Calming, aromatic and deeply beneficial for health and well-being, Sandalwood Essential Oil is unquestionably one of the most popular oils enjoyed worldwide.
Extracted from the heartwood of the Sandalwood tree – or Santalum spicatum, to use its botanical name - this oil is derived using the steam distillation process. A distinctly warm, woody aroma with sweet and floral undertones is perhaps what makes Sandalwood Essential Oil so popular in perfumery and aromatherapy. Additionally, the calming and grounding properties in Sandalwood make it a favorite in meditation and spiritual practices, while its skin-enhancing benefits have earned it a cherished place in many beauty rituals. Whether it’s to soothe the mind, nurture the skin, or simply to infuse a space with its divine scent, Sandalwood Essential Oil promotes relaxation and rejuvenation.
So much more than a fragrance; Sandalwood Oil is a bridge to tranquillity, spirituality, and well-being.
Sandalwood Oil Benefits
While many essential oils are beneficial to overall well-being, it’s fair to say Sandalwood ranks highly as an oil with a wide spectrum of physical and mental benefits.
It’s all thanks to the key constituent in Sandalwood, alpha-santalol, thought to possess all kinds of goodness for the mind and body. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin and is said to alleviate arthritis and muscle pain. Its antimicrobial effects can help protect against bacterial and fungal infections, while its antioxidant capabilities could help combat free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and preventing cellular damage. Additionally, its calming and sedative effects promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. What’s more, alpha-santol enhances mood and emotional well-being, contributing to an overall sense of peace and tranquillity.
Is Sandalwood Oil Good for Hair?
The short answer is ‘Yes!’.
On top of all those other benefits for health and well-being, Sandalwood Oil also serves as a great choice for hair care. And, as with many other pure essential oils, this wonder oil supports the hair in several ways.
Sandalwood Oil for ongoing hair care
There are four main hair types – oily, dry, normal and combination.
- Oily Hair: Occurs when the scalp produces excessive sebum and results in hair that appears greasy, limp, and lacking in volume.
- Dry Hair: Lacks moisture and natural oils, leading to a dull appearance, frizz, and brittleness.
- Normal Hair: Well-balanced in terms of oil and moisture, with a healthy shine and minimal issues. It's generally easy to manage.
- Combination Hair: Characterised by having an oily scalp but dry ends. This type often requires specialised care to address the differing needs of the scalp and hair ends.
The great news is, Sandalwood Oil can support all types of hair. On oily hair, the natural astringent properties in Sandalwood can help regulate the production of sebum, reducing excess oiliness without stripping the scalp of its natural moisture.
Dry hair benefits from the hydrating properties of Sandalwood Oil, which can help moisturise and nourish dry, brittle hair, improving its texture and shine.
These properties mean that Sandalwood Oil is effective for managing combination hair, where both oil production and brittle ends can pose a problem. It can even benefit normal hairby adding strength, volume and shine.
Overall, incorporating Sandalwood Oil into your hair care routine can quickly enhance the health and appearance of your hair. Thanks to the distinct woody aroma of Sandalwood, it will smell nice too!
Sandalwood Oil for ongoing hair care
If you want a solution specifically to promote hair growth, look no further. In fact, Sandalwood is said to be among the best oils for this purpose, stimulating and strengthening the follicles to enhance growth.
According to one study by the University of Manchester research team, applying Sandalwood to the scalp can stimulate the growth of keratinocytes – the cells responsible for Keratin production (the protein in hair). After only six days, hair follicle strength increased, and cell death decreased.
Therefore, people with hair that’s naturally thin, thinning further in places or simply wanting longer and stronger hair might consider using this natural solution to promote growth.
Sandalwood Oil for scalp
It’s not only hair growth that benefits from Sandalwood Oil on the scalp, but also various skin conditions and irritations.
The anti-inflammatory properties in Sandalwood Oil can help soothe scalp irritation, itching, and redness. This makes it beneficial for people with sensitive or inflamed scalps and may help those who suffer from conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Sandalwood Oil also contains antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which can help maintain scalp health by preventing bacterial or fungal infections and can help reduce dandruff and scalp acne.
As well as adding moisture to the hair, Sandalwood Oil hydrates the scalp and prevents general dryness and flakiness.
Sandalwood Oil beard growth
Facial hair is much more course than the hair on our heads due to the Sebaceous glands that deliver more sebum to the face than the scalp. As such, it’s recommended that you care for beard hair properly - and Sandalwood Oil could provide the perfect support.
The hydrating properties of Sandalwood Oil help to nourish and moisturise beard hair, helping to prevent dryness and brittleness. Through softening the beard hair, it becomes more manageable with less potential to become frizzy.
As with head hair, some users believe that Sandalwood Oil can promote beard growth by naturally stimulating hair follicles.
Also, the anti-inflammatory properties work effectively to reduce any redness or irritation around the groomed areas.
And how about that aroma? Instead of using cologne, the sweet, natural smell of Sandalwood lingers on the beard – great news for the user and anyone nearby!
How to Use Sandalwood Oil in Hair Care
Always dilute Sandalwood Oil with a suitable carrier oil, such as Coconut Oil, Argan Oil, Avocado Oil or Almond Oil to avoid potential skin irritation. See our dilution guidance below.
Sandalwood Oil as a general hair care product
- Hair Mask: Add two drops of Sandalwood Oil to your favourite hair mask or DIY hair treatment. Mix well and apply the mask to damp hair, focusing on the lengths and ends. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.
- Shampoo or Conditioner Booster: Add four drops of Sandalwood Oil to your regular shampoo or conditioner. Mix well and apply as usual. This can enhance the fragrance of your hair products while providing the benefits of sandalwood oil to your scalp and hair.
- Leave-in Treatment: For a lightweight, non-greasy application, dilute Sandalwood Oil with a carrier oil and apply the mixture to damp or dry hair, focusing on the ends. If you have oily hair, avoid applying it too close to the scalp.
Sandalwood Oil as a growth stimulant
Mix three drops of Sandalwood Oil with a carrier oil such as Coconut Oil, Argan Oil or Almond Oil. Gently massage this blend into your scalp using your fingertips. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight before washing it out with a mild shampoo.
Sandalwood Oil in beard care
Add 1-2 drops of Sandalwood Oil to your regular beard oil or grooming products. Or dilute with your favourite carrier oil and put three to four drops into your palm. Rub evenly across both hands and massage into your beard and all the way to the skin.
Topical Dilution Guidelines
Please note that the following guidelines are recommended for healthy adults:
- General Use: 2 – 4% dilution (4 – 8 drops per 10ml)
- Facial Application: 1 – 2% dilution (2 – 4 drops per 10ml)
Safety
As with all essential oils, which are highly concentrated and potent liquids, you must dilute Sandalwood Oil and use it with caution.
In most cases, Sandalwood Essential Oil is great for hair care although in some people, it may cause irritation. For this reason, we always recommend performing a patch test before you begin using your oil regularly for hair care.
Sandalwood Oil is not designed for oral consumption and can cause serious harm if ingested. We recommend using your Sandalwood Oil for external purposes only.
Finally, we recommend storing your Sandalwood Oil in a cool, dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children or pets.