Cedarwood Scalp Massage Oil Recipe
This cedarwood scalp massage oil is a simple pre-wash hair care recipe for days when your scalp feels dry, tight, or in need of a little extra attention. Cedarwood essential oil gives the blend a warm, woody aroma, while rosemary and lavender make it feel fresh, herbal, and soothing. Use it as a slow scalp massage before shampooing, not as a heavy leave-in oil.
Cedarwood Atlas essential oil has been my choice for this scalp massage oil not only because of its grounded woody scent which feels lovely for a pre-wash hair-care routine. Cedarwood has also been discussed in research reviews on natural ingredients studied for alopecia, although this recipe is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure hair loss. You can read the article here: natural ingredients studied for alopecia.
Benefits
- Helps turn cedarwood essential oil into a practical scalp massage treatment for dry, flaky, or unbalanced scalps
- Supports a healthy-feeling scalp by combining cedarwood with rosemary and lavender essential oils
- Jojoba oil is lightweight and similar to the scalp’s natural oils, making it easy to massage in without feeling too heavy
- Massaging the blend into the scalp helps loosen buildup and encourages circulation before shampooing
- Best used as a pre-shampoo scalp oil so the hair and roots can be washed clean afterward
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil (30mls)
- 5 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 4 drops rosemary essential oil
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
Ingredient Notes
Cedarwood essential oil:
Cedarwood gives this scalp massage oil its deep, woody aroma and is often used in hair care recipes for a grounded, clean-smelling scalp blend. Cedarwood Atlas is my choice, see article link above.
Jojoba oil:
Jojoba is a good choice for scalp recipes because it feels lighter than many kitchen oils and rinses out more easily after shampooing. The reason I have chose Jojoba oil is because its the oil that is the closest to natural sebum, it also lightweight and will absorb quickly. Not causing a greasy feeling on your scalp. However if you Dry/flaky scalp: coconut oil or argan oil may be a better choice. Argan oil is the more expensive of these three oils.
Rosemary essential oil:
Rosemary adds a crisp herbal note that pairs well with cedarwood in hair and scalp blends.
Lavender essential oil:
Lavender softens the aroma and makes this pre-wash scalp massage oil feel calming rather than sharp.
Recommended Supplies
You only need a small glass bottle and a clean dropper top for this cedarwood scalp oil.
- 1 fl oz glass dropper bottle
- Small funnel
- Measuring spoon
- Label
Equipment
- 1 fl oz glass dropper bottle
- Small funnel
- Measuring spoon
- Label
Method
- Add the jojoba oil to a clean 1 fl oz glass dropper bottle.
- Add the cedarwood, rosemary, and lavender essential oils.
- Cap the bottle and roll it gently between your palms for 30 seconds to combine.
- Label the bottle with the recipe name and date made.
How to Use
Before shampooing, part dry hair into sections and apply 3–6 drops directly to the scalp. Massage gently with your fingertips for 3–5 minutes, then leave on for 15–30 minutes before washing as usual. Use 1–2 times per week.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use within 6 months for the freshest aroma.
Variations & Substitutions
Extra Gentle Cedarwood Scalp Oil
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil (30mls)
- 6 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
Fresh Herbal Scalp Oil
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil (30mls)
- 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 4 drops rosemary essential oil
- 3 drops peppermint essential oil
Safety Considerations
- For external use only unless the recipe is a diffuser blend.
- Perform a patch test before using any leave-on product.
- Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, mucous membranes, and broken or irritated skin.
- Keep essential oils away from children and pets.
- Consult a qualified professional before using essential oils if pregnant, nursing, taking medication, managing a medical condition, or making products for children.
- Do not apply undiluted cedarwood essential oil directly to skin.
Additional Notes
This recipe is intended as a cosmetic scalp massage oil, not a medical treatment for hair loss or scalp conditions. If your scalp is inflamed, painful, infected, or shedding suddenly, skip essential oils and speak with a qualified professional.
This homemade recipe is for general wellness and home use only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Cedarwood Scalp Massage Oil Recipe
This cedarwood scalp massage oil is a simple pre-wash hair care recipe for days when your scalp feels dry, tight, or in need of a little extra attention. Cedarwood essential oil gives the blend a warm, woody aroma, while rosemary and lavender make it feel fresh, herbal, and soothing. Use it as a slow scalp massage before shampooing, not as a heavy leave-in oil.
Cedarwood Atlas essential oil has been my choice for this scalp massage oil not only because of its grounded woody scent which feels lovely for a pre-wash hair-care routine. Cedarwood has also been discussed in research reviews on natural ingredients studied for alopecia, although this recipe is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure hair loss. You can read the article here: natural ingredients studied for alopecia.
Benefits
- Helps turn cedarwood essential oil into a practical scalp massage treatment for dry, flaky, or unbalanced scalps
- Supports a healthy-feeling scalp by combining cedarwood with rosemary and lavender essential oils
- Jojoba oil is lightweight and similar to the scalp’s natural oils, making it easy to massage in without feeling too heavy
- Massaging the blend into the scalp helps loosen buildup and encourages circulation before shampooing
- Best used as a pre-shampoo scalp oil so the hair and roots can be washed clean afterward
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil (30mls)
- 5 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 4 drops rosemary essential oil
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
Ingredient Notes
Cedarwood essential oil:
Cedarwood gives this scalp massage oil its deep, woody aroma and is often used in hair care recipes for a grounded, clean-smelling scalp blend. Cedarwood Atlas is my choice, see article link above.
Jojoba oil:
Jojoba is a good choice for scalp recipes because it feels lighter than many kitchen oils and rinses out more easily after shampooing. The reason I have chose Jojoba oil is because its the oil that is the closest to natural sebum, it also lightweight and will absorb quickly. Not causing a greasy feeling on your scalp. However if you Dry/flaky scalp: coconut oil or argan oil may be a better choice. Argan oil is the more expensive of these three oils.
Rosemary essential oil:
Rosemary adds a crisp herbal note that pairs well with cedarwood in hair and scalp blends.
Lavender essential oil:
Lavender softens the aroma and makes this pre-wash scalp massage oil feel calming rather than sharp.
Equipment
- 1 fl oz glass dropper bottle
- Small funnel
- Measuring spoon
- Label
Method
- Add the jojoba oil to a clean 1 fl oz glass dropper bottle.
- Add the cedarwood, rosemary, and lavender essential oils.
- Cap the bottle and roll it gently between your palms for 30 seconds to combine.
- Label the bottle with the recipe name and date made.
How to Use
Before shampooing, part dry hair into sections and apply 3–6 drops directly to the scalp. Massage gently with your fingertips for 3–5 minutes, then leave on for 15–30 minutes before washing as usual. Use 1–2 times per week.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use within 6 months for the freshest aroma.
Variations & Substitutions
Extra Gentle Cedarwood Scalp Oil
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil (30mls)
- 6 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
Fresh Herbal Scalp Oil
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil (30mls)
- 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 4 drops rosemary essential oil
- 3 drops peppermint essential oil
Safety Considerations
- For external use only unless the recipe is a diffuser blend.
- Perform a patch test before using any leave-on product.
- Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, mucous membranes, and broken or irritated skin.
- Keep essential oils away from children and pets.
- Consult a qualified professional before using essential oils if pregnant, nursing, taking medication, managing a medical condition, or making products for children.
- Do not apply undiluted cedarwood essential oil directly to skin.
Additional Notes
This recipe is intended as a cosmetic scalp massage oil, not a medical treatment for hair loss or scalp conditions. If your scalp is inflamed, painful, infected, or shedding suddenly, skip essential oils and speak with a qualified professional.
This homemade recipe is for general wellness and home use only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Recommended Supplies
You only need a small glass bottle and a clean dropper top for this cedarwood scalp oil.
- 1 fl oz glass dropper bottle
- Small funnel
- Measuring spoon
- Label
You can leave it in overnight if your scalp tolerates oils well, but start with a 15–30 minute pre-wash treatment first. Overnight oiling can feel too heavy for fine hair or sensitive scalps.
Once or twice per week is enough for most people. Using too much oil too often may make the scalp feel greasy or difficult to rinse clean.
Yes, but fractionated coconut oil is easier to rinse than solid coconut oil. Jojoba is usually the lighter choice for scalp care.
It is best described as a scalp massage oil that supports a consistent hair care routine. It should not be presented as a treatment or guaranteed hair growth remedy.
Use a small amount and wash out well. If your color is fresh or your scalp is sensitive after coloring, wait a few days before using essential oils.
Atlas, Virginian, or Himalayan cedarwood can work in this type of recipe, but their aromas vary. Use a properly labeled essential oil from a supplier you trust.