DIY Lavender Essential Oil Recipes for Hair Growth & Thickness

Lavender is part of a unique group of essential oils that are said to support hair growth. Furthermore, research indicates that lavender’s hair growth promoting properties are beneficial no matter how the oil is used (on its own or in a blend).

So, in this article we’re going to look at some lavender essential oil recipes for hair growth that you can add to your natural hair care routine, as well as:

how lavender works for hair growth.
how to properly dilute it.
best brands to use for lavender oil.

Note: this post contains affiliate links and I earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you use them to make a purchase.

BENEFITS OF LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL FOR HAIR

1. Stimulates blood flow to the scalp

In order to grow long and healthy hair, we need to have proper blood circulation to the scalp. This is essential because blood carries the nutrients that feed hair follicles.

And according to one particular study, simply using lavender oil by itself is enough to kickstart new hair growth. In that, the researchers compared the effects of the following hair growth remedies on mice:

3% lavender oil
5% lavender oil.
3% minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine).
jojoba oil.
saline (salt and water) solution.

After 4 weeks the new hair growth in the mice was as follows:

3% lavender group: 90% hair growth.
5% lavender group: 95% hair growth.
3% minoxidil group: 98% hair growth.

2. May help alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an auto-immune condition in which the immune system attacks one’s own hair follicles (source). The most prominent symptom of this condition is hair loss.

Interestingly, a 1998 study showed that a blend of lavender, thyme, cedarwood and rosemary oils was able to stimulate hair growth in alopecia patients.

These findings suggest that there might be a synergistic effect between lavender and the other oils that increases hair growth.

3. Supports scalp health

Inflammation or infections of the scalp can negatively affect hair growth and in some cases, even contribute to hair excessive loss.

Luckily, lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that seem to help itchy scalp, dandruff, head lice and other scalp conditions.

As the health of the scalp improves, this will also be reflected in the health of the hair strands that sprouts out of it.

HOW TO MIX AND USE LAVENDER OIL FOR LONGER HAIR: RECIPES TO TRY AT HOME

To get the best results from lavender oil – and to reduce the risk of irritation – always dilute it in a carrier oil. Ideally, you want to use a carrier oil that is fluid and easily absorbed.

Oils that are easily absorbed make it easier for more of the lavender to penetrate the scalp. Some carrier oils to choose from are listed below.

Carrier oils for diluting lavender oil
grapeseed oil
jojoba oil
sweet almond oil
fractionated coconut oil
apricot kernel oil
olive oil
argan oil
castor oil (especially Jamaican black castor oil)

This tables lists carrier oils that you can mix with lavender oil for hair.

Once you’ve decided which carrier oil you’re going to use, you need to decide which dilution ratio you’re going to use.

In the recipes below I’ve used a 3% dilution. This matches the dilution that’s been used in studies involving lavender oil and hair growth.

That said, please note that lavender oil has a dermal limit of 5%. This dermal limit is the maximum dilution that is generally considered safe for topical application.

So, you could change these recipes to go as high as 5% if you wish. Simply use the table below to figure out how many drops of lavender you need for your desired dilution.

Dilution	Amount of lavender oil to carrier oil
3%	27 drops of lavender per ounce of carrier oil.
4%	36 drops of lavender per ounce of carrier oil.
5%	45 drops of lavender per ounce of carrier oil.

This table shows how to dilute lavender oil with carrier oil for hair growth.

1. Herbal Growth Oil with Lavender

Herbs like fenugreek, horsetail and bhringaraj have traditionally been used to increase hair growth and thickness. Combining them with lavender oil can give your hair the extra boost it needs to thrive.

The first step to creating your oil is to decide which herbs you’re going to use and which infusion method. If you choose a quick infusion method, your oil will be ready to use within a day.

Once the infusion is ready, then you can add in the lavender oil.

For a step-by-step tutorial on how to do this, please read this guide on how to infuse herbs in oil for hair growth.

2. Simple Lavender Growth Oil (3% dilution)

Ingredients

1 oz glass bottle (with dropper)
27 drops lavender essential oil
Any carrier oil of your choice

Instructions

1. Fill the glass bottle almost to the top with carrier oil.

2. Add the lavender oil.

3. Seal the bottle and then roll it between the palms of your hands. This helps to blend the ingredients.

4. When you’re ready to use this oil, you have a couple of options:

Use it at night as a scalp massage oil: You can do this every other day or every two days. Simply apply a few drops to your scalp and massage it in for a couple of minutes. Don’t rinse out.
Use it once a week as an overnight hot oil treatment or hair mask: Warm up the oil gently (to protect the essential oils from heat). Apply it on your scalp and strands (especially the ends). Leave it on overnight, then shampoo and condition as usual the next morning.

3. Castor, Lavender & Rosemary Oil Blend (3% dilution)

Ingredients

1 oz glass bottle (with dropper)
11 drops of lavender oil
8 drops rosemary oil
8 drops peppermint oil
Any carrier oil of your choice

Instructions

Follow the same mixing and usage steps as with the previous recipe.

BEST LAVENDER OIL FOR HAIR

When buying lavender essential oil, you’ll notice that there are different types as listed below.

Type of Lavender Oil	Characteristics
French and Greek lavender	Latin name is lavandula angustifolia. Considered the “true” lavender. Originates from France or Greece. Often labeled as French Lavender, Greek Lavender or Lavender.
Fine Lavender	Similar properties to lavender but grows at a higher altitude. Has a more pronounced, elegant scent.
Spike Lavender	Compared to other types of lavender, this one has higher amounts of 1,8-cineole and camphor. The aroma is more medicinal, with hints of eucalyptus.
Lavandin	Hybrid of lavandula angustifolia and spike lavender. Has some slightly different therapeutic benefits.

To keep things simple stick with French, Greek or Fine Lavender for your DIY hair products.

FAQs ABOUT LAVENDER OIL RECIPES FOR LONG HAIR

What essential oils are good for stimulating hair growth?

Some essential oils that are said to help with hair growth are:

Peppermint oil.
Rosemary oil.
Cedarwood oil.
Tea tree oil.
Thyme oil.
Coffee oil.
Clary sage oil.
Lemongrass oil.

For more details on these oils, please read this guide on how to mix essential oils for hair growth.

Which carrier oil is best for hair growth and thickness?

Research suggests that oils that are rich in linoleic acid can stimulate hair growth. One particular oil that has been studied is pumpkin seed oil, which appears to block the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

Because of its effect on testosterone conversion, researchers think that pumpkin seed oil has the potential to help with male pattern baldness (source).

CONCLUSION

Overall, lavender shows promise as a natural remedy for hair loss. I hope that the recipes and tips in this post make it easier for you to add it to your hair care routine.