In this article, I break down the benefits of arnica oil for hair, using arnica oil for hair regrowth, and best arnica oil beauty uses.

Arnica oil replenishes lost moisture in the hair, helps eliminate hair loss related to scalp issues, and stimulates hair follicles.

Arnica oil also adds volume and shine to hair and may prevent premature graying.

The arnica flower is a plant from the same family as the sunflower. It grows mostly in parts of North America and Eurasia.

Arnica is aka mountain tobacco, mountain daisy, leopard’s bane, and wolfsbane.

Arnica has been used in homeopathic medicine for centuries for the treatment of skin and certain health conditions.

However, there is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of these treatments.

What is Arnica Oil?

Arnica oil is an infusion prepared from the extracts of arnica flowers. The extracts are infused with a suitable carrier oil. The resultant arnica oil is yellow with an aromatic smell.

A future article will share a fantastic DIY arnica oil if you’re keen to make it at home.

Otherwise, I have made recommendations for already prepared arnica oil below.

Pure arnica oil is also available. This is made from the same flowers but via steam distillation or CO2 extraction. Arnica essential oil can be very potent.

Is Arnica Oil Good for Hair?

Arnica oil is very good for hair. It contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help eliminate issues on the scalp causing dryness and hair growth issues.

Additionally, arnica hair promotes shine in dry and dull hair. The key is infusing arnica flowers with the right carrier oil!

Arnica Oil Benefits for Hair

Arnica Oil Eliminates Scalp Issues

As mentioned above, the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in arnica oil help eliminate scalp issues when used as a scalp massage oil.

The antibacterial thymol is especially beneficial for eliminating scalp issues.

Some of these scalp issues include dandruff, dryness, irritation, and inflammation. Arnica oil also controls excess sebum production on the scalp.

Arnica Oil Prevents Premature Graying

I’m not entirely sure about this benefit but there have been claims that arnica oil can prevent premature graying.

It is entirely possible that the high essential fatty acids content may have something to do with this benefit.

Nevertheless, it can’t hurt if this is an additional benefit while using arnica oil as a scalp massage oil.

You should also keep in mind that gray hair is mostly based on genetics and your environment.

Arnica Oil Guards Against Split Ends

You may have read somewhere that arnica oil can heal split ends. That is not true. You cannot heal split ends. You have to trim them off.

However, arnica oil can nourish and strengthen the hair strands and guard against split ends occurring.

Arnica Oil Nourishes and Promotes Shine

Arnica oil contains significant amounts of palmitic, linolenic, linoleic, and myristic acids.

These are essential fatty that provides nourishment and improves shine over time.

Arnica oil is also very good on the skin. For more on using arnica oil for skin, read Relieve Pain, Bruises & Inflammation with the Strength of Arnica Oil.

How To Use Arnica Oil for Hair

There are various ways to use arnica oil for hair but the best and most effective way is as a scalp massage oil.

The scalp massage oil recipe shared below can also be used as a hair treatment oil prior to shampooing and deep conditioning.

Arnica Oil Scalp Massage Recipe

For this recipe, you will need arnica oil, sesame seed oil, calendula oil, peppermint essential oil, and grapeseed oil.

You can switch grapeseed oil with coconut oil if you prefer.

Open an 8 oz dark squeeze cap bottle like this one and measure in 1 teaspoon of arnica oil.

Add 2 tablespoons of sesame seed oil and calendula oil then fill up the bottle the rest of the way with grapeseed oil or coconut oil.

Add 5 drops of peppermint essential oil. Close the bottle and shake thoroughly.

How to Use

On regimen day, apply the arnica oil mix sparingly to your scalp thoroughly using this method.
Afterward, work the excess oil into your hair strands from root to tip. Twist and pin up. Cover with a disposable cap and tie down with a scarf and leave on for 20 minutes. Do not leave it on for longer.
After 20 minutes, wash out with a moisturizing shampoo followed by a deep conditioning session.

Due to the potency of arnica oil, I would not recommend leaving it in your hair overnight.

If you want an overnight scalp massage oil, there are more suitable recommendations at 8 Step for An Effective Scalp Massage.

Other essential oils you can use in this recipe include rosemary essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, and tea tree essential oil.

Does Arnica Oil Regrow Hair?

So, there are a lot of claims that arnica oil promotes hair growth but not exactly in the way you think.

Arnica oil eliminates scalp issues that stymie hair growth, create a healthy scalp environment, and stimulates the hair follicles.

When these three things take place, your scalp is optimized for optimal hair growth provided you continue practicing other healthy hair care practices.

Even if arnica oil stimulates hair follicles, you still need to keep the hair on your head for length to show over time.

Where to Buy Arnica Oil?

You can find authentic arnica oil online on Amazon HERE. I have also made my top arnica oil recommendations below.

Nature’s Brand is an infused oil while Deve Herbes is pure arnica oil.

Herbal Choice Mari Organic Arnica Oil

Deve Herbes Pure Arnica Oil

If you live outside Amazon shipping areas, you can order arnica oil on iHerb.

iHerb offers worldwide shipping plus free shipping on orders over $40. Learn more HERE.

Arnica Oil Side Effects

There are potentially serious side effects associated with including arnica oil in your hair care regimen.

There are toxic elements in arnica oil that can cause skin irritation and swelling, headaches, hives, and inflamed sinuses.

Additionally, avoid arnica oil if you’re allergic to sunflowers, marigolds, ragweed, or other plants from the sunflower family.

If you are on prescribed medication, are pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should check with your primary care physician before you include arnica oil in your hair care regimen.

Arnica Montana Warning

A species of the arnica flower known as Arnica Montana contains a toxin, helenalin.

This makes the plant poisonous when ingested and can also cause skin irritation. This species is native to Europe.

The Arnica Montana is classified as an unsafe herb by the FDA. DO NOT ingest this herb!

Topical application in minor amounts is fine but conduct a patch test before you apply it topically.

Popular Arnica Beauty Products

Agraria Lemon Verbena Yarrow + Arnica Body Lotion

Maya Chia The Highlight of the Day Illuminating Body Serum

Can You Use Arnica Oil Daily?

I do not recommend using pure arnica oil every day as it’s quite potent and overuse can cause skin irritation.

If it’s part of a DIY mix such as above, you still shouldn’t use it every day unless you plan to wash your hair every day or every few days which is a big no-no.

For commercial brand arnica oil products, stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Arnica Oil for Scalp Recipe

Yield: 1 bottle

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty: Simple

This excellent arnica oil recipe can be used for a scalp massage treatment to help treat scalp issues such as dandruff, itchiness, and inflammation.

Materials

Tools

Instructions

Open the bottle and measure in the arnica oil, sesame seed oil, calendula oil, grapeseed oil or coconut oil, and peppermint essential oil.
Close the bottle and shake thoroughly.
Store the oil in a cool area away from sunlight.

How to Use

On regimen day, massage the arnica oil mix into your scalp thoroughly using the scalp massage method here.
Afterward, work the excess oil into your hair strands from root to tip in sections. Twist each section and pin up then cover with a disposable cap.
Tie down with a scarf and leave it on for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, shampoo and deep condition your hair.

Notes

Do not leave the arnica oil mix in your hair for longer than 20 minutes.
Apply the arnica oil mix to your hair in sections to prevent tangling.
Do not ingest arnica oil under any circumstances.

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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…

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