The lifespan of each hair on your head is 3 to 5 years . Hair follicles have a cycle of active growth, transition, and rest. Hair loss occurs when your hair growth cycle is disrupted.

Hair loss is most often due to your genetics and is more common in both men and women as you age. The second most common cause is telogen effluvium. This condition occurs when more of your hair goes into a resting cycle during which it begins to fall out.

Telogen effluvium can be caused by:

stress
pregnancy
side effects of drugs
other underlying health conditions

If you have hair loss that results in baldness, patches or shedding large strands of hair, you should see your GP or dermatologist for a diagnosis.

Whether your hair loss is the result of a chronic or short-term health condition, you can take steps to protect the hair you have.

Some essential oils can be beneficial for hair by accelerating growth, improving scalp condition and texture.

Essential oils have long been used in alternative, oriental and homeopathic medicine due to their effectiveness and low risk of side effects.

One of the benefits that some essential oils have is improving hair health. Different oils can do everything from promoting hair growth to adding strength and shine.

Essential oils for your hair

Lavender essential oil

Lavender essential oil can accelerate hair growth. Knowing that lavender oil has properties that can generate cell growth and reduce stress, researchers in one study found that this oil was able to generate faster growth. Read more in the article about lavender essential oil.

It also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that can improve scalp health.

Mix a few drops of lavender oil in 3 tablespoons of a carrier oil, such as olive or melted coconut oil, and apply directly to your scalp. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before shampooing as usual. You can do this several times a week.

Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint essential oil may cause a cold and tingling sensation, but it will increase blood circulation to the area it is applied to. This can help promote hair growth during the anagen (or growth) phase. For more on its uses, see our article on peppermint.

Mix 2 drops of peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil of your choice. Massage it into your scalp and leave on for 5 minutes before washing thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner.

Rosemary essential oil

If you want to improve both hair thickness and growth, rosemary essential oil is a great choice thanks to its ability to improve cell regeneration.

According to one study, rosemary oil works as well as minoxidil, a common hair growth stimulant, but without the itchy scalp side effect. Read our in-depth guide to rosemary essential oil.

Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with olive oil or coconut oil and apply it on your scalp. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before shampooing. Do this twice a week for best results.

Cedarwood essential oil

Cedarwood essential oil is believed to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss by balancing the oil-producing glands in the scalp. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can treat a variety of conditions that may contribute to dandruff or hair loss. Learn more in our article on Himalayan cedarwood.

Included in a blend with lavender and rosemary, cedarwood extract also reduces hair loss in people with alopecia areata.

Mix a few drops of cedarwood essential oil with 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil of your choice. Massage it into your scalp and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off.

Lemongrass essential oil

Dandruff can be a common condition, and having a healthy, flaky scalp is an important part of hair health. Lemongrass essential oil is an effective dandruff treatment, with a 2015 study finding that it significantly reduced dandruff after just one week.

Lemongrass oil for dandruff is most effective when used daily. Mix a few drops into your shampoo or conditioner daily and make sure it's massaged into the scalp.

Thyme essential oil

Thyme can help promote hair growth by both stimulating the scalp and actively preventing hair loss. Like cedarwood oil, thyme oil is also useful in treating alopecia areata. Learn more in our article on thyme essential oil.

Thyme is particularly strong among essential oils. Put just 2 drops in 2 tablespoons of carrier oil before applying to your scalp. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, then wash it off.

Sage essential oil

Clary sage oil contains the same linalyl acetate that helps lavender oil be so effective at increasing hair growth. It can improve hair strength, in addition to increasing hair growth, making it more resistant to breakage. Read more about clary sage essential oil.

Mix 3 drops of sage oil with your favorite conditioner or with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. If you use it daily, rinse after 2 minutes. If you use it once or twice a week, leave it on for 10 minutes.

Tea tree essential oil

Tea tree oil has powerful cleansing, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. When used topically, it can help unclog hair follicles and increase hair growth. Check out our full guide to tea tree oil.

A 2015 study found the benefits of tea tree oil in treating dandruff.

You can mix 10 drops of tea tree essential oil into your shampoo or conditioner and use it daily. Or you can mix 3 drops with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off.

Ylang-ylang essential oil

Ylang-ylang oil is ideal for those with dry scalps as it can stimulate sebum production. Read more about its benefits in ylang-ylang essential oil.

Since not having enough oil and sebum causes hair to become dry and brittle, ylang-ylang can improve hair structure and reduce breakage.

Mix 5 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. Massage it into your scalp and wrap your head with a warm towel. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off.