Managing curly, detangled hair is one of the most difficult tasks. You may already have wasted a lot of money on commercial hair care products that promise to make your hair soft and manageable.
However, those products are filled with harmful chemicals that can harm your hair and scalp. Instead, you can try some essential oils for curly hair to make your hair soft and shiny.
The cuticles of curly hair get raised sometimes, allowing the moisture to pass through and swell the strands. The result is dry and frizzy hair that is difficult to manage.
Some essential oils have moisturizing and hydrating effects on your hair and scalp, along with their antibacterial and antiviral activities. These oils can reduce the dryness of your hair and help make them look gorgeous naturally.
This article reviews some essential oils that may help you to have a soft and lustrous curl.
Essential Oils for Curly Hair
1. Palma Rosa Oil
Palma rosa oil originates from a type of grass that comes into two varieties — Sofia and Motia.
This essential oil is quite famous because of its antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. [1]
These components found in palma rosa oil can help treat any scalp issues.
The best part is, palma rosa oil is extremely hydrating and can help your hair to remain soft, shiny, and manageable. This oil is particularly helpful if you have dry curls.
2. Geranium Oil
Hair loss is a common problem for those who have curly hair. Geranium oil can keep the hair loss at bay, thanks to the amino acid it contains. [2]
This oil is considered as one of the best essential oils that can heal wounds and keep your skin healthy.
When applied to the scalp, this oil can balance the production of sebum and build the protein keratin for your hair.
3. Ylang Ylang Oil
Ylang ylang essential oil is obtained from the fresh flowers of Cananga odorata through steam distillation.
This essential oil is known to promote hair growth because of the numerous therapeutic properties it contains. [3]
Most hair growth promoting serums and oils contain ylang ylang oil as one of their key ingredients. While boosting hair growth, it can also work as a natural conditioner and detangler for your curly hair.
4. Juniper Oil
Juniper oil is obtained from the wood, needles, and powdered fruits of juniper through steam distillation.
This oil is rich in flavonoid and polyphenol, two unique types of antioxidants that can fight free radicals, preventing premature graying of hair and scalp problem. [4]
Juniper oil can effectively soothe anxiety and improve the quality of your sleep. It can stimulate hair growth while bringing definition to your curly hair.
5. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil could be the perfect choice if you have curly hair with an itchy scalp.
Menthol, one of the key component of peppermint oil, provides a cooling sensation to your scalp.
This oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that can fight any type of bacterial and fungal infection of your skin and hair scalp. [5]
Peppermint oil can effectively strengthen your hair roots, soothe dry scalp, and stimulate your hair follicles. And the best part is, this oil can leave your hair incredibly fresh.
6. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil originates from the leaves and flowers of Rosmarinus officinalis herb. It comes with a minty-woodsy kind of aroma that can help reduce stress and anxiety when used in aromatherapy.
Rosemary oil can effectively reduce the itchiness and irritation of your scalp, a common problem for those who have curly hair.
Rosemary oil has proven benefits in treating alopecia areata, a syndrome of unexpected hair fall. [6]
Regular use of this essential oil can promote hair growth and improve the texture of your curly hair.
7. Tea Tree Oil
One of the most significant disadvantages of having curly hair is, they easily become lifeless and damaged if you don’t take care of them regularly.
Tea tree essential oil can be one of the best options to treat damaged curls.
This essential oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat various scalp related problems. [7]
Tea tree essential oil is a purifying oil that can keep your scalp healthy and promote hair growth. It’s therapeutic properties help protect your scalp and give your hair a fuller look.
How to Use Essential Oils for Curly Hair
- Take 1-2 teaspoons of any above-mentioned essential oil and dilute them with a good carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil.
- Slowly massage your scalp and hair with the oil and cover with a hot towel or shower cap for 30 minutes.
- Wash off with a mild silicon-free shampoo, followed by a good conditioner.
Some Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils
- Do not forget to dilute these essential oils before applying them on your scalp. Some of them are quite strong and may irritate your skin.
- Not all of these oils are meant to have some beneficial effects on your hair. Do a patch test before you use them.
- If you have any allergic reaction or irritation after applying the essential oil, stop using them immediately.
- Always buy the essential oils from a reputed supplier to avoid fake and adulterated product.
Conclusion
Curly hair is naturally gorgeous. However, they are difficult to manage and usually take a significant amount of time when it comes to taking care of them.
Without proper care, curls become lifeless and dull, and eventually lead towards hair fall and split end.
Curly hair tends to attract oils and dirt easily, Which results in clogged hair follicles. Always use a mild shampoo to wash your hair.
You can use essential oils along with a good carrier oil to take care of your hair. However, make sure to use the product that suits you best.