Oily scalp? Here’s why you should use cedarwood oil on your hair

For what seems like forever, coconut oil has been touted as the ultimate hair and scalp treatment. On TikTok alone, the term “coconut oil for hair” has over 33 million views and counting. However, recently, both hairdressers and trichologists have shared that cedarwood oil may have more scalp-specific benefits and therefore could be extremely beneficial for hair health and growth. The positive effects of cedar wood oil for hair include impressive balancing properties of the oil, making it ideal for those with a persistently oily scalp as well as those with fine or thin hair.

Practitioners also note that cedarwood oil may have benefits for hair growth due to its stimulating powers. Of course, this also means that it can be overstimulating for those with sensitive skin or scalp and should be used accordingly. That’s why we’ve created this carefully curated guide to using cedarwood oil. Here we share some expert insight on why it can be a truly transformative ingredient when it comes to stellar scalp health and healthy hair growth. Read on to learn more about cedarwood oil for hair.

What is Cedarwood Oil?

Cedarwood oil is an essential oil produced from the foliage and sometimes the wood, roots and stumps that are left after the trees are cut down, Friese explains. Philip B. notes that the single oil is often incorporated into perfumes because of its olfactory benefits. It has a warm, woody aroma and is known for its various therapeutic properties, he says. According to Johnson, cedarwood oil is most widely extracted from North American cedar trees in Virginia.” That’s why even though it may be listed as cedarwood oil on the label, it also you may notice it as its scientific name, which it is Juniperus virginianaalso known as eastern red cedar.

Benefits of cedar wood oil for hair

Cedarwood oil offers several benefits for hair health, says Philip B. One that stands out is its rebalancing properties for both scalp and hair. Cedarwood oil is known to cleanse the scalp, reduce excess oil, sebum, dirt, and dandruff, and as a result, help restore oil balance to slow hair loss, she notes. Johnson. All of this leads to the next notable and interesting attribute of cedarwood oil: its ability to potentially stimulate hair growth.

Cedarwood oil has been shown to help improve blood circulation to the scalp and tighten follicles, Johnson says. It also contains soothing and antibacterial properties, which can help the scalp maintain an overall healthy and growth-promoting condition, especially for oily scalps. The bottom line, Friese notes, is that because of cedarwood oil’s cleansing, rebalancing, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, it can help improve scalp condition and maintain healthy hair.

Philip B. is especially cedarwood oil because it has the ability to promote a healthy scalp environment, specifically with its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Because of this, it can help prevent dandruff and other scalp conditions, he explains. It also has a stimulating effect on the hair follicles, which can promote hair growth and strengthen the hair cut.

How to use cedar wood oil for hair

For an easy, mess-free cedarwood oil treatment, Friese recommends adding just a few drops of the blend directly to your shampoo and conditioner, and it can promote hair growth.” For a concentrated cedarwood oil treatment cedarwood, Johnson suggests mixing it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil To make your own hair oil, mix four drops of essential oil of cedarwood with three drops of rosemary essential oil, plus two drops of lavender essential oil and one drop of ginger essential oil, add half an ounce of a carrier oil such as coconut oil or a mixture of jojoba oil and half a grape, Johnson shares.

She says that applying it evenly to half-wet, half-dry hair will improve penetration. Always focus on massaging the scalp, especially in areas where thinning is a problem. Finish by combing it through all the strands evenly. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, then shampoo and rinse. If hair growth and thinning are your main concerns, repeat this treatment up to twice a week. This oil mixture can be left on hair overnight for a deep strengthening treatment, adds Johnson. However, use a cotton ball or finger to apply a smaller amount to the scalp and massage it well into the scalp to avoid excess oil.

When to avoid cedar wood oil for hair

The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, generally recognizes cedarwood oil as safe, according to Friese. But if you are allergic to cedarwood or cedarwood oil in any way, you should not use it. If allergies aren’t an issue, Friese says all hair types can potentially benefit from cedarwood oil. However, you need to take specific steps and precautions to get the most out of it, especially if you have an oily scalp.

If you have fine hair, you need to be extra careful to rinse it out completely, as carrier oils can make your hair greasy, Friese explains. Johnson recommends not using pure cedarwood oil directly on the scalp — it’s best to dilute cedarwood oil with a carrier oil, as pure cedarwood essential oil can be too strong for the scalp and sensitive skin, he explains.

To navigate any unknown allergies to cedarwood oil, Philip B. has this pro tip: While cedarwood oil is generally safe for all hair types, if you have sensitive skin, it’s possible you’ll want to do a patch test before using it, as it can cause irritation in some cases, she explains. It is important to use cedarwood oil responsibly and sparingly, as excessive use can cause skin irritation or sensitization.