If you’re looking to elevate your natural hair care routine with an ingredient that’s underrated yet remarkably effective, elemi essential oil might just be your new favorite oil.
Sourced from the resin of the Canarium tree, this essential oil has been used for centuries in skin and wellness rituals.
Traditionally, in the Philippines, elemi resin and oil have been used for both medicinal and spiritual purposes, especially in folk healing and natural remedies.
Elemi essential oil is now making waves in the natural hair world for its scalp-soothing, shine-boosting, and curl-defining benefits.
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What is Elemi Essential Oil?
Elemi essential oil is derived via steam distillation from the resin of the Canarium luzonicum tree, native to the Philippines.
It has a fresh, lemony-balsamic scent and is often compared to frankincense or myrrh in both aroma and therapeutic benefits.
Why Elemi Essential Oil for Hair Care
Elemi essential oil strikes the perfect balance between these well-known essential oils:
- Anti-inflammatory without the intensity of tea tree.
- Cleansing and calming like lavender, but with stronger antimicrobial action.
- Stimulates circulation like peppermint, but gentler.
- Adds a subtle, earthy-citrus fragrance to hair blends.
For those seeking a gentle yet effective essential oil that addresses scalp irritation, buildup, and weak follicles without overwhelming the senses, elemi is an excellent option.
How to Use Elemi Essential Oil in Your Hair Care Routine
Incorporating this essential oil into your hair care routine is straightforward, and its versatility enables you to use it in various ways.
Calm Roots Scalp Serum
This serum is specifically designed to treat scalp irritation and dandruff.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons of jojoba or grapeseed oil
- 1 tablespoon of calendula oil
- 8 drops of elemi essential oil
- 4 drops of tea tree essential oil (optional)
- 2 oz amber dropper bottle
Directions: Pour all the ingredients into the dropper bottle. Close and shake. To use, massage into the scalp. Leave on for 15 to 30 minutes, rinse, and then shampoo.
Scalp Nourishing Pre-Poo Blend
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons of coconut oil or sweet almond oil
- 10 drops of elemi essential oil
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2 oz amber dropper bottle
Directions: Pour all the ingredients into the dropper bottle. Close and shake. Apply to the scalp and hair strands as a pre-poo. Cover with a disposable cap and leave for 45 to 60 minutes.
Elemi Clarifying Shampoo
Ingredients
- 1 cup of liquid castile soap
- 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
- 10 drops of elemi essential oil
- 7 drops of lavender essential oil
- 4 oz squeezecap bottle
Directions: Measure all the ingredients into the squeezecap bottle. Close and shake. Use once a week to remove buildup and balance scalp oil levels.
Elemi-Aloe Calming Leave-In Mist
Ingredients
- 1 cup of distilled water or your choice of flower water, such as rosewater
- 6 drops of elemi essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of aloe vera juice
- 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin or vitamin E oil (optional)
- 8 oz spray bottle
Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake before use and mist hair and scalp as needed. You can also use it in protective styles.
Safety Tip: Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil. Avoid direct application to the scalp, and perform a patch test before full use, especially if you’re prone to skin sensitivities.
Is Elemi Essential Oil Worth Adding to Your Routine?
If you’re seeking a gentle, multifunctional essential oil that elevates your haircare game without overpowering it, elemi essential oil is worth exploring. It’s perfect for:-
- Dry, itchy, or sensitive scalps.
- Balancing oily roots without stripping.
- Strengthening strands naturally.
- Enhancing the effects of other oils in your regimen.
Additionally, its refreshing scent adds a spa-like element to your routine.
Elemi Essential Oil Recommendations
Have you tried elemi essential oil in your hair care routine? Share in the comments section.
Abi is a curly hair expert who delved into the world of natural oils after severe hair loss issues. Through her research, study, and testing, she was able to regrow her bald spots & a healthy head of hair. She is the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Ade Ori Hair Care, and the author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She continues to study hair science, Ayurveda, and natural and healthy solutions for hair and skin. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines…
This post contains affiliate links which means I will make a small commission if you purchase through those links. Read full disclosure HERE.