Lemongrass Essential Oil for Hair: Tips and Benefits

If you struggle with dull, lifeless hair or an itchy, irritated scalp, you may want to consider using lemongrass essential oil for your hair.

Not only does it make you look and feel your best, but it also has a refreshing citrus scent and offers a range of benefits for promoting healthy hair and scalp.

What’s more, it’s a natural oil, free from harsh chemicals and ingredients. You see, essential oils are best known for their ability to relieve stress and boost mood.

Keep reading to see the benefits of using lemongrass essential oil for your hair, including its ability to stimulate hair growth, control sebum production, moisturize, and combat dandruff.

Also, read tips on how to use this natural oil in your hair care routine for healthy, fuller hair.

Key Takeaways:

• Lemongrass essential oil promotes healthy hair and scalp.
• It can stimulate hair growth, control sebum production, and combat dandruff.
• There are various ways to incorporate lemongrass essential oil into your hair care routine.
• Scientific research supports the use of lemongrass essential oil for hair care.
• As with any natural remedy, precautions should be taken to avoid potential side effects.

What is lemongrass essential oil?

Image by jcomp on Freepik

Lemongrass essential oil, also known as oil grass, is extracted from the lemongrass plant( Cymbopogon flexuosus).

This plant is a native of Southeast Asia and is known for its distinct citrusy aroma, which is attributed to the concentration of terpenes present in the oil.

The oil is extracted via steam distillation from the stems and leaves of the plant.  It’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and has astringent properties.

Even better, its scent is uplifting, crisp, cleansing, energizing, and herbaceous.

The Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil for Hair

If you’re struggling with hair problems such as dandruff, hair loss, or an itchy scalp, lemongrass essential oil may be just what you need.

This powerful oil can promote healthy hair growth and a clean, refreshed scalp.

Here are some of the ways lemongrass essential oil can benefit your hair:

Oil for Hair Growth

Lemongrass essential oil can stimulate your hair follicles, promote new hair growth, and prevent hair loss. The oil’s antifungal and antimicrobial properties also help to keep the scalp clean and healthy, which is essential for hair growth.

Lemongrass Oil Treatment

Lemongrass essential oil can be used as a natural treatment for a variety of hair problems. It can help you eliminate dandruff, control sebum production, and cleanse your hair follicles. And leave your hair and scalp feeling healthier and more refreshed.

Scalp Health

Do you know your scalp is delicate and oftentimes sensitive? Just like your skin, your scalp should have a PH (potential for hydrogen) level of 5.5.

However, there are many factors that can cause an increase or decrease in your PH level. For example, your diet, environmental factors, hormones, overwashing, and artificial products

And when your scalp PH is imbalanced, you get an oily, sometimes dry scalp that interferes with your hair follicles. The results are itchiness, inflammation, and dandruff.

The good news is that the terpenes and antioxidants in the oil can help balance your PH level.  A healthy scalp is key to healthy hair growth, and lemongrass essential oil is great for promoting scalp health.

It helps to control oil production, which can prevent scalp infections and other issues. It’s also a natural disinfectant, making it an effective treatment for lice and other scalp problems.

Smooths Frizz and Split-Ends

Most people find frizz, flyaways, and split ends can give you a bad hair day.

Fortunately, there is a natural solution you can use to help you tame those pesky strands without resorting to harsh chemicals or intense heat styling.

The oil balances oily and dry strands and ensures your hair is not too close or too far from one side of the spectrum.

It also provides enough moisture to act as an anti-frizz agent to smooth your unruly locks.

In addition, it helps soothe split ends and condition damaged hair while protecting it from future damage caused by styling tools and environmental factors like pollution.

Natural Hair Disinfectant

Lemongrass essential oil has powerful antifungal and antimicrobial properties that make it an effective natural disinfectant for hair.

Using lemongrass oil regularly as a hair treatment can help keep your hair and scalp free of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.

Dandruff Elimination

As we mentioned earlier, this 100% natural oil balances the scalp and eliminates dandruff. The oil reduces the amount of yeast and sebum on the scalp. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe an irritated scalp.

The truth is that a lot of hair products contain chemicals that strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils. Using lemongrass can, however, restore your PH balance and treat, moisturize, and eliminate dandruff.

Sebum Control

Sebum is a natural oil produced by the scalp that can cause greasy hair and clogged hair follicles.

The oil helps control sebum production, leaving your hair feeling clean and healthy.

Hair Follicle Cleaning

Do you know that buildup and bacteria can cause hair loss and other scalp problems? This essential oil can help cleanse your hair follicles.

It’s also a natural astringent, which helps to tighten hair follicles and reduce hair loss.

Supports Hair Volume

Lemongrass essential oil promotes healthy hair growth and the improvement of thinning hair. This oil has powerful calming and stimulating properties for the scalp, follicles, and strands.

It might not be able to address hereditary hair loss, but lemongrass can help heal damage from external sources such as stress, harsh treatments, or chemical products.

Additionally, this all-natural ingredient helps create more volume by boosting the appearance of thicker strands.

By nourishing the scalp with its antibacterial properties and aiding in regulating excess sebum production, it helps your hair maintain its natural luster and shine while preventing further loss.

If you have fine or thinning hair, use it for a fuller head without additional styling products.

Lice Prevention

How does the oil help with lice prevention, you may ask? The oil has a distinct, strong lemony scent, which repels lice from approaching and staying in your hair.

The oil is a popular natural remedy, and you can add it to your shampoo and that of your children or family members.

It’s also a great alternative to other chemical-laden lice products fresh citrus smell also makes it a great alternative to chemical-laden lice treatments.

Hair Odor Eliminator

The fresh, citrusy aroma can help to eliminate unpleasant hair odors. Not only that, it keeps your hair and scalp feeling fresh and clean. Simply add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner for a refreshing, clean scent.

Repairs Damaged Hair

Unfortunately, your habits can lead to dry and damaged hair. Pollution and chemicals in the environment or chemical treatments such as coloring and straightening can weaken the structure of your hair, leading to breakage over time.

Heat styling tools can also deplete the natural oils that give our hair resilience against damage. Too much washing or brushing can strip away the natural oils as well, leaving our locks dry and brittle.

Luckily, lemongrass essential oil is an excellent natural remedy to repair damaged hair!

Thanks to its terpenes and antioxidants, it restores shine and vitality while healing and moisturizing the scalp for healthier-looking hair.

This oil helps protect against future damage while supporting healthy scalp health.

How to Use Lemongrass Essential Oil for Hair

Photo by Mã Minh from Pexels

If you’re interested in trying out lemongrass essential oil for healthy hair, there are various DIY hair care methods you can experiment with. Here are some tips on how to use lemongrass oil for your hair:

1. Carrier oils: Dilute lemongrass essential oil in a carrier oil such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil.

Combine a few drops of lemongrass oil with a tablespoon of the carrier oil of your choice, then massage the mixture into your scalp and hair.

Leave it on for a few hours or overnight for best results, then rinse off with warm water and a mild shampoo.

2. Hair masks: Mix a few drops of lemongrass essential oil with other hair-loving ingredients such as honey, avocado, banana, and yogurt to create a nourishing hair mask.

Leave on for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing out with warm water and a gentle shampoo.

3. Shampoo bottle: Add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to your favorite shampoo or conditioner for an added boost of hair health benefits. Shake the bottle well before each use to ensure the oil is evenly dispersed throughout the product.

4. Tea tree oil blend: Combine a few drops of lemongrass essential oil with tea tree oil for a powerful hair care treatment.

The antifungal and antibacterial properties of tea tree oil complement the antimicrobial properties of lemongrass oil, making it an effective solution for treating dandruff, scalp infections, and lice. It’s therefore great for fighting a fungal infection

Remember to conduct a patch test before using lemongrass essential oil on your hair to ensure you’re not allergic to it.

To do a patch test, apply a small amount of the oil to a small section of your skin and wait for 24 hours to see if any adverse reactions occur.

The Science Behind Lemongrass Essential Oil

When it comes to hair care, there is scientific evidence supporting the use of lemongrass essential oil for promoting hair health and growth.

Lemongrass essential oil contains several beneficial properties, including:

• Antimicrobial properties:  Studies show that lemongrass essential oil has antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi, making it a potential treatment for scalp infections.

 

• Hair follicle stimulation: Research suggests that lemongrass essential oil can stimulate hair follicles, promoting hair growth

 

• Sebum control: Sebum is the natural oil that our scalp produces. Too much or too little can lead to hair and scalp problems. The oil can help control sebum production and your keep hair and scalp healthy

Lemongrass Essential Oil for Scalp Health

Photo by Tim Mossholder from Pexels:

When it comes to hair care, it’s not just about the strands themselves; taking care of your scalp is equally important.

However, with issues such as oily hair, sensitive skin, and scalp infections, it can be challenging to find the right balance.

If you have oily hair, using the oil can help control the excess sebum production.

Also, it has antifungal and antimicrobial properties to help combat scalp infections, making it an effective natural remedy for dandruff elimination.

On the other hand, if you have sensitive skin, choose the right hair care products to avoid irritation. Using a mild shampoo with lemongrass essential oil can be a good option, as it is gentle on the scalp.

Lemongrass Oil Treatment for Irritated Scalp

If you are experiencing an irritated scalp, a lemongrass oil treatment can help soothe it.

Mix a few drops of lemongrass essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, and massage it into your scalp.

Leave it on for 20–30 minutes before washing it off with a mild shampoo.

Tip: For an added boost, add a few drops of tea tree oil to your lemongrass oil treatment. Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties that can help improve scalp health.

When using lemongrass essential oil for hair care, dilute it to avoid any adverse effects.

Always do a patch test before using it for the first time, and avoid applying it directly to your scalp without diluting it first.

Lemongrass Essential Oil as an Aromatherapy Option

Photo by doTERRA International, LLC from Pexels:

Aside from its hair care benefits, lemongrass essential oil is also a refreshing and invigorating option for aromatherapy. Its citrusy scent can uplift your mood, reduce stress, and improve focus.

Using an aromatherapy diffuser is a popular way to enjoy the benefits of lemongrass essential oil.

Simply add a few drops to the diffuser and let it disperse the scent throughout your room. You can also add a few drops to your bathwater or body lotion for an immersive aromatherapy experience.

Inhaling lemongrass oil reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation in patients

With its distinct aroma, lemongrass essential oil can also be used as an ingredient in natural skincare products, such as body lotions and facial mists.

Its refreshing fragrance can leave you feeling rejuvenated and energized.

Other Potential Health Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil

While lemongrass essential oil is known for its benefits in hair care, it also has potential health benefits for the body. Here are some of the ways lemongrass essential oil can support your health:

Blood Circulation

Lemongrass essential oil may help improve blood circulation in the body, which can promote better heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Joint and Muscle Pain Relief

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of lemongrass essential oil make it a natural remedy for relieving joint and muscle pain.

It can also help alleviate rheumatism and arthritis symptoms.

Blood Sugar Level Regulation

The oil may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a useful supplement for individuals with diabetes.

Stomach Issues

Do you know this oil can help alleviate stomach issues by promoting digestion and reducing inflammation in the digestive system?

Yes. You can also use it to relieve nausea and vomiting.

While using lemongrass essential oil for health benefits can be effective, you should not use it to replace traditional medical treatment.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any natural remedies into your health regimen.

Precautions and Side Effects of Lemongrass Essential Oil

While lemongrass essential oil offers numerous benefits for hair and health, it is important to take precautions to ensure safe and effective usage. Some potential side effects to be aware of include:

• Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions when using lemongrass essential oil, such as skin rashes or itching. Always perform a patch test before using the oil.
• Castor oil-induced diarrhea: Lemongrass essential oil can stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and cause diarrhea, especially if mixed with castor oil. Use the oil in moderation and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

In addition to these potential side effects, be mindful of using the oil with certain skincare and cleaning products.

The oil can interact with other ingredients and cause adverse reactions. Test small amounts and consult with a professional if in doubt.

Conclusion

Using lemongrass essential oil for hair care can offer numerous benefits, from promoting hair growth to improving scalp health and eliminating dandruff.

By incorporating this natural remedy into your hair care routine, you can achieve healthy, shiny hair without the use of harsh chemicals.

Remember, lemongrass essential oil is versatile and can be used in various DIY hair care recipes.

Whether you prefer to mix it with carrier oils or other essential oils or simply add it to your shampoo bottle, there are various ways you can add it to your hair care routine.

With its distinct citrusy scent and numerous benefits, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking natural hair care solutions.

Take the right precautions and use it safely, so you can enjoy its potential health benefits.

FAQ

What is lemongrass essential oil?

Lemongrass essential oil is derived from the Cymbopogon flexuosus plant, which is native to tropical regions. It has a citrusy aroma and is known for its various therapeutic properties.

What are the benefits of lemongrass essential oil for hair?

Lemongrass essential oil offers numerous benefits for hair care.

It stimulates hair growth, promotes scalp health, eliminates dandruff, controls sebum production, cleanses hair follicles, prevents lice, acts as a natural disinfectant for hair, and eliminates hair odor.

How can I use lemongrass essential oil for hair?

You can add the oil to your hair care routine by adding a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner. Also, you can create DIY hair masks or mix them with carrier oils like coconut or jojoba oil.

You can also use it alongside other essential oils, such as tea tree oil, for added benefits.

Is there scientific evidence supporting the use of lemongrass essential oil for hair care?

Yes, scientific studies have shown that lemongrass essential oil possesses antimicrobial properties and can effectively benefit hair follicles and combat hair loss.

Can lemongrass essential oil improve scalp health?

Absolutely. Lemongrass essential oil helps with oily hair, soothes sensitive skin, and reduces scalp infections. Combine it with mild shampoos to alleviate an irritated scalp.

How can lemongrass essential oil be used for aromatherapy?

The refreshing fragrance of lemongrass essential oil makes it an excellent choice for aromatherapy.

You can use it in aromatherapy diffusers or as an ingredient in body lotions and other skincare products to enjoy its citrusy scent.

Are there any other potential health benefits of lemongrass essential oil besides hair care?

Yes, lemongrass essential oil has potential benefits for blood circulation, relieving joint and muscle pain, regulating blood sugar levels, and aiding in digestion.

Are there any precautions or side effects associated with lemongrass essential oil?

Yes. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to lemongrass essential oil. Ingesting large amounts of the oil or using it topically without proper dilution can also lead to side effects like skin irritation.

It’s advisable to do a patch test before using it extensively. Additionally, it’s important to be cautious when using lemongrass essential oil with certain skincare products or homemade cleaning products