Essential oils are very effective at helping with a variety of problems and can be used before washing as part of a hot oil treatment. It is important that neat oils are not applied to the scalp, although tea tree appears to be ok for the treatment of dandruff.

All other oils should be added to 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of base oil. Most vegetable oils can be used, however jojoba oil is favoured by many aromatherapists for use on the scalp.

The following essential oils are very useful when added to a jojoba base:

  • 6 drops of rosemary and 9 drops of eucalyptus for dandruff.
  • 6 drops of sandlewood and 9 drops of rosewood for dry hair.
  • 6 drops of lavender and 9 drops of bergamot for greasy hair.

These aromatherapy hair preparations can be applied directly to wet or dry hair and massaged through the hair and scalp. Once applied they can be left on the hair for up to 5 minutes, after which the hair should be washed according to the hair type.