The Beauty Bar: Yland-Ylang Oil

Has the changing season made your scalp and hair dry and flaky? Ylang-ylang oil, distilled from the flower of the cananga tree, can give your locks luster. What’s more, the balancing oil also relaxes you, thanks to its linalool content, a sweet aromatic proven to reduce anxiety. Eric Cech, owner of Ananda Apothecary in Boulder, Colorado, suggests buying ylang-ylang oil that says “complete” on the label, which ensures you get a higher-quality oil with a sweeter aroma. To use, combine with a carrier oil, such as jojoba (the carrier oil helps the scalp absorb ylang-ylang’s essential oils), and massage into your head before bed, as you would a leave-in conditioner.

We like: Ananda Aromatherapy’s Ylang Ylang Essential Oil “Complete,” ($16.15, 30 ml;
anandaapothecary.com)
Also try: Avalon Organics Ylang Ylang Glist-ening Shampoo and Conditioner ($9.45 each,
11 oz; avalonorganics.com)