My Hair Journey
Several years ago, I volunteered to help a friend while she was in beauty school. I got a nice scalp scrub and massage, and I thought that was the end of it. Unfortunately, within days, my scalp became inflamed, and I saw scabs forming atop it. Since then, I have had a dry, itchy scalp with dandruff. Not much has helped me find relief. In fact, most commercial products cause even worse problems. I have spent years researching the ingredients of products, searching for ones that will be good for my scalp, skin, and hair. I always come to the same conclusion: making my own product is what’s best for my hair health.
I’ve tried it all, too. There was a time when I tried a no-shampoo option. I washed my hair with baking soda and conditioned it with apple cider vinegar. It seemed to work for a time but eventually, it dried my skin out far too much. I wasn’t fond of smelling vinegar all the time, either. The products I have bought have never lived up to the more cost-effective products I made myself.
My Homemade Solution
This is a recipe that focuses on moisturizing and calming the head and scalp. Choose oils best suited for what you want to accomplish. I use a mixture of jojoba oil, extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, and castor oil. Occasionally, I’ll include sweet almond oil. Coconut oil works well for some, but I have noticed it can dry out the skin and hair, so I choose not to use it.
Jojoba oil is similar to the sebum our bodies naturally produce and absorbs well. It has other benefits too, and is a good source of minerals and Vitamins B and E. I find this oil to have a minimal scent. Olive oil is also similar to our sebum and is an excellent moisturizer. It is full of fatty acids and Vitamin E.
Castor oil is thick and has a relatively strong smell, but it is nutrient-rich, full of fatty acids, and is well known for helping hair grow. It helps soothe inflammation, increases shine, gloss, hair strand flexibility, and is antimicrobial. Almond oil is excellent for hydration and irritation, supports the softness of your hair, and smoothes frizz.
Avocado oil can’t be praised enough. It soothes the scalp, nourishes and strengthens hair, encourages growth, and gives great shine without leaving a greasy feel.
Essential Oils
I enjoy adding essential oils, for both smell and benefits. I typically use a few different oils. My favorites are lavender, tea tree, peppermint, and rosemary. Lavender is soothing to the scalp, peppermint invigorates and promotes circulation, rosemary helps with itchiness and encourages growth and hair thickness. Tea tree is cleansing, helps with dandruff, and promotes growth.
Putting It All Together
Once you have all your ingredients picked out, mix them and apply the solution to your scalp. I like to use a squeeze bottle to apply and store it. I find the tip helps you to direct where the oil goes on your scalp and controls the flow better than other methods. The one I use resembles this one here. I prefer to leave this on all day, washing it out after several hours. If possible, use organic ingredients to ensure there are no irritants that will make any scalp problems worse. Do not use oils if you may be allergic.
Ingredients:
2-oz extra virgin olive oil
2-oz avocado oil
1-oz jojoba oil
1-oz castor oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops rosemary essential oil
3 drops tea tree essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil
Mix ingredients in a squeeze bottle by shaking together.
Starting at the top front of your scalp, squeeze oil out of the bottle. Move down the centerline from front to back until just barely below the top back of your head. Repeat this motion down your sides, separating hair with each line, spacing about 1” between each new line of oil. Massage into the scalp in circular motions. Repeat the process for the back of your head, starting from the bottom of the hairline on the neck up to the top of your head where you left off. You may need to flip your head and hair upside down. Massage into the scalp.
Gather all your hair together like you are putting it into a ponytail, starting at the bottom ends, squeeze the oil onto your hair, massaging into all strands. Continue this process, moving upwards until all of your hair is saturated. Put your hair in a bun. Use a towel or paper towel to clean up any excess oil around your scalp and neck.
Leave oil in your hair for between thirty minutes and several hours. Wash it out with shampoo and use conditioner as usual. You may need to wash the oil out twice. Some greasiness is normal for a day or so.
You can keep any extra oil leftover in the squeeze bottle until you want to use it again. Repeat this process weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, as needed or preferred.
