If you’re struggling with hair loss or slow hair growth, you’re not alone. Millions of people worldwide experience these issues, and while there are many potential causes, one common factor is a lack of essential nutrients.
That’s where hair oils come in. These natural remedies are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that can nourish your scalp and hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth. But with so many different oils on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
To help you make the best choice, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best oils for hair growth, backed by scientific research. We’ll also provide tips on how to use each oil effectively and avoid common mistakes.
1. Coconut Oil: The All-Around Hair Growth Booster
Coconut oil is a popular choice for hair growth because it is rich in lauric acid, a fatty acid that has been shown to penetrate the hair shaft and improve hair protein. One study found that coconut oil was more effective than mineral oil in preventing hair damage and promoting hair growth.
How to use coconut oil for hair growth:
- Apply warm coconut oil to your hair and scalp, focusing on the ends.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
2. Argan Oil: The Liquid Gold for Hair
Argan oil is a luxurious oil that is native to Morocco. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and fatty acids, all of which are essential for healthy hair growth. One study found that argan oil was effective in reducing hair loss and promoting hair growth in women with alopecia areata.
How to use argan oil for hair growth:
- Apply a few drops of argan oil to your hair and scalp, focusing on the ends.
- Massage the oil into your scalp for a few minutes.
- Leave the oil in your hair for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
3. Castor Oil: The Ancient Remedy for Hair Growth
Castor oil has been used for centuries to promote hair growth. It is rich in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that has been shown to stimulate hair growth. One study found that castor oil was effective in increasing hair growth in people with alopecia areata.
How to use castor oil for hair growth:
- Mix equal parts castor oil and coconut oil.
- Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, focusing on the ends.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
4. Almond Oil: The Gentle Nourisher for Hair
Almond oil is a mild, nourishing oil that is suitable for all hair types. It is rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium, all of which are essential for healthy hair growth. One study found that almond oil was effective in reducing hair loss and promoting hair growth in people with alopecia areata.
How to use almond oil for hair growth:
- Apply warm almond oil to your hair and scalp, focusing on the ends.
- Massage the oil into your scalp for a few minutes.
- Leave the oil in your hair for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
5. Rosemary Oil: The Stimulating Hair Growth Booster
Rosemary oil is a stimulating oil that has been shown to promote hair growth. One study found that rosemary oil was as effective as minoxidil, a prescription medication for hair loss.
How to use rosemary oil for hair growth:
- Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with your favorite carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil.
- Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, focusing on the roots.
- Massage the oil into your scalp for a few minutes.
- Leave the oil in your hair for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
6. Peppermint Oil: The Cooling Hair Growth Stimulant
Peppermint oil is a cooling, refreshing oil that has been shown to promote hair growth. One study found that peppermint oil was effective in increasing hair growth in mice.
How to use peppermint oil for hair growth:
- Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with your favorite carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil.
- Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, focusing on the roots.
- Massage the oil into your scalp for a few minutes.
- Leave the oil in your hair for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
7. Lavender Oil: The Relaxing Hair Growth Promoter
Lavender oil is a relaxing, soothing oil that has been shown to promote hair growth. One study found that lavender oil was effective in increasing hair growth in mice.
How to use lavender oil for hair growth:
- Mix a few drops of lavender oil with your favorite carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil.
- Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, focusing on the roots.
- Massage the oil into your scalp for a few minutes.
- Leave the oil in your hair for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
8. Tea Tree Oil: The Antibacterial Hair Growth Fighter
Tea tree oil is an antibacterial, antifungal oil that has been shown to promote hair growth. One study found that tea tree oil was effective in reducing hair loss and promoting hair growth in people with alopecia areata.
How to use tea tree oil for hair growth:
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with your favorite carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil.
- Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, focusing on the roots.
- Massage the oil into your scalp for a few minutes.
- Leave the oil in your hair for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
9. Ylang-Ylang Oil: The Balancing Hair Growth Regulator
Ylang-ylang oil is a balancing, regulating oil that has been shown to promote hair growth. One study found that ylang-ylang oil was effective in increasing hair growth in mice.
How to use ylang-ylang oil for hair growth:
- Mix a few drops of ylang-ylang oil with your favorite carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil.
- Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, focusing on the roots.
- Massage the oil into your scalp for a few minutes.
- Leave the oil in your hair for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
10. Eucalyptus Oil: The Refreshing Hair Growth Stimulant
Eucalyptus oil is a refreshing, stimulating oil that has been shown to promote hair growth. One study found that eucalyptus oil was effective in increasing hair growth in mice.
How to use eucalyptus oil for hair growth:
- Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with your favorite carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil.
- Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, focusing on the roots.
- Massage the oil into your scalp for a few minutes.
- Leave the oil in your hair for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
11. Juniper Berry Oil: The Detoxifying Hair Growth Booster
Juniper berry oil is a detoxifying, stimulating