How to Make Your Own Hair Oils

The first thing you need to do is choose the carrier oil (or oils) that is best suited to your hair type and particular needs. For example, oily hair needs light oils that will hydrate it without making it look greasy. On the contrary, dry hair needs oils with a rich texture and pronounced nourishing and moisturizing properties. Here’s a list of carrier oils which are best suited for certain hair types:

• Dry hair – coconut oil, avocado oil, shea (karite) butter
• Oily hair – sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil
• Thin hair – sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil
• Frizzy hair – olive oil, avocado oil, shea (karite) butter
• Weak hair – olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil

Of course, each essential oil has its own properties and benefits as well. The most important thing about essential oils is that each and every one of them has antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-fungal properties, which means that essential oils effectively combat dandruff.

Regular use of DIY oil treatments will strengthen your hair and make it soft, silky, and shiny. You should keep in mind, however, that oil treatments need to be rinsed really well as not to leave any residue that will make your hair look greasy. Here’s several hair oil recipes that you can try at home.

Nourishing Hair Oil

This conditioning oil is great for taking care of dry and damaged hair that has been affected by the sun, salt or chlorinated water, frequent blow drying or heat styling, etc. To make it, you need to combine 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp melted coconut oil, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp Epsom salt. Blend all ingredients using a hand whisk or immersion blender. Once the salt is dissolved, transfer the treatment into a colored jar to protect it from light and close the lid tightly.

Rosemary & Mint Hair Oil

Rosemary has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It will protect your hair from the damage caused by free radicals, as well as combat dandruff. Mint improves microcirculation in the scalp, stimulates hair follicles, and has a pleasant cooling and refreshing effect. Coconut oil is rich in saturated fats that nourish the hair and help prevent breakage, split ends and frizz.

To make this oil, you’ll need a sterile glass jar (you can sterilize it by pouring in boiling water and then letting the jar air dry completely). Take some fresh or dried rosemary sprigs and mint leaves, put them in the jar, and pour unrefined cold-pressed coconut oil to fully cover the herbs. Note that coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so you might need to melt it in a double boiler.

Close the jar tightly and keep it in a dark and warm spot for two weeks, shaking every day to make the herbs release the essential oils. Before using the treatment, strain out the herbs. If you don’t want to wait, you can just add 16 drops of rosemary oil and 16 drops of peppermint oil to a 4 oz jar of coconut oil, but where’s the fun in that?

Scalp Massage Oil for Hair Growth

If you want to reduce hair loss and make your hair grow faster, scalp massages with a stimulating oil treatment can help. This oil stimulates and nourishes hair follicles through increased blood glow, which speeds up hair growth.

In a small jar, mix 1 tbsp coconut oil, 3 drops tea tree oil and 3 drops peppermint oil. Stir well until all ingredients are combined, close the jar and store in a cool dry place. To use, apply the treatment all over your scalp and massage slowly, then wash your hair to get rid of any residue.

Natural Hair Serum

This is a light hair serum that will moisturize your hair, fight frizz, and keep your hair looking glossy and smelling gorgeous throughout the day. All you need to do to achieve this effect is apply just 3–4 drops of serum along the length of freshly washed hair.

Pour 1 tbsp grapeseed oil and 1 tbsp refined, deodorized sunflower oil in a dropper bottle using a small funnel. Add 5 drops jasmine oil, close the bottle, shake gently to combine.