Does lavender prevent hair loss or is it more for maintaining healthy hair?

Lavender has been appreciated for centuries for its soothing scent and relaxing properties, but in recent years it has attracted growing interest in the world of hair care. Many people wonder if lavender essential oil can actually prevent hair loss or if it simply helps maintain healthy hair. The answer, while complex, lies in a broader understanding of what hair loss, prevention, and maintenance really mean. This article aims to offer a clear explanation, based on research and reliable sources, to clarify the possible benefits of lavender for hair.

Before discussing lavender: what do prevention, hair loss, and maintenance really mean?

To understand the potential effects of lavender, it is essential to distinguish between three key concepts related to hair: prevention, hair loss, and maintenance.

Preventing hair loss

This refers to actions or products that help avoid abnormal hair shedding before it becomes evident. It involves strengthening the hair follicle, keeping the scalp healthy, and reducing risk factors such as stress or inflammation.

Suffering from hair loss

This means that there is already a visible condition: areas of the scalp with reduced density, noticeable thinning, or bald spots. The causes may vary: from hormonal imbalances and autoimmune diseases to genetic factors or side effects of medications. In these cases, medical or dermatological intervention is required with clinically supported treatments.

Maintaining healthy hair

This refers to practices or products that don't necessarily cure or prevent hair loss but help the hair look good: shiny, strong, frizz-free, and without split ends. Maintenance includes proper hygiene, avoiding excessive heat styling, and using ingredients that enhance the overall appearance of the hair and scalp.

What is said about lavender in each of these three aspects?

Preventing hair loss

From a marketing perspective, lavender oil is often promoted as a natural product capable of “stimulating follicles” and preventing hair loss. However, when analyzing this promise more carefully, it becomes clear that most claims come from animal studies or extrapolations of its calming and antimicrobial properties.

Dermatology experts, such as those from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), point out that while essential oils may be part of a complementary routine, there is not enough clinical evidence in humans to prove that lavender effectively prevents hair loss. What is true is that by contributing to a healthier, less irritated scalp, it may create a more favorable environment for hair retention.

What does the evidence say about treating hair loss?

Hair loss requires more potent interventions. Proven treatments for different types of alopecia include minoxidil, topical or injectable corticosteroids, and, in some cases, hormonal therapies. Official clinical guidelines, such as those published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), do not include lavender oil as a first-line treatment for alopecia.

Marketing, however, may suggest otherwise. Many brands include lavender essential oil in shampoos or serums with claims like “stimulates growth” or “restores density.”

Lavender for maintaining healthy hair

This is where lavender seems to have more practical support. Thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can contribute to a balanced scalp, which indirectly supports healthy hair. Additionally, its mild aroma and relaxing effect can offer a pleasant experience when integrated into a self-care routine.

Experts agree that hair maintenance depends more on consistency and protection than on miracle ingredients. Incorporating lavender into a routine may offer cosmetic and sensory benefits: it helps soothe the scalp, has a natural fragrance, and may reduce the proliferation of unwanted microorganisms. But this should not be confused with prevention or treatment of hair loss.

What role does relaxation play in these processes?

Chronic stress has been linked to disruptions in the hair growth cycle. When exposed to high levels of anxiety, a condition called telogen effluvium may occur, where a large number of hair follicles enter a resting phase and later shed. This is where lavender enters as a potential tool for prevention.

Studies such as Kasper’s have shown that certain lavender preparations can reduce anxiety levels. By reducing stress, a more favorable hormonal and physiological environment is maintained, allowing hair to stay within its natural growth cycle. Therefore, using lavender to relax—through aromatherapy or personal care products—can be considered a preventive strategy, even if it is not a direct cure.

For maintenance, relaxation is also key. A scalp that is not constantly tense or irritated has a better chance of staying healthy. Routines that incorporate sensory elements such as essential oil massages can reinforce this aspect, making lavender a helpful option within hair self-care.

References (APA 7):

Cavanagh, H. M. A., & Wilkinson, J. M. (2002). Biological activities of lavender essential oil. Phytotherapy Research, 16(4), 301–308. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12112282/

Kasper, S., Gastpar, M., Müller, W. E., Volz, H. P., Möller, H. J., & Dienel, A. (2012). Lavender oil preparation Silexan is effective in generalized anxiety disorder—A randomized, double-blind comparison to placebo and paroxetine. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 15(3), 247–257. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21962343/

Lee, B., Shin, Y. W., Bae, E. A., Han, S. J., Kim, J. S., & Kim, D. H. (2016). Hair growth-promoting effects of lavender oil in C57BL/6 mice. Toxicological Research, 32(2), 103–108. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4843973/