By BR Tabatha
When we think of lavender essential oil in beauty products we most often think of it as being used in a moisturiser, usually for our hands, feet or body. Or we might think of it as an ingredient in a massage or facial oil. Or even as used within a facial spray or toner. What we don't often turn our minds to is the use of lavender essential oil in haircare - and yet we should, as lavender - when mixed with a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut, olive or almond oil - can offer benefits that bring improvements to our scalp and hair.*
If your hair is in need of some serious hydration, lavender can help! As a mask (when mixed with a carrier oil) it works to tame flyaway's, add moisture and nourish your hair. Worried about hair loss? Studies have shown essential oils, including lavender, also have the ability to promote hair growth. Due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender oil also works to soothe sensitive scalps and prevent dandruff, while also helping balance scalp oil.
It's not just physical benefits we experience when using lavender essential oil, it offers emotional benefits too. Lavender is well known for its ability to relax. When it's part of a hair product you're using, you're enveloped in its calming scent, which promotes a sense of wellbeing - making for a serene and delightful way to start your day, or a totally chill way to wash the day away before heading to bed.
Don't have the time to source quality ingredients and mix your own concoction? Thankfully companies are making life easy and creating products that we can integrate into our day...
We've recently discovered the new Lavender Soothing Therapy range from L'Oréal Botanicals Fresh Care. A shampoo and conditioner designed to show our scalps some love, while nourishing fine, brittle hair. Being the beauty geeks that we are we delved into the small details and discovered that L'Oréal aren't using just any old lavender essential oil. No, they're using organic lavender essential oil that's being sustainably and ethically sourced from lavender farms that do not use pesticides, synthetic chemical products or insecticides. The Botanicals range is also sulphate, paraben, silicone and colourant-free, and vegan! Good for our hair, good for our scalp, good for our emotional wellbeing, good for the environment – it’s like the ultimate feel-good range!
Who knew a product we've used throughout our lives on our body could be so beneficial for our head as well? So, have you tried lavender in your haircare before? Do you think your hair and scalp would benefit from using a lavender-based range? And are you as much a fan of its beautiful scent as we are? Get chatting!
*As always, when using a new product be sure to spot test. If on use irritation occurs, cease using. If you're concerned about a scalp issue, do see a health professional.
I have heaps of trouble with shampoo. My scalp gets itchy and flaky unless I use Selson Blue 5. Do like the sound of no parabens though.