The Many Benefits of Jasmine Oil for Hair and Scalp

Essential oils are commonly used in many self-care formulations, from body oils to moisturizing lotions.

Within hair care — particularly for natural textures — essential oils can enhance many commercially available products.

Jasmine oil, derived from the jasmine plant, is a perfumed essential oil that offers a range of advantages for both hair and skin.

In this piece, we’ll review the perks of jasmine oil for the scalp and hair, and share simple DIY jasmine oil hair treatments you can make at home.

What are the health benefits of jasmine oil?

Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is a flowering species native to South Asia, best known for its delicate white blossoms and rich aroma.

Like many fragrant plants, jasmine can be processed into an essential oil. The typical extraction method is distillation.

During distillation, steam or heat and water are used to separate the volatile oil components from the plant material. After extraction, jasmine essential oil can be incorporated into a variety of personal care items.

Below are several advantages of applying jasmine oil to your hair and skin.

Locks in moisture

Essential oils like jasmine act as emollients, helping to seal moisture into the skin. Emollients are particularly useful for people dealing with dryness, which can stem from harsh climates or skin disorders.

Adding jasmine oil to a body lotion not only improves scent but also boosts the lotion’s moisturizing ability.

It can also be blended with a carrier oil to make a body oil, which can be applied directly to the skin to retain additional hydration.

Additionally, jasmine oil can function as a hair oil to maintain hydration of both hair and scalp, especially after washing.

Provides antimicrobial benefits

Many essential oils exhibit antimicrobial actions, and jasmine oil has shown antibacterial and antiviral activity.

In one 2008 study, scientists explored jasmine essential oil’s antibacterial effects against an E. coli strain and discovered several components of jasmine oil were bactericidal.

A related 2009 study reported that jasmine oil constituents displayed antiviral effects against hepatitis B virus.

Although a number of these investigations used isolated jasmine constituents, these antimicrobial properties may still be relevant to jasmine oil formulations for skin and hair.

Improves mood

One of the widespread uses of essential oils is aromatherapy, a holistic approach thought to offer benefits such as easing discomfort and promoting better sleep.

Jasmine oil is suited for aromatherapy applications like massage oils or scented lotions. When used as an oil or lotion, it can help trap moisture by creating a protective layer on the skin.

Beyond its moisturizing effects, jasmine’s scent itself can have additional benefits.

In a small study, researchers examined jasmine’s influence on the nervous system and found that aromatic components of the plant, many present in the essential oil, encouraged relaxation and enhanced mood among participants.

How to use jasmine oil for your hair

From conditioners to styling products, there are numerous ways to incorporate jasmine oil into your hair care routine.

Pre-shampoo conditioner

A pre-shampoo, or pre-poo, treatment is a staple in protective hair care routines.

Pre-poo products are applied prior to shampooing to prepare and shield hair from potential damage during washing.

Here’s a simple jasmine oil pre-poo you can make:

• 1/4 cup plain conditioner
• 1/4 cup olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil
• 1/4 teaspoon jasmine essential oil

Mix the plain conditioner, carrier oil, and jasmine essential oil in a bowl.

Dampen hair and divide into four sections. Apply the pre-poo blend evenly to each section.

Leave on for 20–30 minutes, then rinse with warm or lukewarm water.

When to use: before shampooing.

Deep conditioner

Deep conditioning is vital for natural and curly hair regimens. Most deep conditioners contain nutrient-dense ingredients, like proteins and oils, that help replenish strength and moisture.

Make this jasmine oil–infused deep conditioner:

• 1/2 avocado
• 1 ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon jasmine essential oil

Blend the avocado, banana, olive oil, honey, and jasmine essential oil in a food processor until smooth.

Dampen hair and split into four sections.

Apply the mixture evenly, cover with a thick cap, and leave on for at least one hour before rinsing with cool or lukewarm water.

When to use: after shampooing.

Hair oil

Hair oil is an effective moisturizing and protective product for natural, dense, and curly hair. It soothes the scalp, nourishes strands, and locks in hydration.

Here’s an easy jasmine styling oil to prepare:

• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon argan oil
• 1/2 tablespoon jojoba oil
• 1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 1/4 teaspoon jasmine essential oil

Combine the fractionated coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and jasmine essential oil in a small dish.

Part hair into 6–8 sections and use your fingers to apply the oil directly to the scalp, then lightly smooth a bit onto the lengths. Leave in until your next wash.

When to use: immediately after washing or after applying a moisturizer.

Styling spray

To avoid over-washing natural or curly hair, it’s helpful to keep hair hydrated between washes. A lightweight spritz containing essential oils can refresh and moisturize hair between weekly shampoos.

Try this jasmine spritz recipe:

• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons plain leave-in conditioner
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or argan oil
• 1/4 teaspoon jasmine essential oil

Blend the water, leave-in conditioner, oil, and jasmine essential oil until combined.

Pour into a spray bottle and mist lightly onto hair each morning before styling. Leave in until the next wash.

When to use: daily between wash days before styling.

DIY hair care ingredients

You can buy these components online to whip up your own hair care items:

• jasmine oil
• vitamin E oil
• fractionated coconut oil
• argan oil
• jojoba oil
• olive oil
• spray bottle

Is jasmine oil good for all hair types?

Essential oils aren’t limited to natural hair—anyone can incorporate jasmine oil into a healthy hair care plan.

Certain hair types, however, may gain more from essential oils like jasmine:

• curly hair
• frizzy hair
• thick hair
• dreadlocks and braided styles
• color-treated hair
• permed hair
• damaged hair

Thick, curly textures that are prone to dryness particularly benefit from jasmine oil’s moisturizing and oil-restoring qualities.

Hair that has experienced chemical treatments, such as coloring or perming, can also profit from jasmine oil’s nourishing effects.

For finer hair, jasmine essential oil can still be used in shampoos and conditioners, but it’s often best to rinse it out to prevent a weighed-down appearance.

Jasmine oil product recommendations

If making DIY products isn’t your preference, here are some jasmine-infused options to consider:

• Bain De Terre’s Jasmine Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry Hair.This jasmine-enriched shampoo and conditioner is formulated for dry strands, combining jasmine essential oil, argan oil, and monoi oil to help retain moisture. Purchase online.
• Bambo Earth’s 100% Organic Shampoo Bar. A jasmine shampoo bar that’s organic and eco-friendly, featuring plant-derived essential oils like jasmine to hydrate hair and scalp. Purchase online.
• Botanical Beauty’s Organic Jasmine Flower Butter. A raw jasmine flower butter made with jasmine oil extract. It’s versatile for both hair and skin and can be combined with other ingredients for DIY jasmine treatments. Purchase online.
• Provence Beauty’s Honeysuckle Jasmine Multi-Use Oil. A natural jasmine blend designed for hair and skin use, containing vitamin E and other supportive compounds to foster healthy hair. Purchase online.

Key takeaways

Jasmine essential oil provides multiple benefits: it helps maintain moisture in skin and hair, offers some antimicrobial protection, and can promote relaxation and improved mood.

You can blend jasmine oil with other hydrating ingredients to make pre-poo treatments, deep conditioners, hair oils, or styling sprays.

Although pure jasmine oil can be on the pricey side, it’s widely available wherever essential oils are sold, and it’s worth considering as a nourishing addition to your hair care routine. For more information on aromatic uses, see jasmine essential oil.