Ylang-Ylang Oil: Uses, Benefits, and Safety

Given its wide list of uses, it makes sense that ylang-ylang essential oil has been prized since Victorian times. It is often mentioned as an aphrodisiac, which helps explain why Chanel No 5 smells so iconic.

Traditional beauty practices across different regions also point to ylang-ylang essential oil for hair. Some even praise it as a route to Venus-like hair.

If you want to see what it can do for your hair, grab some ylang-ylang. Keep reading; you’ll find easy ways to use it.

Key Takeaway

• Ylang ylang essential oil comes from Cananga odorata flowers via steam distillation.

• It increases scalp sebum, moisturizing dry hair and improving softness and manageability.

• Massaged into the scalp, it boosts circulation, stimulates follicles, and reduces stress impacts.

• Always dilute and patch test, avoid pets, use in shampoos, masks, or mists.

What Is Ylang-Ylang Oil? Extraction and Key Uses

Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) is an essential oil known for more than its scent; it’s linked with several wellness uses. People turn to it for relaxation, mood support, and skin care, so it works like a multitasking helper.

The oil comes from steam distilling fresh flowers of the ylang ylang tree C. odorata, a South Asian tree of the custard apple family (Annonaceae). The perfume it produces has a sweet, fruity, floral aroma that helps create a calm setting.

In aromatherapy, ylang ylang is commonly used to ease stress and support mental well-being. It also blends well with other oils for soaps, detergents, beverages, and skin care products.

Hair Benefits of Ylang-Ylang Oil

If you deal with a dry scalp or want a natural nudge for hair growth, ylang ylang may help. Increasing sebum acts as a built-in moisturizer, fighting dryness and leaving hair smoother and easier to manage. Its ability to stimulate hair follicles is why people look to ylang ylang essential oil for hair growth and stronger strands.

Below are key ways ylang-ylang essential oil can support the look and feel of your hair:

Moisturizing and Conditioning  

Ylang-ylang essential oil is an effective moisturizer for the scalp and hair. It can raise sebum production, the oil secreted by the scalp’s sebaceous glands. This matters for dry or brittle hair, since enough sebum helps keep moisture in and limits dryness. By balancing sebum, ylang-ylang oil helps your hair stay hydrated, lively, and easier to style.

Enhancing Hair Growth  

Another noted benefit is how ylang-ylang can stimulate hair follicles when massaged in. It encourages blood flow to the scalp, which delivers nutrients to the roots. With more oxygen and nutrients reaching follicles, hair growth can look stronger and quicker. That makes ylang-ylang oil a natural option for those hoping to improve length and density.

Stress Reduction  

Stress often contributes to scalp and hair problems, including hair loss. Ylang-ylang essential oil offers a simple way to unwind through scent. Its calming fragrance can settle the mind, reduce tension, and support a sense of well-being. Used regularly by inhalation or on the scalp, it may soften some stress-related effects on hair.

Natural Fragrance  

Beyond its uses, ylang-ylang essential oil is loved for its tropical, floral scent. Adding it to your routine leaves hair smelling fresh and a little exotic. Unlike many synthetic fragrances, ylang-ylang’s aroma is gentle and non-irritating, and its relaxing nature can lift your mood.

Helping Prevent Hair Thinning and Loss 

Ylang-ylang oil has a long history as a natural approach to hair loss. It can strengthen hair by supporting the health of hair follicles and the scalp. The oil’s role in steadying sebum and soothing the scalp creates a better setting for hair growth. These features make ylang-ylang a useful part of plans to limit thinning and loss.

Ylang-Ylang Side Effects and Precautions

Ylang ylang contains several allergens. One of these is isoeugenol, which can be irritating to the skin.

As with any essential oil, don’t apply straight (neat) ylang ylang oil to skin. All essential oils should be mixed with a carrier oil and patch-tested before using on a large area of the body, face, or scalp.

Ylang ylang is also poisonous to dogs and cats. Do not apply ylang ylang to your pet’s skin, paws, or coat, and make sure not to use it where your pet might lick or inhale it.

How to Use Ylang-Ylang Oil for Your Hair

Start with your goal: scalp comfort, softness, or shine. Choose a method that fits your schedule, whether a quick scalp massage, a light leave-in for mid lengths, or a richer mask on wash days.

Keep the rest of your routine steady so you can see what changes, dilute essential oil in a carrier, and patch test first if you have sensitive skin. With that in mind, here is how to use ylang-ylang oil for your hair. 

Add to Shampoo or Conditioner

To support healthier hair, add a few drops of ylang ylang essential oil to your usual shampoo or conditioner. This easy tweak lets you enjoy the oil’s benefits while keeping your hair clean and conditioned.

Scalp Massage

Mix a few drops with coconut or jojoba oil, smooth it over your scalp, and massage for a few minutes. I found slow, light circles worked better for me than firm pressure. Leave it on at least 30 minutes, or overnight, then wash as normal. By doing this, you can support blood circulation, stimulate hair growth, and soothe scalp irritation.

Hair Mask

Combine ylang ylang essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. Then apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on roots and ends. Next, cover your hair with a shower cap and let it sit for 20–30 minutes. Lastly, rinse thoroughly and use a gentle shampoo for healthier-looking hair.

Leave-in Conditioner

Want a lightweight leave-in that helps seal in moisture, reduce frizz, and improve texture? Mix a few drops of ylang ylang essential oil with a carrier oil or aloe vera gel. After dampening your hair, apply the blend to the ends. Then style as usual for soft, manageable locks.

Hair Mist

Add a few drops of ylang ylang essential oil to a spray bottle filled with distilled water and lightly spritz your hair for a quick refresh. This gives aromatic goodness and a brief sense of calm.

Start a Hair Gentle Hair Care Routine With Keyoma’s Guide

Treat ylang-ylang as a concentrated essential oil you dilute for scalp comfort, balanced sebum, and a clean, calming scent. Mix a few drops into a carrier or shampoo to limit irritation, patch test first, avoid neat use, and keep it away from pets since ylang-ylang is toxic to cats and dogs. 

Use light, consistent applications and judge changes over weeks, not days. For clear routines, ingredient explainers, and research you can use, follow Keyoma’s blog and social channels for ongoing hair care tips.