Eucalyptus Oil For Hair – How To Use It And Side Effects

Eucalyptus oil is a popular essential oil used in many hair care remedies. Using eucalyptus oil for hair may stimulate new hair growth and help maintain healthy scalp and hair. Eucalyptus leaves are dried and crushed, and then distilled to prepare this oil. Discover here the many advantages of applying eucalyptus oil to your hair and how to make the most of these benefits. Keep reading.

Know Your Ingredient: Eucalyptus Oil

What Is It?
The natural oil derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, native to Australia, known for its cooling minty aroma.

What Are Its Benefits?
Has antioxidant, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, treats dandruff, and lice, and promotes hair and scalp health.

Who Can Use It?/Who can consume it
Those without digestive issues, eucalyptus allergies, and smell sensitivity can use it regularly.

How Often?
Can be used in a hair mask once a week.

Caution
Inhalation and oral consumption might cause severe allergic reactions and even lead to seizures.

Types Of Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is derived from the leaves of various trees belonging to the eucalyptus family. The different types of eucalyptus trees that the oil is derived from are:

• Eucalyptus globulus: It is one of the most common types of eucalyptus oil and is known for its strong medicinal aroma. This oil is often used for respiratory issues like cough and cold.
• Eucalyptus citriodora: It is a colorless, light yellowish oil with a lemon-like aroma and is used in home care products, air diffusers, and cleansers.
• Eucalyptus radiata: It has a fruity scent and is often used to relax the muscles. It is suitable for people with sensitive skin.
• Eucalyptus dives: This essential oil has a strong menthol aroma and is often used for its cooling effect.

Pauline Kusiima, a Youtuber, shared how she makes eucalyptus oil at home. She plucked small eucalyptus leaves, washed and sun dried them, then mixed them with aloe vera gel and olive oil and heated the blend. She adds, “ Eucalyptus oil can be made at home, if you want to fight dandruff, or itchy scalp or in case you get an aftershave rush (i).”

Eucalyptus oil provides many health benefits. But is it good for your hair? Find out in the next section.

How Is Eucalyptus Oil Good For Hair

We have briefly discussed how eucalyptus oil can be good for your hair.

1. Improves Cortex Growth: Eucalyptus extracts boost growth in the hair cortex. They also increase beta-sheets (a form of hair protein structure) in the hair (1).

2. Increases Hair Gloss: Eucalyptus extracts, with regular use, also improve hair shine and bounce (2).

3. Helps Treat Dandruff: A 2012 study showed that eucalyptus has anti-fungal properties and can be used as an anti-dandruff agent (3). The study diluted eucalyptus oil with coconut oil and used the mixture to treat dandruff.

4. Has Antioxidant And Anti-inflammatory Properties: Eucalyptus oil contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (2). The oil may fight free radical damage and premature hair graying.

According to a 2019 YouGov poll involving 12,589 adults in the United States, 29% of the respondents expressed worry about their hair turning gray. Among these individuals, 19% were males and 38% were females. Notably, a considerable proportion of respondents in the age groups of 18-24 (35%) and 45-54 (34%) expressed concern about graying hair. These individuals may benefit from adding eucalyptus oil to their hair care regime.

It also may help soothe scalp irritation and inflammation.

5. Improves Hair Quality: In another study, eucalyptus oil was used in shampoo as an antifungal agent. The oil was found to support hair nourishment  (4).

6. Promotes Scalp Health: Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties that keep the scalp clean and prevent fungal infections (4), (5).

7. Eliminates Head Lice: Eucalyptus oil, when paired with lemon tea tree oil, can be used in the treatment and prevention of head lice (6). The oil also contains terpenes that may help eliminate lice and its eggs (7), (8).

8. Helps Prevent Piedra: Eucalyptus oil acts against the fungus Trichosporon ovoides that causes piedra, a fungal hair infection characterized by nodules on the hair shaft (9).

9. Improves Hair Elasticity: Eucalyptus oil can increase hair elasticity and prevent hair from splitting at the ends (2). It prevents hair from breaking easily.

10. May Prevent Scalp Disorders: Eucalyptus oil may help treat scalp disorders like psoriasis, scalp pimples, and dry scalp. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

11. May Increase Blood Circulation: Eucalyptus oil may improve blood circulation and stimulate hair growth. However, research is limited in this regard.

12. May Boost Ceramide Production: Eucalyptus oil may also increase the production of ceramidesⁱ  XFat or lipid found in skin cells that holds the cells together and protects the skin from allergens and external aggressors. . These may prevent protein loss in the hair strands. However, more research is warranted in this aspect.

13. Eucalyptus Oil Can Be Used For Hair Growth: In a study, a formulation containing eucalyptus oil stimulated hair growth (2). The oil may also prevent dandruff and improve blood flow. Another study showed that aromatherapyⁱ  XA holistic method that involves the use of essential oils to promote health and physical and psychological well-being. using essential oils like eucalyptus might prevent hair loss, stimulate hair growth, and improve overall scalp and hair health (10).

Trivia

Eucalyptus oil has three broad uses: medicinal, industrial, and perfumery or flavoring (2).

Did You Know?

There was a belief in nineteenth-century England that eucalyptus oil had antimicrobial properties and was used to disinfect instruments in hospitals.

How To Use Eucalyptus Oil For Hair Growth

You Will Need

• Eucalyptus oil: 2 to 4 drops
• Coconut oil 2 tablespoons

Procedure

1. Warm the coconut oil a little. Ensure it is not hot.
2. Mix the warm coconut oil with the eucalyptus oil.
3. Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp.
4. Massage it into the scalp with your fingers for about 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Use a comb to spread the oil evenly over the scalp. The motion of the comb on the scalp also has a massaging effect.
6. Leave the oil blend on your hair for 45 minutes to an hour.
7. Wash it with warm water and shampoo.

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

45 minutes to an hour

How Often

Once a week until hair improvement is noticed. You can then use it once every two weeks. 

Why It Works

Coconut oil can help stimulate hair growth and improve hair texture while also protecting the hair from damage and protein loss (11). It also prevents dandruff and lice (12). Eucalyptus oil also can stimulate hair growth and improve overall scalp health (10). A mixture of these two oils may enhance long-term hair health.

We saw how to use eucalyptus oil for boosting hair health. But the natural remedies made from this oil may also cause certain adverse effects. It is better to be aware of them before you start using this herbal oil.

Side Effects Of Eucalyptus Oil For Hair

Eucalyptus oil may cause poisoning and show symptoms like vomiting, CNS depression, epigastric painⁱ  XPain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, just below the ribs, characterized by gas, bloating, or heartburn. , nauseaⁱ  XAn uneasy feeling in the stomach that causes an urge to vomit but does not always lead to vomiting. , contact dermatitisⁱ  XA condition that makes skin red, inflamed, itchy, or cracked after contact with a substance or allergen. , hypotensionⁱ  XA condition characterized by blood pressure levels below the normal range that can lead to dizziness and fainting. , and tachycardiaⁱ  XA condition that makes your heart beat faster than normal (more than 100 times per minute) (13). This oil cannot be used in its concentrated form. It has to be diluted for correct usage. Inhaling eucalyptus oil may lead to seizures. It may also cause allergic reactions and skin inflammation symptoms like redness, burning sensation, bumps, and itching.

Perform a patch test before using the oil. Dilute a drop of eucalyptus oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil. Apply the mixture to a part of the forearm or behind the neck. Check for any redness, swelling, or other reactions.

You can also dilute eucalyptus oil in other ways before using it on your hair. 

How To Dilute Eucalyptus Oil For Hair

Eucalyptus oil cannot be used directly on the hair and scalp. It needs to be diluted with a base/carrier oil. You may also use jojoba oil, castor oil, almond oil, argan oil, or olive oil. Most of these oils can penetrate the hair fibers and enhance the absorption and effectiveness of eucalyptus oil.

You may also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your conditioner or shampoo. Such a combination may also help treat dandruff.

Infographic: Top 5 Benefits Of Eucalyptus Oil For Hair

Eucalyptus oil has been used for treating a variety of conditions. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties help treat many scalp issues and offer several hair benefits. Check out the infographic below to learn about the top benefits of eucalyptus oil for hair.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does eucalyptus oil cause gray hair?

No. In fact, eucalyptus oil treats some of the causes of premature graying, like hair damage and scalp disorders, to improve overall hair and scalp health.

In addition to eucalyptus oil, what other ingredients are effective in treating dandruff?

You can use coconut oil, rosemary oil, basil oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and lemongrass oil to reduce dandruff. You can also use apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, probiotics, baking soda, onion juice, garlic, lemon juice, and fenugreek seeds.

Can I mix rosemary oil and eucalyptus oil for hair growth?

Yes, you can mix rosemary and eucalyptus oils together and apply it to your hair and scalp. Make sure you dilute both essential oils with a carrier oil, like coconut oil. After you apply the oil blend, massage it into your scalp.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Shruti ChavanMBBS

Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth's Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee member of CDSI (Cosmetic dermatologist Society of India). She is highly skilled in non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation and face lift by the use of injection treatments and lasers.   Dr. Chavan is well-versed with dermatological and aesthetic procedures. Her special...more

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Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

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Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

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