Sage essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the common sage herb Salvia officinalis. This aromatherapy oil, which is used to improve digestion, manage depression, and heal wounds can also be used to make hair care products. Here are a few reasons why sage essential oil is great for natural hair, plus 3 DIY recipes you can use to incorporate sage essential oil into your hair regimen.

Sage Pre Poo Hot Oil Treatment

Since sage essential oil is used to balance scalp oil production, it can be mixed with carrier oils that penetrate the hair shaft to make a pre-poo hot oil treatment for dry scalps that also strengthens the hair.

Recipe

2 oz (60 ml) coconut oil + 1 oz (30 ml) jojoba + 10 drops sage essential oil + 30 drops ylang ylang essential oil

To prepare the hot oil treatment, place the coconut oil and jojoba in a glass bowl and place this bowl in a pan with simmering water. Once the carrier oils reach a temperature you can tolerate on your scalp, remove them from the heat source and add the sage and ylang ylang essential oils.

To use this sage pre poo oil, massage it onto your scalp and coat your ends. Wear a shower cap and let the healing oils seep into your scalp and hair for at least 30 minutes before shampooing.

Sage Shampoo

Sage essential oil is also great for cleansing the scalp and it can be used to make clarifying shampoos.

Recipe

4 oz (120 ml) liquid Castile soap + 2 oz (60 ml) water + 10 drops sage essential oil + 40 drops lemon essential oil

To prepare this clarifying shampoo, mix all the ingredients in a dark bottle.

To use this sage shampoo, massage it onto the scalp before rinsing with warm water and conditioning your hair.

Sage Scalp Balm

Sage essential oil has been used for years to treat psoriasis of the scalp. It can therefore be formulated into a scalp balm for treating psoriasis and dry scalp naturally.

Recipe

4 oz (120 gram) shea butter + 1 Tbsp coconut oil + 1 Tbsp jojoba + 10 drops sage essential oil + 40 drops lavender essential oil

To prepare the sage scalp balm, whip the shea butter, coconut oil and jojoba before adding the sage and lavender essential oils and mixing thoroughly.

To use this psoriasis treatment balm, simply massage it on the affected areas. However, ensure that you consult your dermatologist first, especially if you are on medications for psoriasis.

Sage Essential Oil Contraindications

Before adding sage essential oil to your hair care regimen, ensure that you are not pregnant. In addition, do not allow children younger than 12 years to use products with sage essential oil. Persons with epilepsy and high blood pressure should also not use products with this aromatherapy oil.

Have you ever used sage essential oil in your natural hair care products?

Almasi W is a certified aromatherapist, freelance writer and the author of Safe Aromatherapy for Healthy Hair. Visit her blog Ask the Skin Doctor or follow her on Twitter @AskAlmasi.