Using lemongrass oil for hair can help reduce scalp inflammation and irritation and I’ve included a simple lemongrass oil recipe you can use 2 – 3 times a week for the best results.
When you’re ready to try out this lemongrass oil elixir for scalp issues, there’s a how-to card at the end you can print and have on hand.
The lemongrass plant is found in subtropical regions of the world – India, China, and Thailand. It can also be found in parts of Africa and Australia.
The lemongrass plant grows in clumps and can be mistaken for grass which has similar green leaves. In Asia, lemongrass is commonly used for cooking soups, curries, drinks, and desserts.
There are over 50 varieties of lemongrass but the two most commonly used for producing lemongrass oil include Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon flexuosus.
What is Lemongrass Oil?
Lemongrass oil is concentrated essential oil extracted from the leaves of the lemongrass plant via steam distillation.
Lemongrass oil has a pungent, lemony, refreshing aroma, which can be pleasant to the senses. It has many benefits for hair and beauty.
Fun fact – Lemongrass oil also imitates a pheromone emitted by the honeybee’s Nasonov gland to attract bees to a hive or to a swarm.
Is Lemongrass Oil Good for Scalp?
Lemongrass oil is an essential oil with potent antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties.
These properties help treat the symptoms that cause scalp issues like inflammation, irritation, dandruff, and more.
The recipe below uses a simple carrier oil to maximize the benefits of lemongrass oil for the scalp and it only takes 10 – 15 minutes to throw it together.
A lot of brands recognize these excellent properties and have incorporated them into their products. Some popular lemongrass oil products include:-
- DevaCurl One Condition Original
- Evolvh Smartvolume Leave-In Conditioner
- Giovanni Organic Hair Care Smooth As Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner
- MOP MOP Lemongrass Volume Conditioner
- Obia Natural Hair Care Twist Whip Butter
- Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-in Conditioner
7 Benefits of Lemongrass Oil for Hair & Beauty
1. Resolve Scalp Issues and Strengthen Follicles With Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil has several compounds including citral, which has anti-viral, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties that help suppress the growth of bacteria and fungi.
It also contains limonene, a compound that helps reduce inflammation and irritation on the scalp.
The two compounds working together can resolve most scalp issues and strengthen your hair follicles.
2. Use Lemongrass Oil as Preservative in DIY Formulations
Lemongrass oil can also be used in water-based products to inhibit the growth of microbial elements.
I am currently testing this out with a hair gel I’m formulating. Once it’s ready, I will upload the information to the website.
3. Clarifies Oily Scalp
Lemongrass oil acts as a clarifying oil for oily scalps helping to regulate the production of sebum and balance out the level of oil on the scalp.
4. Adds Shine to Hair
A few drops of lemongrass oil in your leave-in conditioner or oil will add loads of shine to dry and dull hair. Some people say it works even better than shining serums.
5. Eliminates Dandruff
Lemongrass oil is a potent treatment for dandruff. In this 2015 study, it was found that a product containing 10% lemongrass oil proved very effective in the treatment of dandruff.
5. Blends Well with Other Oils
Lemongrass oil blends very well with a wide variety of essential oils and carrier oils.
Some of the best include rosehip seed oil, lavender oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, bergamot essential oil, clary sage essential oil, lavender essential oil, rosemary essential oil, and tea tree essential oil.
My favorites are rosehip oil and lavender essential oil, which I also use in my DIY skincare formulations.
6. Lemongrass Oil Treats Several Infections
Lemongrass oil can be used to treat infections such as athlete’s foot and ringworm.
Another essential oil that can do that is tea tree essential oil. Read Treat Acne and Fungal Infections with Tea Tree Essential Oil.
Other infections lemongrass oil can help treat and/or prevent include folliculitis and seborrheic dermatitis.
7. Lemongrass Oil Has Relaxing Effects
The compounds in lemongrass oil are excellent for purifying the air and inducing a relaxed state of mind.
Consider using it along with a suitable diffuser for a refreshing aroma around the house.
VicTsing 300ml Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser
Note – Lemongrass oil shouldn’t be used undiluted as it can burn your skin.
How to Use Lemongrass Oil for Scalp
Lemongrass, Rosehip & Lavender Oil Scalp Elixir Recipe
Ingredients
You will need rosehip oil, lavender essential oil, and lemongrass oil for this scalp elixir (exact measurements in the how-to card below).
Directions
- Mix the rosehip oil and lavender oil together and heat over a bowl of boiling water.
- Once hot, remove from the hot water and add the lemongrass oil.
- Mix again and allow to cool slightly.
How to Use
- Section your hair into 4 – 8 sections.
- Apply the elixir directly onto your scalp.
- Massage in thoroughly until absorbed.
- No need to wash it out.
- Use two-three times a week before you go to bed.
Best Brands of Lemongrass Oil
Sun Organic Lemongrass Oil
Now Foods Lemongrass Oil
If you’re interested in DIY, you can have a look at how to make lemongrass oil for hair. Easy recipes that require only a few ingredients.
Lemongrass Oil Side Effects
Lemongrass oil is generally well tolerated when applied diluted to the scalp and hair. If the formulation is too strong it might cause skin irritation so always dilute it adequately.
If you plan to use it in aromatherapy or in other ways apart from hair care, you should consult with your primary care physician before you go ahead.
More Hair Growth Resources
For more hair growth solutions, recipes, tips, tricks, and free hair growth coaching, check out the resources below.
These are comprehensive tools for recovering from hair loss, regrowing bald spots, filling in thin areas of your scalp, and the best ways to keep your hair healthy.
Lemongrass Oil for Hair FAQs
Does Lemongrass Oil Help Hair Growth?
Lemongrass oil contains potent compounds myrcene, citral, citronellal, nerol, and limonene among others that help optimize scalp health and nourish the follicles.
With a healthy scalp and nourished follicles, you can expect a better hair growth rate. Don’t forget you shouldn’t apply lemongrass oil undiluted to your hair or skin.
Does Lemongrass Oil Lighten Hair?
Lemongrass oil doesn’t lighten the hair. None of the compounds in lemongrass oil have a lightening effect on the hair.
Is Lemongrass Oil Safe for Hair?
Lemongrass oil is safe for hair and can be used diluted by most people. If you’re not sure how your scalp might react to it, you can try a patch test first.
How To Make Lemongrass Oil for Hair?
You can create your own lemongrass oil for hair with some lemongrass stalks, suitable carrier oil, and essential oils.
I share three ways to make lemongrass oil in an earlier post here – How To Make Lemongrass Oil.
What Does Lemongrass Essential Oil Blend Well With?
Lemongrass essential oil blends very well with a lot of oils. In addition to the oils I mentioned above, other oils lemongrass essential oil blends well with include:-
- Basil essential oil
- Star anise essential oil
- Black pepper essential oil
- Calendula oil
- Cedarwood essential oil
- Cranberry seed oil
- Ginger essential oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Pumpkin seed oil
- Coconut oil
What is the Difference Between Lemongrass Oil and Lemon Oil?
These are two completely different oils. While lemongrass oil is derived by steam distillation from the lemongrass plant, lemon oil is derived from lemon peels.
Lemon oil is phototoxic which means you shouldn’t expose yourself to sunlight for up to 12 hours after application on the skin while lemongrass oil is not phototoxic.
In aromatherapy, you can swap one for the other but in hair care, stick to the lemongrass oil recommendations.
Can You Ingest Lemongrass Oil?
Do not ever ingest essential oils without the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Essential oils are potent compounds that can prove toxic if ingested.
Even if you find a recipe suggesting it’s safe to ingest it, I still recommended consulting your primary care physician before you go ahead.
How To Lemongrass Oil for Scalp Inflammation & Irritation
Use this lemongrass oil recipe 2 - 3 times a week to eliminate scalp issues like irritation, inflammation, and dandruff.
Instructions
- Open the bottle and add in the rosehip oil, lavender oil, and lemongrass oil.
- Close the bottle and give it a good shake.
- Heat up a bit of water and pour in the silicone mixing bowl. Place the bottle in the hot water.
- Once hot (takes about 10 minutes), remove the bottle from the hot water and add the lemongrass oil.
- Close and shake again. Leave the bottle open until the mix has cooled down then replace the cover.
- Store in a cool place away from direct light.
Notes
- To use the scalp elixir, section your hair into 4 – 8 sections and apply the elixir directly onto your scalp. Do not saturate your scalp.
- Massage your scalp until the oil is absorbed. No need to wash it out until your next full regimen day.
- Apply 2 - 3 times a week.
References
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.
Hetile
Monday 5th of October 2015
I've been using Lemongrass in shampoo for a few months, I think my hair might be thinning out. I'm not sure if it's the lemongrass or castille soap combo maybe?
Natural Oils for Hair & Health
Thursday 8th of October 2015
Hi Hetile, thanks for visiting. Can you tell me what your hair type is? Do you protective style constantly or no? What kind of hair styles do you normally wear? Do you dilute the shampoo before use? Do you mean you put dried lemongrass in your shampoo bottle or you add it to each batch you shampoo with? That will help me to assess better if it's the lemongrass causing the thinning? You can also email me with the information at naturaloilsforhair {@} gmail {.} com.
Solape
Saturday 21st of March 2015
So how effective a preservative is it for your hair gel?
Natural Oils for Hair
Sunday 29th of March 2015
While it would make your hair gel last longer, I wouldn't call it an effective preservative long term. The best ones for that would be optiphen (sp), potassium sorbate, etc.
Korede
Friday 27th of February 2015
I have a bottle of lemongrass oil sitting on my shelf since forever. Thanks for reminding me to give it a go. Have you ever used lemongrass for hair rinses btw?
Natural Oils for Hair
Monday 9th of March 2015
Better late than never :). Yes, I've used lemongrass as a hair rinse. Check out the recipes here - https://www.naturaloilsforhair.net/2015/03/2-simple-organic-lemongrass-recipes-for-all-hair-types.html. HTH.