
There are many factors which result in hair loss in men and women, some of these include stress, genetics, diet, ageing, hormonal changes, fungal infections and environmental exposures.
The technical term for hair loss is alopecia, in males this is thinning or complete loss of hair. For females this can be a gradual thinning of hair. This can also be seen as broken hairs or hair easily falling out when brushing. It is an autoimmune disease where the body will reject the hair follicles as being foreign objects.
Recently, there has been a major breakthrough in essential oil technology, showing us how essential oils affects human genetic health. This cutting edge technology is termed AGX expression (Gene Expression). This science promotes insights about how we can promote improved health to the human genome by scientifically analysing and combining different essential oils for different purposes. There are six genetic zones and each oil falls into a specific zone and affects that body function, for example, the zone for hair and nails (zone 6) will include a specific combination of oils scientifically proven to promote healthy function in that area.
The results of a 1998 study, “Randomized Trial of Aromatherapy: Successful Treatment for Alopecia Areata,” by Isabelle C. Hay, MRCP; Margaret Jamieson, SRN and Anthony D. Ormerod, FRCP, show “aromatherapy to be a safe and effective treatment for alopecia areata.” 84 people who had been diagnosed with alopecia areata used essential oil applications to their scalp with remarkable results, they experienced significant hair growth using a simple blend of Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender and Cedarwood, massaged into the scalp every day with a carrier oil for seven months.
Compared to conventional hair loss treatments, essential oil therapy is a safe and healthy option.
Add 3 to 6 drops of each essential oil to 1 tablespoon of fractionated coconut oil. Coconut oil reduces protein loss in damaged and un-damaged hair. The Lauric acid in coconut oil has a high affinity for hair proteins and is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft.
You could begin by using one or two oils and eventually combine with more oils, depending on which oil you prefer, or use an AGX blend where the oils to promote hair growth are already combined for you.
Massage into scalp. Wait 30 minutes, rinse.
Apply daily.
Add a few drops to shampoo daily and massage into scalp to stimulate hair growth.
Due to the cycle of hair growth, results can take three to seven months to appear. Be patient and consistent and the rewards will follow.
Your hair will also smell amazing!
Rosemary stimulates hair growth naturally and is a safe remedy for men showing patterns of baldness and to thicken hair in women. It slows down hair loss and greying of hair, stimulating hair bulbs to renewed activity.
With it's soothing, tranquil scent Lavender plays a major part in stress reduction. It is also anti-bacterial and helps to unclog hair follicles. It regulates blood circulation and is anti-inflammatory.
Thyme has a warm and spicy aroma. Used by ancient Egyptians and Greeks, one of the earliest medicinal plants employed throughout the Mediterranean region.
Thyme has a direct action on the nervous system. Blood circulation to the scalp is stimulated by Thyme.
It is also an antiseptic and can help prevent dandruff.
Peppermint oil stimulates the scalp and rejuvinates hair follicles. Its antibacterial properties prevents dandruff, which in turn keeps hair follicles from becoming blocked. When hair follicles are blocked they will stop producing hair.
Peppermint oil can also be used to keep the scalp clean when used on dry hair in between shampoos, dab a few drops on your fingers and smooth through dry hair
Stimulating and uplifting, Basil stimulates hair growth and increases vitality and blood circulation to the hair. It cleanses clogged, tired hair follicles so that strong hair can grow and protects against breakage.
Tea Tree controls excess oil which can clog follicles. It is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Used as a remedy for head lice and psoriasis. Tea Tree oil stimulates blood flow and reduces inflammation, from its component- terpinen-4-ol., extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree. It removes dead skin and bacteria from scalp. It also prevents residues from chemicals building up in hair.
Ylang ylang stimulates hair growth. It prevents scalp dryness and brittle hair. It stimulates the skin that controls sebum secretion, sebum contributes to the overall health of your hair and scalp.
It's fragrant exotic scent is calming to the senses and decreases stress.
Frankincense strengthens hair follicles, balances hormones and is anti-inflammatory. It is known to make hair roots stronger. The boswellic acids in frankincense inhibits the inflammatory process and improves blood circulation.
Cypress increases circulation and capillary strength. It brightens dull and dry hair. Used often in skin therapy treatments.
Helichrysum - Helichrysum italicum
Found in many new formulations of natural hair treatments, Helichrysum regenerates soft tissue of the body.
It can be used to combat skin conditions, aids in circulatory function, is antibacterial and an antioxidant.
Helichrysum italicum contains high levels of neryl acetate, the compound responsible, along with its synergistic constituents, for tissue rebuilding and healing.
When purchasing essential oils, it is very important that you choose high quality essential oils. If the oil is of a low quality, the benefits may not be seen and you may be introducing toxic chemicals into your body. When using oils on skin and hair it is best to use Clinical Grade essential oils, as the Bioavailability of these have been scientifically researched and they are the safest oils to use.
Before using any essential oils for hair growth, it is important to test them for reactions on a small area of skin.
Author Bio:
Ingrid Long is the owner of Organic Beauty Trends and essential oil educator.
References -
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9828867
https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/alopecia
http://archderm.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=189618
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