Insiders may earn affiliate commissions when purchasing from our links. learn more.
- Hair growth oils cannot speed up hair growth, but they can increase the overall health of your hair and scalp.
- Try applying coconut, saw palmetto, tea tree, rosemary, and castor oils to damp, clean hair.
- A dermatologist can provide more guidance and recommend treatments that can help with persistent hair problems.
If you suffer from excessive hair loss, thinning or breakage, you are not alone. Over 80% of people experience hair loss in their lifetime.
But these common problems can quickly thwart your hair growth goals. Especially since hair only grows about 4 to 6 inches per year.
While there’s no clinically proven way to speed up hair growth, hair growth oils that you can try at home to keep your hair and scalp healthy are one of the treatments that’s becoming more popular.
Hair oils may benefit your hair and scalp for the following reasons:
- Contains essential nutrients: Fatty acids and vitamins A and E may promote hair health and growth, according to Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, a board-certified dermatologist at Scandinavian Biolabs.
- Helps prevent damage: According to Dr. Alpana Mohta, a board-certified dermatologist and Better Goods medical advisor, hair oil may help lubricate and strengthen the hair shaft and help prevent breakage. It can also nourish the scalp and hair follicles to support new growth.
- Inflammation can be reduced by: Certain oils also have anti-inflammatory properties, according to Dr. Lauren Penzi, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. For example, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and rosemary oil are all known to reduce inflammation. Scalp irritation can cause hair loss, so that alone is worth a try.
Finding the best hair growth oil for you will depend on your specific concerns and goals. Below, dermatologists share the potential benefits of hair growth oils and tips for trying them out.
1. Coconut oil
A small 2020 study found that coconut oil, unlike many other oils, can penetrate hair strands and form a protective layer to prevent damage from heat, coloring, and other factors. I understand that it is possible.
Another 2021 study found that coconut oil could promote scalp health by reducing the presence of “bad” bacteria associated with fungal infections and increasing the presence of “good” bacteria associated with a healthy scalp. shown.
Additionally, coconut oil absorbs into the scalp much better than many other types of oils, which can amplify its potential benefits.
2. Saw Palmetto Oil
Saw palmetto oil is very rich in fatty acids and plays an important role in keeping hair strong, shiny, manageable and overall healthy.
Extracted from the nut of the American dwarf palm tree, this oil also contains certain chemicals that block 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme associated with hair loss.
3. Tea tree oil
According to Penzi, tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Penji says it’s an excellent option to help treat nasty skin conditions.
Tea tree oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that inflammation often causes or exacerbates symptoms in many common scalp conditions, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
For example, in people with cicatricial alopecia or scarring alopecia, inflammation destroys hair follicles and prevents hair regrowth.
4. Rosemary oil
Rosemary oil may also kill harmful fungi and bacteria that interfere with hair growth.
In fact, rosemary oil has been proven to be as effective for hair growth as Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine.
Chaudhry says this may be because rosemary, like minoxidil, increases blood circulation to the hair follicles.
5. Castor oil
Currently, there are not many scientific studies supporting the benefits of castor oil for hair. Most evidence of its benefits remains anecdotal.
That said, experts believe that castor oil promotes hair growth because:
- Rich in antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids and nutritious vitamin E.
- It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- It can increase blood flow to the scalp.
Other oils to try
According to Chaudhry, other oils especially rich in hair-nourishing fatty acids, vitamins and minerals include:
Other ingredients to try
When purchasing hair products, you can also consider products that contain other ingredients known to promote hair and scalp health.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which can help protect against oxidative stress, which studies have linked with scalp conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and alopecia. , can lead to hair loss without any known scalp condition.
Studies have shown that a specific antioxidant found in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), inhibits 5-alpha-reductase and may help prevent hair loss.
Green tea can also block dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone known to shrink hair follicles and cause hair loss.
caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant and as such can directly stimulate hair growth at the hair follicle.
One study compared caffeine use to finasteride, a prescription drug commonly used to treat hair loss due to alopecia. They found that men who used finasteride reported about as much improvement in their condition.
Other research suggests that applying a topical solution of caffeine, minoxidil, and azelaic acid to the scalp may help reduce hair loss. It has been found to be effective in reducing hair loss and improving hair growth.
biotin
Some evidence suggests that up to 38% of women dealing with hair loss have a biotin deficiency. Associated with hair condition.
Other studies have also supported biotin’s benefits for hair growth, but it’s worth noting that this study only looked at oral biotin supplements, not topical application.
how to apply oil to hair
Some oils are already diluted and ready to use in serums, shampoos, and other styling products. Therefore, you should always check the instructions before applying new oil.
If you’re using a pure essential oil like rosemary oil, you should dilute it by adding about 5 drops to a carrier oil like jojoba, almond, or coconut oil, says Mohta.
For best results, Mohta recommends the following approach.
- After shampooing and conditioning, apply the oil while your hair is still damp.
- Start by massaging a few drops of oil directly onto your scalp, then use the rest of the oil to coat the dry ends of your hair.
Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before washing off the oil. - If possible, Penji recommends leaving the hair oil on overnight and washing it off in the morning.
- Try using hair oil 1-3 times a week. Use more often if you have dry scalp and hair, and less if you have oily scalp and hair.
Keep in mind that excessive use of hair oil can build up on the scalp, which can clog hair follicles and hinder hair growth, says Mohta.
“Keep in mind that it takes at least three to six months to see results from any hair growth product,” says Penzi.
Even if you don’t have a pre-existing scalp condition, Chowdhury highly recommends doing a patch test on a small area of skin before applying any of these oils all over your head. apply a very small amount of the product to the underside of the arm daily for about a week and observe the reaction of the skin.
when working with a dermatologist
Mohta recommends seeking professional help if you notice any of the following:
These symptoms may indicate conditions such as alopecia or seborrheic dermatitis, which may require prescription medication.
For example, if seborrheic dermatitis is the cause of your hair loss, your dermatologist may prescribe an antifungal shampoo and topical corticosteroids. Oral antiandrogens such as
“A dermatologist can determine the right products for you based on your individual needs and provide additional guidance on how to use them safely and effectively.
Mohta says dermatologists may also suggest lifestyle changes, such as dietary changes and stress management techniques, to improve the overall health of your scalp and hair.
insider takeout
Hair-growth oils won’t make hair grow faster, but they may help promote the overall health of your hair and scalp.These oils provide beneficial nutrients that promote healthy growth. Not only that, it can also prevent or reduce inflammation, fungal infections, and other problems that contribute to hair loss.
Studies show that some of the most beneficial options include coconut oil, tea tree oil, argan oil, rosemary oil, and castor oil.
Always consult a dermatologist or doctor before using any of these hair oils.We also recommend that you seek professional guidance for persistent hair loss or other hair or scalp problems. . A professional can assess the underlying cause of your condition and recommend appropriate hair loss treatment.
“Keep in mind that hair oils can’t work miracles, but if you’re looking for a way to give your hair extra nourishment, a quality hair oil is a great option,” says Chaudhry.
