DIY Hair Oil for Healthy Scalp & Hair Growth: A Simple How-To Guide

As I get ready for the transition into Spring, I’ll be embracing more natural protective hairstyles to keep my hair healthy and hydrated. I stick to what works for me, and that includes regularly oiling or greasing my scalp. I also know my hair thrives with an occasional hot oil treatment—especially now that I’m spending more time outdoors, hiking, and wearing hats and scarves that can strip away natural oils.

Healthy hair begins with a nourished scalp. One of the best ways to support scalp health and encourage hair growth is by using a DIY hair oil blend made with natural ingredients. This recipe is formulated to strengthen, hydrate, and protect your hair from root to tip, featuring nourishing oils like olive, coconut, and shea butter, along with essential oils such as rosemary, lemongrass, and peppermint.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1/2 cup Olive Oil – Rich in vitamins A, E, and antioxidants, olive oil nourishes your scalp and promotes healthy hair growth while strengthening hair strands. 

• 1/4 cup Coconut Oil – Contains medium-chain fatty acids and vitamin E to hydrate and repair hair, reduce protein loss, and help with dandruff. 

• 2 tablespoons Shea Butter Oil – Known for its ability to moisturize and repair dry, damaged hair and soothe the scalp. 

• 15 drops Rosemary Essential Oil – Improves circulation to the scalp, which can stimulate hair follicles, encouraging hair growth. 

• 10 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil – Balances scalp oils and has antibacterial properties to reduce dandruff. 

• 10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil – Stimulates blood flow, promotes healthy hair growth, and relieves scalp dryness and itchiness. 

How to Make Your DIY Hair Oil

What You'll Need:

• 1/2 cup Olive Oil

• 1/4 cup Coconut Oil (liquid or solid)

• 2 tablespoons Shea Butter Oil (liquid or solid)

• 15 drops Rosemary Essential Oil

• 10 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil

• 10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

• 8-ounce glass dropper bottle or plastic bottle. I'm on a budget so I found a food grade 8-ounce plastic squeeze bottle at Dollar General for $1.25.

Instructions:

1. Melt the Coconut Oil & Shea Butter:

   • To melt the coconut oil and shea butter oil, place them in a heat-safe bowl and set the bowl in a larger bowl filled with hot water (double boiler method). The heat from the water will gently melt the oils without compromising their integrity. Stir occasionally until melted.

2. Combine Oils:

   • In a clean, dry mixing bowl, add the olive oil, melted coconut oil, and melted shea butter oil. Stir well to combine.

3. Add Essential Oils:

   • Add the rosemary, lemongrass, and peppermint essential oils. Stir until all the oils are fully blended.

4. Transfer to Bottle:

   • Carefully pour the mixed oils into an 8-ounce glass dropper, plastic bottle, or other airtight container of your choice.

5. Shake Before Use:

   • Give your bottle a gentle shake before each use to ensure the oils mix properly (essential oils can sometimes separate from carrier oils).

How to Apply Your DIY Hair Oil

1. Massage into Your Scalp (Oil your scalp, it's ok):

   • Using the dropper or squeeze tip, apply the oil directly to your scalp, sectioning your hair if necessary. Gently massage it in with your fingertips for 5-10 minutes to stimulate blood circulation.

2. Use as a Hot Oil Treatment(Make sure oil isn't scalding hot, don't burn you or your scalp!):

   • Apply to the scalp, run your fingers through your hair to distribute the oil from root to tip.

   •  Leave the oil on for 30 minutes with a shower cap or plastic cap. 

   • Rinse & Shampoo: Wash your hair with a shampoo to remove excess oil. You may need to shampoo twice to fully cleanse your hair. Condition as usual.

Benefits of Each Ingredient

• Olive Oil: Provides deep nourishment, promotes hair growth, and adds shine while strengthening hair strands.

• Coconut Oil: Hydrates, prevents protein loss, repairs damage, and reduces dandruff.

• Shea Butter Oil: Conditions and repairs dry, damaged hair, and helps soothe itchy or irritated scalps.

• Rosemary Essential Oil: Improves circulation to the scalp, stimulating hair follicles and promoting hair growth.

• Lemongrass Essential Oil: Balances scalp oil production, reduces dandruff, and strengthens hair.

• Peppermint Essential Oil: Stimulates blood flow to the scalp and helps relieve dryness, itchiness, and irritation.

Where to Find the Ingredients

• Olive Oil & Coconut Oil: These are available at any grocery store, health food stores, or Amazon.

• Shea Butter Oil: Look for this at natural beauty stores, your local African retailers, Amazon, or Etsy.

• Essential Oils (Rosemary, Lemongrass, Peppermint): Purchase these from health food stores, Amazon, or Etsy. Be sure to choose pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils.

• Glass Dropper Bottle: You can find these bottles at Amazon, Etsy, or craft stores like Michaels.

Tips for Success

• Consistency is Key: For best results, apply this oil blend at least 1-2 times a week.

• Patch Test: If you have sensitive skin, perform a patch test on a small area of skin to make sure you’re not allergic to any ingredients.

• Store Properly: Keep your hair oil in a cool, dark place to prevent the oils from oxidizing and losing their effectiveness. Should keep for 6 months.

This DIY hair oil is packed with nourishing ingredients that will support a healthy scalp, promote hair growth, and leave your hair feeling soft and shiny. Plus, it’s an affordable and natural alternative to commercial hair treatments. 

Treat your hair to this DIY oil blend, and let me know how it works for you! Have you tried any of these oils before? What are your go-to ingredients for healthy hair? Share your tips in the comments below! 

Disclaimer: The Butta Guru and Herbal Influences cannot give personal advice about an individual's medical condition. Statements are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You are strongly encouraged to consult your medical adviser with questions about using natural products or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.