Cedarwood Oil For Hair: How To Use And How It Works

Embrace the natural magic of cedarwood oil for stronger, thicker hair.

Reviewed by Sergio R. Cardona Perez, Certified Trichologist

Sergio Cardona is a certified trichologist, a passionate professor, an international public speaker, and an advocate of the trichology profession, with 21 years of experience. Currently, he is an Advisory Board Member, Trichology Professor ... more

Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Experience: 7 years

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articl... more

Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech Experience: 7 years

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... more

Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Experience: 4 years

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global Univers... more

• Feb 5, 2024

Image: Shutterstock

Cedarwood essential oil is considered useful for skin and hair health. In this article, we focus on the benefits of cedarwood oil for hair. This oil is believed to provide relief from alopecia and acne and has many other benefits to enhance hair health. Cedarwood essential oil is also used in the skin care industry widely. Read on to learn how this essential oil benefits hair and its usage.

In This Article

What Is Cedarwood Oil?

Cedarwood oil is a hydrophobic essential oil that contains volatile, plant-based compounds. It is extracted from the leaves, berries, bark, and needles of the evergreen and coniferous cedar and juniper trees. It bears a warm, woody fragrance.

Cedarwood oil dates back to the ancient Egyptian and Sumerian civilizations where it was used for embalming bodies. It is widely used as an ingredient in cosmetics, deodorants or cologne, insect repellents, etc. Like any other essential oil, it is derived through techniques like carbon dioxide distillation, steam distillation, and cold pressing (1).

The bioactive compounds in cedarwood oil, like cedrol, cedrine, and thujopsene, offer antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antispasmodic, and diuretic benefits (2).

Kathleen, a YouTuber and essential oils enthusiast, discusses the various uses of cedarwood oil, emphasizing its calming and sleep-inducing properties. She mentions, “…And I like to add extra cedarwood to our bug spray because to help repel ticks… Another way that I love to use cedarwood is at bedtime…I roll [my oil blend] on the back of my neck, I actually like to roll it on my shoulders… so I can smell it, get that aromatic benefit as I am going to sleep (i).”

Let us review the numerous benefits of cedarwood oil in the next section.

How Does Cedarwood Oil Help With Hair Growth?

1. May Counter Alopecia

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that affects nearly 2% of the general population in their lifetime (3). Here, the body’s natural immune response attacks the hair follicles and results in rampant hair loss and balding. However, you may use cedarwood oil to potentially mitigate these effects.

A cohort study of a nationwide employer-sponsored insurance population in the US between 2016 and 2019 revealed that alopecia areata (AA) prevalence was at 0.199% to 0.222%. Complete loss cases (alopecia totalis/alopecia universalis) constituted 5-10% of AA cases, with AT/AU prevalence rising from 0.012% to 0.019%. AA incidence ranged from 87.39 to 92.90% per 100,000 patient-years, while AT/AU incidence varied from 7.09 to 8.92%.

In a study, subjects who received daily scalp massages from a blend of essential oils (that included cedarwood oil) registered a significant hair growth (4). More research on cedarwood oil is warranted in this regard.

The topical application of cedarwood essential oil directly onto the scalp or hair roots may also boost blood circulation and flow to the hair follicles.

Pro tip

Add a few drops of cedarwood oil in a diffuser and inhale its calming aroma. This will help lower stress levels, which is one of the main causes of alopecia (5), (6).

2. May Improve Scalp Health

The antimicrobial and antifungal properties of cedarwood oil may help improve scalp health. The oil is commonly used in dermatology to treat dry skin, dandruff, oily skin, scabs, inflammation, and eczema (7).

Additionally, widdrol, an antifungal compound present in cedarwood essential oil targets any fungal infection present on the scalp. It also may potentially reduce the associated hair loss (8), (9).

3. May Help Treat Head Lice

Cedarwood oil may help combat head lice. It is believed that the cedrol and cedrene present in this oil emit strong aromas that may help repel the lice (2). However, there are currently no studies that directly link cedarwood oil as a lice repellent. More studies are warranted in this regard.

This all might make you wonder if cedarwood oil is safe for everyone. Read on to find out.

Is Cedarwood Oil Safe For Use?

Cedarwood oil is generally considered safe for topical application. However, you can always carry out a patch test before using it to check if it causes any skin irritation. In fact, its non-allergenic quality makes cedarwood oil potentially safe even on pets. The US Environmental Protective Agency recognizes cedarwood oil as a safe insecticide, pesticide, and food additive (10).

However, one must not ingest cedarwood oil. Also, avoid its usage if you are allergic to cedar trees. More information is warranted in this area.

Since its safety has been established, we will now further understand how cedarwood oil can help with hair growth.

In the following section, we discuss how you can use cedarwood oil for hair.

How To Use Cedarwood Oil For Hair?

You can extract the benefits of cedarwood essential oil in a number of ways:

Through essential diffusers
As colognes
As topical ointments
In spray bottles

However, we would primarily be discussing the use of cedarwood oil for hair through scalp massages.

Cedarwood Oil For Treating Hair Loss

You Need

1 cup of coconut oil
2 tablespoons of jojoba oil
20 drops of rosemary essential oil
20 drops of cedarwood essential oil
10 drops of chamomile oil
1/4 tablespoon of vitamin E
A sterilized, tinted glass bottle

The Process

Microwave the coconut oil for 10 to 20 seconds until it is runny. Transfer it into the storage bottle.
Add the essential oils to the carrier oil, screw on the cap tightly, and shake the bottle well. The oils must thoroughly mix with each other.
Pour some oil out, dip your fingers in it, and gently massage it into your scalp. Let it sit for about 1 to 2 hours before rinsing your hair with a mild shampoo.

Cedarwood Oil For Boosting Hair Growth

You Need

1.5 ounces of jojoba oil
1.5 ounces of grapeseed oil
30 drops of rosemary essential oil
30 drops of cedarwood essential oil
30 drops of sage essential oil
A sterilized, tinted glass bottle

The Process

Transfer the jojoba and grapeseed carrier oils into the bottle and add the essential oils to it.
Secure the lid and shake the bottle to blend all the oils together.
Generously apply the oil blend to your scalp and use your fingertips to massage it gently.
Leave the oil in for about 20 to 30 minutes or even overnight, if possible.
Shampoo, rinse, and style your hair as usual.

Cedarwood Oil As A Hair Conditioner

If you want a leave-in conditioner, this cedarwood blend for hair could be a perfect choice.

You Need

1 cup of aloe vera juice
2 tablespoons of mild, chemical-free conditioner
2 tablespoons of avocado oil
5 drops of cedarwood essential oil
5 drops of lavender essential oil
A spray bottle

The Process

Combine everything in the spray bottle and shake well.
Spritz some of the hair conditioners onto your wet hair to give it a lustrous look.

Quick tip

You may also prepare a quick hair mask by mixing 1 cup of flaxseed gel, 5 drops of cedarwood essential oil, and 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse it off.

The Final Word

After reviewing the several benefits of cedarwood oil for hair, it can be said that it is, without a doubt, an excellent addition to your haircare routine. Whether you are battling alopecia or trying to improve your hair quality, cedarwood essential oil can help everywhere. But be mindful that it is not a cure, and you should always consult with a hair care professional, trichologist, or dermatologist before you consider trying at home.

If you are unable to find or use pure essential oil, you can always choose products that come enriched with it.

Using cedarwood oil for hair care issues is an excellent idea due to its several benefits. It helps treat dry scalp and targets fungal infection, dandruff, and other dry scalp issues. You can also use it to manage alopecia. Cedarwood oil improves your hair texture and quality and reduces hair loss. You can use this oil as a massage oil and hair conditioner. Follow the DIY recipes listed above to use the oil at home. However, always do a patch test before you apply the oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you leave cedarwood oil in your hair?

Yes, you can leave cedarwood oil in your hair, but make sure it is diluted with a carrier oil like jojoba or grapeseed. You can leave it on for an hour or overnight.

Does cedarwood oil thicken hair?

Cedarwood oil does promote hair growth and gives your tresses a fuller appearance. It may also thicken your hair strands.

Which type of cedarwood oil is best for hair growth?

Pure and natural cedarwood oil can help stimulate hair growth. Check the ingredients and avoid products with too many harsh ingredients like parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, etc.

Is cedarwood oil good for dry scalp?

As mentioned above, this oil can be used to treat dry skin and can also help treat a dry scalp.

What is the difference between cedar oil and cedarwood oil?

Both mean the same. Cedar oil, also known as cedarwood oil, is extracted from the cedar tree and other conifers like pine and cypress tree families.

Can cedarwood oil help eliminate smelly scalp?

Cedarwood oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that may help get rid of the odor-causing fungi and bacteria on the scalp (7). You can gently massage diluted cedarwood oil on the scalp and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes before washing it off with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo and lukewarm water.

Key Takeaways

Cedarwood oil is an essential oil with antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
Its application may counter alopecia, improve scalp health and prevent hair loss.
The most common way to use cedarwood oil for hair is through scalp massages.

This video explains all about cedarwood essential oil, from its origin and properties to practical tips for using it. Click on the play button to learn how cedarwood essential oil can promote wellness and relaxation and even benefit your skin.

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

(i) How to Use Cedarwood Oil
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1As3uiYWKI

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.