But before we dive into which EOs are go-to’s for better tresses, let’s discuss the do’s and don’ts of applying them to your hair and scalp. First, always blend with a carrier oil or product, as you don’t want to apply EOs directly to skin. And Reslan warns against leaving essential oils on the hair or scalp for too long as it can ‘harden and coat the hair’s cuticles," she says. She suggests applying the EO to the hair or scalp for a few minutes, massaging it in if you please, and then shampooing and rinsing after. “This way, you absorb the benefits but rinse out any residue-building excess.” As with any EO usage, you’ll also want to avoid contact with the eyes and be aware of any skin sensitivities. “Skin sensitivity varies from person to person,” says senior director of global training and education at Young Living Leslie Lewis. “Always patch-test on a small area of the skin to test for sensitivity prior to use.” And as always, reading instructions is never a bad idea. Now, onto which oils can get you one step closer to your #HairGoals: It’s also linked to improving hair thickness5, thanks to its ability to rebalance the hair follicles. “Studies show that rosemary oil is equivalent to 2% minoxidil, the only FD topical for hair growth,” says board-certified dermatologist Michelle Henry, M.D.
