Popular for its beauty and rose-like aroma, Geranium or Pelargonium graveolens makes a delightful houseplant. But this dainty perennial is no ordinary flowering plant. Did you know all its parts – from the flower to root – are filled with therapeutic properties that can cure various health and beauty issues?
For instance, Geranium’s flower extract has been traditionally used for skin rejuvenation and aromatherapy for thousands of years, dating as far back as the ancient Egyptian times. Geranium flower extract is also highly sought after for its ability to treat several hair and scalp issues.
Benefits of Geranium Flower Extract to the Hair
Fights Free Radicals
Due to its high in antioxidant and flavonoid content, Geranium helps fight free radicals, keeping the hair strong and healthy. That is why hair treatment products containing Geranium flower extract, like Oway’s Htech Pre-Clarifying Shampoo and Hmilk No Stress, are often recommended to be used before and during a technical service. It effectively removes impurities and product residue from the scalp and hair to allow color to penetrate and cover greys, without damaging the hair.
Prevents Hair Loss
Amino acids are the building blocks of healthy hair. They are an essential component in producing keratin, the protein that adds strength to hair and scalp. Without enough keratin, hair becomes brittle and eventually stops growing, causing it to fall out. But because Geranium is full of amino acids, its flower extract can help decrease hair loss by nourishing the hair with amino acids. All you need do is mix Geranium essential oil and a carrier oil, like Jojoba Oil for maximum absorption, then apply on the affected area.
Treats Scalp Irritations
In 2012, a study revealed that Geranium essential oil contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria, thus making it effective in treating skin problems, such as allergies, irritations, burns, and inflammation.1 For hypersensitive clients, applying protective serums infused with Geranium, like Oway Hscreen, or mixing it with hair color mixtures before doing any technical service will help prevent reactions or discomfort.
Tones the Scalp
Dandruff occurs in two ways: when your scalp lacks moisture or when your sebaceous glands produce excess oil. Both cause flaking, irritation, and severe itching. Geranium flower extract is one of the few effective essential oils that deal with sebum under- and over-production, making it an excellent treatment for both dry and oily dandruff.
Like Rosemary, Geranium balances the scalp’s pH by deep-cleansing the scalp and regulating its sebum production. Whether you’re dealing with dry or oily dandruff, shampoos that contain Geranium, like Oway Volumizing Hair Bath, might just be the solution you’re looking for.
Gives a Refreshing Aroma
Who doesn’t love to smell like roses after a bath? Geranium flower extract is often mistaken for rose essential oil because they share the same aroma profile and therapeutic benefits. So, when Geranium is mixed with hair care products like shampoos and conditioners, it will give the hair a cheery floral scent that can wake up the senses.
Diffusing or spraying this essential oil before any service will immediately change the mood inside the salon. If you don’t have Geranium essential oils, Oway Bio-Rich Water is a fantastic alternative. It is made from a blend of flower extracts that include Geranium, Ylang-ylang, Camellia, and Sunflower – so it doesn’t only leave the hair smelling like Spring, it also nourishes and protects.
Geranium might seem like an ordinary houseplant, but do not let its size fool you. With its rich bioactive components, this ubiquitous herb might just be the answer to many of our hair problems.
Source:
Ghannadi, A. (2012). Antibacterial activity and composition of essential oils from Pelargonium graveolens L’Her and Vitex agnus-castus L. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3507305/
