Best Hair Growth Oils: Top Plant-Based Options

What is the Best Hair Growth Oil?

Hair growth oils are plant-based oils, essential oils, and oil blends meant to nourish the scalp, stimulate hair follicles, and encourage faster, healthier hair growth. Using the right oil or oil blend can help combat hair loss, thinning, damage, and slow growth.

But with so many options on the market, it can be tricky finding the best hair growth oil for your specific hair needs and goals. Certain oils may be better for promoting growth, while others focus on reducing dandruff or dryness associated with hair loss.

How Do Hair Growth Oils Work?

Hair growth oils derived from plants and herbs work in a few key ways:

• Improve blood circulation in the scalp to stimulate follicles
• Provide essential fatty acids, vitamins, and nutrients to nourish hair
• Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress around follicles
• Balance hormones and oil production in the scalp
• Cleanse follicles by removing buildup and germs

This multifaceted approach helps create the ideal environment for hair regrowth. Scalp massages further enhance circulation.

Choosing the Best Oil for Hair Growth

Look for an oil or oil blend that aligns with your specific hair goals. Key considerations include:

• Hair type - Fine, coarse, curly, or straight hair have different needs
• Scalp health - Choosing between oils for dry or oily scalps
• Usage - Some oils are best for overnight treatments while others create leave-in conditioning
• Aromatherapy benefits - Many essential hair oils provide soothing aromas
• Ingredient sensitivity - Avoid oils with any ingredients you are allergic or sensitive to

Using a combination of oils can also provide multiple benefits. Always patch test oils first before widespread use. Store hair oils away from heat and sunlight to preserve purity and potency.

7 Best Oils for Hair Growth Based on Research

Here are 7 of the top oils and oil blends for stimulating faster, healthier hair growth backed by scientific research:

1. Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin seed oil contains a rich mix of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and other compounds that research shows can enhance hair growth. One key component is linoleic acid, which helps rebuild the protective lipid layer of hair strands to reduce breakage and shedding.

In one randomized trial, men with moderate male pattern baldness took 400mg pumpkin seed oil capsules daily for 24 weeks. The pumpkin seed oil group increased hair count by 40% compared to just 10% in the placebo group. Thickness also improved significantly.

The high vitamin E content provides antioxidant power to protect against oxidative stress. And compounds called phytosterols may help regulate testosterone levels linked to hair loss.

Use a few drops of pumpkin seed oil warmed in the hands to massage into the scalp. Rinse after 30 minutes before shampooing. The thick texture makes it best for overnight treatments.

2. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary essential oil is renowned for its hair growth properties. The active ingredient is rosmarinic acid, which has been shown in studies to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and stimulate cell division in follicles.

In one trial, men with male pattern baldness massaged a rosemary oil blend into their scalp daily for 6 months. Hair count improved significantly more compared to those who used a control oil. Scalp itching also decreased.

Rosemary oil’s anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant activity further helps clear blockages and create a clean environment for growth. The energizing aroma makes it a great scalp massage oil.

Add a few drops of rosemary oil to a carrier like coconut or olive oil before applying to the scalp. Wash out after 30-60 minutes. Use sparingly, as rosemary oil can be irritating for some people.

3. Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil helps treat hair loss thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, and antioxidant effects. It also creates a soothing environment to reduce scalp irritation linked to hair shedding.

Animal studies of lavender oil show it boosts new hair growth by increasing the number of hair follicles in the growth phase. It may also extend the lifespan of hair follicles so existing strands grow longer.

The soothing scent of lavender makes it perfect to incorporate into nightly scalp massages or rituals. Combine with carrier oils and massage gently into the scalp before bed. Rinse out in the morning.

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is packed with fatty acids like lauric, myristic, and capric acids that penetrate deeply to nourish hair follicles. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity helps optimize scalp health.

One study compared coconut oil to mineral oil for preventing hair damage. Using coconut oil as an overnight treatment and leave-in conditioner protected against combing damage. It also reduced protein loss by limiting hygral fatigue.

Massage coconut oil into the scalp and lengths of hair. For a deep conditioning treatment, apply before bed and wash out in the morning. You can also add a few drops to smooth flyaways as a leave-in treatment.

5. Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Traditional Jamaican black castor oil contains ash from roasted castor beans that may stimulate blood flow to the scalp when massaged in, aiding growth. The high omega fatty acid content conditions and strengthens strands.

In one study, people with hair loss applied black castor oil to their scalp and lengths of hair daily for 3 months. By the end, hair count had significantly improved. Scalp itching and scaling also decreased.

Use Jamaican black castor oil as an intensive scalp and hair treatment. Massage it in 1-2 times per week and leave on overnight before shampooing out. The thick texture gives great coverage.

6. Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is uniquely suited for growing hair faster because it contains vitamins A, D, E, and B6, all of which promote healthy hair growth. The monounsaturated fatty acids provide deep hydration and protein to strengthen strands.

One study found avocado oil applied topically helped boost collagen production in wounds. Collagen is the dominant protein in hair, so avocado oil may similarly boost hair protein levels to decrease shedding and fragility.

The rich texture of avocado oil makes it ideal for a hair masque or scalp massage oil. Smooth it into dry hair and massage the scalp. Let sit for 30-60 minutes before washing out.

7. Argan Oil

Argan oil, derived from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree, contains fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin E, and other nutrients that nourish the scalp and hair. It helps undo damage while optimizing the growth environment.

A study of people with hair loss found that argan oil applied daily for 3 months significantly improved hair count. It showed comparable results to using minoxidil, a conventional topical hair loss treatment.

The lightweight texture of argan oil makes it great as a daily leave-in conditioning treatment. Rub a few drops between your palms and smooth through towel-dried hair after washing. Style as usual.

Other Oils That May Promote Growth

In addition to the research-backed oils above, some other oils for hair growth to consider are:

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil mimics the natural oils produced by the scalp, helping balance production without causing buildup. It contains zinc, biotin, and antioxidants that support healthy follicles.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is high in linoleic acid, vitamin E, and other nutrients that build hair health. Its lightweight texture allows easy scalp absorption.

Almond Oil

The vitamin E, omega fatty acids, and proteins in almond oil nourish hair follicles and help retain moisture in strands.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil helps unblock clogged follicles through its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Use sparingly diluted in a carrier oil.

Onion Oil

Onion juice is traditionally used to boost hair growth. Its high sulfur content supports production of collagen for hair strength.

How to Use Hair Growth Oils Effectively

To get the most out of hair growth oils, incorporate them into your routine using these tips:

• Massage oils into the scalp for 5-10 minutes daily to boost circulation
• Let thick oils soak on the scalp covered overnight then wash out
• Use lightweight oils as daily leave-in conditioning treatments
• Match oil weight and ingredients to your hair type
• Combine oils to get multiple benefits in one treatment
• Be consistent and patient; hair growth takes time
• Talk to your dermatologist if not seeing results after 3-6 months

The Takeaway

Natural oils are a safe, effective way to nourish hair follicles for faster, healthier hair growth. Options like pumpkin seed, rosemary, lavender, and coconut oil provide key vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants to optimize the scalp environment.

Pay attention to your specific hair goals and type when selecting a hair growth oil. And be diligent about doing scalp massages to enhance absorption and increase circulation for the best results.

With consistent use of the right oil or oil blend, you can help minimize hair loss and thinning and get the full, healthy locks you want.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.