Frankincense Oil for Hair: Benefits & Uses for Healthy Hair

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Frankincense oil, derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, has been traditionally used for various health and beauty purposes1,2.

For hair, it offers benefits such as promoting hair growth, reducing dandruff, working against scalp infection, soothing irritation and strengthening hair follicles. Add a few drops to a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) and massage into the scalp to experience its advantages3.

Frankincense oil for hair massage

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to use frankincense essential oil for hair care! You may have heard of essential oils and their benefits for skin and hair, but did you know that frankincense essential oil is a secret weapon for maintaining healthy hair and preventing hair loss?

Derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, frankincense essential oil has been used for centuries for its therapeutic properties due to its powerful chemical composition. This essential oil can be used in a variety of ways to improve the look and feel of your hair, while also providing other health benefits.

Check here over 100 DIY skincare recipes with frankincense oil, for all skin types, conditions and more.

In this article, we will explore the various benefits of using frankincense essential oil for hair, including how it can help reduce dandruff, soothe scalp irritation, and promote hair growth. We will also share some tips on how to use frankincense essential oil in your hair care routine, such as mixing a few drops of frankincense essential oil with carrier oils like almond oil or lavender oil to massage the oil into your scalp.

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and circulation-boosting properties, frankincense essential oil may help calm the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. It also has the potential to reduce premature aging and even inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Read on to learn more about how you can incorporate frankincense essential oil into your hair care regimen and experience its many benefits for yourself.

Benefits of Frankincense Oil for Hair

Frankincense essential oil offers a variety of benefits for both scalp and hair health4.

Let’s look into the main advantages of incorporating this powerful oil into your hair care routine.

1. Promotes Hair Growth

The oil is effective in stimulating hair follicles, which can help to promote healthy hair growth. By improving blood circulation to the scalp, it provides the necessary nutrients to the hair follicles and supports the growth of new hair. When massaging the oil on the scalp, use your fingertips to gently work the oil into your entire scalp for the best results.

2. Reduces Dandruff and Soothes Scalp Irritation

The oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help soothe dry skin, reducing the appearance of dandruff and other scalp irritations. Frankincense essential oil also helps balance the production of sebum, which can prevent excess oil buildup and minimize flakiness. By taking care of our scalp with plant oils like frankincense, we create a healthier environment for hair growth.

3. Strengthens Hair Follicles

Frankincense essential oil benefits extend to the hair itself, as it strengthens hair follicles and helps to prevent breakage. The oil is often used in combination with other essential oils and carrier oils, such as coconut oil or jojoba and frankincense oil, to nourish and protect the hair shaft. This results in thicker, more resilient hair that is less prone to damage.

4. Adds Shine and Smoothness to Hair

The moisturizing and nourishing properties of frankincense essential oil can make your hair look and feel softer, smoother, and shinier. By using the oil on your hair, you can help to repair damaged skin cells and improve the overall appearance of your hair. The oil is also effective in reducing frizz, making it a perfect addition to your hair care regimen.

Incorporating frankincense essential oil into your hair care routine can prove to be useful in many ways. From promoting hair growth to reducing dandruff and soothing scalp irritation, this versatile oil can help you achieve a healthier scalp and more beautiful hair. Give it a try by gently massaging the oil into your scalp before shampooing your hair, and see the benefits for yourself!

How to Use Frankincense Oil for Hair

Frankincense essential oil is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various ways to improve the health and appearance of your hair. Below, we provide comprehensive and detailed information on how to effectively use frankincense oil for hair care, including scalp massages, adding it to hair care products, and creating a DIY hair treatment.

1. Incorporating it into a Scalp Massage

One of the best ways to use frankincense oil for hair is by incorporating it into a scalp massage. The oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can help soothe the skin on your head and promote a healthy scalp environment.

  1. Choose a carrier oil: Frankincense essential oil should be diluted with a carrier oil before applying it to your scalp. Some popular carrier oils for scalp massages include coconut oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil. These natural oils help to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the scalp.
  2. Dilute the essential oil: Mix a few drops of frankincense essential oil with your chosen carrier oil. A general guideline is to use 2-3 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil.
  3. Part your hair: To ensure even distribution, part your hair into sections before applying the oil mixture to your scalp.
  4. Apply the oil: Using your fingertips, gently massage the diluted frankincense oil into your scalp. Focus on areas with dry skin, irritation, or hair loss. The massaging action will help improve blood circulation and stimulate the growth of collagen, which is essential for healthy hair growth.
  5. Leave the oil in: Allow the oil mixture to sit on your scalp for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum benefits. This will give the oil enough time to penetrate the scalp and work its magic.
  6. Shampoo and condition: After the oil has had time to absorb, shampoo your hair to remove any extra oil, then condition as usual. Reducing your daily shampooing can help maintain the natural oils in your scalp and hair, keeping them healthy and nourished.

How often and for how long:

For incorporating frankincense oil into a scalp massage, it is generally recommended to do it 2-3 times per week. The duration for which you should continue the scalp massages depends on your individual hair goals and needs. Some people may see improvements within a few weeks, while others might take several months to notice significant changes. To maintain the benefits, it’s a good idea to continue using frankincense oil for scalp massages indefinitely, making it a regular part of your hair care routine.

2. Adding it to Hair Care Products

Frankincense oil can also be added to your existing hair care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks. This is an easy way to incorporate the oil’s benefits into your regular hair care routine.

  1. Choose a product: Select a hair care product that you use regularly, such as your shampoo or conditioner.
  2. Add the oil: Mix a few drops of frankincense essential oil into the product. Use about 2-3 drops per ounce of product.
  3. Apply as usual: Use the product as you normally would, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

How often and for how long:

When adding frankincense oil to your hair care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks, you can use them as often as you normally would in your regular hair care routine. Generally, this would mean shampooing and conditioning every 2-3 days, or according to your hair type and personal preferences. Hair masks are typically used once a week or once every two weeks, depending on the specific product and your hair’s needs.

To maintain the benefits of using frankincense oil in your hair care products, it’s important to continue using these products consistently for the long term. As with the scalp massage, the duration depends on your individual hair goals and needs. Some people may see improvements within a few weeks, while others might take several months. To keep enjoying the benefits, it’s recommended to keep using frankincense oil-infused hair care products indefinitely as a part of your regular hair care routine.

3. Creating a DIY Hair Treatment

Another way to harness the power of frankincense essential oil for hair is by creating a DIY hair treatment. This can be a fun and effective way to provide your hair with the nutrients it needs.

  1. Gather your ingredients: Choose other beneficial ingredients to mix with frankincense essential oil, such as avocado, honey, or yogurt.
  2. Create the mixture: Combine the ingredients in a bowl, adding a few drops of frankincense essential oil. Mix until you achieve a smooth consistency.
  3. Apply the treatment: Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the scalp and working your way down to the ends. Leave the treatment on for at least 20-30 minutes.
  4. Rinse and style: Rinse the hair treatment out thoroughly, then shampoo and condition as usual. Style your hair as desired.

How often and for how long:

When creating a DIY hair treatment with frankincense oil, you can use it once a week or once every two weeks, depending on your hair type, needs, and personal preferences. Since DIY hair treatments typically provide deeper nourishment and repair, they are often used less frequently compared to regular hair care products like shampoos and conditioners.

The duration for which you should continue using DIY hair treatments with frankincense oil depends on your individual hair goals and needs. Some people may see improvements within a few weeks, while others might take several months to notice significant changes. To maintain the benefits, it’s a good idea to continue using frankincense oil in your DIY hair treatments indefinitely, making it a regular part of your hair care routine. As your hair improves, you may choose to adjust the frequency of treatments or experiment with different formulations to suit your evolving hair needs.

By following these easy-to-understand steps, you can effectively use frankincense oil to improve the health and appearance of your hair. This versatile oil offers numerous benefits for your scalp and hair, making it a valuable addition to your hair care routine.

Experiment with these different methods of using frankincense essential oil to find the one that works best for you. Whether you choose to massage it into your scalp, add it to your favorite hair care products, or create a DIY hair treatment, you’ll soon experience the positive effects this oil can have on your hair.

Remember that consistency is key when using natural remedies like frankincense oil. Be patient, and give the oil time to work its magic. With regular use, you’ll soon notice improvements in the look and feel of your hair, as well as a healthier scalp environment that promotes hair growth and reduces common issues like dandruff and irritation.

Embrace the history and healing properties of frankincense essential oil, and let it help you achieve the beautiful, healthy hair you’ve always wanted.

Expected Timeline for Hair Improvements with Frankincense Oil

The timeline for seeing changes in your hair can vary depending on individual factors, such as your hair type, current hair and scalp condition, and the frequency of using frankincense oil treatments. However, here is a general guideline for when you can expect to see improvements:

  1. Hair growth: Hair growth typically occurs at a rate of about 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) per month, or about 6 inches (15 cm) per year. When using frankincense oil regularly, you might start noticing a difference in hair growth within 2-3 months. Keep in mind that individual results may vary, and some people may experience changes sooner or later than others.
  2. Dandruff: For dandruff issues, you may see improvements within a few weeks of consistent use. However, it’s essential to maintain a consistent hair care routine that includes using frankincense oil to keep dandruff at bay.
  3. Scalp irritation: Scalp irritation may improve within a few days to a week after using frankincense oil, depending on the severity of the irritation. Consistent use can help prevent future irritation and maintain a healthy scalp environment.
  4. Stronger hair follicles: Strengthening hair follicles is a gradual process that can take several weeks to months. With consistent use of frankincense oil, you may notice less hair breakage and improved hair thickness after 2-3 months.
  5. Shine: Adding shine to your hair may be noticeable within a few days to a week after incorporating frankincense oil into your hair care routine. However, maintaining the shine will require ongoing use of the oil.
  6. Smoothness: You may begin to notice smoother hair within a few days to a week after using frankincense oil, especially when used as a part of a hair mask or conditioner. To maintain smoothness, continue incorporating the oil into your hair care routine.

Here’s a helpful table:

Hair ImprovementExpected Timeline
Hair GrowthSeveral weeks to months
Dandruff ReductionA few weeks
Scalp Irritation ReliefA few days to weeks
Stronger Hair FolliclesSeveral weeks to months
Increased ShineA few weeks
Enhanced SmoothnessA few weeks

Remember, individual results can vary, and it’s essential to be patient and consistent with your hair care routine. The key to seeing improvements is to regularly use frankincense oil and give it time to work its magic on your hair and scalp.

Safety Precautions and Considerations

While frankincense essential oil is beneficial for hair and skin care, it’s important to follow safety precautions to avoid any adverse reactions. In this section, we’ll discuss proper dilution, the importance of a patch test, and special considerations for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

1. Proper Dilution with Carrier Oils

Essential oils, including frankincense, are highly concentrated and should always be diluted with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin or scalp. Some popular carrier oils that mix well with frankincense essential oil include jojoba oil, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil. These natural oils not only help dilute the essential oil but also provide additional benefits to your hair and skin.

A general guideline for dilution is to use 2-3 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil. This will ensure that the frankincense essential oil is effective without causing skin irritation or damage.

2. Patch Test for Allergic Reactions

Before using frankincense essential oil on your scalp or skin, it’s crucial to perform a patch test to check for any potential allergic reactions. To do this:

  1. Dilute a few drops of frankincense essential oil with your chosen carrier oil, following the dilution guidelines mentioned above.
  2. Apply a small amount of the diluted oil to a discreet area of your skin, such as the inside of your wrist or elbow.
  3. Wait for 24 hours and observe the area for any signs of redness, itching, or irritation.

If you notice any adverse reactions, discontinue use of the oil. If there are no signs of irritation, you can safely proceed with using frankincense essential oil in your hair care routine.

3. Precautions for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Although frankincense essential oil is generally considered safe for most people, pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution when using essential oils. Some compounds in frankincense oil can potentially cause contractions or affect hormone levels.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before using frankincense essential oil or any other essential oils. They can provide personalized guidance based on your individual needs and circumstances.

By following these safety precautions and considerations, you can ensure that you’re using frankincense essential oil safely and effectively. This ancient oil, mentioned in the Bible and extracted from the Boswellia tree, has a long history of providing numerous benefits for hair and skin care. By incorporating it into your routine with care, you’ll soon experience the soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties that frankincense essential oil has to offer.

Popular Essential Oils for Hair Care and Their Benefits

Creating a definitive ranking of essential oils for hair can be challenging, as their benefits may vary depending on individual hair types, needs, and preferences. However, here’s a list of some essential oils that are commonly used for hair care, with frankincense included.

The list is not strictly ordered by effectiveness, but it does give you an idea of where frankincense sits among other popular essential oils for hair care.

Essential OilPrimary Hair Benefits
LavenderPromotes hair growth, soothes scalp, adds shine
RosemaryStimulates hair growth, reduces dandruff, strengthens hair
PeppermintIncreases circulation, promotes hair growth, relieves itching
Tea TreeAntifungal, treats dandruff, soothes scalp
CedarwoodStimulates hair growth, balances oil production
Clary SageSupports hair growth, balances scalp oils, adds shine
FrankincensePromotes hair growth, reduces dandruff, strengthens hair
Ylang YlangBalances oil production, promotes hair growth, adds shine
ThymeStimulates hair growth, fights hair loss, treats dandruff
LemongrassReduces dandruff, adds shine, strengthens hair follicles
GeraniumBalances oil production, strengthens hair, adds shine
BergamotSoothes scalp, adds shine, promotes hair growth
ChamomileSoothes scalp, conditions hair, adds shine
Juniper BerryPromotes hair growth, reduces dandruff, balances oily scalp
PatchouliReduces dandruff, soothes scalp, balances oil production

Remember that individual results may vary, and combining these essential oils with carrier oils or other hair care products can enhance their effectiveness.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive and engaging article, we’ve explored the numerous benefits and uses of frankincense essential oil for hair care. With its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing properties, this versatile oil can help improve the health and appearance of your hair and scalp.

We’ve discussed the various ways to incorporate frankincense oil into your hair care routine, such as through scalp massages, adding it to existing hair care products, and creating DIY hair treatments. By following the proper dilution guidelines, performing a patch test, and considering any special circumstances like pregnancy or breastfeeding, you can safely and effectively use this ancient oil for your hair.

Frankincense essential oil, extracted from the Boswellia tree, has a rich history of use in skin and hair care. By including this powerful oil in your routine, you’ll soon experience the benefits it offers, such as promoting hair growth, reducing dandruff, strengthening hair follicles, and adding shine and smoothness to your hair.

We encourage you to experiment with the different ways of using frankincense essential oil for hair care and discover how it can help you achieve healthier, more vibrant hair. Remember to be patient, as natural remedies may take time to show results. With consistent use, you’ll soon notice the improvements in the look and feel of your hair, and enjoy the lasting benefits of this remarkable oil.

FAQs

Is frankincense good for hair growth?

Yes, frankincense essential oil is good for hair growth. Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help create a healthy scalp environment, promoting hair growth. Additionally, it stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, nourishing hair follicles and encouraging growth.

How to use frankincense oil for hair growth

To use frankincense oil for hair growth, dilute it with a carrier oil (such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, or grapeseed oil) and massage the mixture gently into your scalp using your fingertips. This helps stimulate blood circulation, nourishing the hair follicles and promoting growth. You can also add a few drops of frankincense oil to your shampoo, conditioner, or hair masks for added benefits.

What about frankincense and myrrh for hair growth?

Both frankincense and myrrh essential oils have been known for their hair growth-promoting properties. Their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities help create a healthy scalp environment, which in turn, supports hair growth. You can mix frankincense and myrrh with a carrier oil and massage it into your scalp, or add a few drops of each oil to your hair care products for optimal results.

Why put frankincense on crown of head?

Applying frankincense oil to the crown of the head is believed to have calming and soothing effects on the mind and body. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help alleviate any scalp irritation or inflammation, contributing to overall hair health. Additionally, massaging frankincense oil into the crown of your head helps stimulate blood circulation, further promoting hair growth and scalp health.

References

  1. Han X, Rodriguez D, Parker TL. Biological activities of frankincense essential oil in human dermal fibroblasts. Biochim Open [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2023 May 7]; 4:31–5. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5801908/.
  2. Hamidpour R, Hamidpour S, Hamidpour M, Shahlari M. Frankincense (乳香 Rǔ Xiāng; Boswellia Species): From the Selection of Traditional Applications to the Novel Phytotherapy for the Prevention and Treatment of Serious Diseases. J Tradit Complement Med [Internet]. 2013 [cited 2023 May 7]; 3(4):221–6. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3924999/.
  3. Sadhasivam S, Palanivel S, Ghosh S. Synergistic antimicrobial activity of Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. (Burseraceae) essential oil with various azoles against pathogens associated with skin, scalp and nail infections. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2016; 63(6):495–501.
  4. Saxena S, Uniyal V, Bhatt RP. Inhibitory effect of essential oils against Trichosporon ovoides causing Piedra Hair Infection. Braz J Microbiol. 2012; 43(4):1347–54.

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