How To Infuse Oils with Herbs (small batches)

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Last updated on September 7th, 2024 at 12:11 am

Infusing oils is a key process for creating your DIY Herbal Hair Oils. Sometimes you want to create large batches of oil blends but most of the time you just want to whip up small batches. Such is the case when you like to change up the herbs you blend with.

Shikakai
Neem
Amla
Henna

These herbs among many others are powerful, capable of stimulating hair growth, ridding you of dandruff and so much more.

It’s been a while since I first started my herbal hair care regimen. I am constantly learning about how to use herbs to care for the hair and one of the best ways to incorporate herbs into your natural hair routine is to create infused oils.

Benefits of Creating DIY Herbal Oil Infusions

Before sharing two methods of creating your own herbal oil infusions, let me explain why it’s better to do it yourself versus buying these mixtures in stores or online.

– The DIY is cheaper – an 8 ounce jar of organic coconut oil for example can run as low as $5 (Trader Joe’s anyone?)

A pound of herbs can range in price but Amla for example can be purchased on Amazon pretty inexpensively – $9.99 for 8 1/2 ounces of powder and $12.99 for dried herbs.

One small batch of infused herbal oil only requires a tablespoon or two of the herb so you could make multiple bottles of your own herbal hair oil at a fraction of the cost of buying it pre-made

– Manufactured herbal oils typically contain less than stellar ingredients like: Mineral oil, Butyl Hydroxytoulene, colorants, etc.

So, as you can see it’s much more beneficial to your hair and your wallet to make your own herbal hair oils. You control what goes into them. Plus it’s so easy and might I say, a tad bit fun!

Now let’s examine two ways to infuse oils with herbs for hair care: the Dried Herb Method and the Powdered Herb Method

What you need for both methods: a dark colored jar or bottle, plastic mixing spoon, a measuring cup, strainer or cheese cloth…and of course, your herbs and oils

Optionals:

• If you like to scent your oils, try adding a few drops of essential oil. For more stimulating mixtures, adding peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary or a combination of these oils works well.
• While not required for small batches of DIY herbal oils, you can add a little vitamin E for a natural means of preserving.

Dried Herb Method

Using dried herbs/flowers to create your infused oils is a slightly lengthier process but the results are cleaner than the powdered herb method.

Instructions:

• Fill a jar with herb flowers or leaves.
• Pour in the oil covering the herbs, and screw on the top.
• Place jar in a sunny place (like a windowsill) for 2-4 weeks.
• Shake the jar up daily to prevent the contents from settling.
• When the time comes, strain the oil mix of the herbs, transferring the oil into the darker jar/bottle.
• Store in a cool, dark place.

Powdered Herb Method

Powders are a lot more common use for mixing into oils. The only downfall is straining the powders out of your oil mixture. Depending on how you use your oils, the powder can be left in the oil for continual infusing.

NOTE: Below, there are no measurements mentioned because the amount of powder you use will be based upon the recipe you use. In order to make a small batch (8 ounces), you’ll need to divide the amount of herbs to determine how much to add to the oil.

Instructions for Creating DIY Herbal Hair Oils with Heat:

• Mix the powdered herb of your choice (ex: Neem, Amla, Henna) with your oil(s) of choice. Some excellent oils to use are: coconut, olive, avocado, almond, jojoba, carrot seed, camellia and grape seed
• Place the powder/oil mix into a pot and allow it to heat on a low flame. The oil should warm, not boil. As the oil mix warms, it will release the goodness from within the powdered herb(s) and some of the powder may dissolve. (Note: Not all herbs should be heated. See below for herbal infusions without using heat)
• Remove pot from the stove once the oil mix turns color brown/green etc depending on herbs used.
• Stir and allow the oil to cool.
• Strain any remaining powder from the oil (by using a cheese cloth or filter) into a dark jar or bottle.e

Instructions for Creating DIY Herbal Hair Oils – No Heat

Infusing oils with herbs is a more timely method but you also eliminate the risk of burning your oils.

Here are the steps to take:

• Combine your powders in a jar with 8 ounces of your oil (or oil blend).
• Allow your now herbal concoction to sit for 2-4 weeks, shaking up the jar each day
• Sit the oil in the sun to help accelerate the process
• Once you notice the oil become a darker, richer color you can proceed to the next step
• Strain out any powder and store using the same method above

Creating your own DIY herbal hair oils is such a rewarding way of caring for your hair, natural or relaxed. You know exactly what’s going into your products, making it the healthiest way for adding herbs to your hair care regimen.

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