The use of natural oils to achieve thicker, healthier hair is standard in many beauty routines — but there's one soothing ingredient has an overwhelming amount of benefits: lavender oil.
It's widely agreed that lavender, which is scientifically known as lavandula angustifolia, is known to help calm the nervous system. "The effect of lavender is an instant sense of calm. The impacts of calmness in the body send signals that the body is relaxed," says certified trichologist Penny James.
However, one research study even found that lavender can help stimulate and promote hair growth.
Therefore, whether you're looking to add a new ingredient to your beauty routine or need a calming scent, lavender will transport you to floral nirvana while also ensuring your hair is in top-notch shape.
Here's what experts said and the lavender oil selections they recommend.
Does lavender oil help with hair growth?
“There is some research data in mice that suggest that lavender oil promotes an increased number of hair follicles and deepened hair follicle depth. It may also increase circulation, delivering nutrients at a faster rate to hair follicles, promoting growth,” shares dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield.
The benefits of lavender oil for your hair
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, lavender oil "has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help keep the scalp healthy and reduce issues like dandruff."
Also, lavender helps to reduce "dryness, control scalp irritation and promote circulation, which can encourage hair growth," says certified trichologist Mandy Buechner.
“It’s also used to soothe irritation, reduce breakage and add shine to dull hair,” adds Garshick.
Greenfield tells us, "Applying lavender oil produces a coat over the hair strand, which strengthens it and makes the strand less likely to break and tear."
Again, “lavender also adds a calming scent, making it great for stress relief during scalp massages,” adds Buechner. In other words, incorporating lavender oil into your scalp-massaging routine might not be a bad idea.
The best lavender oils for hair, according to experts
Soothe away: Gya Labs Lavender Oil
- Leaves hair soft
- Multipurpose
- Small bottle
Size: 0.34 oz. | Key ingredients: Lavandula angustifolia
Buechner recommends this one because it is "100% pure and steam-distilled." She says it's "great for mixing with carrier oils for scalp massages." With more than 11,000 five-star reviews, this essential oil is raved about for its potent and long-lasting formula that helps to soothe and refresh the scalp.
Daily use: Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
- Safe for all hair types
- Over 30 oils and nutrients
- May make scalp oily
Size: 4 oz. | Key ingredients: Soybean oil, castor oil, rosemary oil, jojoba oil, peppermint oil and lavandula angustifolia
Garshick recommends this one because it "contains lavender among other growth-boosting ingredients." More specifically, it combines a mixture of natural ingredients like soybean, rosemary and jojoba oil, which deliver a lightweight treatment while targeting split ends and dry scalp.
Calming deal: Maple Holistics Pure Lavender Oil Essential
- Smells very pure
- Calming effect
- Scent can be strong at first
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Lavandula officinalis
Buechner also approves this formula for its "ethically sourced and cruelty-free integration." She continues, "Plus, it blends well with other oils for deep conditioning." More than 16,000 shoppers who offered a five-star rating say they use it in aromatherapy, as a hair oil and to improve digestion.
Multipurpose: Now Essential Oils Lavender Oil
- Multipurpose use
- Smells great
- TK
Size: 4 oz. | Key ingredients: Lavandula angustifolia
Whether you need a new sleeping remedy or to soothe your dry scalp, this lavender oil is a beauty must. Buechner recommends this one for its "therapeutic-grade and versatility, for both scalp and aromatherapy use. It's budget-friendly and widely trusted for purity." She says it's "ideal for adding to DIY hair masks or conditioners."
Deeply nourished: Tea Tree Lavender Mint Nourishing Oil
- Frizz control
- Smells good
- Light consistency
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Tea tree and lavender
Greenfield opts for this affordable oil that's formulated with both lavender and mint. The formula works well on fine or coarse hair, especially for dry scalp. A little bit goes a long way and many shoppers suggest how well it works to reduce frizz.
Rooted: Oribe Bright Blonde Radiance & Repair Treatment
- Removes brassiness
- Brightens up blonde hair
- Difficult to squeeze
Size: 5.9 oz. | Key ingredients: Lavender extract
James recommends this lavender oil-infused treatment for blonde hair. It helps to brighten up the hair color and reduce dryness. "The suggested use is to dampen the hair, apply all over the hair roots to ends, leave on for a few minutes, then wash out," says James.
More products with lavender oil to shop
Improve volume: Majestic Pure 100% Pure Lavender Oil with Vitamin E
- Leaves hair soft
- Easy to use
- Thick consistency
Size: 6.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Lavender oil, vitamin E and argan oil
If you're looking for an oil that improves hair texture and adds softness, opt for this one. Many shoppers say that this formula offers a great amount of shine on dry hair and the bottle is well-designed with the applicator that targets the scalp area.
Treat wisely: Heritage Store Organic Lavender Castor Oil
- Amazing scent
- Moisturizing
- A bit heavy in texture
Size: 5.9 oz. | Key ingredients: Lavender extract
This bottle encompasses a mix of lavender and castor oil, which helps as a soothing treatment to improve dryness. Many Amazon shoppers have agreed that the smell is soothing and has many moisturizing benefits. You can use it on damp or dry hair, without worrying about the burned smell of castor oil.
Mountain glory: Allpa Botanicals Lavender Hair Oil
- Leaves hair smooth
- Reduces frizz
- Small bottle
Size: 2 oz. | Key ingredients: Lavandula
This formula is cold-pressed and hand-picked in the Andean highlands, a mountain range in South America. If you're looking to control frizz, improve hydration and boost shine, this small bottle will go a long way in your hair care routine.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best lavender oils for hair by enlisting the recommendations of board-certified dermatologists and trichologists. Additionally, we included products with lavender oil ingredients recommended by experts and those that help with hair growth.
Meet the experts
- Penny James is a certified trichologist with The International Association of Trichology (IAT). She owns the Penny James Trichology Center in New York City.
- Mandy (Mandy B. Beauty) Buechnerisa certified trichologist at Thairapy Wellness Center in Crescent City, California.
- Dr. Marisa Garshickis a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
- Dr. Nava Greenfield, MD, is a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Women’s Dermatologic Society and the American Medical Association.
