DIY Hair Oil Recipes: Essential Oil Blends for Gorgeous, Healthy Hair

Beautiful, healthy hair starts with proper nourishment, and nothing delivers nutrients to hair and scalp quite like well-crafted oil treatments. While commercial hair products often contain silicones and synthetic ingredients that merely coat the hair, plant-based oils actually penetrate the hair shaft and scalp, delivering vitamins, fatty acids, and therapeutic compounds where they're needed most.

These DIY hair oil recipes combine carefully selected carrier oils with hair-enhancing essential oils to address every concern from thinning hair to frizzy curls. Whether you need a quick finishing oil or an intensive overnight treatment, these formulations help you achieve the lustrous, healthy hair you deserve.

Understanding Hair Oil Treatments

How Hair Oils Work

Penetrating benefits:

Carrier oils absorb into hair shaft
Replace lost lipids and proteins
Strengthen from within
Improve elasticity and reduce breakage

Scalp health:

Essential oils address scalp conditions
Improve circulation to follicles
Balance oil production
Create optimal growth environment

Protective benefits:

Form protective barrier on hair
Reduce moisture loss
Shield from heat and environmental damage
Smooth cuticle for shine

Hair Growth & Strengthening Oils

Hair Growth Stimulating Oil

Encourage fuller, healthier hair:

Carrier oils:

2 tablespoons castor oil
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil

Essential oils:

5 drops rosemary essential oil
4 drops peppermint essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops cedarwood essential oil

Massage into scalp 2-3 times per week. Rosemary and peppermint increase circulation.

Thinning Hair Support Oil

For those noticing hair loss:

Carrier oils:

2 tablespoons castor oil
1 tablespoon argan oil
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil

Essential oils:

5 drops rosemary essential oil
4 drops cedarwood essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops clary sage essential oil

Focus on scalp massage for 5+ minutes with each application.

Breakage Prevention Oil

Strengthen fragile hair:

Carrier oils:

2 tablespoons argan oil
1 tablespoon coconut oil (fractionated)
1 tablespoon avocado oil

Essential oils:

5 drops ylang ylang essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops geranium essential oil

Apply mid-length to ends where breakage typically occurs.

Split End Repair Oil

Seal and protect damaged ends:

Carrier oils:

2 tablespoons argan oil
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil

Essential oils:

4 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops sandalwood essential oil
2 drops geranium essential oil

Apply a small amount to ends after every wash.

Deep Conditioning Treatments

Intensive Repair Mask Oil

For severely damaged hair:

Carrier oils:

2 tablespoons coconut oil (solid or fractionated)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 teaspoon castor oil

Essential oils:

5 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops ylang ylang essential oil
3 drops rosemary essential oil

Apply generously, cover with shower cap, leave 1-4 hours or overnight.

Protein Treatment Oil

Rebuild weakened hair structure:

Carrier oils:

2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon argan oil

Essential oils:

4 drops rosemary essential oil
3 drops peppermint essential oil
2 drops tea tree essential oil

Use once weekly for protein-deficient, limp hair.

Hot Oil Treatment

Classic deep conditioning:

Carrier oils:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil

Essential oils:

5 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops rosemary essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil

Warm gently, apply to hair, wrap in warm towel for 30-60 minutes.

Scalp Health Oils

Dandruff Fighting Oil

Address flaky, itchy scalp:

Carrier oils:

2 tablespoons jojoba oil
1 tablespoon neem oil
1 tablespoon tea tree-infused oil

Essential oils:

5 drops tea tree essential oil
4 drops rosemary essential oil
3 drops peppermint essential oil
2 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Massage into scalp, leave 30 minutes, then shampoo. Use 2-3 times weekly.

Oily Scalp Balance Oil

Regulate excess sebum:

Carrier oils:

2 tablespoons jojoba oil
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil

Essential oils:

5 drops lemon essential oil
4 drops tea tree essential oil
3 drops cypress essential oil
2 drops rosemary essential oil

Apply to scalp only, not lengths. Jojoba helps regulate oil production.

Dry Scalp Relief Oil

Soothe tight, itchy scalp:

Carrier oils:

2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1 tablespoon olive oil

Essential oils:

5 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops chamomile essential oil
3 drops geranium essential oil

Deeply moisturizing for winter-dry or chronically dry scalps.

Sensitive Scalp Soother

For easily irritated scalps:

Carrier oils:

2 tablespoons jojoba oil
1 tablespoon apricot kernel oil
1 tablespoon calendula-infused oil

Essential oils:

4 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops roman chamomile essential oil

Minimal essential oils for reactive scalps.

Hair Type Specific Oils

Curly Hair Definition Oil

Enhance and define curls:

Carrier oils:

2 tablespoons argan oil
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1 tablespoon avocado oil

Essential oils:

4 drops ylang ylang essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops geranium essential oil

Apply to wet hair for defined, frizz-free curls.

Frizz Control Serum

Smooth and sleek:

Carrier oils:

2 tablespoons argan oil
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil

Essential oils:

4 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops sandalwood essential oil
2 drops ylang ylang essential oil

Use sparingly on dry or damp hair to tame flyaways.

Fine Hair Lightweight Oil

Nourish without weighing down:

Carrier oils:

2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
1 tablespoon jojoba oil

Essential oils:

3 drops rosemary essential oil
2 drops lemon essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil

Very light formula—apply just 2-3 drops to ends only.

Thick/Coarse Hair Treatment

Intensive conditioning for heavy hair:

Carrier oils:

2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon castor oil
1 tablespoon argan oil

Essential oils:

5 drops ylang ylang essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops sandalwood essential oil

Rich formula for coarse, resistant hair.

Key Carrier Oils for Hair

Argan Oil

The shine bringer:

Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids
Absorbs without heaviness
Excellent frizz control
Protects from heat
Universal hair oil

Coconut Oil

The penetrator:

Only oil proven to penetrate hair shaft
Reduces protein loss
Excellent for pre-shampoo treatment
Can be too heavy for fine hair
Best used before washing

Castor Oil

The growth supporter:

Rich in ricinoleic acid
May promote hair growth
Very thick—mix with lighter oils
Excellent for scalp massage
Good for sparse areas

Jojoba Oil

The balancer:

Similar to scalp's natural sebum
Regulates oil production
Non-greasy
Good for all hair types
Excellent base oil

Key Essential Oils for Hair

Rosemary

The growth activator:

Increases circulation to scalp
May be as effective as minoxidil
Strengthens hair
Addresses dandruff
Most studied for hair growth

Lavender

The all-rounder:

Promotes hair growth
Calming for irritated scalp
Pleasant scent
Antibacterial
Safe for most people

Peppermint

The stimulator:

Cooling sensation
Increases blood flow
May promote growth
Refreshing scent
Invigorating scalp treatment

Ylang Ylang

The conditioner:

Balances oil production
Adds shine and softness
Traditional hair oil ingredient
Exotic floral scent
Good for dry hair

Creating Your Hair Oils

Equipment

Dark glass bottle (4 oz for treatments, 2 oz for serums)
Funnel
Measuring spoons
Labels

Method

Pour carrier oils into clean bottle
Add essential oils drop by drop
Cap and shake gently to blend
Label with contents, date, and purpose
Allow 24 hours to meld before first use

Storage

Store in cool, dark place
Avoid bathroom humidity
Most blends last 6-12 months
Discard if smell changes

Application Methods

Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Apply oil to dry hair and scalp
Massage scalp 5-10 minutes
Work oil through lengths and ends
Leave 30 minutes to overnight
Shampoo twice to remove

Leave-In Styling

Apply to damp, towel-dried hair
Use 2-5 drops depending on length
Focus on mid-lengths and ends
Style as usual
Avoid roots to prevent greasiness

Scalp Massage Treatment

Apply directly to scalp sections
Massage in circular motions
Cover entire scalp
Leave 30+ minutes
Shampoo thoroughly

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I oil my hair?

For general maintenance, 1-2 times per week is ideal. For damaged hair or growth focus, increase to 2-3 times weekly. Fine hair may only need treatment once weekly.

Will hair oil make my hair greasy?

Only if you use too much or the wrong type for your hair. Fine hair needs lightweight oils (grapeseed, jojoba) in small amounts. Heavier oils work best as wash-out treatments rather than leave-ins.

Can hair oil help with hair growth?

Essential oils like rosemary and peppermint have research supporting their use for hair growth. They work by improving scalp circulation and follicle health. Results take 3-6 months of consistent use.

Should I apply oil to wet or dry hair?

For maximum penetration (pre-shampoo treatment), apply to dry hair. For styling and frizz control, apply to damp hair after washing. Both methods have benefits.

How do I wash hair oil out completely?

Shampoo twice, focusing on scalp. Some people apply shampoo to oiled hair before wetting for easier removal. Heavier oils like coconut and castor may need conditioner followed by shampoo.

Can I use these oils on color-treated hair?

Yes—plant oils are safe for colored hair and may help preserve color. Avoid using clarifying amounts of tea tree or peppermint, which could slightly fade color over time.

Last updated: December 2025. These recipes are for external use only. Perform a patch test before using new essential oils. Discontinue use if scalp irritation occurs.