Do you remember those good old days when your mother or grandmother would sit you down and give you a relaxing head massage with hot oils? In India, this has been a tradition for years now and oils are considered one of the biggest secrets of envy-worthy hair.
Over time, a number of oils have come into the market that promise to promote hair growth. But that leaves you a tad bit confused, isn’t it? This is why we have decided to explain how hair oils exactly work in enhancing your hair growth and which oil is best for hair growth and thickness for you.
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What Expert Says
Hair growth oils promote hair growth. They stimulate collagen production due to massaging which results in stronger follicles and reduced hair fall.
Prajkta Sapre, Product Development Executive.
Do Hair-Growth Oils Really Promote Hair Growth?
Several scientific studies suggest that certain oils do boost hair growth. The Several Several scientific studies suggest that certain oils do boost hair growth. The concentrations that you use them in are equally important though. “Hair growth oils promote hair growth. They condition the hair and scalp, stimulate collagen production due to massaging which results in stronger follicles and reduced hair fall, says Prajakta Sapre, Product Development Executive.
She further adds, “Besides, the hair growth actives in the oils also penetrate and promote hair growth in their respective ways. Conditioning of the hair shafts too results in reduced friction, hence there is lesser hair breakage.”
Before we get to the list of oils that promote hair growth, let’s answer some basic questions.
Essential Oils Vs Carrier Oils
Essential oils are the best bet when it comes to treating specific hair concerns. They target your scalp-related issues and address your concerns accordingly. Carrier oils should ideally be used to dilute your essential oils. In this article, we will discuss how to mix essential oils for hair growth with different carrier oils to use safely on your scalp and hair.
Which Carrier Oil Should You Use?
It is important to choose a carrier oil based on your scalp type. If you have an oily scalp, a light-weight carrier oil like grapeseed or almond oil should be used. If your scalp is too dry, using a heavy-weight carrier oil like coconut oil can help soothe your irritation.
15 Best Oils To Boost Hair Growth
1. Coconut Oil
With the richness of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, coconut oil is one of the best hair oils for hair growth and thickness. It not only nourishes your scalp but also moisturizes your scalp and hair deeply[1]
Important Note:
Always prefer using cold-pressed coconut oil that is free of any additives for your scalp and hair.
Benefits:
- Promotes healthy hair growth.
- Makes your hair softer and shiny.
- Protects your hair from heat damage.
- Repairs your damaged scalp and hair tissues.
- As per studies, coconut oil provides enhanced protection to hair from hygral fatigue damage.
How To Apply:
Heat 1 small cup of coconut oil on a low flame. Add 10 curry leaves into it and let the oil get heated until the leaves crackle. Leave the oil aside for a while until it cools down to be slightly warm.
Massage the oil into your scalp and hair with gentle and circular strokes for about 10-15 minutes. Leave the oil on your hair overnight and wash it with mild shampoo in the morning. Do it twice or thrice a week, half an hour before your bedtime.
Best For:
Ideally, it is best for all hair types, especially for people with extremely dry and frizzy hair. However, people with oily/greasy hair types should avoid using it regularly.
2. Almond Oil
As per the review of Annals of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, almond seeds contain vitamins, protein and tocopherol, which promote hair growth activity significantly. It is light in weight and gets absorbed into your scalp tissue easily, which makes it the best hair oil for hair growth.
Benefits:
- Reduces hair breakage.
- Promotes rich hair growth.
- Moisturizes dry scalp and hair.
- Protects your hair against breakage.
- As per the studies, almond oil helps to treat scalp conditions such as eczema and psoriasis effectively.
How To Apply:
Apply a generous amount of almond oil directly to your scalp and hair. Massage your scalp and hair in circular motions for 10-15 minutes. You can leave your hair with almond oil overnight and wash it with a mild shampoo the next day.
Do it twice or thrice a week, half an hour before bedtime. Also, you can add a few drops of almond oil into your conditioner to give your hair a lustrous and glossy look.
Best For:
It is best for people who have damaged and dry hair, which is deprived of omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is extracted from grape seeds, which are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that are important for healthy hair growth. It can be used as a leave-in conditioner as it does not make your scalp and hair greasy.
As per the studies in Hindawi, grapeseed oil is an effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia.
Benefits:
- Promotes hair growth.
- Moisturizes your scalp and hair.
- Strengthens your hair follicles.
- Treats weak and brittle hair.
- Fights hair loss.
- As per the research from Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Japan, the proanthocyanidins extracted from grape seeds can induce hair growth significantly.
How To Apply:
Apply 1 small cup of grape seed oil directly into your scalp roots and hair tips, especially in the damaged parts. Massage your scalp and hair for 5-10 minutes. Cover your hair with a hot towel.
Leave your hair with grapeseed oil for half an hour before washing your hair using a mild shampoo. Do it twice or thrice a week, half an hour before hair wash.
Best For:
It is best for people with extremely dry and brittle hair. Also, it can be used by people who have greasy scalp and hair.
4. Castor Oil
Being a rich source of vitamin E, minerals, and protein, castor oil works wonders on your scalp and hair. Also, it contains ricinoleic acid [2] which helps in reducing scalp inflammations.
Benefits:
- Promotes faster and thicker hair growth [3].
- Moisturizes your hair and gives it a soft texture.
- Improves blood circulation in your scalp.
How To Apply:
Mix sesame oil and castor oil in equal amounts to reduce its viscosity. Warm the oil a little on low flame. Apply the oil directly to your scalp and run it through your extremely dry hair.
Leave the oil on your scalp and hair overnight and wash it off the next day with a mild shampoo. Do it twice or thrice a week, half an hour before your bedtime.
Best For:
It is best for people who have dry and flaky scalp.
5. Olive Oil
With exceptional antioxidant levels, olive oil acts as a natural conditioner for your hair. Also, it is a rich source of vitamin E and oleic acid, which are great for hair growth.
Studies from Department of Food and Nutrition, Yonsei University, South Korea, olive derived ingredients promote anagenic hair growth.
Benefits:
- Revitalizes your scalp by nourishing your hair roots.
- Shield the natural keratin of your hair strands.
- Gives your hair a smoother texture.
- Reduces dandruff.
- Protects your hair against heat damage.
How To Apply:
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You can apply this oil when your hair is either dry or damp. Warm up 1 small cup of extra virgin olive oil a little on low flame. Apply the oil directly to your scalp and hair by giving gentle massage strokes. Ensure the oil is distributed evenly across your scalp and hair.
Wrap your hair with a warm towel. Leave the oil on your scalp and hair for half an hour before washing it off with mild shampoo. Do it twice a week, half an hour before your hair wash.
Best For:
It is best for people who have extremely dry and frizzy hair along with dandruff.
6. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is one of the best essential oils for hair growth, especially during the anagen (growing) phase. This essential oil increases blood flow to your scalp that may help improve the strength of your follicles.
A study conducted on mice showed that peppermint oil increased the number of hair follicles on them. They also improved follicle depth, which in turn improved hair growth.
Benefits:
- Accelerates your hair growth.
- Controls dandruff.
- Strengthens your hair roots.
- Treats lice problems.
How To Apply:
Mix 2-3 drops of peppermint oil into 1 small cup carrier oil of your choice. Warm the oil a little and massage your scalp and hair with it gently.
Leave your hair with oil for half an hour. Later, rinse off with shampoo and conditioner thoroughly. Do it twice a week, half an hour before your hair wash.
Best For:
It is best for people with oily/greasy scalp and hair.
7. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary oil is effective in improving your hair thickness. It also aids in hair growth.
Studies suggest that rosemary essential oil is as effective as minoxidil in improving hair growth. Minoxidil is commonly prescribed to enhance hair growth. It was also found that rosemary oil had fewer side-effects as compared to minoxidil.
Benefits:
- Controls split ends.
- Conditions your hair deeply.
- Nourishes your scalp well.
- Promotes hair growth.
- Prevents fungal infections on scalp.
How To Apply:
Add 5-6 drops of rosemary oil into 1 small cup of coconut oil. Warm it slightly on low flame. Apply the warm oil to your scalp and hair while massaging for a few minutes.
Leave the oil on your scalp and hair for half an hour before washing it off with shampoo and conditioner. You can do this twice or thrice a week, half an hour before your hair wash.
Best For:
It can be used by people of any hair type.
8. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is capable of generating new skin cells that can aid in hair growth. Its antibacterial properties can contribute to a clean scalp, which is required to maintain healthy hair.
A study conducted on mice found that lavender oil enhanced and speed-up the hair growth process.
Benefits:
- Improves your hair growth.
- Moisturises your scalp well.
- Balances the sebum production on your scalp.
- It is a great stress reliever.
How To Apply:
Add 10 drops of lavender oil into a 1 cup of carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. Massage the oil into your scalp and hair properly.
Leave your scalp and hair with lavender oil overnight and wash it off the next morning with shampoo. Do it twice a week, half an hour before your bedtime.
Best For:
It is best for all hair types, especially for people who have oily hair in the front and dryness in other areas of the scalp.
9. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is packed with powerful antimicrobial properties that help cleanse your scalp. Tea tree essential oil comes in various concentrations. So talk to your dermatologist before you incorporate it into your hair care regimen.
Studies suggest that this oil when mixed with minoxidil is effective in treating hair loss. However, there is not much evidence on using it alone to help your hair grow.
Benefits:
- Helps to unclog your hair follicles.
- Increases hair growth.
- Soothes your scalp from inflammation.
- Fights dandruff [4].
How To Apply:
Add 3-5 drops of tea tree oil to 1 small cup of any carrier oil. Apply it thoroughly from your hair roots to the tips. Leave your scalp and hair with tea tree oil for half an hour. Later, wash it off using a mild shampoo.
Do it twice or thrice a week, an hour or 1 hour before your hair wash. You can also add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil into your shampoo and conditioner before using.
Best For:
It is best for all hair types, especially for people who are dealing with damaged hair and dandruff.
10. Ylang-Ylang
Besides having many therapeutic benefits, ylang-ylang hair oil is well used as a natural hair growth treatment. It is effective in reducing breakage and enhancing sebum production in your scalp.
Benefits:
- Treats severe hair loss.
- Acts as a natural conditioner.
- Clears head lice problem.
- Helps control stress levels.
How To Apply:
Add 5-6 drops of ylang-ylang oil into 1 small cup of any carrier oil. Mix well and warm it slightly on low flame. Massage the warm oil into your scalp and hair gently.
Leave your scalp and hair with the oil for 30-45 minutes before washing it using a mild shampoo. Do it twice a week, an hour before your hair wash.
Best For:
If your scalp is dry and flaky, ylang-ylang oil can prove to be effective in soothing your scalp as well as improving the texture of your hair. However, if you’re somebody with a greasy scalp, this may not be the best option for you.
11. Thyme
Thyme is filled with innumerable nutrients that help for healthy hair growth.
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Thyme is said to be effective in treating an autoimmune disorder called alopecia areata that results in unpredictable hair loss.
Benefits:
- Promotes hair growth by stimulating blood circulation to your follicles.
- Helps to control dandruff
- Reduces scalp inflammation.
- It prevents scalp infections.
- Controls scalp itching.
How To Apply:
Mix 4-5 drops of thyme oil into 1 small cup of any carrier oil. Apply it to your scalp by gently massaging. Then, apply it to your hair shaft.
Leave your scalp and hair with the oil for half an hour before washing it off with a mild shampoo. Do it twice a week, half an hour before your hair wash.
Best For:
It can be used on all hair types, especially by people who want to treat scalp acne, dandruff, and other scalp conditions.
12. Cedarwood Oil
This oil is said to balance your sebaceous glands that produce oil in your scalp. It has oil-balancing properties that may reduce hair loss.
Studies suggest that cedarwood oil can help reduce hair fall caused by alopecia areata.
Benefits:
- Reduces hair thinning or balding.
- Stimulate new hair growth.
- Strengthens your hair follicles.
- Protects your scalp from fungal infection.
- Treats scalp acne.
How To Apply:
Mix 8-10 drops of cedarwood oil into 1 small cup of any carrier oil. Massage the mixture into your scalp and hair for a few minutes.
Leave your hair and scalp with the oil for half an hour. Later, wash it off using shampoo. Do it twice a week, half an hour before your hair wash.
Best For:
It is best for any hair type.
13. Clary Sage Essential Oil
The clary sage essential oil contains linalyl acetate that is effective in boosting hair growth. It also strengthens your hair, making it less prone to breakage.
Benefits:
- Promotes softer hair growth.
- Controls dandruff.
- Prevents oil from clogging your follicles.
How To Apply:
Add 3-5 drops of clary sage oil into your shampoo or conditioner. Use it on your hair and leave it for 2-5 minutes before rinsing off.
Do not use it directly on your scalp and hair. Do it twice a week.
Best For:
It is best for people who have oily/greasy scalp and hair.
14. Bergamot Oil
Bergamot oil has many enriching components that can nourish and revamp your hair in different ways. It possesses antimicrobial properties that are vital to maintain good scalp health and promote healthy hair [5].
Benefits:
- Maintain your scalp health.
- Speeds-up healing of your damaged scalp tissues.
- Reduces scalp inflammation.
- Promotes healthy hair growth.
How To Apply:
Add 3-5 drops of bergamot oil into 1 small cup of any carrier oil. Mix well and apply it to your hair roots and shaft properly. Massage your scalp and hair for a few minutes.
Leave your scalp and hair with the oil for half an hour before washing it off using shampoo. Do it twice a week, half an hour before your hair wash.
Best For:
It can be used by people of any hair type.
15. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is not only a wonderful carrier oil but is also effective in promoting hair growth. It is derived from the Zizyphus jujube plant. According to studies, jojoba oil increases the pace at which a person’s hair grows.
Benefits:
- Moisturizes your scalp and hair well.
- Unclogs your hair follicles by dissolving sebum deposits [6].
- Controls frizziness.
- Adds rich luster to your hair.
- Fights dandruff.
- Controls hair fall.
How To Apply:
Apply 1 small cup of jojoba oil directly to your scalp and hair. Massage your scalp and hair in small circular motions.
Leave your scalp and hair with jojoba oil overnight and wash it off with shampoo the next morning. Do it twice or thrice a week, an hour before your bedtime.
Best For:
It is best for people with dry scalp and damaged hair.
Are There Any Risks Involved?
Essential oils are quite strong. They may cause allergic reactions if used in large amounts. If you have sensitive skin, conduct a patch-test before applying an essential oil to your scalp.
Important Note:
Always use only diluted essential oils for patch test. You can do it on your wrist or inside your elbow.
The symptoms of allergic reactions include:
- Irritated/red skin
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin
- Severe dermatitis
- Itchy, painful rashes
- Swelling of the tongue
Important Note:
Seek medical advice immediately if you notice any allergic reaction when using essential oils on your scalp.
Wrapping Up
Besides understanding the benefits of the natural oils for hair growth, now you know that essential oils must always be diluted with a carrier oil to prevent allergic reactions. If you have sensitive skin, conduct a patch test before applying an essential oil to your skin/scalp. A number of essential oils including lavender, rosemary, thyme, and cedarwood are effective in boosting hair growth. Some carrier oils like jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, castor oil, etc. can also be used to improve hair growth. So use them the right way to start noticing new strands of hair!
Begin By Knowing Your Skin
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