I don't want to keep repeating myself about why I use certain ingredients, so I'm just gonna list them all here. This is what I got and the whys behind each item.
You probably have many of these ingredients in your pantry already!
My essential oil must-have list
Rosemary essential oil (EO) - Increases circulation, treats dandruff and helps with all types of imbalanced and undernourished hair. Reduces oily and congested skin and stimulating follicles at the base of the scalp. Promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss.
Thyme EO - Promotes blood circulation, good for detoxing.
Clary sage EO - Balances and supports healthy sebum levels--good for treating oily hair and scalps. Boosts circulation, improving blood flow, and treating/preventing hair loss.
Cedarwood EO - Prevents hair loss, promotes new follicle growth. Cleanses the skin and scalp of impurities. Treats both dry and oily skin, as well as dandruff.
Peppermint EO - Has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Relieves dry scalp, stimulates hair growth, and gives hair a healthy shine. It's a vasodilator so it increases blood circulation to the scalp, feeding more nutrients to your hair follicles, the lack of which is sometimes the cause of hair fallout.
Lemongrass essential oil (EO) - Antibacterial, antimicrobial. So it will help limit bacterial or microbial growth on your skin, preventing skin infections caused by bacteria.
Lavender EO - Replenishes moisture in the scalp, treats dry skin, combats dandruff. Keeps hair strong and healthy.
Tea Tree EO - Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral. Has a ton of uses, but for me I primarily use it in cleaning recipes.
Eucalyptus (EO) - Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, and antiseptic qualities, among other valuable properties. I used to think tea tree and eucalyptus oils were one in the same, but they're not. I use it for skin infections mostly.
Other must-haves
Baking soda - Baking soda + apple cider vinegar is one of the best and most natural cleansing agents there is, and its perfect for greasy hair where is gently dissolves and washes away excess oils without stripping any essential oils like regular shampoos.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) - If you didn't know the acronym ACV or that it has all sorts of benefits, many of which are supported by science, then you should probably google it. Benefits include weight loss, reduced cholesterol, lower blood sugar levels and improved symptoms of diabetes. I use it in many recipes, not only adobo, but also for hair, skin and home care.
Coconut oil - Helps maintain hair moisture and prevent protein loss from combing damage. For the skin, it's known to reduce inflammation, moisturize and help heal wounds. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil also possess antimicrobial properties and protect the skin from bad bacteria.
Manuka honey - Has antioxidant, antibacterial, and humectant properties. Seals moisture in your hair. Reduces breakage and counters hair loss. Rich in antioxidants, it prevents damage in the scalp area, allowing for healthier hair growth and strengthening the hair follicles. Prevents scalp infections (because of antiseptic qualities). It also soothes the scalp, and heals conditions like dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis. Stimulates hair growth and re-growth.
Neem oil - This is like a miracle serum, but it stinks. It helps to condition your scalp, promote healthy hair growth, temporarily seal hair follicles, minimize grays, reduce dandruff, treat head lice. It's rich in fatty acids, limonoids, vitamin E, triglycerides, antioxidants, and calcium. 1 ounce of carrier oil for every 12 drops of neem oil.
Castor oil - Moisturizes the scalp, leaves your hair smooth and shiny. It's rich in ricinoleic acid—a type of fatty acid found to fight inflammation. Enhances the health of hair follicles, promotes hair growth, protects against hair loss.
Aloe vera - Contains enzymes and alkalizing properties that help to naturally balance the pH level of your scalp, which helps to promote hair growth and combat hair loss.
Almond oil - Rich in magnesium, moisturizing and stimulating, and soothes inflammation/ irritation of the scalp.
Avocado oil - Another wonderful elixir for damaged hair. Also a great carrier oil for any mixture.
Grapeseed oil - Reduces hair loss by providing omega-3 fatty acids, which protect the scalp and hair follicles.
And WHO wouldn't want to protect their hair follicles?! <--sarcasm