Lavender essential oil

Is it effective against hair loss?

To date, we only have one study on mice that shows that lavender essential oil can stimulate hair growth in a manner similar to 3% minoxidil.

In addition to this study, we have studies that demonstrate its effectiveness against psoriasis and eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as against seborrheic dermatitis thanks to its antifungal properties.

Lavender essential oil has been effectively incorporated into a blend of oils in aromatherapy to address alopecia areata, yielding positive outcomes.

Lavender EO stimulates hair growth

In a 2016 study conducted by Boo Hyeong Lee and his team, lavender essential oil has been compared to minoxidil 3%. They tested different solutions on different groups of mice for 4 weeks :

• Normal Group (N): These mice received a solution of saline (saltwater).
  
• Vehicle Control Group (VC): These mice were treated with a solution of jojoba oil.
  
• Positive Control Group (PC): These mice were treated with a solution of 3% minoxidil.
  
• Experimental Group 1 (E1): These mice received a solution of 3% lavender oil.
  
• Experimental Group 2 (E2): These mice were treated with a solution of 5% lavender oil.

Here are picture showing the results from the study :

Even if the difference seems to be very little, minoxidil 3% and lavender 5% accelerated the hair growth in a significant manner. The chart below shows it clearly : 

Lavender essential oil may treat alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss characterized by chronic inflammation caused by an autoimmune problem. It has many subtypes which can range from a simple circular patch to complete loss of hair over the whole body.

On the left: patchy alopecia areata; On the right: ophiasis pattern alopecia areata

Although we don’t have evident studies on lavender essential oil and its potential relationship with alopecia areata, my deductions lead me to believe that this essential oil could prove beneficial in cases of alopecia areata.

A study study was conducted in 2013 and aimed to assess whether aromatherapy, involving the use of essential oils blended with carrier oils, could be effective in treating alopecia areata.

The study divided participants into two groups: one utilizing aromatherapy, and the other using only carrier oils.

The specific aromatherapy mixture used in the study included:

• Thyme essential oil
• Rosemary essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Evening primrose oil
• Cedrus essential oil
• Carrier oils: Jojoba, grape seed, almond, lemon, and soy oils

After three months, the aromatherapy group exhibited superior hair growth, clinical improvements, and smaller affected areas when compared to the placebo group.

There is also another study from 1998 that tested a mixture including lavender essential oil on alopecia areata. The results revealed that 44% of the patients in the aromatherapy group experienced improvement, whereas only 15% in the control group showed similar progress.

Based on these two studies, one could reasonably deduce that lavender essential oil might potentially serve as an option for addressing alopecia areata. Perhaps not as a standalone treatment, but as part of a blend incorporating various other oils.

Lavender essential oil in the treatment of psoriasis, eczema and seborrheic dermatisis

Psoriasis and eczema are inflammatory skin conditions that can manifest on the scalp, leading to hair loss. In the case of seborrheic dermatitis, the primary culprit is an excessive production of sebum triggered by a fungal infection of the Malassezia variety. Over time, this can result in hair loss referred to as seborrheic alopecia.

In our context, research has shown that lavender essential oil is a valuable and proven treatment option for addressing all three of these conditions:

• Eczema :
  • In a 2023 study, lavender essential oil has been efficient in treating atopic dermatisis, also known as eczema, by blocking a pathway related to a type of immune cell called Th17 cells.
• Psoriasis :
  • In a 2022 study, linalool and linalyl acetate which are the two main components of lavender have been efficient in treating psoriasis-like skin inflammation in mice. 2% concentration have been used.
  • In a 2020 study, 10% lavender essential oil has been efficient in the treatment for psoriasis-like skin inflammation induced by imiquimod on mice.
• Seborrheic dermatisis / fungal infections :
  • In a 2019 study, citron seed, lavender, and rosemary essential oils and citrus junos extract have been good at fighting the yeast that causes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
  • In a 2002 study, lavender and tea tree essential oils have been efficient in eradicating dermatophyte infection (fungal infection). Their combination has been even more efficient. Dermatophytes are also responsible of Tinea type infections that may cause a cicatricial alopecia subtype called Tinea Capitis. Lavender essential oil may potentially show some benefits against Tinea capitis.

All of these studies indicate that considering Lavender essential oil as a potential solution for scalp conditions that could result in hair loss might be a wise choice.

Lavender oil may reduce stress, anxiety and insomnia

Lavender oil has traditionally been used to address stress, insomnia and anxiety, a practice supported by numerous scientific studies. By the way, it’s also used to soothe and facilitate the sleep of infants.

When it comes to hair loss, the use of this oil could be beneficial in cases where hair loss is caused by a lack of sleep, chronic stress, or excessive anxiety.

For those who may not be aware, these three conditions are causes of telogen effluvium hair loss, characterized by diffuse shedding.

Using lavender essential oil will help you sleep more easily and peacefully, and most importantly, it can greatly improve the quality of your sleep. This, for some individuals, may effectively address issues like telogen effluvium hair loss.

Here are some usage tips:

• Use it when you will sleep : the best way to use lavender essential oil is to either diffuse it in your room or apply a few drops to your body, massaging the area before bedtime.
• Oil blend for your hair : you can also apply lavender essential oil to your hair at night in an oil blend. Do not exceed a concentration of 2% for essential oils to avoid irritation.
• Don’t use it daytime : I recommend avoiding the use of lavender essential oil during the daytime, as it could potentially make you feel drowsy and might even cause you to nod off while standing.

Closing thoughts and verdict

I believe that lavender essential oil could serve as an excellent treatment for hair loss under specific conditions, such as telogen effluvium, especially if it is triggered by stress, insomnia, or anxiety.

Furthermore, the oil’s anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties may assist in managing conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis, all of which can contribute to hair loss.

Personally, this is one of my favorite oils that I use every night to enhance my sleep – whether it’s through diffusion or by applying it to my hair. I highly recommend it.

Precautions & side effects

Just like with all essential oils, avoid applying high concentrations (no more than 2% to 3% in regulare use) to your skin and perform an allergy test on your forearm before using it regularly.

Side Effects

• Skin irritation or allergic reaction
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Changes in appetite

Precautions

• Dilute before use on skin
• Avoid exposure to sunlight after use
• Avoid use if pregnant or breastfeeding
• Avoid getting into eyes or mucous membranes
• Avoid use on open wounds
• Discontinue use if skin irritation develops
• Consult your doctor before use if you have a medical condition