what are body oils used for

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DRY SCALP & GENTLE HAIR CONDITIONING MASK

A dry, flaky scalp can be a harmless issue, but it can become bothersome if it leads to itchiness and embarrassing when others notice the white flakes. Here are some natural remedy suggestions, including essential oils that can help alleviate dry scalp.

TREATING DRY, ITCHY SCALP NATURALLY

First, it’s important to distinguish between dry skin and dandruff. While some remedies may help both conditions, dandruff is more complex and requires a different approach.

Dandruff is typically caused by excess oil, resulting in larger, yellowish flakes that are more difficult to remove. An unpleasant odor may also accompany dandruff. If this is your concern, you may need to consider more intensive treatments.

Once you’ve established that you’re dealing with a dry scalp, it’s helpful to identify the underlying cause of the dryness. While you can start using essential oils for dry scalp right away, understanding the root cause can help prevent recurring issues.

Some common causes of a dry scalp include:

  • Stress
  • Poor diet
  • Dehydration
  • Seasonal changes and climate (such as cold, dry winter air or excessive sunlight in summer)
  • Harsh chemicals in shampoos, conditioners, styling products, or other hair treatments
  • Hormonal changes

I recommend being cautious with dandruff shampoos, as the chemicals in these products may exacerbate dry scalp conditions. 

BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DRY SCALP

These essential oils are renowned for their ability to cleanse the sensitive skin of the scalp and enhance hair conditioning. This list serves as an excellent starting point to discover which oils work best with your unique body chemistry.

  • Lavender: Known as one of the best oils for skin care, lavender essential oil is gentle yet potent, featuring antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
  • Tea Tree: This oil promotes healing of the scalp thanks to its antifungal properties and can also stimulate hair growth.
  • Rosemary: With its antioxidant and antibacterial characteristics, rosemary stimulates the scalp and may promote hair growth.
  • Cedarwood: This earthy oil combats bacteria and fungi with its antiseptic properties, adding shine to hair and serving as a heat protectant.
  • Lemongrass: A popular cleansing oil, lemongrass essential oil is effective for oily hair and helps strengthen hair follicles. It also boasts anti-inflammatory and detoxifying benefits.

A simple apple cider vinegar hair rinse can sometimes provide just what you need to balance your scalp’s skin, eliminate any bacteria contributing to dry scalp issues, and improve your hair’s texture. For many, this may be the only natural hair treatment needed in their routine. Here is a recipe for making apple cider vinegar at home that you can refer to.

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Author: Mama Z

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar
  • 1⅓ cups purified or distilled water
  • 30-48 drops of essential oils*

Instructions

  • Combine one part apple cider vinegar with four parts water and add your choice of essential oils.
  • Pour the mixture into a squeeze bottle or a repurposed shampoo bottle.
  • After shampooing, apply the rinse to clean, wet hair in the shower.
  • Gently massage it into your scalp and the roots of your hair, allowing it to soak for 3-5 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly. You may find that you don’t need to use as much conditioner after this treatment.

Notes: The ratio for this recipe is 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. Feel free to adjust the quantities as needed for your family.

*Recommended essential oils include lavender, tea tree, cedarwood, lemongrass, and rosemary. Use about 15-20 drops per cup.

If your dry scalp requires more intensive moisturizing, this natural hair and scalp treatment is just what you need! Customize the essential oils to find the perfect match for your skin. Keep in mind that it may take a few applications and some time to heal your scalp. Here’s Mama Z’s at-home hair mask recipe for you to try!

NATURAL HAIR MASK TREATMENT

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 tablespoons aloe vera gel
  • 2 tablespoons organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon carrier oil or raw organic local honey*
  • 24-30 drops of your choice of essential oils**

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Combine all the ingredients to create a hair treatment mixture.
  • Apply the natural hair mask to your scalp, ensuring it penetrates the skin to help eliminate bacteria and flakes.
  • Start at the crown of your head or your natural part, working the mask down your scalp. A wide-tooth comb can help distribute the mask effectively if needed.
  • Cover your head with a shower cap or a clean towel, allowing the mask to soak in for 15-20 minutes or as long as desired.
  • Rinse thoroughly and shampoo or condition as usual, though you may find you don’t need as much conditioner after this treatment.

Notes:

  • Follow this mask with my Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse to balance your hair’s pH and remove any excess product. Use an organic, unscented conditioner on the ends of your hair.
  • I recommend using a scalp massager to thoroughly work the hair mask into your scalp. For extra care, you can use a Nix lice comb to remove any leftover particles from your hair and scalp.
  • To complete your hair care routine, consider applying our Hair Regrowth Gel.

*Avoid coconut oil, as it can dry out the skin. Opt for jojoba, argan, almond, or olive oil instead; jojoba is particularly good for adding shine. Honey is also a great option for moisturizing and can help tame frizz.

**Suggested essential oils include cedarwood, lavender, lemongrass, tea tree, and rosemary. My favorite blend is equal parts peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree.

This treatment makes for a wonderful weekly ritual, especially while you unwind in a detox bath or simply to rejuvenate your scalp’s skin.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, essential oils offer a natural and effective solution for addressing dry scalp and promoting healthy hair. By carefully selecting oils like lavender, rosemary, tea tree, and peppermint, you can create a gentle yet potent hair conditioning mask tailored to your specific needs. Remember to always conduct a patch test before using essential oils on your scalp, and dilute them properly with a carrier oil to avoid irritation. With consistent use, this DIY hair mask can help nourish your scalp, reduce dandruff, and leave your hair feeling soft, shiny, and revitalized. Embrace the power of nature and unlock the transformative potential of essential oils for your hair care routine.

HOW TO MAKE WHIPPED BODY BUTTER

This DIY whipped body butter is perfect for winter, especially if you have dry skin. Cold weather and hot showers can leave skin feeling dehydrated, so this nourishing body butter is a great solution.

Made with simple, natural ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil, this recipe is safe enough to eat, ensuring you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin. Essential oils can be added for fragrance and their beneficial properties.

The result is a light, fluffy body butter that feels like a cloud and provides deep hydration. Learn how to make this easy, homemade skincare treat!

WHAT IS BODY BUTTER?

If you’ve never tried body butter before, you’re in for a treat! It’s like butter for your skin—rich, moisturizing, and easy to make at home. By simply melting and whipping your favorite oils, you can create a luxurious body butter.

While coconut oil is a popular choice, it can sometimes feel greasy or melt at room temperature. For a better balance, try experimenting with different plant-based butters to create a nourishing, non-greasy moisturizer.

This homemade body butter not only feels smooth and nourishing on the skin, but it also smells amazing—especially if you add essential oils. It’s perfect for sensitive skin and makes a thoughtful, personalized gift!

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO MAKE WHIPPED BODY BUTTER

INGREDIENTS FOR WHIPPED BODY BUTTER

  • 1/3 Cup Coconut Oil: Organic coconut oil is a skincare powerhouse! Its low molecular weight allows it to deeply penetrate the skin, delivering moisture and nourishment by binding to proteins in the skin.
  • 1/3 Cup Shea Butter: Shea butter is an incredibly effective emollient, making it perfect for hydrating and softening dry skin. Its rich, moisturizing properties are a key component in body butter recipes.
  • 1/3 Cup Cocoa Butter Wafers: Cocoa butter lends a creamy, thick texture to lotions and body butters, softening at body temperature for easy absorption. It also contains natural antioxidants like vitamin E, as well as other beneficial vitamins and minerals.
  • 1/3 Cup Jojoba Oil: A non-comedogenic carrier oil, jojoba oil is soothing and deeply moisturizing, making it ideal for calming irritated skin. If jojoba oil isn’t available, sweet almond oil is a great alternative due to its quick absorption and nourishing fatty acids and vitamins A and E.
  • 2 Teaspoons Arrowroot Powder: To reduce the oily feel of this rich moisturizer, arrowroot powder helps create a smoother, less greasy finish. If you don’t have arrowroot powder, cornstarch or tapioca starch can be used as substitutes.
  • Essential Oils (Optional): Add a few drops of essential oils for a natural fragrance and extra skin benefits. Essential oils are preferred over synthetic fragrances due to their plant-based origins and numerous healing properties.

WHY THESE INGREDIENTS

  • Coconut Oil – Provides deep moisture, promotes wound healing, and has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
  • Jojoba Oil – Moisturizes, supports wound healing, reduces inflammation, and offers anti-aging benefits.
  • Cocoa Butter – Forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture and protect the skin.
  • Shea Butter – Rich in antioxidants, it deeply hydrates and promotes skin healing.
  • Essential Oils – Add a pleasant scent and offer various beneficial properties depending on the oil used.

DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING YOUR WHIPPED BODY BUTTER

  • Begin by melting the coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter together in a double boiler or a saucepan over low heat. If you don’t have a double boiler, a large glass measuring cup will work just fine.
  • Once the butters are melted, remove from heat and stir in the jojoba oil. If you’re using essential oils, add them now and mix well to evenly distribute the scent.
  • Pour the mixture into a medium-sized glass bowl and place it in the refrigerator to cool for about two hours. You can also chill the oils in the fridge to speed up the process.
  • When the mixture has fully solidified, remove it from the refrigerator and transfer it to a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer). Whip the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
  • Once whipped, add the arrowroot powder and whip again until the body butter reaches a smooth, airy consistency.
  • Finally, scoop the whipped body butter into containers and store in a cool, dry place.

TIPS FOR MAKING DIY BODY BUTTER

This whipped body butter makes a wonderful gift for friends and family, and you can easily double or triple the recipe for larger batches.

However, be cautious when using citrus essential oils, such as lemon or orange, as they can increase sun sensitivity. If you choose to include them, avoid sun exposure for a while after application, or opt to use the body butter at night for extra safety.

HOW TO STORE HOMEMADE WHIPPED BODY BUTTER

Because the oils and butters in this body butter are natural and prone to melting in warm conditions, it’s best to store it in a cool, dry place. If the butter does melt, you can refrigerate it and re-whip it to restore its texture.

Stored in an airtight jar in a cool, dark environment, this body butter will last up to six months. For longer storage, you can add preservatives. Although I haven’t added preservatives to this recipe, Geogard ECT (also known as Preservative ECO or Plantaserv M) would be a good choice. Use between 0.6% and 1% of the mixture.

If you prefer natural preservatives, vitamin E oil or rosemary extract are great options. These help extend the shelf life without introducing harsh chemicals.

Another way to prolong freshness is by storing the body butter in smaller containers. This limits exposure to air and contaminants each time you open it, ensuring it stays fresh for longer.

Be sure to keep the body butter away from direct sunlight and high temperatures, as these can cause the natural ingredients to break down more quickly and spoil.

If you like experimenting with different scents or textures, you can customize this recipe by adding essential oils or botanical extracts. Lavender, chamomile, or rosemary essential oils are popular for their soothing properties, while citrus oils like lemon or orange can provide a refreshing scent. Just remember, citrus oils can make skin sensitive to sunlight, so it’s best to use them at night.

For added hydration and soothing benefits, consider mixing in a tablespoon of aloe vera gel, especially helpful for sun-exposed or irritated skin.

Lastly, if you prefer a firmer body butter, adjust the ratio of butters to oils. Increasing the amount of cocoa butter or shea butter will create a firmer consistency, while adding more liquid oils will make the body butter softer and easier to spread.

CONCLUSION

Whipped body butter is a luxurious and nourishing treat for your skin. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily create your own customized version at home. With the flexibility to choose your preferred ingredients and scents, you can tailor your body butter to your specific needs and preferences. Enjoy the satisfaction of crafting a homemade product that will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and beautifully hydrated.