Choosing the right essential oils for a good night's sleep

If clients are looking to really relax and get the best night’s sleep possible, vetivert, camomile and sandalwood should be the go-to blend.

While lavender is most recognised as being great for promoting relaxation, I would argue that vetivert and wild camomile have the strongest sedative properties. 

If clients want to simply unwind and chill out after a busy day, a blend of ylang ylang, petitgrain and lavender is great. On an emotional level, the aromas of essential oils have a dynamic effect. Fragrances from natural products have been used for thousands of years, and in more recent times numerous studies have revealed that various psychophysiological effects can be attributed to fragrance inhalation. 

The sense of smell is the most primitive of our senses and is linked to the deepest parts of the brain – the parts that govern basic instincts, memories and emotions. On a physical level, because essential oils are made up of very small molecules, they are able to penetrate into our bloodstream. 

Essential oils are used extensively in the spa industry to help ease muscular aches and pains, improve circulation and ease sinus congestion. In skincare products, by penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin, essential oils can have a positive effect, such as optimising the cellular renewal process, enhancing blood circulation and addressing problems such as acne, eczema and ageing skin.

 Christina Salcedas is the global director of education for essential oil brand Aromatherapy Associates. 

Read about different ways to authentically add aromatherapy to your salon experience or how a lack of sleep can impact your skin health.