The 6 Most Effective Essential Oils for Hair Growth (and How to Use Them)
Whether you prefer to mix them with carrier oils or pour them into your favorite shampoo, essential oils are a great addition to your hair care regimen. While some contain vitamins and nutrients to nourish your hair, others contain moisturizing ingredients, and still others have specific properties that stimulate the entire hair growth process. No matter how you slice it, they are a welcome boost on your path to thicker and fuller hair. But from the wide variety of essential oils available, you obviously can’t choose the first one you get your hands on and expect to regrow your hair overnight. To help you decide, we’ve conducted extensive research to discover all the essential oils that have been clinically proven to promote hair growth.
What are the best essential oils to support hair growth?
Experts agree that the best essential oils for hair growth are those that increase blood flow to the scalp, reduce inflammation or have anti-androgenic properties to stop DHT hormones from affecting the hair follicles. Peppermint, bergamot, tea tree, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood essential oils have all been found to have hair growth promoting properties and have been studied specifically for the treatment of hair loss.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is one of the most promising essential oils for hair growth, and a 2014 study in mice found that topical application of 3% peppermint oil for four weeks resulted in a significant 92% increase in hair count – even better than the 55% achieved with minoxidil. [1] In short, peppermint oil is thought to act as a vasodilator due to the presence of menthol. It dilates blood vessels to improve circulation and support nutrient delivery to hair follicles. According to studies, peppermint oil can also transform hair follicles from the resting phase to the anagen phase. Because of its ability to kill bacteria and its antioxidant properties, it creates a healthy environment in which hair can grow.
Bergamot Oil
Bergamot oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, thus reducing dandruff and soothing irritated scalp by inhibiting bacterial growth. In addition, bergamot oil stimulates blood flow when massaged into the scalp, allowing more nutrients to reach the hair follicles. A study published in the journal Chinese Materia Medica showed that topical application of bergamot extract for over a month significantly increased skin collagen content and promoted hair growth in mice. [2] However, further studies on humans are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Tea tree oil
Extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, tea tree oil is another essential oil that has been praised for its hair care effects. Specifically, tea tree oil has cleansing, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that reduce the buildup of chemicals and dead cells caused by conventional products. Studies have shown that using tea tree oil with minoxidil has more benefits than minoxidil alone. [3]
Rosemary oil
Due to its unique anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, rosemary oil is often used in folk medicine as a hair treatment. It is known to increase blood circulation in the scalp and accelerate the transport of nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. In addition, it is effective in preventing premature graying of the hair and dandruff. More interestingly, however, a 2013 study showed that rosemary leaf extract prevents DHT (dihydrotestosterone) from binding to hair follicles and impeding the hair growth process. [4]
Lavender oil
Lavender oil is another tried-and-true essential oil that can make your hair grow thicker, healthier, and faster. In short, it promotes scalp circulation, soothes inflammation and eliminates bacteria through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. a 2016 study found that topical application of lavender oil for one month (5 times a week) significantly increased the number and depth of hair follicles in mice, followed by an increase in the number and thickness of hairs. [5]
Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood oil is a centuries-old hair loss remedy. It creates an optimal environment for hair follicles to produce healthy, strong hair by cleansing the scalp, rebalancing hair sebum, and fighting bacterial and fungal infections. According to research, it is effective in treating baldness (an autoimmune disease that causes sudden hair loss) when mixed with lavender, thyme and rosemary oils and diluted in a mixture of carrier oils (jojoba and grapeseed oils). [6]
You can try adding a few drops of cedarwood oil to 1 or 2 tablespoons of jojoba or grapeseed oil and gently massaging the mixture into the scalp. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
How to use essential oils for hair growth
Most people prefer to add essential oils to their shampoo or conditioner, or dilute them with carrier oils and apply them directly to the scalp.
Massage directly into the scalp
You can gently massage your choice of essential oils into your hair and scalp. However, because essential oils are usually very concentrated, they can cause irritation. For this reason, you should dilute the oil with a carrier oil before use. Mixing the oil with a few drops of carrier oil is enough to get most of the benefits without causing dryness or irritation. For better results, warm the oil for a few seconds. When warm, the oil penetrates more deeply into the hair cuticle and scalp, and it is also more soothing and effective.
Add it to your shampoo or conditioner
You can pour a few drops of essential oil into your shampoo or conditioner. If you do this, it is recommended that you use a shampoo with as few ingredients as possible. This reduces the chance of the essential oils interacting adversely with the formula.
Make an oil mask
In addition to mixing essential oils into your shampoo, you can also make an oil mask to promote hair growth. First, divide your hair into small sections so you don’t miss any areas, especially if you have curly hair. Then, gently rub the oil into the scalp using circular motions. After treating the scalp, you can gently work through the lengths and ends of your hair.
As an additional step, you may choose to wrap your hair in a warm cloth before washing the oil. This allows the pores and cuticles to open, enhancing the penetration of the oil into the scalp and hair follicles. It’s also good to let the oil work all night.
What carrier oils to use
Several carrier oils have been specifically researched to support hair growth. Using the following carrier oils with your favorite essential oils can provide additional benefits to your hair.
Coconut oil: The fatty acids and vitamins in coconut oil nourish the scalp. It also protects and moisturizes the hair, preventing breakage and split ends.
Jojoba Oil: It is a great hair growth carrier oil because it has protective and anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in vitamins that help lock in moisture and prevent hair breakage.
Grape Seed Oil: A rich source of flavonoids, fatty acids and vitamins, grape seed oil strengthens brittle hair and promotes hydration.
Castor oil: It has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which improve scalp circulation and allow more nutrients to reach the hair follicles.
Pumpkin seed oil: It is a good source of essential fatty acids and antioxidants that help nourish, protect and moisturize hair. In a 2014 study, pumpkin seed oil was shown to have anti-androgenic effects and reduce DHT-induced hair follicle damage. Researchers say it is a safe and effective treatment to promote hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia. [7]
Final Words
It’s true that essential oils are useful for improving overall hair health and enhancing the effectiveness of other treatments, but you shouldn’t count on them as a primary solution for hair growth. As you can see, most essential oils have only been clinically studied in mice, and studies on humans need to be more convincing. For this reason, it’s best to stick to a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, supplements and laser hair growth treatments to grow your hair healthier and thicker. If you are dealing with hair loss or thinning hair, you should also consider using minoxidil and finasteride.
