Sandalwood Oil for Hair: Benefits, Uses, and Expert Tips for Healthier Scalp and Growth

Revitalize your scalp health and encourage stronger, more resilient strands naturally.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Oct 7, 2025

Revitalize your scalp health and encourage stronger, more resilient strands naturally.

Sandalwood oil, one of the world’s most cherished botanical extracts, has a rich history in wellness, traditional medicine, and beauty. Today, scientific research is casting a new light on its potential, particularly when it comes to hair health. If you are looking for safe, natural hair remedies backed by evidence, sandalwood oil may be the solution you seek.

This comprehensive guide explores the science, practical application, and answers to common questions about using sandalwood oil for the hair and scalp.

Introduction: What is Sandalwood Oil?
Science-Backed Hair Benefits of Sandalwood Oil
How to Use Sandalwood Oil on Hair
Best Practices and Safety Tips
Choosing High-Quality Sandalwood Oil
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
References

Introduction: What is Sandalwood Oil?

Sandalwood oil is an essential oil distilled mainly from the wood and roots of the Santalum album (East Indian sandalwood tree), cherished for its distinctive warm, woody, and soothing aroma. For centuries, it has been integral to Ayurvedic and Chinese medicinal systems for calming the mind, improving digestion, and soothing the skin.

Recent advances show that, beyond its aromatic and spiritual uses, sandalwood oil might also play a promising role in modern hair care—especially for those experiencing hair thinning, loss, or scalp issues.

Science-Backed Hair Benefits of Sandalwood Oil

Scientific studies have begun to shed light on the real benefits sandalwood oil may offer for scalp and hair health. Here’s what current evidence and research suggest:

1. Promotes Hair Growth

A 2018 study at Monasterium Laboratory, Germany, showed that applying sandalwood oil to scalp tissues stimulated hair growth within six days. The oil was found to activate specific olfactory receptors (OR2AT4) in human hair follicles, causing them to enter and prolong the anagen (growth) phase.
Another in vivo clinical trial with a 1% concentration of synthetic sandalwood (Sandalore®) for women affected by telogen effluvium (a condition that causes excessive hair shedding) showed significant reductions in hair loss and improvements in hair volume and density after just 8 weeks of use, sustained over 24 weeks.
Research has confirmed that sandalwood oil blocks genes linked to apoptosis (programmed cell death) in hair follicle keratinocytes, which facilitates hair survival and renewal.

2. Reduces Hair Loss and Improves Density

A controlled clinical study found that using Santalum album essential oil in a topical lotion daily for 3 months led to statistically significant improvements in both increased percent of anagen hairs (actively growing) and decreased telogen hairs (resting/shedding phase) at a 0.5% concentration. This suggests sandalwood oil can support a healthier hair growth cycle and denser hair.
Sandalwood oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce scalp inflammation—a known factor in chronic hair loss and follicle miniaturization.

3. Balances Scalp and Strengthens Roots

Sandalwood oil contains natural antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory agents. These can help soothe irritated scalps, reduce dandruff, and restore scalp balance, minimizing factors that can trigger hair fall.
By normalizing scalp health, sandalwood oil provides an optimal environment for follicles to thrive, promoting stronger roots and more resilient hair shafts.

4. Additional Benefits

Aromatherapy and Stress Relief: Its relaxing aroma is known to reduce stress and anxiety—both contributing factors for certain types of hair loss.
Strengthening Hair Structure: Some anecdotal and traditional reports suggest sandalwood oil can enhance shine, smoothness, and manageability of hair.

Benefit	Scientific Support	Main Active Effects
Promotes Hair Growth	Strong	Stimulates anagen phase, blocks apoptosis
Reduces Hair Loss	Good	Increases anagen; decreases telogen hair
Balances Scalp	Moderate	Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
Improves Shine/Texture	Mainly Anecdotal/Traditional	Conditioning, aromatic

How to Use Sandalwood Oil on Hair

To reap the maximum hair benefits from sandalwood oil, correct and safe use is vital. Never apply pure essential oil directly to hair or skin; dilution is necessary to prevent irritation and ensure even distribution.

1. Scalp Massage Oil

Mix 2 64 drops of sandalwood oil with 1 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil such as coconut, argan, jojoba, or sweet almond oil.
Gently massage the mixture into the scalp for 5 10 minutes, focusing on thinning areas.
Leave for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a deeper treatment, before washing your hair with a mild shampoo.

2. Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Apply the diluted oil blend to your scalp and hair lengths 30 60 minutes before regular washing.
This helps to hydrate the scalp, repair dryness, and boost overall shine.

3. Essential Oil Blend for Hair Growth

Combine sandalwood oil with other hair-friendly essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, or peppermint for a synergistic effect.
For sensitive skin, always perform a patch test with any blend before regular use.

4. Leave-In Hair Serum

Add 1 2 drops of sandalwood oil to your regular leave-in serum or conditioner for added scent and scalp-soothing benefits. Avoid contact with eyes.

Example DIY Recipe: Sandalwood Hair Growth Oil

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or carrier oil of choice)• 3 drops sandalwood oil• 2 drops rosemary oilMix, massage into the scalp, leave overnight, then shampoo as usual.

Best Practices and Safety Tips

Start slowly: Use sandalwood oil treatments once or twice weekly, observing any skin reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Patch test before use: Apply a small amount of diluted oil to the inside of your elbow and wait 24 hours for irritation. Discontinue if redness or itching occurs.
Do not apply undiluted: Pure essential oils are concentrated and may irritate or sensitize skin. Always mix sandalwood oil into a suitable carrier.
Monitor scalp health: If you notice persistent redness, irritation, or worsening hair loss, cease use and consult a dermatologist.
Consistency is key: Natural remedies require patience. Results may become noticeable only after several weeks of regular, safe use.
Sun protection: Use caution when exposing your scalp to sun immediately after oil application, as essential oils can increase photosensitivity in some individuals.

Choosing High-Quality Sandalwood Oil

The therapeutic potential of sandalwood oil depends on product quality. Here’s how to select the right oil for your hair regimen:

Botanical name: Look for oils labeled as Santalum album (East Indian sandalwood) for the highest quality and research-backed benefits. Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) also offers benefits but may differ chemically.
Purity: Choose 100% pure, undiluted essential oil with no artificial fragrances or fillers.
Reputable source: Buy from trusted suppliers who provide GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) batch testing to verify authenticity.
Packaging: Proper oils should come in dark glass bottles to protect from light degradation.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While sandalwood oil is generally regarded as safe for most adults when appropriately diluted, some people may experience:

Allergic skin reactions: itching, rash, or hives
Scalp redness or sensitivity—particularly with overuse
Rarely, headache or dizziness from excessive inhalation

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a known history of skin sensitivity, consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can sandalwood oil regrow lost hair or reverse baldness?

A: Scientific studies indicate sandalwood oil can stimulate hair follicles, prolong the growth phase, and reduce shedding. While it may not fully reverse advanced baldness, especially where follicles are no longer active, it can enhance hair density, especially for those with thinning or early-stage hair loss.

Q: How often should I use sandalwood oil on my hair?

A: Start with once or twice per week. Adjust frequency based on results and skin sensitivity. Excessive use can lead to irritation for some individuals.

Q: What is the best carrier oil to mix sandalwood oil for hair application?

A: The ideal carrier oil depends on your hair and scalp type. Coconut oil deeply nourishes dry hair, jojoba oil mimics scalp sebum for balance, and grapeseed oil is lightweight for oily-prone skin.

Q: Can sandalwood oil be used with other hair growth treatments?

A: Yes, sandalwood oil can complement other natural oils (such as rosemary or peppermint) or commercial treatments. However, always test blends for skin compatibility and avoid mixing with harsh synthetic chemicals without professional guidance.

Q: Does sandalwood oil help with dandruff?

A: Sandalwood oil’s anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties may help soothe dry, itchy, or flaky scalp conditions. For fungal dandruff, it’s best combined with antifungal oils like tea tree for optimal effect.

References

Laboratory tests and early clinical studies on sandalwood oil stimulating hair growth and blocking apoptosis in follicle cells (opmakeup.com)
Efficacy studies showing increased anagen percentage and scalp equilibrium in clinical use (teknoscienze.com)
Double-blind, placebo-controlled study with Sandalore showing improvement in hair shedding and growth ratios (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
General safety and therapeutic benefit of essential oils for skin and hair (jamanetwork.com)

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete