Using 30 volunteers aged 20-60 who had moderate to severe dandruff, a randomized, trial was conducted in 2015. According to the findings, a hair tonic containing only 10% lemongrass oil effectively decreased dandruff in test subjects.
Lemongrass oil also helps in hair growth, makes hair shinier, and has a mesmerizing fragrance.
For hundreds of years, lemongrass oil has been used to help hair grow faster and stay healthy. Lemongrass oil can benefit your hair in a variety of ways, but if done incorrectly, it might cause more harm than good.
To figure out the science and the best technique to apply lemongrass oil to your hair, we looked at a lot of research articles and spoke with dermatologists and hair care experts.
We’ll go over the method and the science behind it in more detail in the sections that follow.
Table of Contents
What does Science say of Lemongrass Oil’s Benefits on Hair?
In addition to strengthening hair follicles, lemongrass has astringent characteristics that can be added to your hair. Taken combined, the former preserves your hair healthy for longer, while the latter removes harmful substances from your hair.
One study from 2015 found that using lemongrass oil for a week reduced dandruff considerably.
This oil not only promotes hair growth, but it also relieves itching and irritation of the scalp. Regular application of this oil is said to cause hair follicles to contract, hence reducing hair loss.
A high concentration of antifungal activities can be found in the essential oil of lemongrass. as a result of this when applied on the scalp, it inhibits the growth of fungal infection.
Lemongrass oil can be used to treat infections in the skin, nails, and hair that are caused by candida species. When this treatment is put on the skin, a yeast infection can’t start or get worse.
Because lemongrass oil is antibacterial, it can be used to help bruises and small cuts heal. The wound is cleaned and sterilized, which helps it heal faster. As a natural astringent, it helps to tighten the skin on the scalp and give the hair a natural shine while also making the cortex stronger.
Lemongrass oil has a lot of vitamin A and vitamin C. Both of these things are good for the long-term health of your scalp. Nits on your head are easy to get rid of with lemongrass oil for hair. Because of the aroma and the way it smells, head lice will decline on the scalp. If you have head lice, you can get rid of them by putting lemongrass oil on your hair.
How to Choose the Best Carrier Oil for Lemongrass Oil?
There are so many carrier oils on the market that it might be overwhelming. Choose a carrier oil that is 100 percent pure for the greatest outcomes. Lemongrass oil’s chemical makeup and solubility are preserved by using pure carrier oil. Otherwise, the carrier oil may interfere with the desired effects or benefits of the lemongrass oil.
Carrier oils such as petroleum jelly, vegetable oils, and butter should be avoided because they do not penetrate the scalp and hair well enough to absorb the active ingredient.
We’ve collected a comprehensive list of carrier oils and divided them into categories based on your specific requirements.
| Damaged Hair | Dry Hair | Oily Hair |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Almond Oil | Pumpkin Seed Oil | Grapeseed Oil |
| Avocado Oil | Evening Primrose Oil | Apricot Kernel Oil |
| Coconut Oil | Castor Oil | Jojoba Oil |
| Pumpkin Seed Oil | Moringa Oil | Argan Oil |
Pro-Tip
Individuals with nut allergies should avoid using tree nut oils because they may cause an allergic reaction. This category includes oils extracted from apricot kernels, argan, and almonds.
Another great oil for dandruff is Lemon oil. Do you know that the antimicrobial effects of lemon oil are well-known and scientifically proven? As a result, it’s often recommended for treating dandruff and even lice when applied topically. To know more, check this detailed article on Everything about Lemon Oil for Hair (The Science)
How to Dilute Lemongrass Oil for Hair and Scalp?
You only need a few drops of lemongrass oil. Don’t put lemongrass oil straight on your scalp because it could irritate your skin or make you allergic. Follow the instructions on the label for how much water to add to the oil.
Try a small amount of the oil on your scalp or skin to find out if you are allergic.
Dilution Proportions:
- Mix 5 teaspoons of carrier oil with 50 drops of lemongrass oil to get a 10 percent solution.
- Mix 5 teaspoons of carrier oil with 25 drops of lemongrass oil to get a 5 percent solution.
- For a 3 percent dilution, you need to mix 15 drops of lemongrass oil with 5 teaspoons of carrier oil.
- Mix 5 teaspoons of carrier oil with 4 drops of lemongrass oil to get a 2.5 percent solution.
How to Apply Lemongrass Oil to Hair in 6 Steps: As per Science
Lemongrass oil is extremely concentrated, therefore even small doses might be effective. Lemongrass oil needs to be mixed with a carrier oil like olive, jojoba, or grapeseed oil.
Applying lemongrass oil to the hair’s surface, according to experts, is futile and would just make the scalp oily. You must know how to properly oil your hair if you want to get the most out of it.
We’ll delve more into the technique and the science behind it in the sections that follow.
Step 1: Prepare your Hair
We’ll untangle and eliminate any knots in the hair with a wide-toothed comb. Hair damage is reduced when lemongrass oil is administered in this way. This also ensures that the oil is evenly administered and dispersed across the scalp and hair.
Straighten each section of your hair separately from roots to ends.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil molecules are substantially larger than hair follicles on the scalp due to the manufacturing process. As a result, lemongrass oil cannot reach the hair follicle at normal temperature and have the intended impact.
Heating lemongrass oil solves the problem by breaking up the oil molecules and making it easier for the oil to penetrate the scalp and hair. Heated lemongrass oil has more healing qualities. This is also good for colored or damaged hair. The hair’s cuticle is sealed by heat, helping it to retain moisture.
Combine three to four teaspoons of carrier oil and seven drops of lemongrass essential oil in a small mixing bowl.
In a microwave-safe dish, heat the oil mixture (a glass bowl is recommended). Use a patch test on your hand to confirm that the lemongrass oil is not excessively hot and that you are not allergic to it.
Step 3: Apply the Lemongrass Oil
We’ll start with the scalp, then the crown, and then the rest of the hair using lemongrass oil. Massage your scalp in a circular motion with your fingertips to promote hair growth. Massage your scalp well with your fingertips before applying oil to your hair.
Lemongrass oil should only be used sparingly. Too much oil requires more frequent hair washing, which is in direct opposition to the benefits of oiling. Shampooing too much strips hair of its natural oils and nutrients, making it brittle and lifeless.
Step 4: Get Rid of Knots
The wide-toothed comb will be used once more to untangle any knots that may have formed during the oil application. This allows lemongrass oil to reach parts of the head that were previously inaccessible, reducing the risk of hair breakage while washing.
When combing your hair after a massage, be cautious because the massage has loosened the cortex and roots, making them more vulnerable to harm.
Step 5: Cover your Head
We must cover our heads with a shower cap or a cotton T-shirt for the next 15 to 20 minutes. This will give you a warming sensation and open your scalp and cuticle pores. Lemongrass oil will penetrate your scalp and hair follicles more effectively if you do this.
Because towels are abrasive, you should avoid wrapping them around your head to avoid damaging your hair.
Step 6: Wash Off the Lemongrass Oil
The oiling process is finished with a mild shampoo and a lukewarm water rinse. To open your pores and remove extra oil and grime, wash your hair with lukewarm water.
To close the freshly opened pores and retain moisture, we must now wash our hair with cold water.
How to Choose the Best Lemongrass Oil?
Lemongrass oil appears to be beneficial to hair health in all of the studies and research described above. Nonetheless, if the lemongrass oil is of poor quality, none of these benefits will be experienced. When looking for the best lemongrass oil for hair, consider the following factors:
- Make sure the lemongrass oil is suitable for cosmetic purposes. This information is usually printed on the container’s rear.
- Make sure the lemongrass oil container is dark in color and made of glass. The black color of the bottle prevents the lemongrass oil from degrading by blocking light.
- When feasible, use a well-known brand.
How to Use Lemongrass Oil to Promote Hair Growth, Increase Density, and Prevent Hair Loss
It enhances hair growth and helps you maintain healthy traces. If mixed with an effective carrier oil like coconut or olive oil, you will see remarkable improvements in hair fall and growth in your hair. It also works on the texture and thickness of the hair.
Lemongrass essential oil is a simple remedy that may be administered at home, and it may be equivalent to commercial remedies. In addition, it is highly safe and generates little side effects when used carefully.
Diluted lemongrass oil can be used directly to the scalp to increase hair growth and thickness. As the growth factor is managed by each hair shaft beneath the scalp, you do not need to apply oil to your hair in this instance.
- Warm two to three teaspoons of lemongrass oil in combination with coconut, castor, or olive oil.
- Apply the lemongrass oil mixture to the scalp with your fingertips in circular motions.
- Using a shower hat or T-shirt, cover the area for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Using lukewarm water and mild shampoo, gradually wash it away.
- To seal the pores, rinse them with cold water.
There are few other scientific oils that can increase your hair growth and thickness. Check this article on Best Scientifically Proven Oils for Hair Growth & Thickness
What to mix with Lemongrass Oil for hair growth?
Castor oil is the best oil to use with lemongrass oil to promote hair development, according to a study. This is because castor oil has a significant amount of ricinoleic acid. Every month, the average person’s hair grows 0.5-0.17 millimeters.
Castor oil has been shown to encourage much faster hair growth. Heat the lemongrass and castor oil mixture, as is typical, to allow it to enter deeper into the hair shaft.
How to use Lemongrass Oil as a conditioner?
Lemongrass oil has a variety of purposes, including conditioning hair. Lemongrass oil makes hair silky, soft, and easy to comb through when used as a hair conditioner.
- Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, rubbing it in well.
- To completely cover your hair and head, rub your fingers through it.
- For 15 to 20 minutes, cover your hair with a shower hat or T-shirt.
- To keep some of the lemongrass oil in your hair, rinse it off with regular water.
Risks of using Lemongrass Oil for Hair
Before using the oil, people who are allergic to lemongrass should consult a doctor. Lemongrass oil can harm you even if you don’t eat it. Do a patch test before applying lemongrass oil to your hair for the first time.
Stop using lemongrass oil if it irritates or reddens your skin, and try a different oil.
Avoid getting any lemongrass essential oil in your eyes or nose. If you accidentally do this, immediately flush your eyes with cold water.
Lemongrass essential oil should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers due to a lack of information.
FAQ
When should we apply lemongrass oil to hair? Wet or dry hair?
Only use Lemongrass Oil on hair that is already dry. Before you begin, make sure you have at least one hour. Lemongrass oil molecules are larger than the pores on your scalp, therefore it takes at least an hour for the oil to penetrate.
Lemongrass oil should not be used to damp hair since the oil molecules are unable to penetrate the water in the hair shaft and the pores on the scalp.
Can we apply lemongrass oil directly to hair?
No, lemongrass oil should not be used directly on the hair.
Lemongrass oil is extremely potent and concentrated, even in little doses. As a result, lemongrass essential oils must be combined with a carrier oil such as olive, jojoba, or grapeseed oil.
Only a few drops of lemongrass essential oil are required to achieve the desired effect. If used directly on the scalp, lemongrass essential oils might cause irritation. Follow the guidelines on the bottle for adding water to lemongrass oil, and never use more than is recommended.
How long should you leave lemongrass oil in your hair?
Lemongrass oil should be applied to your hair at least two hours before washing it, according to experts and studies. The length of time it takes is determined by the style you desire and the type of hair you have.
Because of its potency, lemongrass oil should not be used for more than ten hours at a time. Lemongrass oil on the scalp for an extended period of time might cause irritation, dryness, and clogged pores.
Can you put lemongrass oil in your hair every day? How often should you apply lemongrass oil to your hair?
Lemongrass oil should only be used daily if your hair is dry. Lemongrass oil should be used on oily hair once a week, according to specialists. On normal hair, the product can be used up to twice a week.
Is too much lemongrass oil bad for hair?
Yes, too much lemongrass oil is detrimental to hair because it requires more frequent washing. You’re probably aware that over-washing your hair removes natural oils and dries out the scalp and hair. This negates the benefits of using oil on your hair and may actually make it worse.
If you apply too much lemongrass oil to your scalp, it can clog your pores and cause hair loss.
Can you sleep with lemongrass oil in your hair? Can I leave lemongrass oil overnight?
You might sleep for up to eight hours with lemongrass oil on your hair. As soon as you wake up, wash it out. Lemongrass oil can block hair follicles and cause irritation and inflammation after eight hours. If you leave lemongrass oil on your hair for an extended period of time, it may accumulate dust and prevent your hair from growing.
Creative, versatile, and passionate about her craft, Rupa Das is a well-recognized name in the world of fashion and makeup! This is a woman who has been in the fashion and makeup industry for 24 years and is still one of the leading international makeup artist in the circuit! She has worked in big brands like Lakme, Green Trends, Colors and transitioned to become a Beauty (Hair & Skin) Trainer.