Is lavender effective for hormonal hair loss or just stress?

The charm of lavender: just a stress reliever?

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the most widely used aromatic plants in the world, especially in essential oils. Its popularity goes beyond its fragrance. For years, it has been attributed with calming and anxiolytic effects, and more recently, properties that could impact hair growth. In this article, we analyze whether lavender has a real effect on hormonal hair loss or if its role is limited to relieving stress, an indirect factor that can also affect hair health.

The link between stress, hormones, and hair loss

Before discussing lavender in depth, it’s important to understand the different types of hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as hormonal hair loss, is related to an imbalance in sex hormones, especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent form of testosterone. This type of hair loss is progressive and typically appears in specific patterns, such as receding hairlines in men and diffuse thinning in women.

On the other hand, stress can trigger telogen effluvium, a type of temporary hair loss that occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase simultaneously.

Although stress does not directly alter sex hormone levels, it can increase cortisol production (the stress hormone), which in turn affects scalp health.

This is where lavender comes into play. Its reputation as a relaxant could indirectly improve hair health by reducing stress. But can it go further and act directly on hormonal alopecia?

Lavender essential oil: what science says about hair growth

One of the most cited studies on lavender and hair growth was published in 2016 in the journal Toxicological Research (Choi et al.). The study was conducted in mice over a period of four weeks. Researchers divided the mice into five groups, including a control group, one treated with jojoba oil, another with minoxidil (a recognized treatment for alopecia), and two with different concentrations of lavender essential oil.

The results showed that mice treated with lavender oil exhibited significant hair growth, comparable to the group treated with minoxidil. Evaluation methods included visual inspection and microscopic measurements of hair density and follicle depth.

However, this study has important limitations.

First, it was conducted in C57BL/6 mice, which represents a major limitation because animal models do not always accurately reflect human physiological responses.

Although these mice are commonly used in dermatological studies, their metabolism, scalp structure, and hormonal response differ significantly from those of humans. Second, the experimental environment was highly controlled: topical applications were performed once a day, five times a week, for four weeks, which does not reflect typical home use.

In other words, the consistency, quantity, and application method were much more intensive than what is found in commercial products such as shampoos or tonics that contain lavender in minimal concentrations.

Moreover, the study evaluated results visually and through microscopy but did not include a molecular investigation of the mechanism by which lavender might stimulate hair growth.

For example, it did not analyze whether there were changes in gene expression related to the hair cycle, nor did it investigate hormonal or enzymatic pathways involved in follicle regeneration.

This lack of analysis leaves open the possibility that the observed effect is related to anti-inflammatory action or improved circulation, but does not demonstrate it. Therefore, while the observed growth is promising, the study lacks the depth needed to establish causality or specific mechanisms of action.

In the authors’ own words: "Further investigations with more detailed molecular mechanisms and longer experimental periods should be performed to clarify the effect of lavender oil on hair growth." (Choi et al., 2016, p. 107).

Lavender and hormones: ally or disruptor?

Another point of discussion is whether lavender has any effect on sex hormones involved in androgenetic alopecia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned since 2007 about isolated cases of boys developing gynecomastia (breast tissue growth in males) after using topical products containing lavender and tea tree oil. The study by Henley et al., published in The New England Journal of Medicine (2007), analyzed three clinical cases in prepubescent boys.

The in vitro (lab-based) analysis showed that both lavender and tea tree oils had estrogenic activity (i.e., mimicked the action of estrogen) and blocked androgen action (male hormones such as testosterone). While this effect might be beneficial in cases of androgenetic alopecia (by reducing the effect of DHT), it also poses a risk if the overall hormonal balance is disrupted, especially in children or individuals with sensitive hormonal conditions.

It should be noted that this study was not a controlled clinical trial, but an observation of cases. The authors recommended further research before drawing definitive conclusions.

To date, no extensive clinical trials have evaluated the impact of lavender oil on sex hormones in adults.

Lavender for stress: solid evidence

Where lavender has shown the most effectiveness is in reducing stress and anxiety—factors that can indirectly affect hair health. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (the most rigorous type of clinical research) was published in 2012 in Phytomedicine. In it, 221 patients with generalized anxiety disorder were treated with an oral preparation of lavender essential oil (Silexan®) for 10 weeks.

Evaluation was carried out using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and results showed a significant reduction in symptoms. Researchers concluded that lavender was as effective as paroxetine, a common anxiolytic drug, but without serious side effects. Although the study did not focus on hair growth, it is reasonable to think that reducing stress could help mitigate telogen effluvium associated with prolonged anxiety episodes.

This leads us to another question,

Direct vs. indirect treatments: marketing rarely clarifies

One reason why lavender is increasingly appearing in hair care products is its image of naturalness and safety, reinforced by ancestral use and a pleasant scent.

However, marketing often does not distinguish between its indirect effect (as a relaxant that reduces stress) and a possible direct effect on hair follicles. This confusion can lead to unrealistic expectations.

Direct treatments for hormonal hair loss, such as minoxidil or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride), act on the scalp or on the hormonal metabolism directly involved in androgenetic alopecia. These products have been widely studied in controlled clinical trials with human populations, over long periods, and have demonstrated proven efficacy according to international medical standards.

In contrast, indirect treatments, such as natural relaxants, adaptogens, or meditation techniques, do not alter the hormonal processes responsible for hair loss, but they can reduce factors that worsen the problem, such as chronic stress. Lavender, then, falls into this category, even though some animal studies attempt to suggest a direct effect.

The popularity of lavender-containing products is partly due to their versatility, accessibility, and attractive marketing. Many shampoos, tonics, and masks include essential oils in very low concentrations—insufficient to generate a therapeutic effect directly on the follicles.

But the language used in labels and campaigns can lead consumers to believe that simply using lavender will solve all types of hair loss, which lacks solid scientific support in humans to date.

So, is lavender effective for hormonal hair loss?

Current evidence suggests that lavender may have a complementary role in hair care, especially in cases of hair loss associated with stress. As for hormonal hair loss, data are very limited and inconclusive. Animal studies show some potential, but they have not been replicated in humans with rigorous designs.

It’s also important to be cautious with continuous use and without medical supervision, especially in sensitive populations. People with persistent hair loss should consult a dermatologist or endocrinologist to identify the specific cause and avoid relying solely on natural treatments without solid clinical backing.

User Experiences

Community feedback on Tressless suggests that lavender oil is used by some for both stress-related hair loss and possible hormonal or androgenic hair loss, though results and reasoning vary widely.

One user described using MCT oil mixed with lavender oil and a tea tree conditioner, along with Nizoral shampoo, as part of a three-month routine for improving hair health. They were considering finasteride if no progress was seen. Other users in that thread noted potential improvement in hair thickness and density, indicating mild benefits but not definitive regrowth linked specifically to hormonal causes.

Another post compared lavender with peppermint, rosemary, and pumpkin seed oils, discussing which combination might be most effective for regrowth or thickness. Although there was no consensus, several users expressed that lavender might be more supportive for calming the scalp or reducing inflammation rather than directly blocking DHT, the main hormone associated with androgenic hair loss.

A more optimistic post came from a user who avoided pharmaceuticals and followed a natural routine using lavender and rosemary oils with a 1mm dermaroller twice a week. Over 2.3 months, they claimed improved hairline and increased thickness, suggesting that lavender may play a supportive role when combined with other methods.

One of the more detailed experiences came from a user who saw successful regrowth after 15 months, combining oral finasteride, topical and oral minoxidil, ketoconazole shampoo, and massages with lavender and peppermint oil. They reported thicker hair and even darker eyelashes, with no major side effects. While lavender was part of the routine, the core drivers were clearly the proven treatments (finasteride and minoxidil), with lavender likely supporting through anti-inflammatory effects.

Others have included lavender oil in DIY essential oil blends for use with dermarolling, or when addressing scalp inflammation like seborrheic dermatitis. In those posts, lavender was mentioned for its calming and antimicrobial properties rather than direct hormonal impact.

A few users speculated that lavender oil might influence hormones or androgen pathways due to its mild estrogenic or anti-androgenic effects reported in research, but no one shared direct personal results linking lavender to substantial reversal of hormonal hair loss.

In summary, lavender is generally used for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and scalp-soothing properties. It may support hair health indirectly, especially in cases of stress-related shedding or irritation, but no user reported strong regrowth effects against hormonal (DHT-driven) hair loss using lavender alone.

References (APA 7 format)

Choi, E. J., Lee, Y. J., Park, S. Y., & Kim, H. K. (2016). Hair Growth-Promoting Effect of Lavender Oil in C57BL/6 Mice. Toxicological Research, 32(2), 103–108. https://doi.org/10.5487/TR.2016.32.2.103

Henley, D. V., Lipson, N., Korach, K. S., & Bloch, C. A. (2007). Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils. New England Journal of Medicine, 356(5), 479–485. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa064725

Kasper, S., Gastpar, M., Müller, W. E., Volz, H. P., Münzel, U., & Zieglgänsberger, W. (2012). Lavender oil preparation Silexan is effective in generalized anxiety disorder—A randomized, double-blind comparison to placebo and paroxetine. Phytomedicine, 19(6), 1027–1034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2012.03.006

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2007). FDA Statement - Lavender and Tea Tree Oils. https://www.fda.gov/science-research/pediatric-research/lavender-and-tea-tree-oils

Reddit user. (2023, April 13). Peppermint Oil vs Lavender Oil vs Rosemary Oil vs Pumpkin Seed Oil- Which one/ combination is best?. Reddit. https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/12kgwo2/peppermint_oil_vs_lavender_oil_vs_rosemary_oil_vs/

Reddit user. (2025, January 24). 3 months hairline Any difference?. Reddit. https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/1i92mwn/3_months_hairline_any_difference/

Reddit user. (2022, November 9). 2.3 month surprising hair Regrowth with natural remedies and 1mm dermaroller. Reddit. https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/yqehzt/23_month_surprising_hair_regrowth_with_natural/

Reddit user. (2021, December 4). Results at 15ish months for a 46 year old. Reddit. https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/r8xojp/results_at_15ish_months_for_a_46_year_old/

Reddit user. (2021, August 3). Ru 58841 and essential oils question. Reddit. https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/oxbu52/ru_58841_and_essential_oils_question/

Reddit user. (2019, July 7). Rolling + Essential Oils - Please Help. Reddit. https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/ca99uw/rolling_essential_oils_please_help/

Reddit user. (2020, December 19). Which of these oils would you suggest as an add-on to finasteride, nizoral, and micro-needling?. Reddit. https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/kfxhpy/which_of_these_oils_would_you_suggest_as_an_addon/