16 Best Hair Growth Oils For Long, Thick, And Healthy Locks
Get the goodness of hair oils that offer healthy growth, shine, and bounce to your locks.
Dr. Nanga graduated as an Associate Trichologist from the World Trichology Society in 2019. She has 14 years of experience and is also a socio-esthetician in oncology and a specialist taking care of cancer patients who lose hair during chemotherapy. She worked in the cosmetic field as a beauty consultant for Parfumeries Brumes for about 2 years.
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Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.
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Your search for the best hair growth oils probably ends here. Essential oils are like a godsend for treating many hair issues. They are natural plant-based oils with aromatic properties, and applying them to the scalp can trigger hair growth. When combined with other carrier oils, these oils improve the performance of other hair care products. However, there are tens of essential oils, and it is not easy to choose which is the best for you. In this article, we have listed the 16 best oils that keep your hair healthy.
We will also find out how essential and regular oils differ, what carrier oils are, and the tips to use these oils effectively for hair to reap maximum benefits. So, let us get started.
In This Article
Essential Oils Vs. Carrier Oils
- A carrier oil is derived from plants, seeds, or nuts, while an essential oil is distilled from leaves, roots, or rare botanicals.
- Essential oils have a concentrated aroma and carrier oils don’t.
- Essential oils are known to be volatile, while carrier oils are pure oils.
- Essential oils cannot be used directly on your skin or hair, while carrier oils are safe for direct application.
- Essential oils are extraordinarily potent and can be stored for a long time. Carrier oils, on the other hand, go rancid after a while.
Essential oils have started gaining popularity for the various benefits they offer for hair. Check them out in the next section!
Benefits Of Essential Oils For Hair
1. Nourish Hair Follicles
Essential oils seep into your hair follicles to nourish them and aid hair growth.
2. Balance Scalp Sebum
Essential oils cleanse your scalp and remove excess sebum, thereby promoting new hair growth.
3. Strengthen Your Hair
Essential oils contain nourishing properties that repair and heal damaged cuticles, leading to thicker and fuller looking hair.
Other Benefits Of Essential Oils
- Regulate blood circulation in the scalp
- Protect hair from free radicals
- Kill microorganisms and scalp-infecting germs
- Add shine to your hair
- Reopen dormant follicles
- Prevent premature graying
- Improve hair texture
A survey to investigate the effects of standardized scalp messages on patients with androgenic alopecia was completed by 340 respondents. 68.9% of them reported hair loss stabilization and regrowth after a daily standardized scalp massage of 11-20 minutes. Essential oils can be used with carrier oils for this standardized scalp massage.
Fascinating! Who knew essential oils could do wonders for your hair? So, it’s time you added them to your hair care routine. We’ve compiled a list of the best essential oils for hair to help you out. Check them out!
16 Best Hair Growth Oils for Every Type of Hair
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Rosemary Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential OIl
- Thyme Essential Oil
- Chamomile Essential Oil
- Clary Sage Essential Oil
- Horsetail Plant Oil
- Cedarwood Essential Oil
- Lemongrass Oil
- Tea Tree Essential Oil
- Patchouli Essential Oil
- Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
- Avocado Essential Oil
- Lemon Essential Oil
- Pumpkin Seed Essential Oil
- Castor Oil
1. Lavender Essential Oil
You Will Need
- 4 to 5 drops of lavender oil
- 3 tablespoons of olive or coconut oil
Time
5 hours, or leave it on overnight to get the most of its healing powers.
How To Apply
- Mix 4 to 5 drops of lavender essential oil with coconut or olive oil.
- Massage this mixture gently onto your scalp.
- Leave it on for 4 to 5 hours before washing it out with a shampoo.
Why This Works
This sweet-smelling flower is known for relieving stress and anxiety (1). But that’s not all! It is one of the very few oils that works on all hair types. According to some studies, massaging lavender oil with other herbs and carrier oils on your scalp may help with hair loss (1). It moisturizes the scalp and balances sebum secretion. A study showed that lavender oil significantly improved the depth of hair follicles, thus contributing to the growth of new cells in female mice (2). Its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antinociceptive properties also make it a compelling choice for treating alopecia areata (2). It can also be used to fight bacteria and fungus (3).
2. Rosemary Essential Oil
You Will Need
- 4 to 5 drops of rosemary oil
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil (you can heat it if you want)
- 2 to 3 drops of cinnamon oil (optional)
Time
3 hours
How To Apply
- Combine rosemary oil with olive oil/coconut oil and massage this mixture onto your scalp for 3 minutes. Make sure to cover each hair strand.
- Leave it on for 4 hours.
- Rinse it off thoroughly.
Why This Works
Rosemary oil is known for its pungent aroma. It improves hair growth and thickness and promotes a healthy scalp. Research shows that rosemary helps increase the hair count and treats itchiness on the scalp (4). This woody natural herb improves blood circulation in the scalp and stimulates hair follicles. (5). It is packed with antifungal, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties that help prevent baldness, premature graying of hair, and dandruff. It also promotes blood circulation in your scalp and stimulates new hair growth.
Fun Fact3. Peppermint Essential Oil
You Will Need
- 3 drops of peppermint oil
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Time
4 hours
How To Apply
- Combine peppermint oil, coconut oil, and olive oil and massage the mixture onto your scalp.
- Leave it on for at least 3 hours.
- Let the mixture soak in thoroughly before washing it out.
- An alternative method is to add the mixture to your shampoo or conditioner.
Why This Works
Peppermint oil is packed with conditioning and nourishing properties. The application of peppermint oil for four weeks saw positive hair growth effects in mice (6). Peppermint oil induces rapid hair growth from the roots and strengthens the hair follicles. Its antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties can heal scalp inflammation and treat dandruff and head lice. It prevents premature graying of hair by protecting your natural hair color. The pungent aroma of peppermint oil also enhances energy, lifts your mood, and relieves stress (7).
4. Thyme Essential Oil
You Will Need
- 2 drops of thyme essential oil
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil
Time
20 minutes
How To Apply
- Add 2 drops of thyme essential oil to the olive oil.
- Massage the mixture gently onto your scalp.
- Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off thoroughly with a chemical-free shampoo.
Why This Works
Thyme is a highly aromatic herb that is popular in the culinary world. Studies show that thyme helps treat alopecia areata when mixed with other powerful essential oils (8). It increases the blood flow to the scalp and promotes new hair growth. Thyme contains a potent constituent called thymol that treats inflammation (9). Thus, the application of thyme oil can treat dandruff and other scalp-infections.
Trivia5. Chamomile Essential Oil
You Will Need
- 5 drops of chamomile essential oil
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil or jojoba oil
Time
4 to 5 hours, or you can even leave it overnight as it is non-greasy.
How To Apply
- Mix the solution and apply it all over your scalp liberally.
- Leave it on for 4 to 5 hours or overnight.
- Rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water and shampoo.
Why This Works
This floral essential oil is great for healing and soothing your scalp. It is a popular choice in aromatherapy and the hair care industry. Scalp massage with oil increases blood flow to hair follicles, which, in turn, leads to an increased hair thickness (10). This nourishing oil prevents dryness and repairs the hair shafts, thus promoting fresh hair regrowth. It soothes itchiness on the scalp and treats skin inflammation (11).
6. Clary Sage Essential Oil
You Will Need
- 8 drops of clary sage oil
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Time
30 minutes
How To Apply
- Work this mixture onto your scalp and coat every hair strand.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo.
Why This Works
Clary sage regulates the secretion of sebum oil. It contains phytoestrogens that promote hair growth. It controls premature graying of hair. Massaging this oil on your scalp will help treat dandruff and reduce itchiness. It neutralizes hormone imbalance and helps fight hair loss. It also moisturizes your hair, making it soft and manageable.
Trivia7. Horsetail Plant Oil
You Will Need
- 2 drops of horsetail oil
- 2 drops of olive oil or jojoba oil
Time
20 minutes
How To Apply
- Add 2 drops of horsetail oil to olive or jojoba oil.
- Massage this mixture gently onto your scalp.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly.
Why This Works
Also known as puzzlegrass, horsetail herb is usually taken as a supplement for healthy and natural growth of hair. Studies show that this plant is used as a natural remedy for stimulating hair growth. It helps fight hair loss and strengthens the hair follicles (12). Another study reports that horsetail contains a component called silica, which contributes to rapid hair growth (13). It also builds strength and prevents thinning of hair.
8. Cedarwood Essential Oil
You Will Need
- 3 drops of cedarwood essential oil
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil
Time
20 minutes
How To Apply
- Mix 3 drops of cedarwood oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Massage this mixture onto your scalp and let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off thoroughly.
Why This Works
Cedarwood oil has a refreshing woody scent. When mixed with other essential oils, cedarwood oil was found to treat alopecia areata successfully (8). Its antifungal and antibacterial properties make it an excellent remedy for treating dandruff. It can promote hair growth and reduce thinning of hair. Cedarwood also helps balance sebum secretion, thus treating oiliness on the scalp. It fights scalp infection and improves the overall health of your hair.
9. Lemongrass Oil
You Will Need
- 10 drops of lemongrass oil
- Any shampoo or conditioner (in the amount that you use per wash)
Time
5 to 10 minutes
How To Apply
- Add 10 drops of lemongrass oil to the shampoo/conditioner.
- Coat your hair with this mixture and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes
- Work up a lather (if you’re using shampoo) and massage your entire scalp.
- Wash it off with cool water.
Why This Works
Lemongrass is known for its healing properties. A study conducted in 2015 found that lemongrass helped clear dandruff significantly in just 7 days (14). It also clears bacteria and fungus and keeps your scalp free of infection. It strengthens your hair follicles and promotes healthy hair growth. It also soothes an irritated scalp and relieves headache.
10. Tea Tree Essential Oil
You Will Need
- 3 drops tea tree essential oil
- 2 tablespoons of coconut or olive oil
(OR)
- 8 drops of tea tree oil
- Any chemical-free shampoo
Time
- For oil mix – 25 minutes
- For shampoo – 5 to 10 minutes
How To Apply
- Add 8 drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo and use it daily.
- Massage your scalp and work up a lather.
- Leave it on for 5 minutes and rinse your hair thoroughly.
- Another method is to add 3 drops of tea tree essential oil to 2 tablespoons of olive or coconut oil.
- Coat your hair and scalp with this mixture and massage gently.
- Leave it on for 25 minutes.
- Rinse it off thoroughly with a chemical-free shampoo.
Why This Works
Tea tree oil has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties that help in treating dandruff, itchiness, and scaliness on the scalp (15). It eliminates dirt and keeps your scalp free of infection. A study reports state that tea tree oil can help in the treatment of androgenic alopecia and inflammation (16). Research also shows that 1% concentration of tea tree oil can kill head lice within 30 minutes (17).
11. Patchouli Essential Oil
You Will Need
- 2 to 3 drops of patchouli essential oil
- 2 tablespoons of argan oil
Time
2 hours
How To Apply
- Blend patchouli oil and argan oil thoroughly and massage the solution gently onto your scalp.
- Leave it on for 2 hours and rinse it off thoroughly with a natural shampoo.
Why This Works
This exotic plant has a minty fragrance. It is commonly used in perfumes for its strong and invigorating fragrance. It is packed with hydrating and moisturizing properties that can soothe a dry and flaky scalp. It offers anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that may help resolve many scalp problems. A study states that patchouli oil, when mixed with other plant essential oils, removes fungus attached to the hair shaft effectively (18). It is one of the most potent herbs used in dermatology. A study shows patchouli oil helps treat scalp disorders, dermatitis, and oily scalp (19).
12. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
You Will Need
- 4 to 5 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil
- 2 tablespoons of coconut or olive oil
Time
1 to 2 hours
How To Apply
- Massage the blend onto your scalp and cover your head with a warm towel.
- Leave it on for an hour.
- Rinse it off thoroughly.
Why This Works
Ylang ylang is a tropical tree native to the Philippines. It stimulates sebum production and is ideal for those with dry scalp. It moisturizes the scalp and helps fight flakiness. It is a potent hair growth promoter. This essential oil is also useful in fighting lice (20). It prevents hair thinning and hair loss and repairs damaged hair to improve the hair texture. It has a sweet, musky fragrance that helps you relax and relieves stress.
13. Avocado Essential Oil
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 4 drops of avocado essential oil
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Time
15 to 20 minutes
How To Apply
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Soak each hair strand and massage your scalp with this solution.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
Why This WorksAvocado essential oil is great for getting healthy hair
. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help tame frizzy hair. The oil serves as an excellent moisturizer for dry and flaky scalp. It also helps in the recovery of damaged hair cells (21). It is rich in vitamins A, B5, and E, essential minerals, fatty acids, and biotin. This excellent oil strengthens your hair follicles and improves their vitality. It gets absorbed into your scalp effortlessly and soothes dry roots. The best thing about this oil is that it unclogs the roots and promotes healthy hair growth within days. While protecting your hair from damage, it also adds shine to your tresses and makes them soft and silky. It regulates blood circulation in your scalp and keeps a check on premature graying.
14. Lemon Essential Oil
You Will Need
- 4 to 5 drops of lemon oil
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
(OR)
- Add 8 drops of lemon oil in your shampoo and use it once a week
Time
- For the oil mix – 2 hours
- For shampoo – 5 to 10 minutes
How To Apply
- Add 5 drops of lemon oil to 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Massage the mixture gently onto your scalp and leave it on for 2 hours.
- Rinse your hair well.
Why This Works
Lemon is known for its multiple medicinal benefits. Often stated as a rescuer of oily hair, lemon helps remove dirt, grime, and extra oil from your scalp. An animal study conducted on rabbits states that lemon oil has remarkable hair stimulation properties (22). Lemon contains a compound called limonene that helps nourish dry and frizzy hair. Its antifungal properties also assist in the removal of dandruff, bacteria, and lice. Since lemon is acidic, it helps clear the scalp and prevent clogging.
15. Pumpkin Seed Essential Oil
You Will Need
- 5 drops of pumpkin seed oil
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil
Time
Overnight.
How To Apply
- Combine the pumpkin seed oil with olive oil and apply this mixture onto your scalp.
- Make sure to soak each hair strand with this mixture.
- Gently rub the solution into your scalp for faster hair growth.
- Rinse it off thoroughly.
Why This Works
Pumpkin seed essential oil is a rich source of antioxidants, minerals, fatty acids, and vitamin E. It is helpful for maintaining a clean and healthy scalp. It strengthens the follicles and clears scalp build-up and dead cells. Pumpkin seed oil has been found to combat androgenetic alopecia in men (23). It also contains phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium that promote healthy and luscious hair.
16. Castor Oil
You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons of castor oil
- 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil like coconut oil
- A shower cap or towel
Time:
1 hour or overnight
How To Apply
- Mix the castor oil with your choice of carrier oil.
- Massage the oil blend into your scalp for several minutes. Ensure that you coat your hair from root to tip.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap or towel and leave the oil in for t 1 hour or overnight for a more conditioning effect.
- Wash out the oil with lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo.
Why This Works
The ricinoleic acid in castor oil and fatty acids in castor oil may help nourish the hair follicles and improve overall hair texture. Using castor oil for hair growth can be particularly effective, as the ricin present in castor oil may also protect the hair from infections, leaving it feeling smoother, healthier, and stronger (24).
Those were our top 16 picks of oils for hair. Before you start using these oils, you need to know that since essential oils are potent, they have a few risks associated with them. Check out the next section to find out more.
Possible Risks Of Using Essential Oils
- Using essential oils in large quantities can trigger headache and nausea.
- Thyme, lemongrass, and cinnamon essential oils should not be used on children.
- Certain powerful essential oils made of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sage can cause facial flushing, dizziness, and mucous membrane irritation.
- Citrus oils – like lemon, orange, and grapefruit – can cause skin damage and skin discoloration.
- Pregnant women need to be mindful of the dosage while using essential oils as it can affect the unborn child.
- Frequent use of citrus essential oils can damage your skin cells when exposed to the sun.
Remember, there are two types of hair growth oils: carrier oils and essential oils. Carrier oils are made from plants, seeds, or nuts. Essential oils are made from leaves, roots, and rare botanicals. Essential oils provide many benefits to hair, such as reopening dormant follicles and preventing premature graying. You can use any of the 15 hair growth oils listed above to keep your hair healthy and beautiful. It is important to note that most essential oils should not be applied directly to the scalp and hair. To ensure safe application, they should be diluted with a carrier oil like castor, olive, or coconut oil for hair growth.
Key Takeaways
- Essential oils seep into your hair follicles to nourish them and aid hair growth.
- Peppermint, rosemary, and clary sage oils can treat dandruff effectively.
- Horsetail, avocado, lemongrass, and pumpkin seed oils strengthen the hair follicles.
- However, using essential oils in large quantities can trigger headaches and nausea.
Find out about the top three essential oils for hair growth, which also help in combatting hair loss from the video below. Discover natural solutions for healthier and more vibrant hair that you can be proud to flaunt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in essential oils?
Look for the highest quality essential oils with organic ingredients. Check for their purity and make sure to buy ones that do not contain any carrier oils.
How often should I use essential oils on hair?
You can use essential oils (mixed in carrier oils) twice a week.
Which essential oils should you avoid during pregnancy?
Wintergreen, cinnamon, lemongrass, clary sage, thyme, and rosemary oils should be avoided during pregnancy.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
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- “Rosemary” Handbook of Herbs and Spices; Science Direct.
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