8 Best Natural Oils for Hair Growth Backed by Research

What are Hair Growth Oils, and How Do They Work?

Hair growth oils are natural plant oils, used alone or in blends, that are massaged into the scalp and through the strands. They are usually applied as a leave-in treatment or before washing.

Researchers have proposed several ways they might help.

• Conditioning the scalp and strands. Oils soften a dry scalp and coat the hair shaft. This reduces the breakage that comes from dryness and styling.
• Active plant compounds. Some essential oils contain compounds that, in lab and animal studies, appear to affect the hair growth cycle. They may prolong the growth (anagen) phase or block the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which is linked to pattern hair loss.
• Scalp massage. Applying oil usually means massaging the scalp, and massage has some evidence of its own. A small study published in Eplasty found that four minutes of standardized scalp massage a day for 24 weeks increased hair thickness in healthy men. The researchers suggested that mechanical stretching of the cells around the follicle may play a role.

Trichologist Bridgette Hill says;

Scalp health is the foundation for healthy hair. Using oils for scalp massages can increase blood circulation to the hair follicles, condition the scalp, and strengthen the hair root, creating a better environment for hair to grow.

Best Oils for Hair Growth: Top Picks

We have ordered these roughly by the strength of the evidence, starting with oils that have been tested in human trials.

01. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is the most talked-about natural oil for hair growth, and it has the research to back it up.

In a randomized comparative trial published in SKINmed, 100 people with pattern hair loss used either rosemary oil or minoxidil 2%. After six months, both groups saw a similar increase in hair count, and the rosemary group reported less scalp itching.

A mouse study in Phytotherapy Research also found that rosemary extract blocked 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme linked to pattern hair loss.

Keep in mind that this was a single trial with no placebo group, and results only appeared at six months.

How to use: To use it, dilute a few drops in a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut, massage it into your scalp, and leave it on for a few hours or overnight before washing.

02. Pumpkin Seed Oil

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, men with pattern hair loss who took pumpkin seed oil capsules for 24 weeks saw about a 40% increase in hair count, compared with 10% on placebo.

A small randomized trial in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology also found that topical pumpkin seed oil improved female pattern hair loss, though not as much as minoxidil 5% foam.

The main caveat is that the stronger result came from capsules that contained other ingredients too.

How to use: To use it topically, massage cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil into your scalp and leave it for a few hours before washing. Speak with your doctor before taking it as a supplement.

03. Peppermint Oil

A study in Toxicological Research found that 3% peppermint oil applied to mice for four weeks increased follicle number and depth more than 3% minoxidil, jojoba oil or saline. It also showed no signs of toxicity.

Results in mice don't always carry over to people, and no human trials have been done yet. The menthol can also sting sensitive skin.

How to use: Always dilute it, starting with a few drops per tablespoon of carrier oil, and patch test before massaging it into your scalp.

04. Lavender Oil (and Essential Oil Blends)

A study in Toxicological Research found that lavender oil increased the number of hair follicles in mice.

In a randomized, double-blind controlled trial published in Archives of Dermatology, people with alopecia areata used either a blend of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood oils or carrier oils alone. After seven months, 44% of the essential oil group improved, compared with 15% of the control group.

Because the human trial used a blend, lavender's own contribution is unclear. Alopecia areata is also an autoimmune condition, so anyone with patchy hair loss should see a dermatologist.

How to use: To use it, dilute a few drops in a carrier oil, ideally alongside rosemary, and massage it into your scalp.

05. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil's evidence is about scalp health rather than hair growth, but that still makes it worth knowing about. A flaky, itchy scalp leads to scratching and irritation, and keeping dandruff under control supports a healthier environment for hair.

In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, a 5% tea tree oil shampoo improved dandruff by 41% over four weeks, compared with 11% for placebo.

How to use: The simplest way to use it is through a shampoo with around 5% tea tree oil. If you apply it directly, always mix it with a carrier oil.

06. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a staple of hair care in many parts of the world, and the research backs up what generations of users already knew: it helps protect the hair you have.

A lab study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found that coconut oil reduced protein loss in both damaged and undamaged hair, while sunflower and mineral oil did not. The researchers credited lauric acid, which can get inside the hair shaft.

This is evidence for less breakage, not new growth, though less breakage can make hair look fuller over time. Coconut oil can also feel heavy on fine hair.

How to use: Use it as a pre-wash treatment, leaving it on for at least an hour or overnight before shampooing.

07. Bhringraj Oil

Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) has been used in Ayurvedic hair care for centuries and is often called the “king of herbs” for hair. It usually comes as an infused oil, with the herb steeped in sesame or coconut oil.

A study in Archives of Dermatological Research found that bhringraj extract led to faster hair growth in rats than minoxidil.

There are no human trials yet, and the studies used concentrated extracts rather than the infused oils sold for home use, which vary in strength.

How to use: Massage it into your scalp and leave it on for a few hours or overnight. It is often paired with amla in traditional blends.

08. Castor Oil

Castor oil is one of the most popular hair growth oils, and it shows up in countless DIY routines and commercial blends. Surprisingly, there is no clinical evidence that it grows hair.

The theory is based on indirect research. A study in Science Translational Medicine linked a compound called prostaglandin D2 to balding, and some researchers have speculated that castor oil's ricinoleic acid might counter it. This hasn't been tested.

Castor oil is also thick and hard to wash out. A case report described severe hair matting after use.

How to use: If you use it, mix it with a lighter oil like jojoba, apply small amounts, and rinse thoroughly.

What to Expect from a Scalp Oil Routine?

Results vary a lot from person to person, and anyone promising a schedule is guessing. What the research can tell us is roughly what to expect and when.

The first thing most people notice is comfort. A dry, tight or flaky scalp usually feels better within a week or two of regular oiling, simply because it is better hydrated.

Changes in how hair looks and feels take longer. Conditioned hair breaks less during brushing and styling, and less breakage over a few months can make the ends look thicker and the whole head look fuller.

Actual new growth, if it happens, takes the longest. Hair grows in cycles, and in the rosemary oil trial, results only appeared at six months, not three. If you are trying an oil for growth, give it at least six months of consistent use before judging it.

If you are losing noticeably more hair than usual, or losing it in patches, speak to your doctor or a dermatologist. Thyroid problems, iron deficiency, hormonal changes and autoimmune conditions can all cause hair loss, and no oil will address them.

What to look for in a Good Hair Growth Oil?

Before buying the best hair oil for growth, consider:

• Your goal. What do you want the oil to do? If it’s growth, rosemary and pumpkin seed oil have the best evidence. For dandruff, tea tree oil is the best studied. For breakage, coconut oil has the strongest support.
• Purity and quality. Look for pure, cold-pressed oils and check the label for the plant’s botanical name. Essential oils should be 100% pure and stored in dark glass bottles.
• Safety and side effects. Everyone’s skin reacts differently. Choose oils you aren’t allergic to, and patch test anything new.
• Your hair type. Heavier oils like coconut and castor suit thick or dry hair. Lighter oils like jojoba and argan are better for fine or oily hair.
• Your budget. Consistency matters more than price. Pick something you can afford to use for months.
• Talking to a healthcare professional. If you are on medication, pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an underlying medical condition, check with a healthcare professional before using essential oils or supplements.

Expert Tips/Precautions when using Hair Growth Oil

• Choose the right oil for your goal. Pick an oil with evidence for the problem you want to address, such as rosemary for growth or tea tree for dandruff.
• Consider your hair type. Some hair is oily and some is dry. Match the weight of the oil to your hair.
• Use a small amount. Start with a small quantity, warm it between your palms, and massage gently into the scalp. Avoid over-oiling, which makes it harder to wash out.
• Massage, don’t scrub. Use your fingertips, not your nails, and keep the pressure gentle. Massage has some evidence of its own, so take your time.
• Avoid harsh handling. After oiling, avoid brushing roughly or tying your hair tightly.
• Give it time. Leave the oil on for 2–3 hours before washing, or apply it overnight and wash it out the next day.
• Be consistent. Most of the research involved daily or near-daily use over several months. Occasional use is unlikely to show the same results.