Apothecary Diaries #2

The Forgotten Skin Beneath the Hair

Scalp spas are trending these days, which shows that scalp care is finally getting the attention it deserves. For years, we’ve treated our hair with serums, leave-in conditioners, masks, and oils, but we ignore the skin beneath it all - the scalp. Hate it or love it, your scalp needs some TLC too.

While products on hair strands rinse off easily in the shower, residue from hair products can build up over time. This leads to clogged follicles and dulls the hair's natural shine. This is where proper scalp care comes in.

The Science: Clarify, Re-moisturize, Repeat

Healthy scalp care follows a simple and repeatable cycle: clarifying and rehydrating. Oils, conditioners, and various hairstyling products often cling to the scalp more than we realize. Without clarifying, build up can accumulate, making oils and treatments less effective. Harsh "clarifying shampoos" sometimes strip away too much, and triggers dryness or more buildup as your scalp tries to compensate.

That's why we recommend a shampoo bar. They're made with minimal ingredients, cleanse gently, and reduce waste. We've been using Viori’s Longsheng Rice Water shampoo bar for a few years now it's completely transformed shower rituals. Inspired by the Red Yao tribe of women from China, these bars also use rice water - a traditional secret for maintaining their long and healthy hair.

Viori Citrus Yao Shampoo Bar Made with Rice Water - Handcrafted All Natural Shampoo Bars - Sulfate Free

$11.49 on Amazon

Keeping Balance: Oil to Regulate Oil

As counterintuitive as it sounds, oiling your scalp may in fact cause it to be less oily. A nourished scalp is a balanced scalp, which means fewer dry flakes, less itchiness, and less oil production. Think of your scalp as an ecosystem that needs oil and moisture to flourish.

Years of bleaching and coloring can leave scalp dry and flaky. Adding scalp oiling into your daily routine can help hair grow back thicker, stronger, and healthier. It's a small ritual that has the potential to change everything.

DIY Scalp Oil Recipe

This recipe is simple, effective, and customizable based on your needs.

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. They are powerful but never to be used undiluted. These blends require a carrier oil to dilute the essential oils enough to use safely. Our top three carrier oils: jojoba, argan and castor.

Jojoba Oil (balancing sebum and unclogs follicles)

Jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-ba) mimics the natural sebum produced by our scalps. This helps it to absorb easily and regulate oil production. Studies suggest it can even dissolve excess sebum and unclog follicles while still providing lightweight hydration. It’s an antibacterial, antioxidant, hypoallergenic, and may promote collagen production.[1]

Cliganic Organic Jojoba Oil 16oz with Pump, 100% Pure | Bulk, Moisturizing Oil for Face, Hair, Skin & Nails | Natural Cold Pressed (Packaging May Vary)

$24.69 on Amazon

Argan Oil (antioxidant-rich and nourishing)

Originating from Morocco, is often called “liquid gold” because it contains vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential nutrients such as linoleic and oleic acids. These ingredients fight free radical damage, protect against the harsh environment and can restore the lipid barrier of the scalp. This results in shinier strands and reduced dryness. Argan oil has also been shown to have potential uses in fighting cancer, preventing diabetes, and even wound healing. [2]

Argan is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which contributes to protection and shine. It may also have a variety of health benefits from prevention to treatment.

Cliganic Organic Argan Oil 8oz with Pump, 100% Pure - for Hair, Face & Skin

$21.99 on Amazon

Castor Oil (deep hydration and boosts circulation)

Used by ancient Egyptians in their wellness routines (legend says that Cleopatra used this to brighten the whites of her eyes and to moisturize her scalp), castor oil is the thickest of the three, and is high in ricinoleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid known for its moisturizing properties). Rincinoleic acid is known for itsantimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. [3]. It helps create an ideal environment for hair growth by reducing irritation and improving circulation. It also locks in moisture which makes it excellent for very dry and flaky scalps.

Sky Organics Castor Oil - USDA Certified Organic Hair Oil for Hair Growth, Skin, Face, Eyelashes - Cold Pressed & Hexane Free - Pure Organic Castor Oil Pack Wrap - Carrier & Hair Treatment Oil -16oz

$19.99 on Amazon

Essential oils (add 3-4 drops total per tablespoon of carrier oil)

Rosemary improves circulation and encourages growth of new hair follicles. Studies compare it to minoxidil (a synthetic hair regrowth treatment) [4] for stimulating follicles.

Circulation booster & Growth simulator

Tea Tree Oil is an antibacterial and antifungal staple. It’s found in many dandruff shampoos because it reduces Malassezia yeast [5] (a common cause behind dandruff)

Antifungal & Dandruff Control

Lavender is a soothing, calming, and aromatic remedy for itchy or sensitive scalps. Some studies have shown that it encourages hair growth in animals [6], but the aroma itself can also lower stress, which is a big contributor to hair loss.

Soothing & Stress Relief

Peppermint is soothing and and adds a refreshing tingle that stimulates follicles on the scalp [7]

Cooling & Follicle Stimulant

Frankincense is made from Boswellia extract. It has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, can reduce redness, support healthy cell turnover, and is great for sensitive scalps [8].

Anti-inflammatory & sensitive scalp care

Our favorite starter set continues to be from Cliganic. Their eight scents is enough to get you started on many blends.

Cliganic Organic Aromatherapy Essential Oils Gift Set (Top 8 - The Iconics), 100% Pure - Peppermint, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Frankincense & Orange

$22.99 on Amazon

Custom Oil Blend Ideas

GROWTH BLEND

• 2 tbsp jojoba oil
• 1 tbsp castor oil
• 2 drops of peppermint oil

Thicker & Faster Hair Growth

Gently massage into the scalp for circulation and to stimulate follicles. How it works: Jojoba can balance scalp oils while castor oil adds ricinoleic acid to improve circulation. Peppermint gives the minty jolt to wake up your follicles.

DANDRUFF CONTROL BLEND

• 2 tbsp jojoba oil
• 1 tbsp argan oil
• 3 drops of tea tree oil
• 2 drops of eucalyptus
• 1 drop of lavender oil

Helps combat scalp buildup, flaking, and itching

Why it works: Tea tree and eucalyptus both fight dandruff causing yeast, while soothing lavender complements it perfectly. The blend of jojoba and argan both hydrate the scalp, allowing it to rebalance.

SENSITIVE SCALP BLEND

• 2 tbsp jojoba oil
• 1 tbsp argan oil
• 3 drops of lavender oil
• 2 drops of frankincense oil

Soothing for easily irritated scalps

Why it works: Lavender calms itchiness, while frankincense reduces inflammation and supports skin cell turnover. Jojoba and argan oil are both hypoallergenic which makes it perfect for eczema prone scalps.

OIL CONTROL BLEND

• 2 tbsp jojoba oil
• 3 drops of rosemary oil
• 2 drops of tea tree oil
• 1 drop of peppermint oil

Balances excess oil, refreshing, and will keep follicles clear

Why it works: Jojoba oil tricks the scalp to produce less oil by mimicking sebum, while tea tree oil clears out any buildup, rosemary balances, and peppermint gives you that fresh feeling

Directions for Use:

1. Part hair into sections and apply a few drops directly onto the scalp
2. Massage the oil into the scalp with your fingertips or use a scalp brush for 3-5 minutes.
3. Leave on for at least 30 minutes before washing, or overnight for a deeper treatment.
4. Use 1-2 times per week depending on your scalp’s needs.

We recommend using a wooden scalp massager. It's gentler on your strands and less likely to tangle than silicone brushes.

Cureder Wooden Scalp Massager - Handmade 100% Natural Green Sandalwood Wide Tooth Combs - Wood Massage Comb & Sandalwood Comb for Luxurious Hair Care

$5.99 on Amazon

For storage, use 2 oz glass dropper bottles. The darker colored bottles protects your oils from light and extends shelf life.

4 Pack, 2 oz Bottles with Dropper & 1 Funnel & 4 Labels - Essential Oils Bottles for Health, Personal Care & Beauty - 60ml Thick Dark Amber Glass Tincture Bottles, Refillable Cosmetic Containers

$6.99 on Amazon

A Ritual of Care

The best thing about these DIY blends is that you can customize it to how you want. Every blend is a reflection for your own personal needs - hydration, calm, balance, or growth. No two scalps are the same. By blending it in a small 2oz bottle, you will have plenty of chances to experiment with your own blends that gives your scalp the maximum benefit.

These blends have become a lasting ritual in our weeks - a moment to pause, massage, and reconnect with myself. Scalp care might feel optional at first, but over time the smallest rituals can lead to the biggest transformations.

Here's to happy scalps and health locks, one drop at a time. If this recipe inspires you, consider starting your own apothecary diary. Our bodies thrive when we take care of them intentionally and consistently.

Sources

• [1] 13 Reasons to add Jojoba Oil to Your Skincare Routine
• [2] 12 Benefits and Uses of Argan Oil
• [3] 4 Benefits and Uses of Castor Oil
• [4] Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial
• [5] Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from canines suffering from cutaneous skin disease
• [6] Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Lavender Oil in C57BL/6 Mice
• [7] Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs
• [8] Frankincense (乳香 Rǔ Xiāng; Boswellia Species): From the Selection of Traditional Applications to the Novel Phytotherapy for the Prevention and Treatment of Serious Diseases

Tags: DIY, hair care, natural, beauty

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