Are you looking for a simple solution for every hair issue you have? Your damaged hair can benefit greatly from a few drops of cedarwood essential oil. This cedar tree-derived essential oil has long been a favourite because of its significant antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and medicinal effects. More recent studies have now confirmed its extraordinary ability to promote hair growth. This is one of the essential oils which is the ideal solution for your hair health.
What is Cedarwood Essential Oil?
Evergreen coniferous trees known as cedars can be found in the Himalayas and the Mediterranean. Cedarwood oil is an essential oil made from the bark and foliage of these trees.
The original woody scent of the oil has been better preserved using the more current fluid extraction technique. The conventional process for making cedar oil for centuries has been the steam distillation of wood chips.
The therapeutic properties of cedarwood oil are due to its potent chemical composition,
which includes alpha-cedrol (sesquiterpene), thujopsene, cuparene, alpha-cedrene, and about twenty additional phytocompounds.
At first, cedarwood oil was used in insect repellents and was acknowledged as a pesticide. It is however included in many skin and hair care products due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant characteristics. Shampoos, soaps, hair oils, and scents are some of these. It is known as the best essential oil for hair growth.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Cedarwood Oil
According to Ayurveda, the oil is obtained from the Devadaru tree, a native Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara) and it is extremely helpful in the treatment of fever and respiratory problems. It is also beneficial for bone and muscular pains and wound infections.
Cedar oil, sometimes referred to as deodar oil, is an astringent with a hot potency that aids in balancing the Kapha and Vata doshas. It is a suitable treatment for a variety of skin and scalp conditions due to its Kushtahara and shodhana characteristics. It is known to be one of the best essential oils for hair.
Benefits of Cedarwood Essential Oil for Hair
Cedarwood essential oil benefits are as follows:
1. Reduces Hair Loss & Treats Alopecia
One of the main reasons for significant hair loss is alopecia areata or Indralupta, an autoimmune disorder. Cedarwood oil is effective in treating alopecia areata, according to a 7-month research experiment. 43 individuals saw a decrease in hair loss and an improvement in their condition after having their scalp massaged with a blend of cedarwood and other essential oils diluted in carrier oils.
2. Treats Dry Scalp
According to Ayurveda, cedarwood oil balances the Vata dosha, which when aggravated results in dry scalp conditions. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties calm your scalp and guard against diseases like seborrheic dermatitis. Regular scalp massages with this cedarwood essential oil can help to prevent rashes, itchy lesions, and dry flakes on your scalp.
3. Promotes Hair Growth
In regions where hair is thinning, cedarwood oil helps encourage new hair growth. This is primarily because cedrol, a sesquiterpene found in this essential oil, has growth-promoting properties.
In fact, the effectiveness of cedrol in promoting hair growth is frequently contrasted with that of minoxidil, a vasodilator that is frequently prescribed to treat hair loss. Cedarwood oil is known as the best essential oil for hair growth.
4. Increases Scalp Blood Circulation
By increasing blood circulation on the scalp, cedarwood oil is known to support the health of hair follicles. This facilitates nutrition absorption by your hair roots, thereby reducing hair breakage, split ends, and thinning.
5. Helps Treat Folliculitis and Scalp Acne
When the hair follicles in your scalp are clogged with too much sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria, you can develop conditions like scalp acne and folliculitis.
The astringent, Vata-balancing qualities of cedarwood oil control your scalp’s oil production and guard against excessive drying. Sesquiterpenes like thujopsene, cedrol, and cuparene are also known for their antibacterial properties, which prevent bacterial infections on your scalp.
A 2016 study found that a patient’s acne could be treated more effectively by applying cedarwood oil.
6. Treats Head Lice
An excellent insect repellent is cedarwood oil. Treatment for head lice is as simple as massaging this essential oil into your scalp and hair.
7. Eliminates Scalp Odour
The main cause of scalp odour, which is a common issue, is bacterial or fungal growth. Due to its antibacterial and antifungal qualities, cedarwood oil can help prevent unpleasant odours by being used as a shampoo additive or as a hair oil.
Additionally, its purifying properties and woodsy aroma keep your hair smelling fresh all day.
8. Treats Fungal Infections And Dandruff
Due to the presence of cedrol, which is one of its main constituents, cedarwood oil is one of these essential oils that exhibit strong anti-fungal properties.
As a result, dandruff, ringworm, and other fungal infections of the scalp can be treated with cedarwood oil.
Cedarwood Oil Side Effects on Hair
If used undiluted or in high doses for a prolonged length of time, cedarwood oil can cause cutaneous toxicity and serious skin sores. Ingesting it will also be dangerous.
Steps to Take While Using Cedarwood Oil
- Dilute cedarwood essential oil before applying it to the scalp or hair. It’s okay to use 2 to 5 drops in 10 ml of carrier oil on a regular basis.
- Use this oil sparingly. When using it for the first time, perform a patch test to prevent allergic reactions.
- Avoid dilution with water. The essential oil will come into direct contact with the skin as it floats on the water’s surface. In oil, always dilute.
- After massaging cedarwood oil into your hair and scalp, stay out of the sun. By doing this, phototoxic responses on the scalp are avoided.
Conclusion
Because of its ability to promote hair growth, cedarwood essential oil is a common ingredient used in several shampoos, hair oils, and other hair treatments. The potent mix of essential oils, which contains a number of active substances, must be kept in mind.
To benefit from cedarwood oil, only a tiny amount needs to be added to your shampoo, conditioner, or hair pack. Knowing your hair type before taking cedarwood oil can help you better understand how useful it is for you.
