Blending essential oils with a plant-based carrier oil is a simple way to incorporate natural scent into your hair care routine. Unlike synthetic fragrances, essential oils are aromatic extracts derived from plants, each with its own distinctive scent profile and botanical characteristics. When properly diluted in a carrier oil, they can be used to create a gently scented hair oil tailored to your hair type, scent preferences and mood.
With just a carrier oil and a few drops of your favourite essential oil, you can easily create your own blend at home. Here is how to make a simple natural hair oil in just a few minutes.
What you’ll need (For 30 ml of hair oil)
30 ml of a plant-based carrier oil
Choose a carrier oil according to your hair type and how you plan to use the treatment. For example,
- Argan oil: Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, argan oil helps condition the hair, leaving it soft, smooth and naturally glossy. Its relatively lightweight texture makes it suitable for most hair types.
- Jojoba oil: Lightweight and easy to spread, jojoba oil helps soften and condition the hair without feeling excessively heavy. It is a good option for those who prefer a lighter oil, particularly on the scalp.
- Sweet almond oil: Naturally rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, sweet almond oil has a smooth, emollient texture that helps soften and condition dry or delicate hair. It is particularly suitable for dry, fine or easily tangled hair.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil is particularly well suited to dry or damaged hair. Research has shown that it can help reduce protein loss from hair when used as a pre- or post-wash treatment. Because of its richer texture, it is best used as a pre-shampoo treatment or sparingly on dry ends.
Pure essential oils
Essential oils add natural fragrance to the blend. Choose a single oil you enjoy, or combine two or three to create your own blended scent.
Tools
- 100 ml graduated measuring cup
- Clean spoon or stirring rod
- 30 ml bottle or container
Choosing essential oils for your hair oil
One of the pleasures of making your own hair oil is being able to choose a scent according to your personal preference or mood. Once diluted in a carrier oil, essential oils leave a subtle, natural fragrance on the hair. You can begin with a single scent you enjoy or combine two or three oils to create your own blend.
Floral scents
Floral oils like Rose, Jasmine, pomelo blossom, lavender, Ylang-Ylang, etc. bring softness and depth to a hair oil. Depending on the flower, their aromas can range from fresh and delicate to rich and sensual, leaving a subtle, perfume-like impression on the hair.
Citrus oils
Bright, fresh and lively, citrus oils like pomelo, king orange, green mandarin, kaffir lime, fragrant lemon add an uplifting character to a blend. Their sparkling top notes make them particularly appealing for a morning hair care ritual or whenever you want something light and refreshing.
Herbal oils
Herbal oils like Peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, rosemary offer fresh, green and aromatic notes that can make a scalp massage feel clean and refreshing. Their crisp botanical character also pairs particularly well with citrus and woody scents.
Woody oils
Warm, dry and earthy, woody oils like sandalwood, cedarwood, Japanese hinoki provide depth and structure to a blend. When combined with floral, citrus or herbal notes, they can soften the transitions between scents and create a more rounded, balanced composition with the complexity of a natural perfume.
How to make your hair oil
1. Measure the carrier oil
Measure 30 ml of your chosen carrier oil into a clean graduated measuring cup.
2. Add the essential oil
Add 10–15 drops of essential oil. Use a single oil or blend two or three oils to create your own blend.
3. Mix and bottle
Stir gently until the oils are evenly combined. Pour the mixture into a clean 30 ml bottle or container and close it securely.
Your homemade hair oil is ready to use.
How to use your DIY hair oil
The oil can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment for the hair and scalp.
- Gently brush through dry hair before applying the oil.
- Apply a small amount to the hair and scalp.
- Massage gently, working from the lower scalp upwards towards the crown.
- Leave the oil on for 5–10 minutes.
- Shampoo thoroughly as usual.
Recommended simple hair and scalp massage
Safety note
- Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying them to the hair or scalp. Do not apply undiluted essential oils directly to the scalp.
- Wash the hair thoroughly after using the oil as a pre-shampoo treatment.
- If you have sensitive skin, perform a patch test before use and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
- Store the finished oil in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Label the bottle with the ingredients and date of preparation.
- Keep essential oils and finished blends out of reach of children and pets.
Making your own hair oil is simple, but the possibilities are endless. Choose a scent you love, experiment with different combinations, or create a blend that is entirely your own — a simple way to add both care and natural fragrance to your everyday haircare routine.