Ylang ylang oil contains many compounds which imbibe benefits when used in these various products. These compounds include germacrene D, beta-caryophyllene, linalool, and benzyl salicylate, among others. Other purposes that this oil is used for include being used as a flavoring agent in different food and drink items and as a fragrance in numerous products. It has also been purported to help improve cognition and recollection, to promote calmness, to act as an antibacterial, to improve blood pressure readings, and to improve libido. Ylang ylang oil is even used as a main ingredient in products that are used to kill head lice! In fact, studies done on lice-killing products that include ylang ylang oil have shown that these products work just as well as other conventional products that contain man-made pesticides as their main ingredients. When mixed with anise oil and coconut oil in particular, ylang ylang oil has shown to be very effective in the treatment of head lice.

Hair Benefits of Ylang Ylang Oil

In addition to the aforementioned uses, ylang ylang oil is also reported to be an effective treatment for various hair-related ailments such as poor hair growth and deconditioned hair. It can also be used to protect hair from various damages that may be inflicted on it from the environment. If your hair tends to be on the oily side, this essential oil may not be beneficial to you as it may worsen your situation; but if you tend towards the side of having a more dry scalp, consider using it to improve the health of your hair. Many sources cite this essential oil’s ability to stimulate the production of natural oils from glands in your scalp and to help prevent the ends of your hair from splitting.

Using Ylang Ylang for Hair Health

Adding Ylang Ylang to Your Shampoo and Conditioner

To use it as a conditioner for your hair, simply combine a few drops of the oil with a few tablespoons of coconut oil and rub it into your hair. You can wrap your hair in a towel and let this set for an hour or overnight, or simply wash it out in the shower. Alternatively, you can add a couple drops to the amount of conditioner you normally use when you take a shower and just massage it into your hair as you would normally with just the conditioner.

DIY Ylang Ylang Hair Spray

Yet another option is to add several drops of oil to a cup of water in a spray bottle; just spray your hair when the urge strikes! The result of using ylang ylang oil will be luxuriously rich and moisturized hair that smells fragrantly sweet and floral. Additionally, the smell of ylang ylang oil has been purported to help reduce stress, and it is well known that stress can lead to hair loss. Prevent your hair problems in the first place by using the aromatic nature of this essential oil to bring some relaxation into your life!

A Word of Precaution

The main risk in using ylang-ylang oil is for people who are allergic to the oil. A rash can form if you happen to be allergic; if you are worried about this, consider testing the oil on a small part of your skin before using it more generously. The oil appears to be safe when consumed in amounts that are normally found in foods, but beyond that there is not enough research to say if it is safe when consumed in larger amounts.

The Bottom Line

The next time you are at the store trying to determine which of the many available hair products is going to best suit your needs, consider using ylang ylang oil in some form. This essential oil will be particularly beneficial to you if you suffer from a dry scalp, damaged hair (such as split ends), or hair that just does not seem to be growing all that well. Ylang ylang oil will help improve the health of your hair and will also impart a wonderful fragrance to please your senses and help you relax.