Nourishing DIY Hair Oil for Dry, Brittle Hair

Last updated on April 25, 2025 by Jess Healey
Originally published on September 22, 2017

If your hair feels dry, brittle, frizzy, or just downright unruly lately—you’re not alone. Between overwashing, heat styling, and harsh commercial products, it’s easy for our hair to lose its natural moisture and shine. That’s exactly why I created this simple, four-ingredient DIY nourishing hair oil.

It’s my go-to for bringing life back to dull strands, smoothing split ends, and giving my scalp a little extra love. The best part? It’s easy to make, smells amazing, and uses ingredients you can feel good about putting on your body. Whether you’re already into oil treatments or just getting started, this blend is a staple you’ll want to keep on hand.

Below, I’ll walk you through exactly why it works, how to make it, how to use it for best results—and I’ll even answer a few common questions along the way.

Why Your Hair Needs Oil Treatments

If your hair is dry, brittle, frizzy, or constantly breaking—it’s likely crying out for a little more love. Overwashing, heat styling, coloring, and even seasonal changes can strip away your hair’s natural oils, leaving it dull and vulnerable.
That’s where a nourishing oil treatment comes in. For generations, people around the world have used natural oils to protect and repair their hair. These homemade oil treatments for hair don’t just coat the surface—they penetrate the hair shaft, smooth frayed cuticles, and lock in essential moisture.
Regular use of a DIY hair oil for dry hair can help restore shine, reduce breakage, calm frizz, and even support scalp health. And the best part? You can completely customize your oil to suit your hair’s specific needs—with ingredients that are non-toxic, affordable, and easy to find.
We’re going to start by breaking down each ingredient and why it works, then I’ll show you exactly how to make your own at home.

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Ingredient Benefits

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this nourishing hair oil DIY so effective. Each ingredient is here for a reason—not just because it smells great (though… it totally does), but because it supports the health of your hair and scalp in real, science-backed ways.

Lavender essential oil is a superstar when it comes to hair and scalp care. It’s been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which may help prevent common scalp issues like dandruff or folliculitis. Even more exciting? A 2016 animal study found that lavender oil significantly increased hair growth in mice when applied topically over four weeks. source: Toxicological Research, 2016.

It’s also incredibly calming—both for your skin and your nervous system. That sweet, herbal floral scent? Total bonus.

Australian sandalwood oil is deeply hydrating and ideal for dry, brittle hair. Studies have explored its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, especially in skin applications. While there’s limited direct research on hair, its use in hair care is supported by its emollient qualities and ability to calm irritation.

Importantly, Australian sandalwood offers an ethically sourced alternative to traditional Indian sandalwood, which is considered a vulnerable species due to overharvesting. sources: Indian Sandalwood: A History of Overexploitation and Endangerment 2022 and Journal of Biomolecules, 2024.

Its rich, earthy aroma makes it a grounding addition to any self-care ritual—this one included.

Blue chamomile is known for its deep blue color and its rich content of azulene, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Research shows that German chamomile has anti-inflammatory, soothing, and mild analgesic properties when applied topically, making it excellent for calming irritated scalps. source: Molecular Medicine Reports, 2010.

It’s also been used traditionally to reduce skin sensitivity and redness. Just a few drops go a long way in promoting peace for your scalp and softness for your hair.

Both of these oils are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and closely mimic the natural oils (sebum) our scalp produces.

Sweet almond oil is rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid, and vitamin E—all of which help improve hair elasticity, reduce breakage, and smooth the hair shaft. source: Healthline 2023.
Jojoba oil, technically a wax ester, is often used to moisturize dry scalps and reduce flaking. It’s also been found to enhance hair shine and strength when used regularly. source: Polymers.

Feel free to choose one based on your hair type—or blend the two for a well-rounded base.

DIY Nourishing Hair Oil Recipe

This nourishing DIY hair oil deeply hydrates dry, brittle strands and supports a healthy scalp. With just four powerful ingredients, it’s a simple, customizable weekly treatment for shinier, stronger hair—naturally.

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Servings oz

Equipment

1 4oz amber glass bottle (to protect oils from light)
1 Small funnel (optional, but helpful)
1 Dropper or pipette (if your essential oils don’t have reducer caps)
Measuring spoons or scale

Ingredients

4 oz Carrier oil of your choice (jojoba and almond are both excellent options)
16 drops Lavender essential oil
16 drops Sandalwood essential oil (Australian Sandalwood)
8 drops Blue chamomile essential oil (German)

Instructions

Add all essential oils directly into your 4oz glass bottle.
Using a funnel, pour in the carrier oil of your choice until the bottle is nearly full.
Cap the bottle and gently swirl or shake to combine.
Store in a cool, dark place between uses.

Notes

For fine or oily hair, use jojoba oil. For thicker or drier hair, almond, argan, or avocado oil work well.
Can’t find Australian sandalwood? Use cedarwood as a more budget-friendly and readily available alternative.
Use within 6–12 months. Store in a dark cabinet away from heat and sunlight.
See the section above for trusted sources to purchase quality ingredients.
Scroll down for FAQs, usage tips, and reader reviews!

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

FAQs

Can I use different essential oils in this recipe?

Absolutely. If you don’t have blue chamomile, you can try Roman chamomile or even leave it out. Rosemary, cedarwood, and peppermint are also popular for scalp support and hair growth—just be sure to research proper dilution ratios and skin safety.

Will this make my hair greasy?

Not if you use it correctly. This is a deep conditioning oil treatment, meant to be applied generously and then washed out. If you want a leave-in option, try using just 1–2 drops on your fingertips and applying only to your ends. If you are looking for a conditioner, you’re in luck – DIY Conditioner Recipe!

What’s the best carrier oil for my hair type?

– Fine or oily hair: Jojoba or grapeseed oil
– Thick or dry hair: Almond, avocado, or argan oil
– Curly/coily hair: A blend of almond and castor oil can work beautifully
If you’re not sure where to start, jojoba is always a safe and versatile option.

How often should I use this hair oil?

Once a week is a great place to start. If your hair is extra dry or damaged, you can use it 2–3 times weekly as a pre-shampoo treatment. Just listen to your hair—it’ll tell you what it needs.

How should I store it? How long does it last?

Store your oil blend in a cool, dark place—an amber or cobalt glass bottle is ideal. When stored properly, it should last 6–12 months. Always give it a sniff before use; if it smells “off,” it’s time to make a fresh batch.

How to Use It

Using this DIY hair oil for dry hair is easy—and kind of a treat. Here’s how to get the most out of it:

Apply to dry hair before shampooing. You can use your fingertips or a dropper bottle to apply the oil, starting at the mid-lengths and working down to the ends. If your scalp is dry or flaky, gently massage a small amount onto your scalp, too.
Wrap it up. After applying, twist your hair into a bun or braid and wrap it in a towel or shower cap. This helps trap heat and encourages deeper absorption.
Let it sit. Leave the oil on for at least 1 hour. If you have time, overnight is even better—just lay a towel over your pillow to avoid staining.
Wash it out. Shampoo thoroughly with your favorite non-toxic shampoo. You may need to lather twice, especially if you used a heavier oil.
Repeat weekly. For dry or damaged hair, a once-weekly oil treatment can help restore softness and shine over time.

Pro tip: For an extra boost, warm the oil gently before applying. You can do this by placing the bottle in a cup of hot water for a few minutes—just make sure the cap is on tight.

Precautions

While this DIY hair oil is made with natural, gentle ingredients, it’s always important to be mindful—especially when using essential oils. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Avoid the eyes – If you accidentally get the oil in your eyes, don’t rinse with water—it can actually make things worse by spreading the oil. Instead, use a plain carrier oil (like olive or jojoba) on a clean cloth to gently wipe the area. Then follow with water and a mild cleanser if needed.

Pregnancy note – There’s mixed information out there about using German chamomile essential oil during pregnancy. While it’s often used topically for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, some sources recommend avoiding it as a precaution. I’m not a medical professional, so if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have specific health concerns, it’s always best to consult your provider before using essential oils—just to be safe.

Always patch test – Especially if you have sensitive skin or a reactive scalp. Just place a small amount of the diluted oil blend on your inner wrist or behind your ear and wait 24 hours to check for any irritation.

Use clean hands and tools – Contamination can shorten the shelf life of your oil. Always wash your hands before handling the dropper or opening the bottle, and store your oil in a cool, dark place.

More DIY Hair Recipes to Try

If you’re loving this hair oil, you might enjoy these other nourishing, from-scratch hair care recipes:

Each one is simple to make, free from harsh ingredients, and tailored to support healthy, happy hair—naturally.

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