Lavender Oil for Hair Growth: Does It Really Work?

More people now reach for essential oils to help with hair growth. Hair loss is widespread, hitting 80% of men and 42% of women by the age of 70.

So it makes sense that soothing, low-cost home options like lavender oil are popular. Let’s see how well lavender oil supports hair growth.

Key Takeaways

• Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that soothe scalp irritation and dandruff.

• It may promote hair growth and thickness, though current human evidence remains limited.

• Diluted scalp massage, product add-ins, and weekly masks are common application methods.

• Potential risks include skin irritation, allergies, eye exposure, ingestion, and surgical interactions.

What Is Lavender Oil

Known scientifically as Lavandula angustifolia, lavender has a sweet, floral scent that often relaxes, calms, and promotes a sense of balance. Queen Elizabeth cherished the flower and used it in tea and perfumes.

The oil was even used as an antiseptic during the First World War. You’ll also hear about possible benefits of lavender oil for hair growth.

People have used lavender for hair care for many years. With soothing and protective qualities, lavender oil can complement your routine. It helps hydrate, keep roots feeling stronger, and guard hair from everyday heat and environmental stress.

It’s noted for anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anxiolytic actions that may support hair and scalp health.

7 Benefits of Lavender Oil for Hair

Lavender is known for its floral, relaxing aroma. Beyond the pleasant scent, it’s linked to several hair, body, and mood benefits.

Lavender essential oil may help your hair in different ways. Wondering how? Here’s a short list of lavender essential oil benefits for hair:

1. Calms Scalp Irritation and Itching

Lavender oil shows analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity that can calm irritated skin. Linalyl and linalool, compounds found in lavender, are associated with easing pain and inflammation.

2. Promotes Hair Growth

Lavender essential oil has drawn attention for potential growth support. A 2016 study found that applying lavender oil to mice increased hair growth. Their hair grew thicker and faster than usual.

This effect is most discussed when the oil reaches the skin. Based on these findings, lavender oil might be relevant to pattern baldness or alopecia. Human studies are still needed, though many people safely try the oil in their hair.

3. Provides Antimicrobial Protection

Lavender also shows antimicrobial activity, noted in this 2014 review. In short, it can limit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.

Used on hair or scalp, that could help with everyday problems. In particular, it may prevent itchy scalp or dandruff and even some infections.

4. Helps Prevent Head Lice

A 2011 study reported that lavender essential oil could help prevent head lice, and might even kill them.

The study tested lavender with another essential oil, tea tree oil. More research is needed, but lavender may lower lice risk, and combining it with tea tree could be even more effective.

That said, these oils don’t replace your prescribed treatment plan; don’t use oils alone to treat head lice.

5. Eases Headaches

Because it’s used for stress relief, lavender oil is common in aromatherapy. A gentle head massage with lavender oil can feel clearing and may support focus, concentration, and memory.

In Ayurvedic terms, it’s said to balance the pitta and Vata doshas, which can soothe headaches. The stress-relieving effect of lavender oil may reduce hair fall for some and promote healthier growth.

6. Supports Better Sleep

Whether stress or deadlines are involved, sleeplessness is common today and disruptive to well-being.

Lavender oil is used in various head massage therapies because it can lower cortisol and encourage restful sleep. According to Ayurveda, outward beauty connects to inner health. When you rest well, your hair often looks healthier.

7. Helps Reduce Hair Loss

Many factors drive hair loss. Genetics play a role, and an unhealthy scalp environment can make it worse. With notable antibacterial and antiseptic properties, lavender essential oil helps protect your scalp.

It may also support scalp blood flow, strengthening hair follicles. That, in turn, can reduce shedding and set the stage for growth.

Potential Side Effects of Lavender Oil for Hair

Research suggests that high concentrations of lavender oil may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. For that reason, always mix lavender essential oil with a carrier oil.

Avoid using too much lavender oil as well. Essential oils are very concentrated, so a few drops are enough.

If you’re using carrier oils and still develop a rash, hives, or dermatitis, stop using lavender oil immediately. These symptoms may mean you’re allergic to lavender.

Also, never get plain essential oils in your eyes or swallow them. If lavender oil gets in your eyes, rinse them right away with cool water.

Research suggests lavender can slow your heart rate and calm your central nervous system. While that’s helpful if you’re stressed, it can be dangerous with anesthesia and other medications given during and after surgery. To be safe, stop using lavender oil two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Aside from these points, applying diluted lavender essential oil on skin is generally considered safe.

How to Use Lavender Oil for Hair

You have several ways to apply lavender oil to your hair. Depending on the benefit you want, some methods fit better than others.

1. Massage Diluted Oil Into Your Scalp

To get the most from lavender’s scalp and growth perks, massage a diluted blend onto your scalp.

You can dilute lavender essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or batana oil. Mix the essential oil and carrier oil in equal parts.

After bathing works best. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse if you like. I found a warm towel cap kept drips away and boosted comfort. You can also leave it in overnight with your hair wrapped in a towel to maximize the calming scent and scalp-soothing feel.

Scalp oil massages can range from once per week to once per day, based on your tolerance.

2. Add a Few Drops to Your Hair Products

For light scalp benefits, a pleasant fragrance, and a calming effect, mix a little oil into your products. You can add lavender to shampoo, conditioner, or another go-to item.

Be conservative. Add about five drops per ounce of product to stay safe, then use as directed. My sister had fewer tangles after two drops in her conditioner. Another option: place two to three drops into a dollop of product in your palm before applying.

Use it as often as you normally use those hair products.

3. Choose Products With Lavender Essential Oil

Ready-made products with lavender oil can be calming, fragrant, and supportive for the scalp. They may not drive growth, since the lavender oil is typically diluted and varies by product.

When shopping for hair care, check the ingredients. If the list includes “lavender essential oil” or “lavender hydrolate,” that’s a good sign. The simpler the ingredients and carrier oils, the better.

Use these products as needed or as directed, whether daily or weekly.

4. Use a Lavender Essential Oil Hair Serum

Hair serums target specific hair concerns. That can include frizz, excess oil, split ends, and more.

Some serums include lavender essential oil for its effects. Expect more scalp comfort than growth support, with possible help preventing breakage.

As with any product, read the ingredient list. Items that state lavender essential oil and feature natural ingredients are solid picks. Follow the serum’s directions for how often to use it, daily or weekly.

5. Try a Weekly Lavender Hair Mask

Consider a weekly lavender hair mask. It delivers key lavender benefits for hair care. Like a serum, it may help prevent breakage and add moisture.

Some commercial hair masks include lavender essential oils; check their ingredient lists.

Or save money by creating your own hair mask recipe with our guide to help prevent hair breakage.

Learn More About Natural Hair Care With Keyoma

Treat lavender oil as a supportive, well-diluted scalp step, not a stand-alone regrowth fix: blend a few drops with a carrier oil, massage briefly after washing, or add it sparingly to shampoo; patch test first, never ingest essential oils, and pause use before surgery if advised.

Use it regularly for comfort, hygiene, and a calmer scalp while you rely on proven treatments for growth, since human data are still limited even though lab, animal, and antimicrobial findings are encouraging. For clear routines, ingredient explainers, and research updates, follow Keyoma’s blog and social channels for ongoing hair care tips.