If you’re looking to revive your hair’s natural beauty and strength, it may be time to turn to mother nature. Botanical oils have been used for centuries to nourish hair and promote optimal health. One herb that’s gaining popularity for its hair rejuvenating properties is melissa.

Keep reading to learn all about this lemon-scented wonder and how it can transform your hair!

What is Melissa Oil?

Melissa oil, also known as lemon balm oil, is steam distilled from the leaves of the melissa officinalis plant. This hearty, herbaceous perennial in the mint family thrives in Europe, Central Asia, Iran, and North America.

The plant’s genus name “melissa” is Greek for “honeybee” since bees are attracted to its delicate blossoms. Melissa has had many uses over the years, but it’s increasingly becoming the star ingredient in hair care.

Melissa’s Bioactive Compounds

So what makes melissa so beneficial for hair health? It comes down to the plant’s bioactive compounds that provide nourishment and protection.

Key components include:

• Antioxidants like rosmarinic acid fight free radical damage
• Triterpenes like ursolic acid promote circulation
• Flavonoids like quercetin have antimicrobial effects
• Polyphenols like caffeic acid stimulate growth
• Tannins like oleanolic acid improve elasticity

This impressive nutrient profile contributes to melissa’s hair renewing capabilities. Now let’s explore those benefits further!

Melissa Oil Benefits for Hair

Here are some of the top ways melissa oil can transform your hair:

1. Boosts Shine

Melissa’s antimicrobial compounds cleanse the scalp and hair of dirt, sebum, and product buildup that dulls shine. By removing these barriers, melissa allows hair to reflect more light for a glossy finish.

The oil also contains acids that smooth the cuticle so light better penetrates the strands. As a bonus, melissa’s lemony aroma provides sensory shine as well!

2. Calms and Nourishes the Scalp

A stressed scalp hampers your hair’s potential. Melissa oil has natural sedative qualities that relieve scalp tension and inflammation. It’s like a botanical Xanax for your head!

Reducing strain enables hair follicles to focus energy on healthy growth. Melissa also delivers essential nutrients to nourish the scalp and feed strands from their source.

3. Prevents Thinning and Shedding

Thinning and shedding occur when hair follicles have a shortened growth phase. Melissa counteracts this by stimulating blood flow to the scalp to oxygenate and strengthen follicles.

Improved circulation extends the anagen (growth) phase so strands have more time to reach their full length and diameter before shedding.

4. Repairs Split Ends

Split ends develop when the protective outer cuticle wears away, causing the hair shaft to fray like a rope. Melissa helps fill in those gaps to prevent splits and breakage.

The oil’s caffeic acid encourages keratin production to reinforce the cuticle. Its lipids also coat the hair, creating a protective barrier.

5. Protects from Heat Damage

Frequent heat styling can boil the moisture out of your hair and cause serious structural damage. The antioxidants in melissa neutralize these thermal effects.

Quercetin and rosmarinic acid shield hair proteins from degradation under the strain of hot tools. This allows for heat styling with less risk of frying.

6. Soothes Irritated Scalp

Dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis can all provoke scalp discomfort. The anti-inflammatory action of melissa gently calms the skin and reduces swelling.

It also suppresses lipid production to control flaky dandruff. Say goodbye to red, itchy scalp woes!

7. Adds Shine and Body

The sweet, citrusy aroma of melissa uplifts the senses while also enhancing your hair’s beauty. It mingles nicely with other hair scents.

The lightweight fragrance adds movement and fullness too. Melissa is naturally volumizing!

How to Use Melissa for Hair

Convinced your hair needs the benefits of melissa? Here are some easy ways to incorporate it into your routine:

• Add a few drops of melissa essential oil to your conditioner or mask before applying.
• Make a pre-wash hair oil by combining melissa oil with coconut, argan, or olive oil. Let it soak in 30 mins before shampooing.
• For dandruff, mix melissa, tea tree, rosemary, and lavender oils for a clarifying scalp treatment.
• Look for hair products like shampoos and serums that contain melissa extract or oil.
• Drink lemon balm tea to enrich hair from the inside out!

Pro tip: Always dilute essential oils before applying to hair/skin to avoid irritation.

Give Your Hair a Melissa Makeover!

If your current hair care routine needs a reboot, turn to the beautifying benefits of melissa oil!

This lemon-scented botanical can enhance shine, volume, strength, growth, and hydration for hair that’s healthy from root to tip.

FAQs

What gives melissa its benefits?

Bioactive compounds like antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids that nourish, strengthen, and protect hair.

Does melissa oil lighten hair?

No, it won’t directly lighten or bleach hair. But by boosting shine, hair may appear lighter and brighter.

Can you use melissa oil on its own?

It’s best diluted to minimize skin irritation. Add a few drops to carrier oils, shampoos, etc.

Is melissa oil safe for pregnancy?

Topically, yes. But orally, its safety during pregnancy is uncertain, so avoid internal use.

How long until you see results?

You should notice improved shine and strength within 1-2 weeks of regular use. Give it 2 months for thicker, faster growth.