When it comes to caring for our hair, there are often particular functions we want our hair products to do:
To some degree, essential oils have been tested and proven to come to the aid of the above conditions. A few that were repeatedly mentioned in my research were rosemary, tea tree, and geranium.
Here’s a list of essential oils to use on various hair types:
Anise seed, chamomile (Roman or German), citronella, sage, lavender, lemon, clary sage, sandalwood, rosemary, peppermint, spearmint, tea tree
Rose geranium, rosemary, Atlas cedar, Himalayan cedar, juniper berry, tea tree, cypress, patchouli
basil, black pepper, clary sage, rosemary, sage, ylang ylang, Virginia cedarwood, lavender, nutmeg, vetiver, Roman chamomile, sandalwood, peppermint
Cypress, lemongrass, sage, rose geranium, clary sage
Rose geranium, sandalwood
Eucalyptus globulus, spearmint, clove, thyme ct. thymol, tea tree, citronella, cassia (careful with the amounts used of these)
An herb-infused hair rinse can be used to aid in the removal of dirt or residue from the hair. It also adds shine and leaves hair feeling soft and clean.
You will also need: mason jar and non-metallic lid
Method
Place herbs in a large jar and pour apple cider vinegar over them. If they are not completely covered, add more apple cider vinegar.
Place lid on jar and leave rosemary to sit for about three weeks.
Strain out the rosemary and keep your rosemary-infused vinegar in a glass bottle.
Quick Method
If you need it sooner, warm the herbs and apple cider vinegar in a pot over low heat.
Once the vinegar begins to simmer, remove from heat and cover with lid. Let sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
Strain out the herbs and pour infused-vinegar into a clean jar.
To use
Mix 1/4 cup of herbal vinegar into one quart of water and pour over hair. This will remove soap residue and leave hair soft and shiny.
For ease of use, pour this mixture into a spray bottle and keep it in the shower. Spray hair all over and allow to sit for a few minutes before rinsing out.
Keep away from eyes.
Find this and more recipes in The Calendula Guidebook by Stacy Karen
Sources: (Click here for more information on the Bundle Resources)
Lea Harris’ 60 EO profiles (2017 Herb and EO Bundle Resource)
Dr. Eric Z (2017 Herb and EO Bundle Resource) Phototoxic Essential Oils
Mandi Ehman’s Printable Essential Oil Guide (2017 Herb and EO Bundle Resource) Phototoxic Essential Oils
https://theherbalacademy.com (2017 Herb and EO Bundle e-course)
https://theherbalacademy.com/essential-oils-for-hair-care/ Includes blends, essential oils categorized by hair condition, source list
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0962456203001450 A case study using palmarosa and geranium to treat dandruff
The Calendula Guidebook by Stacy Karen (2017 Herb and EO Bundle Resource)