The Study!
Patients were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. One group received the following recipe: Lavender (3 drops, 108 mg), Rosemary (3 drops, 114 mg), and Cederwood (2 drops, 94 mg).
These oils were mixed in a carrier oil, which was a combination of jojoba, 3 ml, and grapeseed, 20 ml, oils ... The oils were massaged into the scalp for a minimum of 2 minutes. Patients were taught to massage the oil into the bare areas of their scalp for two minutes each evening and then wrap a warm towel around their head to enhance absorption. The placebo group used just the carrier oils. The results were impressive. Of those who applied aromatherapeutic oils, 44 percent had improvement after seven months, compared to 15 percent in the control group. At the beginning of the study, and again after three and seven months, professional photographs were taken of each patient’s scalp. Changes as seen in the photographs served as the primary outcome measure. Mapping and measuring of the bald patches was also done to determine results.
An impressive 44 percent of the group using the essential oils significantly improved. The average area of hair regrowth with the essential oils was 104 square centimeters, compared with nearly zero for those using the placebo. According to one intriguing photograph provided by the researchers, considerable hair regrowth occurred with one male patient who had both alopecia areata and severe male pattern hair loss.
These results show aromatherapy to be a safe and effective treatment for alopecia areata. The researchers were proud to have successfully applied an evidence-based method to an alternative therapy. Evidently, one or more of the essential oils is able to promote hair regrowth. And unlike standard medical therapies, the essential oils have a very low risk of side effects and are not nearly as costly.
How To Use Essential Oils for Hair Loss:
Add 2 drops of the essential oil either to the rinse water or to a good (Kasia Favorite) Jojoba oil. Massage it well into the scalp. Wrap the hair in plastic wrap; place a warm towel around it. Leave it for 2 to 3 hours, or overnight. Shampoo the hair as usual, using a mild shampoo (avoid medicated shampoo), so that you do not damage the sebum balance.
Essential Oils for Stimulating Circulation and Improving the Hair Health
A blend of bay and lavender essential oils stimulates the scalp and helps hair health. Add six drops of each oil to four ounces of a warm carrier oil such as almond, soybean or sesame oil. Massage the mixture into the scalp and allow it to absorb for 20 minutes. Add three drops of bay essential oil to the shampoo you regularly uses and wash the hair with this shampoo.
Essential Oil Blend for Hair Growth - As described above.
1 Atlas cedarwood essential oil - 2 drops
2 Lavender essential oil -3 drops
3 Rosemary essential oil -3 drops
4 Jojoba oil - 4 teaspoons
Directions: Add the first four ingredients into a small glass jar. Mix well. Now add the remaining two ingredients. Mix thoroughly.
Massage this mixture into your scalp for at least two minutes every night or 3 times per week. Wrap your head in a warm towel after treatment. Sleep with this overnight, and/or sit with a half-one hour on the scalp. Follow with Shampoo / Conditioner.