Eucalyptus Oil Benefits for Hair Growth and Health

Eucalyptus oil is an oil from the eucalyptus tree native to Australia. The tree is loaded full of nutrients, is a potent anti-inflammatory, contains antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. 

It is known to have overall health and wellbeing benefits including to help: 

• Relieve coughing
• Soothe headaches
• Relieve muscle aches
• Treat fungal infections

Eucalyptus oil is known to help the hair as it: 

• Stimulates hair follicles and improve overall hair health
• Promote hair growth
• Help relieve itchy scalp by hydrating it
• Relieve dandruff

Benefits for Hair Growth

While not directly linked to hair growth, because this oil can help hydrate the scalp, relieve dandruff and ultimately reduces inflammation, it is believed this oil can help create a suitable environment which helps promote hair growth. 

Benefits for Dandruff and Lice

Dandruff is a condition of the scalp which is characterised by dry, flaky skin. It is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis and can cause itchy, scaly scalp. 

As it is considered this oil contains antifungal and antibacterial properties, it could act as a natural anti-dandruff treatment. 

How to use it for hair

Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil (which is a compound extracted from plants). Because of this, they can be strong full of the natural chemicals occurring from the plant. As such it is recommended to dilute the oil into a carrier oil before applying to hair or skin. 

Hair Growth

We recommend adding it into Coconut Oil before massaging it into your scalp for half an hour, before washing out 

• 1 tablespoon of warmed, melted coconut oil
• 3-4 drops of eucalyptus oil mixed
• Take a few drops of the mix and apply to your scalp
• Massage and let rest for 30 minutes
• Wash out thoroughly using a neutral, balanced shampoo

Dandruff / Lice treatment

As noted on Cliganic, combine eucalyptus oil with water and apple cider vinegar to make a potent anti-dandruff home treatment. 

• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (with the mother)
• 4-6 drops of eucalyptus oil

Risks and precautions

Eucalyptus oil is generally safe, however because it is an essential oil direct from the plant, it can be potentially dangerous for some. 

Particularly, we do not recommend ingesting the oil directly as it can be potentially poisonous especially if consumed undiluted. 

It can also affect breathing, so is not advisable to use for people who suffer with breathing problems such as asthma or bronchitis, or for those who are younger than 15 years of age. 

Finally, this oil can cause adverse skin reactions if used on broken or damaged skin. Try using in a small patch first, or apply in a carrier oil such as almond, olive or coconut oil. And if you do develop a reaction, stop and see a dermatologist. 

Summary

While there isn’t a lot of scientific research highlighting the efficacy of eucalyptus oil and its ability to grow hair, it can help improve your hair growth if used as part of a care regime focusing on tackling underlying hair loss conditions.