Geranium Oil for Hair Growth: What It May Do and How to Use

You probably haven’t donned a flower crown hoping it would make your hair grow; that’s a stretch. Turning those flowers into an extract you can apply is a different idea. That’s the basic premise behind geranium oil for supporting hair growth.

As with many natural options for hair loss, the research on geranium oil is limited regarding thinning and regrowth. Before buying geranium essential oil or putting it on your scalp, read the points below. The research on geranium oil, potential hair benefits, and proven hair loss treatments are outlined for you.

Key Takeaways

• Geranium oil may help with hair loss due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.

• Stimulating compounds in geranium oil may encourage follicles toward a faster growth phase.

• Astringent qualities in geranium oil can modulate sebum, helping balance the scalp's pH.

• Amino acids in geranium oil are said to reinforce bonds, yielding stronger hair strands.

What is Geranium Oil?

Geranium, or Pelargonium, is native to South Africa, where more than 240 wild Geranium species grow. Beyond uses for acne, wrinkles, and blemishes, people also apply it for scalp issues. Current evidence suggests it may help with inflammation and it’s often described as supporting immune function.

Steam distillation of the flowers, stems, and leaves produces this essential oil.

It’s used widely in beauty routines. Geranium essential oil is sometimes called ‘poor man’s rose oil,’ serving as an affordable stand-in for rose essential oil. Many find it nourishing for hair and skin, helping them feel revived and refreshed.

People use geranium essential oil for various concerns because of its reputed healing qualities. The papers I saw show antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity that’s discussed for skin issues like psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. Its age-related claims focus on softening the look of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and congestion.

It can help lift dead skin cells and give skin a firmer feel, improving texture. This oil has a sharp, green aroma with a sweet minty-rose note that many say eases stress, anxiety, and low mood.

Benefits of Geranium Oil for Hair

Now that you know what geranium is, let’s look at the main geranium benefits for your hair:

May Help Reduce Hair Loss

If shedding has picked up, geranium oil may help. Its antioxidants and flavonoids neutralize free radicals linked to hair loss. Plus, with notable antimicrobial effects, it can limit harmful fungal and bacterial growth on the scalp that contributes to fall-out.

May Support Hair Growth

When the scalp is free of infection, follicles can recover more easily. Researchers observed that stimulating compounds in geranium oil may nudge follicles toward the growth phase, which could support faster growth.

Helps Balance Scalp Oil

Geranium oil has astringent qualities that can help modulate sebum on the scalp. Keeping pH balanced tends to support healthier growth overall.

Helps Relieve Dandruff and Itchy Scalp

Most people deal with flakes and itching at some point. The dryness and constant scratching are frustrating. Animal studies indicate its antifungal action can curb unchecked fungal activity on the scalp. Some reports suggest geranium essential oil can be used as part of an anti-dandruff approach.

Does dandruff cause hair loss? Find out today!

May Strengthen Hair

Unlike several other essential oils, geranium oil is often described as containing amino acids, the building blocks of the proteins in hair. These units are said to reinforce bonds, yielding stronger strands.

Helps With Dry or Oily Hair

Very dry hair can be hard to control. The oil’s emollient feel brings comfort to parched strands. Meanwhile, greasy hair looks weighed down; its astringency can dial back excess sebum, which many find useful for oily hair.

Refreshes and Clarifies the Scalp

When extra oils and buildup from salt or chlorine are lifted thanks to the astringent nature of geranium oil, the scalp feels cleaner. In this gentle detox process, your scalp can “breathe” more easily and feel renewed.

How to Use Geranium Oil for Hair

This floral essential oil offers a lasting scent that lingers on your hair. It’s included in many DIY routines because of its range of haircare uses for common concerns.

1. Use as a Hair-Conditioning Rinse

Add 8 drops of geranium oil and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of water. Shake well and pour into a spray bottle. After shampooing, mist it on as a conditioner and rinse after 5 minutes. This simple rinse leaves hair looking softer, smoother, and shinier. It also helps with manageability by tempering frizz.

2. Use as a Hair Serum for Growth

Blend 2 tablespoons avocado oil, 1 tablespoon argan oil, 10 drops vitamin E oil, 8 drops geranium oil, and 5 drops lavender oil. Combine, then decant into a clean bottle.

Apply after washing, and use a comb to spread it through your hair. Your scalp and strands get a rich dose of moisture. This mix of fatty oils and essential oils hydrates and nourishes the scalp, supporting longer, fuller-looking hair.

3. Use as a Strengthening Hair Oil

Measure a quarter cup of almond oil. Add 10 drops each of ylang-ylang and geranium oils. Mix thoroughly and massage into your scalp to tap into geranium’s strengthening benefits. With regular use, this oil supplies nutrients to follicles while boosting overall vitality.

4. Make a Nourishing Hair Mask

Whisk 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl. Stir in 5–6 drops of geranium oil and 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Coat scalp and hair evenly as a deep-conditioning mask, cover with a shower cap, leave for 20–30 minutes, then wash out.

This nourishing mask helps keep scalp and hair hydrated and well fed, restoring shine and moisture to your strands. A geranium oil–infused mask is often used to moisturize dry, dull curls and encourage soft, bouncy, well-defined ringlets.

Risks, Side Effects, and How to Use Safely

Geranium oil may be useful for hair, but knowing the risks helps you use it safely and get better results.

Photosensitivity and Sun Exposure

Certain citrus oils, along with geranium, can lead to photosensitive reactions after UV exposure. These can appear as redness, burning, or blisters. Give treated skin at least 12 hours away from the sun after applying geranium oil to your scalp or hair. Even diluted blends can leave areas more reactive to UV.

Allergic Reactions and Patch Testing

Geranium oil is generally well tolerated, but it can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some people. Watch for redness, irritation, or a burning feel on the skin. A patch test is smart before full use:

1. Dilute 1 drop of geranium oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil

2. Apply to a small spot on the inner forearm

3. Cover with a bandage and wait 24–48 hours

4. Check for redness, itchiness, or any blistering

If you notice a reaction, stop using it immediately and wash the area with plenty of mild soap and water.

Safe Dilution Ratios for Topical Use

Geranium oil is commonly used at up to a 5% dilution. For routine hair and scalp care, aim for 1–2% (about 2–3 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil). Those with sensitive skin, children, or older adults should stay near 1% or less. Don’t apply it undiluted ("neat"); that raises the chance of irritation significantly.

When to See a Dermatologist

Seek help if irritation lingers despite proper dilution. Speak with your clinician before use if you:

• Are pregnant (geranium oil may influence hormone secretion)

• Have high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease

• Take diabetes medications (possible drug interactions) 

• Have skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis

Keep in mind that everyone’s skin responds differently depending on sensitivity and overall health.

Patch Test and Dilute, Then Track Results for 4 Weeks With Keyoma

Geranium oil can be a great addition to your hair care, but it's easy to jump in without a plan. Now, do a quick patch test using a 1% dilution on your forearm and wait 24-48 hours.

Remember, consistency is key, and listen to your scalp's response. Want more step-by-step guides and fresh tips for incorporating essential oils? Explore the Keyoma Hair Care blog today!