14 Essential Oils that Promote Faster Hair Growth
the best hair oils for every hair type: Oils can add moisture, improve the health of hair follicles, and protect hair texture, which can help hair grow. These natural oils include avocado oil, lavender, and others extracted from nuts, seeds, and fruits.
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular choice for hair care. It is loaded with lauric acid (a type of saturated fat) that can penetrate inside the hair shaft and protect against styling damage and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Study results suggest coconut oil can help to repair damaged hair.
Touted for all hair types, coconut oil is widely favored for its moisture-boosting properties. To use it:
It’s best to warm coconut oil before applying it. Place 1 teaspoon of oil into a cup and put the cup into a bowl that is partially filled with hot tap water. You can also rub a teaspoon of oil between your hands to melt it.
Apply the coconut oil directly to the hair and scalp.
Leave the oil in for at least 30 minutes.
When ready, shampoo and rinse.
2. Olive Oil
Like coconut oil, olive oil is able to penetrate deep into hair’s fibers. Researchers think olive oil may help with hair growth by reducing inflammation and improving hair follicle and scalp health. However, more study is needed.
the best hair oils for every hair type, Your body heat allows the fats in olive oil to penetrate deeper into the shaft of a hair, leaving a thin layer on the outside. The moisturizing olive oil can save your hair from weather-related dryness during the winter months. Scrunching a few drops of olive oil into your hair can also help keep curls smooth.
To use it:
Pour between 2 tablespoons and 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil into a small bowl.
Massage the olive oil directly into the hair and scalp.
Wrap your hair in a towel and leave the oil in for at least 30 minutes.
When ready, shampoo and rinse.
3. Argan Oil
Argan oil comes from the kernels of a tree native to Morocco. It is a popular hair care choice for many hair types, including frizzy, coarse, and brittle hair. However, the evidence of benefit is still limited and more research on its use is needed.
Research confirms the antioxidant properties of argan oil and its capacity to protect against protein loss.
To use it:
Wash your hair as usual with shampoo and conditioner.
Add a small amount of oil to your hands, and rub them together to warm the oil.
With your hair slightly damp, apply the oil from the mid-lengths to the ends.
Run a comb (or your fingers) through your hair to evenly distribute the oil.
4. Jojoba Oil
The seeds of the jojoba plant are high in liquid wax and essential fatty acids. Long used in shampoos and conditioners, jojoba oil can help soften and restore luster to dull hair. In addition, it may help treat dry scalp and aid in dandruff control.
A 2021 study from Egypt concluded that jojoba oil effectively penetrates the hair follicle, reducing protein loss that can contribute to thinning hair.9 It also appears to reduce hair breakage and strip body oils (sebum) that can leave your hair looking greasy.
To use it:
Mix 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil with 2 tablespoons of castor oil.
Massage the oil through your hair and scalp.
Wrap your hair in a towel and leave the oil in for at least one hour.
When ready, shampoo and rinse.
5. Avocado Oil
Avocados are a rich source of vitamin E (an antioxidant compound found to fight hair loss when taken in supplement form).
It remains unclear whether avocado oil can promote hair growth, though some studies find evidence of a benefit. It does contain fatty acids and minerals that help seal the outermost layer of hair strands (called the cuticle). This can help your hair look smoother and shinier and prevent it from breaking.
To apply it:
Put 2 to 3 tablespoons of avocado oil onto a cotton ball and press it into your scalp.
Massage the oil with your fingertips for five to 10 minutes.
Leave it on for at least one hour.
Wash your hair as usual with a mild shampoo to remove the oil.
6. Sweet Almond Oil
One of the lighter choices, sweet almond oil is thought to treat dullness and dryness without weighing hair down. Many people also value sweet almond oil as a natural solution for dry scalp and dandruff.
As an added bonus, sweet almond oil contains fatty acids that can protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation which can cause hair dryness, brittleness, loss of color, and decreased luster.
To apply:
Add a small amount of sweet almond oil to your hands, and rub them together to warm the oil slightly.
Massage the oil into your hair.
Leave the oil in your hair while you style it.
7. Grapeseed Oil
Another lighter option, grapeseed oil is a smart choice for people with fine hair. Along with easing frizz, this antioxidant-rich oil may help treat split ends.
Split ends happen when the ends of your hair become dry and brittle due to extreme weather conditions or when blow drying, straightening, and curling your hair.
A 2023 study found that grapeseed oil was superior to other oils in repairing frizz, split ends, and other damage, especially when applied directly to the hair. It can also enhance the brightness and color of hair without making it look greasy.
To apply:
Add a small amount of sweet almond oil to your hands, and rub them together to warm the oil slightly.
Massage the oil into your hair.
Leave the oil in your hair as you style it.
8. Macadamia Nut Oil
An exceptionally rich oil, macadamia oil is a popular remedy for dried-out but naturally thick hair. It is also used to fight frizz and repair heat-damaged hair.
Macadamia oil is able to penetrate hair in the same way as natural skin oils as it contains similar components.
Because of this, you can apply a few drops to very thick or curly hair prior to combing to reduce snagging and tangling—and without unnecessary greasiness.
To use it:
Add a small amount of macadamia oil to your hands, and rub them together to warm the oil.
Apply the oil to your hair.
Leave the oil in your hair and style it as usual.
9. Baobab Oil
the best hair oils for every hair type, Although it’s one of the lesser-known oils, baobab oil is a favorite among those with curly hair. Sourced from the fruit of the baobab tree native to Africa, this oil is said to enhance hair’s elasticity, increase suppleness, and add a non-greasy shine.
Baobab oil has potent conditioning properties and is well absorbed by hair even at lower temperatures. It also seals the surface to prevent moisture loss that can occur with excessive heat and sun exposure.15
To use it:
Apply a few drops of baobab oil to your palms and massage it into your scalp.
Let the oil sit for at least 30 minutes (You can choose to leave it in overnight.)
Rinse it out with cold water.
Wash your hair as usual with a mild shampoo.
10. Rosemary Oil
Some studies suggest that rosemary oil may promote hair growth as well as minoxidil medication, often used for androgenic alopecia (a form of hair loss caused by testosterone imbalance).
A clinical trial involving 100 people diagnosed with this type of hair loss found that rosemary oil, applied to the scalp, was about as effective as minoxidil but had fewer itching side effects. It’s thought that improved blood flow with rosemary oil supports hair follicle growth.
To use it:
Dilute a few drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut, almond, or sesame oil. (Avoid applying rosemary oil directly to the scalp, as this can cause irritation.)
Massage the mixture onto your dry scalp.
Leave the oil in for at least 30 minutes.
Wash your hair as usual with a mild shampoo to remove the oil.
11. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is often used to treat acne and other skin infections but has also been shown to reduce dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis.
Studies have reported that tea tree oil is rich in aromatic compounds called terpenes that have antimicrobial properties and resist the attachment of yeasts that give rise to seborrheic dermatitis and other causes of dandruff.
To use it:
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut, almond, or sesame oil. (Avoid applying tea tree oil directly to the scalp, as this can cause irritation.)
Massage the mixture onto your dry scalp.
Follow with your normal shampooing routine.
12. Lavender Oil
There’s some evidence that lavender oil may boost hair growth, although these test results are based on research in mice. Lavender proved to be as effective as minoxidil medication in its 3% and 5% lavender oil concentrations.
Other studies in humans have focused on aromatherapy benefits, with mixed results in terms of how it can be used to treat alopecia (hair loss).1 Lavender, along with thyme, cedarwood, and evening primrose oils, all have been assessed as possible adjunct treatments but aromatherapy blends may not be as effective for growth.
13. Peppermint
mint leaves and peppermint oil pictured which can be an effective ant repellant
Peppermint oil around windows and doors may form a barrier that ants won’t cross.
(Photo: Liljam/Shutterstock)
Studies of peppermint oil in mice show significant improvement in hair growth. In 2024 research, after four weeks of treatment, 92% of mice experienced hair growth compared with 55% in the mice treated with minoxidil.16 Peppermint also improved the number and health of hair follicles in the mice.
Researchers think the menthol in peppermint acts to improve blood flow, which supports the hair growth. More study is needed to evaluate peppermint oil use for hair growth.
14. Ylang Ylang
the best hair oils for every hair type, Ylang ylang is an aromatic Asian herb that’s been used traditionally to treat skin disorders. Research suggests it may offer hair health benefits, but there’s no direct evidence for supporting hair growth and more study is needed.
Some researchers, however, are focused on evaluating the ethanol in ylang ylang flowers and how it may help to promote hair growth.
How to Use Oils for Hair Growth
There are many different ways to introduce oils into your hair-care routine, including:
Adding a few drops of your shampoo or conditioner
Applying several drops to the ends of damp hair before blow-drying or styling
Slightly heating 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil, massaging the oil into your hair, and letting it sit for a half hour before shampooing or rinsing
As a general rule, leave-in treatments are better suited to those with thick or dry/damaged hair, while a pre-shampoo treatment may be more helpful to those with fine hair.
Risks of Using Natural Oils on Your Scalp
The biggest risk of using natural oils on your scalp is skin irritation or an allergic reaction, known as contact dermatitis.
Signs and symptoms of skin irritation may include:
Itchy skin
Rash
Tender skin
Burning or stinging
Hives
Fluid-filled blisters
Always dilute highly potent oils (such as essential oils) in a carrier oil, and use a small amount on your skin first to be sure you are not sensitive to the product.
Also Read:
13 Foods That Can Help Your Hair Grow Faster and Stronger
