Lavender has long been touted for its many uses. Growing it in your garden can help repel unwanted insects, and it can induce relaxation and stabilize your mood as an essential oil. Lavender is also known to relieve insomnia, depression, fatigue, and anxiety, and you can even throw the herb into your smoothie to support your nervous system. Another area that lavender essential oil is particularly useful is in your beauty routine. Not only does it add a spa-like quality to your self-care habits, but it can clear up common hair and scalp problems you may be struggling with.

Here are five simple ways to enhance your hair care routine with lavender essential oil.

Soothe your scalp

Massaging a few drops of lavender essential oil along with a couple of tablespoons of carrier oil (an unscented base oil such as grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil) into your scalp can help get rid of dandruff. One of the most common causes of this malady is a yeast called malassezia, which produces fatty acids that irritates the scalp. The antimicrobial effects of lavender essential oil can kill off fungus and bacteria such as malassezia and others that can cause issues for your scalp.

Let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes before shampooing as usual. Do this a few times per week and your scalp will thank you.

Promote hair growth

Do you want longer, thicker locks? There have been laboratory studies that demonstrate lavender’s ability to stimulate hair growth. It also clears hair follicles of bacteria which could be hindering hair growth as well.

Apply the lavender oil the same way you would treat scalp irritation. Mix a bit of it in with a carrier oil and let it sit in your hair for 10 to 15 minutes before washing. For the best results, massage the mixture directly into your hair follicles.

Up the shine factor

Make a lavender essential oil hair mask to give your hair that extra moisture and nourish your scalp with moisture. A soothing mask will also prevent breakage, plus your hair will smell amazing.

Mix several drops of lavender essential oil into jojoba or coconut oil, then apply the mixture to dry strands and scalp. Get comfortable, because you can let the mask sit for up to an hour before washing it out with a gentle shampoo. Seal the deal with cool or cold water, which helps close the hair’s cuticles and gives it an extra shiny boost.

Moisturize your dry scalp

Make a mixture of oatmeal and lavender oil and massage it directly onto your scalp to relieve yourself of any itchiness or irritation. A few tablespoons of oatmeal with several drops of lavender oil and a little water will do the trick. Let the mixture sit for an hour for the best results, then shampoo your hair thoroughly with a mild cleanser.

Add it to your daily ritual

If you don’t always have time to pamper yourself with an extensive lavender essential oil hair treatment, an effortless way to reap the benefits of lavender is to add a couple of drops of it directly to your shampoo every time you wash your hair. But don’t add lavender essential oil into your shampoo bottle because the oil will separate from the rest of the shampoo and could cause irritation if it’s applied in its concentrated form. Instead, squeeze the usual amount of shampoo into your hand and add a few drops of oil to it. Mix well and massage into your scalp for a minute or two, then rinse, condition, and style as normal.