Ylang Ylang essential oil is highly concentrated and powerful. As a result, ylang ylang oil should not be applied directly to the hair or scalp.
Before using ylang ylang oil, it should always be diluted with a carrier oil.
According to hair care professionals, you should leave ylang ylang oil on your hair for 1 to 2 hours before washing it off. The period will vary depending on your hair type and unique preferences.
How Long Should Ylang Ylang Oil be Kept in Hair?
Ylang Ylang oil is a highly concentrated and potent essential oil. As a consequence, you should avoid the direct application of Ylang ylang oils to the hair or scalp.
Ylang Ylang oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil prior to use.
Professionals recommend using diluted ylang ylang oil to your hair for at least one to two hours before washing. The duration of the treatment varies according to the kind of hair you have and your unique needs.
The most efficient approach to oil your hair is to use a cotton swab to apply warm ylang ylang oil in one-inch increments. Contrary to popular belief, overnight oiling is ineffective since it suffocates the scalp’s natural oil production.
Applying it to the scalp and massaging it for ten to fifteen minutes is the most effective application approach. Allow between one and two hours for the ylang ylang oil to absorb before gently washing. Maintain an indoor presence during this time period to avoid gathering further grime and dust.
Alternatively, you may leave the diluted ylang ylang oil in your hair overnight before shampooing it out the next day.
Avoid keeping ylang ylang oil on your scalp for more than 24 hours at a time to avoid your hair becoming brittle. Dirt may build up, causing your hair to become brittle and fragile.
If the weather is humid, avoid putting oil on your hair.
Avoid completely oiling your hair if your skin and scalp are oily since an oily scalp naturally produces oil.
If your job requires you to spend considerable time outside, you should avoid greasy hair. When greasy hair is exposed to the elements, dust may build, resulting in hair loss.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, see your doctor before using ylang ylang oil.
How to Choose the Best Carrier Oil for Ylang Ylang Oil?
The sheer volume of carrier oils on the market may be overwhelming. To get the optimum effects, use a pure carrier oil. By using a pure carrier oil, the chemical makeup of the ylang ylang oil is preserved and its solubility is ensured. Otherwise, the carrier oil may interfere with the desired outcomes or advantages of the ylang ylang oil.
Carrier oils such as petroleum jelly, vegetable shortening, and butter should be avoided since they do not penetrate deeply enough into the scalp and hair to allow the active ingredient to be absorbed.
To help you navigate the complex carrier oil selection process, we’ve put together a comprehensive list and classified it according to 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: Coconut oil along with ylang ylang oil is one of the finest methods to keep lice away. Using the oil mix prevents lice from sticking to the hair follicles, as well as repelling them.
How to Dilute Ylang Ylang Oil for Hair and Scalp?
All you need is a few drops of ylang ylang oil. Avoid direct application of ylang ylang oils to the scalp, since they may irritate the skin and cause an allergic response. Avoid excessive oil dilution; always adhere to the label guidelines.
If you have a plant allergy, test a little quantity of the oil on your scalp or skin to see how you respond.
Dilution Proportions:
- For 10% dilution, you need to mix 5 teaspoon of carrier oil with 50 drops of ylang ylang oil.
- For 5% dilution, you need to mix 5 teaspoon of carrier oil with 25 drops of ylang ylang oil.
- For 3% dilution, you need to mix 5 teaspoon of carrier oil with 15 drops of ylang ylang oil.
- For 2.5% dilution, you need to mix 5 teaspoon of carrier oil with 4 drops of ylang ylang oil.
How to Apply Ylang Ylang Oil on Hair?
- Divide your hair into tiny parts and massage the diluted ylang ylang oil into each section, working your way from the roots to the ends. Utilize a wide-tooth comb to ensure that it is spread evenly (and to prevent tangles). Massage it with the tips of your fingers to make it more comfortable.
- There is no need to apply more oil to your hair after an adequate amount has been applied. Rather than that, apply your current hair oil evenly to completely coat each strand. More oil production results in increased shampooing, which depletes the natural oils and moisture in your hair, leaving it dull, brittle, and dry.
- Once every strand of hair on your head is covered, twist it into a bun and wear it in a high bun to complete the appearance. According to trichologists, over-tightening ponytails may damage the hair’s roots and cause it to break when the ponytail is weighted down.
- Taking a steamy shower may be useful due to the fact that the steam promotes nutrient absorption. Additionally, a warm towel draped over your head may be beneficial.
- Lather up many times if required to completely remove all signs of oil residue.
- Finally, rinse your hair well with lukewarm water.
Pro Tip: Ylang Ylang oil might trigger a minty and tingling sensation on your scalp. If the sensations become very intense for you, dilute the ylang ylang oil further by adding carrier oil.
Final Thoughts
A lack of sebum causes the scalp to dry up, leading to brittle, thin hair. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, on the other hand, may be used as a natural conditioner for those with dry hair. Maintaining healthy and conditioned hair is made easier because of its ability to activate the sebaceous glands, which in turn boosts the production of sebum. It is also said that frequent usage of Ylang Ylang oil may prevent damage to hair and split ends.
A natural remedy for hair loss caused by stress and alopecia is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil.
Apply only pure, high-quality ylang ylang oil on your scalp and hair for the finest benefits. Even though the price is higher, the return on investment will be larger.
Due to the versatility of ylang ylang oil, it is an excellent hair and scalp treatment for all hair types.
Ylang Ylang oil is a wonderful oil for revitalizing damaged hair due to its potent and efficient properties. Additionally, it may help strengthen and thicken hair strands.
Oiling your hair and then rushing to the shower to wash it is a waste of time and energy. Allow an hour before washing your hair if you have the time. Wrap your hair with a warm, damp towel to help your pores open and absorb the oil’s benefits. Following that, rinse your hair completely with lukewarm water.
Brush your hair as little as possible immediately after the application of ylang ylang oil to minimize hair breakage and loss. To eliminate knots, begin at the tips and work your way up to the ends. This method of detangling your hair and scalp guarantees that the ylang ylang oil is distributed evenly.
FAQ
What happens if you leave ylang ylang oil in your hair too long?
If you leave diluted ylang ylang oil in your hair too long it collects dust, which can block the hair follicles and can cause scalp infection. Furthermore, if the ylang ylang oil you’re using is unrefined and absorbs into the scalp, it might hinder hair growth.
How often should you put ylang ylang oil in your hair?
You should apply diluted ylang ylang oil on your hair no more than once or twice a week.
It is acceptable to leave it on for an hour or two, but this is not required.
Bear in mind that using ylang ylang oil on your hair for an extended period of time might cause significant harm.
The ylang ylang oil will collect dirt and blend with your natural scalp oil after five to eight hours. Allowing dirt and grime to accumulate in your hair will help keep it clean and well-groomed.
Oil retention on the hair and scalp for a lengthy period of time may cause irritation to the scalp and skin, as well as oil flow down the face, and has no practical benefit.

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.