Whether it’s summer heat or winter dryness these two essential oils can often work wonders for natural hair care.
Summer heat has a tendency to cause excessive sweating in your hair and cause your scalp smell and or itch. When this happens you can possibly experience bacteria build up in your scalp. Add pollution, dirt and hair care products and you’ve got an active bed for fungus. Phew!
You’d think that the coolness of the winter temperatures would bring relief to your scalp, but that’s not always the case. The minute you begin to cover your head with hats and scarves, your scalp becomes primed for dryness. These head coverings are made of fabrics that are blends that include polyester and often times, these fabrics will begin to absorb the moisture from your hair and your scalp. This leads to dryness and now you’ve got flakes/dandruff causing a winter wonderland in your head.
When peppermint essential oil is used in your hair care products, it can help with dry scalp, aid in hair growth and has been known to help in preventing hair loss. When administered by way of massage, it increases the blood circulation and oxygen supply to your scalp thereby stimulating your hair follicle. It’s refreshing, stimulating and invigorating and can produce a cool, tingling feel that energizes your scalp.
Tea tree is another essential oil that is known to prevent hair loss. It unclogs and nourishes your hair follicles. This provides and environment for your hair to grow and become strong from the root.
When you hear the phrase “dead skin cells”, you automatically associate it with your face or body. On your head, it’s dandruff! Dandruff can cause clogged pores, which can often result in rashes that create layers of dead skin buildup in your head.
Often referred to as a “Medicine Chest in a Bottle”, its botanical name is Melaleuca alternifolia. Because it’s anti-bacterial, anti-fungal as well as an anti-sceptic, it’s a great essential oil to use in your hair care products.
Caution: Don’t go using any essential oil on your scalp or skin without proper dilution in some type of carrier. Carriers can be oils, butters or lotions. When we’re talking hair care, an unscented shampoo or conditioner will act as your carrier.
Keeping your scalp clean is crucial and Peppermint and Tea Tree essential oils can help. They’re like peas and carrots when it comes to natural hair care, they work hand in hand with each other.
That’s it for this week. As always …
Dedicated to Your Beauty,
Juliette Samuel
Esthetician, Author, Publisher