Does lavender promote hair growth or just soothe an irritated scalp?

Lavender has long been associated with relaxation, sleep, and stress relief. Its unmistakable scent appears in essential oils, creams, teas, and a wide range of wellness products. But recently it has gained popularity in the world of hair care, especially for a question that intrigues both those suffering from hair loss and those seeking to strengthen it: does lavender truly promote hair growth, or does it simply calm an irritated scalp?

Beyond the scent: what does lavender contain?

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) produces an essential oil that contains compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate. These substances have been widely studied for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. In recent years, however, some studies have suggested that they may also play a role in more complex processes, such as cell regeneration and the stimulation of hair follicles—structures responsible for hair growth.

Lavender for hair growth? What the science says

One of the most cited studies on the relationship between lavender essential oil and hair growth was published in 2016 in the journal Toxicological Research. Conducted in South Korea, the study was led by researchers from the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Kyungpook National University. In this experiment, diluted lavender essential oil was topically applied using carrier oils like jojoba and grape seed oil on C57BL/6 mice with induced hair loss. Over four weeks, the researchers monitored changes using microscopic imaging, histological skin sections, and follicle measurements. The treated mice showed significantly greater hair growth and improvements in follicle count and depth. However, while these results are encouraging, it is important to note that the study was conducted exclusively in animals, whose biological responses may differ significantly from humans, particularly in terms of skin absorption and how they metabolize essential oils.

Sensitive skin, grateful scalp: lavender as a natural soother

Another area where lavender demonstrates proven benefits is in reducing inflammation and skin irritation. In 2017, a study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine analyzed its anti-inflammatory effects in human cell cultures. Researchers exposed human keratinocytes and fibroblasts to lavender essential oil for 24 to 48 hours. To evaluate the results, they measured the production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 using immunoassays. The study found a significant decrease in these molecules, indicating a clear anti-inflammatory effect. However, since this was an in vitro study—meaning it was conducted outside the human body—its conclusions cannot be directly extrapolated to real-life use. Nevertheless, it offers a promising basis for future clinical research.

What about humans? Clinical trials still scarce

Although studies in animals and in the lab are encouraging, there are still few clinical trials directly involving humans that evaluate the use of lavender for hair growth. One of the few relevant studies was published in 1998 in the journal Archives of Dermatology. In this research, the effect of a blend of essential oils—including lavender, rosemary, thyme, and Atlas cedar—was analyzed in individuals diagnosed with alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss.

The study included 86 patients who applied the mixture with daily scalp massages over a period of seven months. Through clinical photographs and dermatological evaluations, it was observed that 44% of the group using essential oils showed noticeable improvement, compared to 15% of the control group.

However, since the treatment involved a combination of oils, it is impossible to attribute the effect solely to lavender.

Still, this study supports the idea that certain essential oils may have a real clinical impact on hair health.

Possible mechanisms: how might lavender work?

There are several hypotheses about how lavender could benefit hair growth. First, its antimicrobial properties may help keep the scalp free of infections and microorganisms that interfere with the follicle's life cycle. Second, by improving local blood microcirculation—especially when applied through massage—it facilitates the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to the follicles.

It has also been suggested that lavender could indirectly influence hair growth by reducing stress, a well-known contributor to hair loss, particularly in conditions such as telogen effluvium. Lavender, with its proven anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effect, may thus help reduce one of the underlying causes of temporary hair loss.

Beyond essential oil: common lavender-based hair care products

Lavender can be found in a wide range of hair care products that go well beyond pure essential oil. One of the most accessible options is shampoos formulated with lavender extract or essential oil in mild concentrations. These products are typically designed for sensitive scalps, with soothing formulas that can help reduce itching, redness, or flaking associated with mild seborrheic dermatitis or minor irritations.

There are also conditioners, hair masks, and serums that combine lavender with other active ingredients such as biotin, panthenol, or keratin. While lavender is mainly included in these products for its calming scent and soothing properties, some manufacturers claim additional benefits such as hair growth stimulation. However, these effects largely depend on the ingredient concentration and the formulation type.

Another popular form of use is scalp aromatherapy: some people apply a few drops of diluted lavender essential oil in carrier oils—such as coconut or almond—and use it as an overnight treatment or a pre-wash mask. This practice may provide indirect benefits by relaxing the nervous system, improving sleep quality, and reducing stress, all of which—as previously mentioned—can influence hair health.

Finally, there are scalp sprays and tonics that contain lavender in aqueous solutions, often combined with aloe vera or other botanical extracts. These products are lightweight and easy to apply daily, which can encourage consistency of use and thus enhance any cumulative benefits.

What precautions should be taken?

Lavender essential oil is generally considered safe for most people when used properly—that is, diluted and applied in small amounts. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin sensitivity. It's also important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate essential oils as medications, which means there is no strict control over their concentration or purity.

For this reason, it is recommended to always perform a patch test before use and choose oils from reputable suppliers. The undiluted use of lavender oil should never be applied directly to the scalp or to broken skin.

Conclusion: promise or placebo?

Lavender appears to have real potential both as a soothing agent for the scalp and as a possible promoter of hair growth. Research in animals and cell cultures provides a solid but limited scientific foundation due to the lack of specific clinical trials in humans. Although it cannot yet be considered a primary treatment for hair loss, its use as a complement in hair care routines seems promising and safe, provided it is used with caution and knowledge.

References

Kim, H. M., & Cho, S. H. (2016). Effects of lavender oil on hair growth in mice. Toxicological Research, 32(2), 103–108. https://doi.org/10.5487/TR.2016.32.2.103 Enlace directo: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301318959_Hair_Growth-Promoting_Effects_of_Lavender_Oil_in_C57BL6_Mice

Lee, Y. L., Wu, Y., Tsang, H. W. H., Leung, A. Y. M., & Cheung, W. M. (2011). A systematic review on the anxiolytic effects of aromatherapy in people with anxiety symptoms. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 11, 136. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-11-136 Enlace directo: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21309711/

Hay, I. C., Jamieson, M., & Ormerod, A. D. (1998). Randomized trial of aromatherapy: Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Archives of Dermatology, 134(11), 1349–1352. https://doi.org/10.1001/archderm.134.11.1349 Enlace directo: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/189618

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