The Best DIY Natural Hair Oil Blends for Winter

Coconut Oil and Lemongrass

Suneel Chilukuri, MD, FAAD, FACMS, founder and director of Refresh Dermatology, recommends a coconut oil and lemongrass combination. "The coconut oil is rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids to hydrate hair. [While] lemongrass essential oil is an anti-inflammatory agent that can help with scalp scaling that is usually found along with dry hair." Before trying this dynamic duo, Chilukuri, says less is more. "The key is to not apply too much oil. Typically a tablespoon to two tablespoons will be enough to fully treat a person’s hair."

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of coconut oil
• 3-5 drops of lemongrass essential oil

Directions:

• In a glass or plastic bowl that has a lid, combine the two ingredients, put the lid on, and stir (or shake).
• Transfer to a smaller container.

How to Use:

• This DIY hair oil works best when applied to damp or dry hair.
• Use just a tablespoon when your hair needs it.

Coconut, Jojoba, Avocado, Olive, Rosemary, and Sage

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of coconut oil
• 3 Tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup of jojoba oil
• 3 Tbsp of avocado oil
• 3-5 drops of rosemary essential oil
• 5 drops of sage oil
• 3-5 drops of fragrance oil of your choice*
• Yield: four ounces

*While a fragrance oil isn't necessary, this mixture doesn't have a distinct aroma on its own. Your favorite scented essential oil adds a personal touch to your blend, and gives you the chance to control how you want your hair to smell.

Directions:

• If your coconut oil is solidified, place the jar in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water until the oil softens.
• In a glass or plastic bowl that has a lid, combine all ingredients, put the lid on, and give it a few good shakes.
• Transfer to smaller container or emptied pump bottle.

How to Use:

• This DIY hair oil works best when applied to damp hair. It's a suitable choice for the LOC method.
• If you straighten your hair, a pea- to dime-sized amount applied to the ends of dry hair will add sheen and softness. But, as it is an oil, be mindful of not applying too much to avoid weighing down relaxed, pressed, or fine hair.
• Depending on your hair type, apply once a week up to once a day.

Peppermint and Tea Tree Oil

"As a trichologist, I do not recommend the use of tea tree in conditioners or treatments," says James. As an alternative, she recommends peppermint oil. "Peppermint oil is a really good stimulant and can be soothing on the scalp. Pine oil is another oil I use on the scalp due to its anti-fungal properties, and it's a natural disinfectant. Both help heal the scalp when its inflamed, or [has] a lot of buildup, like seborrheic dermatitis. The recipe below calls for tea tree oil, but trying pine oil comes expert recommended.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup carrier oil (coconut, sweet almond, or jojoba work great)
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil

Directions:

• If your carrier oil is solidified or too thick for your preference, place in a bowl of hot water (remember not boiling).
• Apply droplets of both peppermint oil and tea tree oil into the carrier oil and mix together.
• Allow the mixture to cool off if it's too warm.
• Use a dropper or spray tube for application.

Using a carrier oil is extremely important as pure essential oils should never be applied directly onto the skin. Tea tree oil, in particular, should always be diluted.

• How to Use:
• This oil blend is made to be used directly on the scalp.
• Apply when hair is damp or dry and massage into the scalp for a few seconds.
• If certain areas of the scalp are drier than others, apply a little extra.
• Use two to three times a week as you experience dryness.

Castor and Jojoba Oil

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup castor oil
• 1/2 cup jojoba oil

Directions:

• Mix equal parts of castor oil and jojoba oil and place into a glass bottle.
• Use a dropper to apply a few drops on your scalp and gently massage in.
• Apply on damp or dry hair.
• Use two to four times a week, depending on your hair type.
• How to Use:
• Because castor oil is thick in consistency, it should be mixed equally with a carrier oil to help it thin out. Jojoba oil is preferred here for treating dryness and breakage.
• Apply on damp or dry hair and directly onto the scalp or on split ends.
• Use at least twice a week.

For all of these oil blends, we recommend reusing emptied bottles or purchasing a glass bottle for your blend. Not only is this more eco-friendly than plastic, but amber or cobalt blue bottles are better for storage—the deep color helps prevent oxidation if the product isn't refrigerated and also doesn't hold onto any odors.