading to dry hair.

The list below shows the primary parts of yarrow used to make essential oils for dry hair.

• Roots: The roots of the yarrow plant are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective at soothing dry hair.
• Leaves: The leaves of the yarrow plant contain camphor and borneol, which help to nourish and moisturize dry hair.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic yarrow for dry hair.

1. Harvest fresh anthemis laxa flowers from a trusted source or grow them in your garden for the best quality.
2. Dry the harvested flowers using a food dehydrator on low heat setting at 60°c for 24 hours.
3. Combine one ounce of dried anthemis laxa flowers with two ounces of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil in a clean glass jar.
4. Store the mixture in a cool dark place and allow it to steep for eight weeks, shaking occasionally, before straining.
5. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean container, discarding solids, and store the resulting essential oil in airtight glass bottles.

9. Cymbopogon citratus

Lemongrass essential oils helps with dry hair because of its unique properties that nourish and revitalize damaged locks.

The oil's natural antifungal and antibacterial components help to remove impurities and product buildup, allowing the scalp to breathe and promoting healthy hair growth. Additionally, lemongrass oil's moisturizing properties help to lock in moisture, leaving dry hair feeling soft, smooth, and supple.

Its invigorating scent also stimulates circulation, increasing blood flow to the scalp and promoting a healthy shine.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lemongrass essential oils that aid with dry hair.

• Antioxidant property: Lemongrass essential oil's antioxidant properties help protect the hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to dryness and breakage.
• Anti-inflammatory property: The anti-inflammatory compounds in lemongrass essential oil can help soothe and calm irritated scalps and reduce inflammation that can cause flakiness and dryness.
• Antifungal and antibacterial properties: Lemongrass essential oil's antifungal and antibacterial properties can help control the growth of fungi and bacteria on the scalp, which can contribute to dryness, itchiness, and dandruff.

The list below shows the primary parts of lemongrass used to make essential oils for dry hair.

• Roots: The roots of lemongrass contain a high concentration of sesquiterpenes, which help to nourish and moisturize dry hair.
• Buds: Lemongrass buds are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, making them effective in protecting the hair from damage and promoting healthy growth.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemongrass for dry hair.

1. Harvest fresh cymbopogon citratus leaves in the morning and wash them thoroughly with distilled water.
2. Dry the leaves using a food dehydrator at 60°c for 6 hours or air dry for 24 hours.
3. Steam distill the dried leaves using a steam distillation apparatus at atmospheric pressure and 100°c for 4 hours.
4. Filter the resulting essential oil from the distilled water using a filter paper or coffee filter to remove impurities.
5. Store the cymbopogon citratus essential oil in dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids and keep it in a cool place.

10. Origanum vulgare

Wild marjoram essential oils helps with dry hair because of its moisturizing properties that deeply nourish and hydrate the scalp and hair follicles.

The oil's antioxidant-rich compounds help to repair damaged cuticles, reducing frizz and flyaways, while its anti-inflammatory properties soothe an itchy scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

Additionally, wild marjoram essential oils' ability to balance the scalp's natural pH helps to regulate sebum production, leaving hair soft, silky, and manageable.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in wild marjoram essential oils that aid with dry hair.

• Antioxidant: Wild marjoram essential oil's antioxidant properties help protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to dryness and breakage.
• Anti-inflammatory: The anti-inflammatory properties of wild marjoram essential oil soothe an itchy scalp and reduce inflammation, which can contribute to dry and flaky hair.
• Moisturizing: Wild marjoram essential oil's moisturizing properties help hydrate the hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and manageable, and reducing the appearance of dryness and brittleness.

The list below shows the primary parts of wild marjoram used to make essential oils for dry hair.

• Flowers: Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which help to nourish and moisturize dry hair, promoting healthy growth and shine.
• Leaves: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, leaves can help to soothe an itchy scalp and reduce dandruff, a common issue with dry hair.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wild marjoram for dry hair.

1. Harvest 2 cups of fresh origanum vulgare leaves and stems, rinsing them thoroughly under cold running water.
2. Steam distill the harvested material in a clevenger apparatus for 3-4 hours, collecting the resulting essential oil.
3. Filter the extracted essential oil through cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove any impurities or sediment.
4. Transfer the filtered essential oil to dark glass bottles and store them in a cool, dry place for at least 2 weeks.
5. Analyze the final product using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to confirm its purity and quality.

How to best treat dry hair with herbal essential oils?

The best way to treat dry hair with herbal essential oils is by blending a few drops of rosemary, lavender, and chamomile essential oils into a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.

Apply the mixture to your hair from mid-lengths to ends, massage gently, and leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before shampooing as usual.

This blend helps to nourish, moisturize, and add shine to dry hair.

What ailments similar to dry hair are treated with herbal essential oils?

Ailments similar to dry hair that are treated with herbal essential oils are skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

These conditions can cause irritation, itching, and dryness on the skin, which herbal essential oils like tea tree oil, lavender oil, and chamomile oil can help soothe and calm.

Additionally, hair conditions like dandruff, itchy scalp, and split ends can also be treated with these oils, promoting healthy hair growth and reducing irritation.