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Jasmine oil has long been known for its delicious fragrant scent and its inclusion in some of the world's most popular perfumes. Some have also claimed that the oil has done wonders for their hair and scalp. But does it actually work? Should we all be adding this sweet-smelling oil into our hair care routines?
We spoke to dermatologist Jeanette Graf, MD, and trichologists Bridgette Hill and Gretchen Friese to find out everything you need to know about using jasmine oil for hair and scalp.
Meet the Expert
- Bridgette Hill is a certified trichologist and founder of Root Cause Scalp Analysis.
- Gretchen Friese is a BosleyMD-certified trichologist.
- Jeannette Graf, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Although there isn't a ton of research examining its true effectiveness, experts claim that—if used correctly—jasmine oil can truly make a difference for your hair and scalp. Keep reading to find out more.
Jasmine Oil For Hair and Scalp
Type of Ingredient: An emollient for scalp and hair, says Hill
Main Benefits: Encourages cellular turnover, fights bacteria and yeast, hydrates and protects hair and scalp
Who Should Use It: People with sensitive scalps, scalp conditions, anyone dealing with redness or irritation on the scalp, or those with natural, thick, dry, or damaged hair types
How Often Can You Use It: It can be used daily, depending on how you use it
Works Well With: A carrier oil like vitamin E, coconut, argan, jojoba, or olive
Don't Use With: It shouldn't interfere with any ingredients but proceed with caution when mixing it with other essential oils
What Is Jasmine Oil For Hair and Scalp?
Jasmine oil, an emollient for the scalp and hair, is derived from the white flower bloom of the jasmine plant, explains Hill. "The flower is believed to be indigenous to Iran, but is also known to thrive in the tropical climates." However, it is pretty uncommon to find good quality jasmine oil inside hair products since it is expensive, which is why it's not often the oil of choice when formulating hair and scalp care products.
Typically, you'll find jasmine essential oils inside your products. "Adding essential jasmine oil to shampoos, scalp rinses, and other hair care products is the most common way this powerful ingredient is incorporated into products," says Hill. It has the same benefits without the hefty price tag of using pure jasmine oil—and is made the same way. "Many also use jasmine essential oils in aromatherapy since it has been known to help improve mood," explains Friese. Before adding a jasmine essential oil to your routine, it's important to make sure it's high-grade and quality since it isn't regulated by the FDA advises Graf.
Benefits of Jasmine Oil For Hair And Scalp
If used correctly, jasmine oil can provide a whole slew of benefits for those dealing with a sensitive scalp or managing any type of scalp condition.
- Anti-microbial: Jasmine oil has anti-microbial and antiviral elements that may help with different scalp issues, explains Hill. "It is strongly recommended for anyone who manages any type of scalp condition, ranging from a sensitive scalp to irritation to redness to medical conditions like psoriasis or dermatitis." It's also great for those looking to treat dandruff. "Since it's anti-microbial and antiseptic it has a great effect on dandruff, infections, and other scalp conditions," says Graf.
- Encourages cell turnover: By acting as an anti-microbial, jasmine oil soothes dry skin and helps seal the hair cuticle, which may help prevent breakage and encourage new hair growth.
- Adds hydration and protection to the hair and scalp: Applying jasmine oil to the hair and scalp will be soothing and moisturizing for the skin, says Friese. It'll add hydration and moisture, protecting the hair and scalp in the process.
Hair Type Considerations
Jasmine oil has many benefits for both the hair and scalp, but it's crucial to remember that it's not intended to be used by everyone. "It's particularly advised for those who are managing any type of scalp condition, ranging from a sensitive scalp to irritation to dermatitis," says Hill. It's also great for those with damaged, curly, natural, thick, or dry hair, explains Friese.
However, you should proceed with caution if you're sensitive to fragrance or have a history of allergic reactions to new ingredients. "Anyone who is allergic or has sensitivities to jasmine (or other plants or essential oils), should avoid it altogether or patch test it before using," says Graf.
Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should also tread lightly when adding in the ingredient for the first time. "If you are pregnant or nursing, I suggest you speak to a doctor before using jasmine (or any oils)," says Friese. On a similar note, our experts encouraged checking the ingredient label extra thoroughly before usage to ensure you don't put yourself in danger of having a negative reaction.
How To Use Jasmine Oil For Hair And Scalp
If you're looking to hydrate and protect your hair and scalp and prevent and heal dandruff (and other scalp conditions), you'll want to add jasmine oil into your routine as soon as possible. Thankfully, it can be found in many products including shampoos, conditioners, styling sprays, oils, and more.
Also nice: If you use it correctly, you can use the oil daily. "The only precaution you may want to consider is that jasmine oil may be heavy for fine hair, so you will want to rinse it out rather than leave it on the strands," says Friese. To maximize the oil's potential, she advises pairing it with a carrier oil for application. "Vitamin E, coconut, argan, jojoba, and olive oils are all good to pair with jasmine oil to maximize its benefits."
Ready to incorporate jasmine oil into your hair and scalp regimen? Below are a few options.
- Use it as a pre-scalp treatment: Create a solution with jasmine, peppermint, tea tree, and citrus-based oils, explains Hill. "The combination will not only enhance circulation—which is exactly what you want to do—but will also decongest the scalp." She advises spending three to five minutes massaging the oils into the scalp to soften skin cells, exfoliate, remove debris, and encourage blood flow.
- Apply it directly to scalp and strands: Both Friese and Hill recommend applying it directly to the scalp. Pro tip: Use a color applicator bottle with a nozzle, which will help make sure the process isn't messy.
- Use pre-formulated products: There are a bunch of shampoos and conditioners currently available with jasmine oil in them, but Friese recommends this duo from Bain De Terre. "This jasmine-infused shampoo and conditioner is formulated for dry hair and contains jasmine, argan, and monoi oil, which all work to help lock moisture in dry hair."