Lavender Oil-- Safe to Use Neat...or Not?

Hi all, I tried searching a bit on here for the answer to my question but I'm still confused... So here it is. Is it safe to put undiluted (or "neat") lavender essential oil on my hair's length? I started getting in the habit of taking about 4 drops of lavender EO in the palms of my hand, rubbing them together, and then rubbing/smoothing my hair length... it smelled nice and strong... but I am hearing that NO essential oils whatsoever should be used neat. I got the idea to do this from a natural recipe book I have-- they just called it a "fragrant hair sheen" and I thought it was okay to do it. But then I read a few times on here that you should not use any EO's neat.

I guess my concern is I might damage my hair... or irritate the skin of my palms?

Does anyone know if it's okay to do this? I don't want to deal with diluting it every time...but if that's what's best, then I guess I'll have to get over it.

I'm not sure about the safety of the issue.

To avoid diluting it every time, you could fill a small bottle with carrier oil and add a small amount of the EO, so that you have a decent amount premixed. You could also fill a spray bottle with water, add a little EO and spritz your hair for the scent (shake well before spraying to mix the EO with the water - it will float on top on its own.)

Given both that the scent of EOs is quite strong, and that they are expensive, figuring a way to stretch the oil can't be a bad idea.

I've been using it straight on my scalp without any problems. I think some people find that it irritates the skin, but I haven't seen it. Don't know if it harms hair.

I don't use it straight because the smell is so strong that it gives me headaches. What I did was take a small bottle and put 10-15 drops of the lavender oil in with a generous tablespoon of oil and shake it before using it.

I've always read that lavendar is one of the few EO's that are safe to use on skin undiluted. I rub some on my palms regularly. But it would be wise to try a patch test first.

Yes, lavender oil is safe to use neat on the skin. I've no idea about the hair though. :confused:

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Originally Posted by pelicano

Yes, lavender oil is safe to use neat on the skin. I've no idea about the hair though. :confused:

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I can't imagine it causing any problems to hair.

If you're just using it for scent, I'd say keep on keeping on.

Quick question, do you find that it smells like chemical sunscreen.... my all natural sunblock smells suspicious, but the only ingredient that I could imagine causing the smell is the lavender oil :hmm:

*end hijack*

Hi Scrumtrulescent,

I'm not 100% sure, but I think the reason that it is advised not to use undiltuted essential oils on the skin is partly because of the potential for localised irritation, but also because it is absorbed into the blood stream (hence why there are many oils that shouldn't be used during pregnancy).

Having said that, I think that lavender is probably one of the gentler EO's, and I have used it neat on my skin before to treat a minor burn (would definitely NOT recommend this officially as it could go horribly wrong, but it did work for me, under the advice of a fairly knowledgeable person).

I would be slightly hesitant to use neat EO's directly on hair as they are very concentrated & strong and while it might be fine, they might have a bit of a harsh effect over time. Hopefully an essential oil expert will come along soon and clarify the matter (no pun intended) :laugh:

I have used lavender essential oil in my hair many times,i like the results but get a migraine from the smell.....:(
I have never noticed any damage or anything to my hair but i always make sure i wash my hands after i am done.

As it's been stated previous, Lavender is one of the EO's that are safe to use undiluted, given that you don't have any allergic reactions to it.

I use it all the time, and I've never had any trouble with it. Doing a search on lavender oil either here, or say, www.MountainRoseHerbs.com, will give you tons of information.

Nini

Can someone chip in with some information? is lavender oil OK for hair? i want to olive oil once again but i dont like the smell. really, it smells weird to me and lavender oil smells pleasant to me although it does make me a tad sleepy :p so any input?? does it damage the hair after a while?

For a couple years now I've been mixing 5-10 drops in a spray bottle of water and misting my hair almost daily, either to freshen up on a no wash day or just because I love the smell. I have seen NO damage. I can't imagine using it full strength though. Lavender EO is so strong and not cheap I would recommend mixing in a cheaper carrier oil. Even when Lavender EO is greatly diluted in water my hair still smells strongly of lavender.

Slightly off topic: I also use the same mixture to mist my silk pillowcase before bed. The smell make me so happy as I'm falling asleep.

P.S. If you do choose to use a carrier oil your best bet is to use one that isn't strongly scented. Coconut oil would probably work, although I've never oiled my hair with any kind of oil. Almond oil is my favorite carrier oil for skin, but I don't know about for hair.

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Originally Posted by tiny squirrel

P.S. If you do choose to use a carrier oil your best bet is to use one that isn't strongly scented. Coconut oil would probably work, although I've never oiled my hair with any kind of oil. Almond oil is my favorite carrier oil for skin, but I don't know about for hair.

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hmmm thanks for the input! i just heard it can be drying a bit because its a drying oil? that all EO's are drying oils? so i dont want to take my chances there.
and im running into the idea and possibility-what if conditioner doesnt wash it out enough?

Hm, it would make sense that lavender oil is a bit drying since misting with it works well to freshen up x-day old hair. Still a drop or two in an oz or more of moisturizing carrier oil should give you the pretty smell and yet be diluted enough to protect against drying. Just a thought from a girl who knows a little about oils but NOTHING about oiling hair. :-)

I am going to add my 2cents once again and state unequivocally that NO essential oil should be used neat (undiluted) on your head or on a regular basis. Not even lavender oil! It shouldn't harm your hair but every EO should be treated with respect as something that has been distilled (or other method) to a potent level and it should be mixed with a carrier oil especially used on the face or head so close to the brain.

Lavender can also drop the blood pressure so those with low bp should be aware of that.

Don't get me wrong I love EO's, I was a practicing and trained Aromatherapist (obviously I am still trained) and that is why I know how important it is to be careful around them - I once gave myself a nasty narcotic effect when carelessly treating a migraine on myself! (Not lavender :) ) Personally I only use certain EOs neat when treating something extreme and topical like a burn, cut, cyst etc and that would be for a limited time in a small area.

BTW EO's can also be mixed with vinegar. If anyone has access to fresh lavender why not make lavender water tea?!? Mmmm :bluesmile

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Originally Posted by Milui Elenath

I am going to add my 2cents once again and state unequivocally that NO essential oil should be used neat (undiluted) on your head or on a regular basis. Not even lavender oil! It shouldn't harm your hair but every EO should be treated with respect as something that has been distilled (or other method) to a potent level and it should be mixed with a carrier oil especially used on the face or head so close to the brain.

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Thanks for sharing your professional knowledge and for stressing that! I agree 100%.

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Originally Posted by scrumtrulescent

Hi all, I tried searching a bit on here for the answer to my question but I'm still confused... So here it is. Is it safe to put undiluted (or "neat") lavender essential oil on my hair's length? I started getting in the habit of taking about 4 drops of lavender EO in the palms of my hand, rubbing them together, and then rubbing/smoothing my hair, length... it smelled nice and strong... but I am hearing that NO essential oils whatsoever should be used neat. I got the idea to do this from a natural recipe book I have-- they just called it a "fragrant hair sheen" and I thought it was okay to do it. But then I read a few times on here that you should not use any EO's neat.

I guess my concern is I might damage my hair... or irritate the skin of my palms?

Does anyone know if it's okay to do this? I don't want to deal with diluting it every time...but if that's what's best, then I guess I'll have to get over it.

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Whether Lavender Essential Oil (EO) can help trigger hair growth or not is controversial.
Some experts claim that Lavender EO may be helpful in some cases to help improve clogged circulation to the scalp and hair roots.