Is Lavender Good for Hair Health?

Many of you ask, is lavender good for hair? The answer is a resounding yes! Lavender oil can be used in so many beneficial ways for your hair from hair masks to nourish brittle and stressed hair or for even over-dyed hair that is too dry. It can also be used for hair that needs to be tamed, or to stimulate the hair follicles for stronger hair-growth.

In short:

  • Lavender's hair-nourishing properties make it an excellent addition to hair care products and treatments.
  • Lavender essential oil contains compounds like linalool and geraniol, which have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hair-stimulating effects.
  • Massaging diluted lavender oil into the scalp helps improve blood circulation, nourish hair follicles, and promote hair growth.
  • Lavender's antimicrobial properties help prevent scalp infections like dandruff, itching, and folliculitis, maintaining exceptional hair health.

As you can see lavender holds promise for improving hair health and promoting lush, vibrant locks. Let's delve into the science behind lavender's benefits for hair and uncover how this fragrant herb can offer support for a healthier, more radiant mane.

Stick around, because we have some great natural, organic hair treatment recipes using lavender oil. 

lavender buds in a wooden bowl with a wooden scoop

Lavender Aromatherapy is Good for Hair Wellness

While lavender is celebrated for its delightful scent, its healing benefits extend far beyond its aromatic allure. Lavender essential oil, extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant, contains a diverse array of compounds known for their -

  • antimicrobial,
  • anti-inflammatory,
  • and scalp-stimulating properties.

These qualities make lavender a versatile tool in supporting hair health and rejuvenating the scalp.

Using lavender in aromatherapy for hair health is a simple and effective way to harness its therapeutic benefits. Here's how you can incorporate lavender into your aromatherapy routine to promote scalp health and support vibrant hair:

1. Scalp Massage: Dilute lavender essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba, or almond oil. Mix 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. Massage the oil blend into your scalp using your fingertips, focusing on areas where you want to promote hair growth or alleviate scalp issues. The gentle massage helps stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, nourishing the hair follicles and promoting scalp health.

2. Hair Rinse: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your final hair rinse. After shampooing and conditioning your hair, mix 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil with a cup of water. Pour the lavender-infused rinse over your hair and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water. The lavender rinse helps soothe the scalp, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy hair growth.

3. Hair Oil Blend: Create a hair oil blend using lavender essential oil and other beneficial oils. Mix 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil with equal parts of rosemary essential oil and peppermint essential oil. Add this blend to a carrier oil such as jojoba or argan oil. Massage the oil blend into your scalp and hair, focusing on the roots and ends. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight before shampooing and conditioning as usual. This aromatic hair oil blend helps nourish the scalp, strengthen the hair follicles, and promote healthy hair growth. See our recipe below.

4. DIY Hair Masks: Incorporate lavender essential oil into DIY hair masks for added scalp and hair benefits. Combine 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil with other nourishing ingredients such as honey, yogurt, avocado, or egg. Mix the ingredients until smooth and apply the mask to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water and shampooing as usual. These homemade hair masks help hydrate the scalp, improve hair texture, and enhance overall hair health. See our recipe below.

5. Aromatherapy Diffusion: Diffuse lavender essential oil in your home or workspace to enjoy its calming aroma and promote relaxation. Inhaling the scent of lavender can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, which may indirectly benefit scalp health and hair growth. Use a diffuser to disperse the aroma of lavender throughout the room, or inhale lavender oil directly from the bottle for instant relaxation.

By incorporating lavender into your aromatherapy routine for hair health, you can enjoy its soothing and scalp-stimulating benefits while promoting vibrant, healthy hair from roots to ends. Whether through scalp massages, hair rinses, oil blends, DIY hair masks, or aromatherapy diffusion, lavender offers a natural and holistic approach to nurturing your scalp and hair for optimal health and vitality.

Lavender's Antimicrobial Action Helps Nourish the Scalp

A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair growth. Lavender possesses potent antimicrobial properties that help combat bacteria and fungi on the scalp, reducing the risk of scalp conditions such as dandruff and itching. By creating an environment conducive to scalp health, lavender supports optimal hair growth and maintenance.

We have a great homemade anti-dandruff shampoo recipe below.

Lavender is Good for Stimulating Hair Follicles

Lavender essential oil has been shown to improve blood circulation when applied to the scalp. Enhanced blood flow to the hair follicles promotes the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, stimulating hair growth and strengthening the hair shaft. By promoting circulation to the scalp, lavender encourages healthy hair growth and may help prevent hair loss and thinning.

Lavender is Good for Soothing the Scalp

Scalp inflammation can contribute to hair loss and disrupt the hair growth cycle. Lavender contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe scalp irritation and reduce redness and itching. By calming inflammation, lavender promotes a healthy scalp environment and supports optimal hair growth and maintenance.

Lavender is Good for Balancing the Sebum Levels of your Hair

Excess oil production on the scalp can lead to greasy hair and scalp issues such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Lavender essential oil helps regulate sebum production on the scalp, balancing oil levels and preventing scalp conditions associated with excess oiliness. By maintaining a healthy oil balance, lavender promotes scalp health and supports vibrant, lustrous hair.

Is Lavender Good for Hair?

By now you will have realized that lavender is indeed good for hair. 

  1. It offers a natural and holistic approach that nurtures both the scalp and the hair follicles.
  2. With its antimicrobial, circulation-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and oil-regulating properties, lavender serves as a versatile remedy for supporting scalp health, stimulating hair growth, and promoting luscious locks.
  3. By incorporating lavender into your hair care routine, you can harness the healing power of nature to unlock the full potential of your hair and embrace a mane that radiates health and vitality.

Lavender Recipes Good for all Types of Hair

We have a number of organic, homemade recipes for using lavender on your hair. Click on each of the links below to take you to that section. 

Hair Oil Blend Recipe

a bottle of oil blend for hair with some lavender spikes next to it

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
  • 1 tablespoon argan oil
  • 5-7 drops lavender essential oil
  • 3-5 drops rosemary essential oil (optional, for additional scalp stimulation)
  • 3-5 drops peppermint essential oil (optional, for a refreshing sensation)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Carrier Oils: In a clean glass bottle or container, combine 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil and 1 tablespoon of argan oil. Jojoba oil helps moisturize the scalp and hair, while argan oil adds shine and nourishment to the hair strands.

2. Add Lavender Essential Oil: Add 5-7 drops of lavender essential oil to the carrier oil blend. Lavender oil helps soothe the scalp, promote hair growth, and add a pleasant aroma to the hair oil blend.

3. Optional: Add Additional Essential Oils: If desired, you can enhance the hair oil blend with additional essential oils for extra benefits. Add 3-5 drops of rosemary essential oil for scalp stimulation and hair growth support. Peppermint essential oil can also be added for its refreshing and cooling sensation on the scalp.

4. Mix Well: Close the bottle or container tightly and shake well to thoroughly mix the oils together. Ensure that the essential oils are evenly distributed throughout the carrier oil blend.

5. Storage: Store the lavender hair oil blend in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve its potency. Use a glass bottle with a dropper for easy application and to prevent oxidation of the oils.

Usage:

  • Before each use, shake the bottle well to mix the oils.
  • Apply a few drops of the lavender hair oil blend to your fingertips and massage it into your scalp using gentle circular motions.
  • Continue massaging for 5-10 minutes to stimulate blood circulation and promote absorption of the oils.
  • Work the remaining oil through the lengths of your hair, focusing on dry or damaged areas.
  • Leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum benefits.
  • Rinse out the oil with warm water and shampoo as usual. You may need to shampoo twice to remove any excess oil.

Frequency: Use the lavender hair oil blend 12 times per week or as needed to nourish and strengthen your hair and scalp.

Enjoy the luxurious feel and the rejuvenating benefits of this lavender-infused hair oil blend for healthier, more vibrant hair!

Homemade Lavender Shampoo and Conditioner Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup liquid castile soap (unscented)
  • 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil (melted)
  • 10-15 drops lavender essential oil
  • Optional: 12 teaspoons vegetable glycerin (for added moisture)

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a clean, empty bottle or container, mix together 1 cup of liquid castile soap and 2 tablespoons of melted organic coconut oil. Castile soap is a gentle and natural cleanser, while coconut oil helps moisturize and nourish the hair and scalp.

2. Add Lavender Essential Oil: Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil to the soap and coconut oil mixture. Lavender oil not only adds a lovely fragrance to the shampoo but also provides soothing and scalp-balancing properties.

3. Optional: Add Vegetable Glycerin: If you'd like to add extra moisture to your shampoo, you can include 12 teaspoons of vegetable glycerin. Glycerin is a humectant that helps attract and retain moisture in the hair, leaving it soft and hydrated. The addition of the glycerin gives you the conditioner component of the shampoo.

4. Mix Well: Close the bottle or container tightly and shake well to thoroughly mix the ingredients together. Ensure that the essential oil is evenly distributed throughout the shampoo mixture.

5. Usage: Wet your hair thoroughly, then apply a small amount of the lavender oil shampoo to your scalp and hair. Massage gently to create a lather, focusing on the roots and scalp. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Storage: Store the lavender oil shampoo in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve its freshness and potency. Shake well before each use.

Note: Since this shampoo doesn't contain any preservatives, it's best to use it within a few weeks or store it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.

Benefits of Lavender Oil Shampoo:

  • Cleanses the hair and scalp gently without stripping away natural oils
  • Moisturizes and nourishes the hair with organic coconut oil
  • Soothes the scalp and promotes a healthy balance with lavender essential oil
  • Suitable for all hair types, including sensitive or dry scalp
  • Last, but not least, it is totally natural and free of those nasty chemicals found in store-bought shampoos.

Lavender and Mint Shampoo Recipe

a bottle of lavender and mint shampoo with a rolled up towel

Creating a homemade lavender and mint shampoo is a refreshing and invigorating way to cleanse your hair and scalp while enjoying the soothing benefits of lavender and the cooling sensation of mint. Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup liquid castile soap (unscented)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • 10 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers (optional, for added fragrance and visual appeal)
  • 1 tablespoon dried mint leaves (optional, for additional minty scent and texture)

Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base: In a clean, empty bottle or container, pour 1 cup of liquid castile soap. Castile soap is a gentle and natural cleanser that forms the base of this homemade shampoo.

2. Add Carrier Oil: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil to the castile soap. Olive oil is moisturizing and nourishing for the hair and scalp, while coconut oil adds shine and softness to the hair.

3. Incorporate Essential Oils: Add 10 drops each of lavender essential oil and peppermint essential oil to the shampoo mixture. Lavender oil provides a soothing aroma and promotes relaxation, while peppermint oil offers a refreshing and cooling sensation to the scalp.

4. Optional: Add Dried Herbs: If desired, add 1 tablespoon each of dried lavender flowers and dried mint leaves to the shampoo mixture. These dried herbs not only enhance the fragrance of the shampoo but also add visual appeal and texture.

5. Mix Well: Close the bottle or container tightly and shake well to thoroughly mix the ingredients together. Ensure that the essential oils and dried herbs are evenly distributed throughout the shampoo mixture.

6. Usage: Wet your hair thoroughly, then apply a small amount of the lavender and mint shampoo to your scalp and hair. Massage gently to create a lather, focusing on the roots and scalp. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Storage: Store the homemade lavender and mint shampoo in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve its freshness and potency. Shake well before each use.

Benefits of Lavender and Mint Shampoo:

  • Cleanses the hair and scalp gently without harsh chemicals
  • Soothes the scalp and promotes relaxation with lavender essential oil
  • Provides a refreshing and cooling sensation with peppermint essential oil
  • Moisturizes and nourishes the hair with olive oil or coconut oil

Organic Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Lavender Oil

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup liquid castile soap (unscented)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (raw, unfiltered)
  • 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
  • 10 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops rosemary essential oil
  • Optional: 12 teaspoons vegetable glycerin (for added moisture)

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a clean, empty bottle or container, mix together 1 cup of liquid castile soap, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil. Castile soap is a gentle cleanser, apple cider vinegar helps balance the scalp's pH, and jojoba oil moisturizes the scalp.

2. Add Essential Oils: Add 10 drops each of tea tree, lavender, and rosemary essential oils to the shampoo mixture. Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help combat dandruff-causing microbes, while lavender and rosemary oils soothe the scalp and promote a healthy balance.

3. Optional: Add Vegetable Glycerin: If you'd like to add extra moisture to your shampoo, include 12 teaspoons of vegetable glycerin. Glycerin is a humectant that helps attract and retain moisture in the hair and scalp.

4. Mix Well: Close the bottle or container tightly and shake well to thoroughly mix the ingredients together. Ensure that the essential oils are evenly distributed throughout the shampoo mixture.

5. Usage: Wet your hair thoroughly, then apply a small amount of the anti-dandruff shampoo to your scalp and hair. Massage gently to create a lather, focusing on the roots and scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the active ingredients to work, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Storage: Store the organic anti-dandruff shampoo in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve its freshness and potency. Shake well before each use.

Note: Since this shampoo doesn't contain any preservatives, it's best to use it within a few weeks or store it in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.

Benefits of Organic Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Lavender Oil:

  • Cleanses the hair and scalp gently without harsh chemicals
  • Balances the scalp's pH with apple cider vinegar
  • Combats dandruff-causing microbes with tea tree essential oil
  • Soothes and moisturizes the scalp with jojoba oil and lavender essential oil
  • Suitable for all hair types, including sensitive scalp

Anti-Frizz Hair Mask using Lavender Oil

Creating a homemade solution for frizzy hair using lavender oil is a wonderful way to tame unruly locks and promote smoothness and shine. Here's a simple recipe for a DIY frizz-fighting hair serum:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons argan oil
  • 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
  • 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil
  • 5-7 drops lavender essential oil
  • Optional: 2-3 drops rosemary essential oil for extra shine and scalp health

Instructions:

1. Combine Oils: In a clean, empty bottle or container, mix together 2 tablespoons of argan oil, 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil, and 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil. Argan oil helps moisturize and nourish the hair, jojoba oil mimics the natural oils produced by the scalp, and sweet almond oil adds shine and softness to the hair strands.

2. Add Lavender Essential Oil: Add 5-7 drops of lavender essential oil to the oil blend. Lavender oil helps soothe the scalp, promote hair growth, and add a pleasant aroma to the serum. It also helps calm frizz and flyaways, leaving the hair smoother and more manageable.

3. Optional: Add Rosemary Essential Oil: If desired, include 2-3 drops of rosemary essential oil to the serum for its additional benefits. Rosemary oil is known for promoting hair growth, improving scalp health, and adding shine to the hair.

4. Mix Well: Close the bottle or container tightly and shake well to thoroughly mix the oils together. Ensure that the essential oils are evenly distributed throughout the serum.

5. Usage: Apply a small amount of the frizz-fighting hair serum to damp or dry hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid applying too close to the scalp to prevent greasiness. Gently work the serum through your hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Style your hair as usual.

Storage: Store the frizz-fighting hair serum in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve its freshness and potency. Shake well before each use.

  • Benefits of your Homemade Anti-Frizz Hair Serum with Lavender Oil:
  • Tames frizz and fly-aways for smoother, more manageable hair
  • Nourishes and moisturizes the hair with argan, jojoba, and sweet almond oils
  • Soothes the scalp and promotes a healthy balance with lavender essential oil
  • Adds shine and softness to the hair without weighing it down

A Nourishing Hair Mask Recipe

ingredients on a kitchen table to make a homemade hair mask using lavender, honey and coconut oil

Here's a simple and nourishing homemade hair mask recipe using lavender essential oil:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or any carrier oil of your choice)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 5-7 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

1. Melt the Coconut Oil: If your coconut oil is solid at room temperature, gently heat it in a microwave or double boiler until it becomes liquid. Make sure it is warm but not too hot to avoid burning the scalp.

2. Mix in the Honey: Add the honey to the melted coconut oil and stir until well combined. Honey helps moisturize and soften the hair, while also providing nourishment to the scalp.

3. Add Lavender Essential Oil: Once the coconut oil and honey are mixed, add 5-7 drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture. Lavender oil helps soothe the scalp, promote hair growth, and add a pleasant aroma to the mask.

4. Blend Well: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth and creamy consistency. Ensure that the lavender oil is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

5. Application: Before applying the hair mask, gently brush or comb your hair to remove any tangles. Then, using your fingertips or a hair dye brush, apply the mask evenly to your scalp and hair, focusing on the roots and ends.

6. Massage and Leave On: Once applied, massage the mask into your scalp using circular motions to stimulate blood circulation and promote absorption. Ensure that your hair is completely coated with the mask. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the nourishing ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft and scalp.

7. Rinse Thoroughly: After the desired time has elapsed, rinse the hair mask out thoroughly with warm water. You may need to shampoo your hair twice to remove any excess oil and honey residue. Follow up with your regular conditioner if needed.

8. Style as Usual: Once your hair is clean, gently towel-dry and style as usual. You may notice that your hair feels softer, smoother, and more manageable after using the lavender-infused hair mask.

Usage Frequency: Use this lavender-infused hair mask once a week or as needed to nourish and revitalize your hair and scalp.

Enjoy the pampering experience and the rejuvenating benefits of this lavender-infused hair mask for healthier, more radiant locks!

Scalp Treatment for Scalp Health and Hair Growth 

It's important to note that while essential oils like lavender oil may offer some benefits for scalp health and hair growth, they're not a cure for conditions like patent baldness (severe or complete hair loss).

However, they can be used as part of a holistic approach to promote scalp health and potentially support hair growth.

Here's a simple recipe for a scalp treatment using lavender oil that may help improve scalp condition and encourage healthier hair growth:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
  • 1 tablespoon castor oil
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops rosemary essential oil
  • 5 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

1. Combine Oils: In a clean, empty bottle or container, mix together 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil, 1 tablespoon of castor oil, and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Jojoba oil helps balance the scalp's natural oil production, castor oil is known for its potential to promote hair growth, and coconut oil moisturizes and nourishes the scalp and hair.

2. Add Essential Oils: Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil, 5 drops of rosemary essential oil, and 5 drops of peppermint essential oil to the oil blend. Lavender oil helps soothe the scalp, rosemary oil may stimulate hair follicles, and peppermint oil provides a cooling sensation and may improve scalp circulation.

3. Mix Well: Close the bottle or container tightly and shake well to thoroughly mix the oils together. Ensure that the essential oils are evenly distributed throughout the blend.

4. Usage: Apply a small amount of the scalp treatment to the scalp and massage it in gently using your fingertips. Focus on areas where hair loss or thinning is a concern. Leave the treatment on for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum benefits. Wash your hair as usual afterward.

Storage: Store the scalp treatment in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve its freshness and potency. Shake well before each use.

Benefits of DIY Scalp Treatment with Lavender Oil:

  • Nourishes and moisturizes the scalp to promote scalp health
  • Potentially stimulates hair follicles and encourages healthier hair growth
  • Soothes the scalp and reduces inflammation with lavender essential oil
  • Provides a refreshing sensation and improves scalp circulation with rosemary and peppermint essential oils

While this scalp treatment may help improve scalp condition and promote healthier hair growth, it's important to manage expectations and consult with a healthcare professional for severe or persistent hair loss issues like patent baldness. Additionally, perform a patch test before using any new essential oil or product to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions.

In Conclusion:

Hopefully, by now you will have no doubt that lavender is good for hair. From dry or frizzy hair, dandruff or just needing a nourishing treatment, lavender is a very useful oil to keep at hand for your hair beauty regime.

Answers to your Questions. See our FAQ Page for More Answers

Hi! I've planted some lavender in pots and now I'm wondering if they are going to grow too big for the containers they are in. Just how big does lavender grow?

Lavender can be grown very successfully in pots, as long as you are growing varieties that are known as 'dwarf' lavender that won't grow more than 12 inches or so. We have an article entitled: How big will lavender get? that covers your concerns. Happy gardening!

Do you have a recipe for lavender sugar?

Yes, we do actually. We have a great recipe with step-by-step instructions on how to make it and how long it will store for. Have fun making it. You can find the recipe here: How to Make Lavender Sugar.

Is Lavender Easy to Grow?

Luckily, the answer is yes, it is! It is one of those plants that you can pretty much neglect in your garden and it will bloom year after year. Lavender is easy to grow but there are some conditions that should be met to make your lavender growing success.