About 40% of women experience hair loss by age 50. Hair growth oils can promote hair growth by minimizing damage, boosting scalp health, and promoting hair growth. They reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and provide nutrients and minerals. Thankfully, aside from ready-made oils, traditional or organically sourced oils have passed the test of time with evidence that proves they provide all the benefits listed above.
Now, you should know that the amount employed are equally vital before going all out to dab a ton of oil on your strands. These oils nourish the hair and scalp, increase collagen synthesis, and lessen hair fall. They also permeate the hair shafts, decreasing friction and hair damage. These oils’ active ingredients each have a different way of promoting hair growth.
But first, the difference between carrier oil and essential oil
Simply put carrier oils are the lipid, or fatty, extracts squeezed out of the seeds of plants, whereas essential oils are the fragrant extracts from aromatic and therapeutic plants.
When choosing a carrier oil, you should, however, consider your scalp type: light-weight grapeseed or almond oil for oily scalps, or heavy-weight coconut oil for dry ones to soothe irritation.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a rich hair oil that has a high concentration of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and carbs. It stimulates healthy hair growth, softens and shines hair, protects against heat damage, and restores damaged scalp and hair tissues. According to research, coconut oil gives better protection against hygral fatigue damage.
Read More: Here’s How Coconut Oil Can Help You Get Shiny, Healthy Hair
How to apply:
As a hair mask: Choose a raw coconut oil for a healthy hair treatment. Apply the oil to dry hair, comb it through, and leave it on for 15-30 minutes. Rinse with a good shampoo and conditioning as usual.
As an overnight treatment: Apply coconut oil to dry hair, comb through, wrap tightly in a shower cap, scarf, or towel before bed. Wash out the next morning, shampoo twice, and follow with conditioner.
Best For
Ideal for all hair types, especially dry and frizzy individuals; avoid using regularly for oily/greasy hair types.
Almond Oil
Almond seeds, rich in vitamins, protein, and tocopherol, significantly promote hair growth activity. This lightweight oil is easily absorbed into scalp tissue, offering benefits such as reducing breakage, promoting rich hair growth, moisturizing dry scalp, and protecting against breakage. Studies show almond oil effectively treats scalp conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
How to apply
Apply almond oil to your hair by rubbing a small amount between your palms. Massage the oil into the ends of your hair and leave it on after styling. For increased shine and softness, massage it into the ends of your hair and leave it on. Or, use almond oil as an ingredient in a conditioning hair mask by mixing coconut oil with sweet almond oil and a natural conditioning agent like avocado. Apply this potent hair mask to clean, dry hair and leave it on for up to 40 minutes.
Best for:
Recommended for damaged, dry hair lacking omega-3 fatty acids.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil, extracted from grape seeds, is a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants essential for healthy hair growth. It can be used as a leave-in conditioner and is effective in treating androgenetic alopecia. Grapeseed oil promotes hair growth, moisturizes scalp and hair, strengthens hair follicles, treats weak hair, and fights hair loss. Research from Tsukuba Research Laboratories in Japan shows that proanthocyanidins extracted from grape seeds significantly induce hair growth.
How To Apply
As a leave-in treatment. Apply grapeseed oil twice a week, leave on for 20-30 minutes, and wash hair as usual.
For a moisturizing boost on wash day. Add grapeseed oil to shampoo or conditioner for extra moisturizing bowhen
For styling. Apply drops to hair after showering to reduce frizz and improve moisturization, reducing dryness and frizz.
Best for:
Ideal for dry, brittle hair and greasy scalp, it effectively addresses scalp issues.
Castor Oil
Castor oil, rich in vitamin E, minerals, and protein, benefits the scalp and hair by promoting faster, thicker growth, moisturizing the hair, and improving blood circulation. It also reduces scalp inflammation and promotes a soft texture.
How to apply
Warm the oil in your palms for a 20-minute castor oil therapy, then rub it through the roots and brush it out towards the ends. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes before shampooing. Wet your hair first to help the oil absorb better. Castor oil, on the other hand, may be difficult to work with due to its occlusive nature and large ‘coater,’ causing it to stick for days.
Best for:
dry and flaky scalp.
Olive Oil
Olive oil, with its high antioxidant levels, is a natural hair conditioner and a rich source of vitamin E and oleic acid, promoting hair growth. Studies from Yonsei University show that olive-derived ingredients promote anagen hair growth. Benefits include revitalizing the scalp, nourishing hair roots, shielding natural keratin, providing a smoother texture, reducing dandruff, and protecting hair from heat damage.
How to apply
Olive oil helps nourish hair strands, but the application method is key. Use cold-pressed, unrefined olive oil for a DIY hair treatment to retain more nutrients. Massage the oil into the hair, concentrating on the shaft and ends rather than the scalp, as the fatty acids in the oil may overpower the scalp. If used as a scalp soother, consult a doctor because it may encourage dandruff or follicular obstruction. Only one to two tablespoons of olive oil are required to apply to the middle and ends of the hair.
For a deep conditioning treatment, leave the oil on for 20 minutes. If thid is your first time you can mix it with a little conditioner and apply it, avoiding the scalp, to help you rinse it out easier. Olive oil can also be used as an overnight treatment, provided it is shampooed out thoroughly the next morning.
Best for:
Ideal for individuals with dry, frizzy hair and dandruff.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a powerful essential oil for hair growth, particularly during the anagen phase. It boosts scalp blood flow, enhancing hair follicle strength and depth. Studies on mice show that peppermint oil accelerates hair growth, controls dandruff, strengthens roots, and treats lice problems.
How to apply
Mix 2-3 drops of peppermint oil with 1 cup of carrier oil, gently massage scalp and hair, leave for half an hour, rinse with shampoo and conditioner, and do twice a week, half an hour before hair wash.
Best for:
oily/greasy scalp and hair.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary oil is effective in improving hair thickness and growth, with studies showing it is as effective as minoxidil. It controls split ends, conditions hair deeply, nourishes scalp, promotes hair growth, and prevents fungal infections. It also has fewer side-effects.
How to apply
Mix rosemary oil with olive or coconut oil, apply to scalp, leave for 10 minutes, and wash with shampoo twice a week for optimal results.
Best for:
any hair type
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil boosts hair growth by generating new skin cells and promoting a clean scalp. Studies on mice show that lavender oil enhances hair growth, moisturizes, balances sebum production, and is a stress reliever. It also promotes healthy hair growth and maintains healthy hair.
How to apply:
Add 10 drops of lavender oil to a 1 cup carrier oil, massage it into your scalp and hair, leave it overnight, and wash it off with shampoo. Repeat twice a week, half an hour before bedtime.
Best for:
Ideal for all hair types, particularly for oily fronts and scalp dryness in certain areas.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains antibacterial qualities that clean the scalp and can be combined with minoxidil to cure hair loss. It reduces irritation on the scalp, promotes hair growth, and eliminates dandruff.
How to apply:
Add 3-5 drops of tea tree oil to a small cup of carrier oil and apply it to your hair from roots to tips. Leave it on for half an hour, then wash it off with a mild shampoo. Repeat twice or thrice a week, an hour or one hour before your hair wash. You can also add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo and conditioner before use.
Best for:
Ideal for all hair types, especially those with damaged or dandruff-prone hair.
Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang hair oil offers therapeutic benefits and natural hair growth treatment, reducing breakage and enhancing sebum production. It treats severe hair loss, acts as a natural conditioner, clears head lice, and helps control stress levels.
How To Apply:
Mix 5-6 drops of ylang-ylang oil with carrier oil and warm on low flame. Massage gently into scalp and hair, leaving it on for 30-45 minutes before washing with mild shampoo. Repeat twice a week, an hour before hair wash.
Best for:
Ylang-ylang oil can soothe dry scalp and improve hair texture, but may not be suitable for those with greasy scalps. It may be effective for dry, flaky scalps.
Thyme
Thyme is an excellent source of nutrients for growing healthy hair and is useful for treating the autoimmune condition alopecia areata. It encourages hair development, manages dandruff, soothes inflamed scalps, guards against infections, and soothes itchy scalps.
How To Apply:
Mix 4-5 drops of thyme oil with carrier oil and gently massage it onto your scalp and hair shaft. Leave it on for half an hour before washing with a mild shampoo. Repeat twice a week, half an hour before your hair wash.
Best For:
Suitable for all hair types.
Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood oil balances sebaceous glands in the scalp, potentially reducing hair loss caused by alopecia areata. It stimulates hair growth, strengthens hair follicles, protects from fungal infections, and treats scalp acne. Benefits include hair thinning, balding, stimulated growth, strengthened hair follicles, fungal infection protection, and acne treatment.
How to apply:
Mix 8-10 drops of cedarwood oil with carrier oil, massage into scalp and hair for a few minutes, leave for half an hour, then wash off with shampoo. Repeat twice a week, half an hour before hair wash.
Best for:
Any hair type.
Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary sage essential oil, containing linalyl acetate, boosts hair growth, strengthens hair, reduces breakage, promotes softer hair, controls dandruff, and prevents oil clogging in follicles.
How to apply
Add 3-5 drops of clary sage oil to shampoo or conditioner, leave on hair for 2-5 minutes, rinse off, and use twice a week. Avoid using directly on scalp and hair.
Best for:
oily/greasy scalp and hair.
Bergamot Oil
Bergamot oil contains antimicrobial properties that promote healthy hair growth and scalp health. It nourishes hair, speeds up healing, reduces inflammation, and promotes healthy hair growth. Benefits include improved scalp health, faster healing of damaged tissues, and reduced inflammation.
How to apply
Mix 3-5 drops of bergamot oil with carrier oil and apply to hair roots and shaft. Massage scalp and hair for a few minutes. Leave for half an hour before shampooing, twice a week, half an hour before hair wash.
Best for
any hair type.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil, derived from the Zizyphus jujube plant, is an effective carrier oil and hair growth promoter. Studies show it moisturizes scalp and hair, unclogs hair follicles, controls frizziness, adds luster, fights dandruff, and controls hair fall.
How to apply
Apply a small cup of jojoba oil to your scalp and hair, massage in circular motions. Leave overnight, wash with shampoo, and repeat twice or three times a week, an hour before bedtime.
Best for
dry scalp and damaged hair.
