<p>The bottom line: You want to opt for a scalp-friendly formula—ideally one that contains oils that have been linked to hair growth benefits. “Take bhringraj oil for example, which is used traditionally in eastern countries to support hair health,” says Dr. Batra. The oil is infused with the bringraj plant, which is thought to reduce harmful microbes, reduce inflammation, and <a href=”https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00403-008-0860-3″>support hair health</a>, he says.</p><p>Some essential oils have been associated with hair growth benefits, either independently or when combined with other ingredients, including <a href=”https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/”>rosemary</a>, <a href=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/”>peppermint</a>, and <a href=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4843973/”>lavender</a> oils, adds Dr. Batra. Worth noting: There’s a lack of research on humans exploring the hair growth benefits of the aforementioned ingredients, with the exception of rosemary oil.</p><p>Reading through ingredients will only get you so far. You also want to choose a formula that’ll suit your specific hair/scalp type, sensitivities, and budget, from a company with positive reviews. That’s where this detailed guide to the best oils for hair growth comes in.</p>”/>
Best Overall Hair Growth Oil
Mielle Rosemary Mint Growth Oil
Best Overall Hair Growth Oil
Mielle Rosemary Mint Growth Oil
Now 10% Off
Pros
- Made in the U.S.
- Super affordable
Cons
- Some reviewers find that it’s too heavy and thick
With more than 48,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and a cult following on TikTok, Mielle Rosemary Mint Growth Oil’s reputation precedes it. It also gets a stamp of approval from dermatologist Lindsey Zubritskey, MD. “It contains rosemary oil, which is an ingredient proven to help with hair regrowth,” she says. It can also help strengthen your hair follicles.
The formula contains a mix of more than 30 different oils, including castor, peppermint, and lavender oils. It costs less than $10 and you only need to apply a few drops with each use.
Rave review: “I have been using this to help with hair growth, and it definitely works! Not only do I have baby hairs growing, but my hair also feels thicker and looks healthier!”
Best Large Hair Growth Oil
Kiehl’s Magic Elixir Scalp & Hair Oil Treatment
Best Large Hair Growth Oil
Kiehl’s Magic Elixir Scalp & Hair Oil Treatment
Pros
- Only needs to sit for 10 minutes
- Free shipping
Cons
- L’Oreal gives it a poor score for environmental impact compared to its other products
Dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, counts Kiehl’s Magic Elixir as a favorite. “Containing a blend of avocado oil and rosemary oil, I love that it can be used prior to shampooing, helping to nourish the scalp and hair, improving the overall health of the hair and scalp,” she says. It’s meant to be applied to a dry scalp and left on for 10 minutes before rinsing or washing your hair.
This treatment is intended for all hair types, including fine hair, and doesn’t contain any added fragrance. The oil includes ingredients like rosemary oil and moisturizing avocado oil.
Rave review: “I’ve used this three times and I’ve already seen major improvements in my hair. It’s thicker, softer, shinier and my scalp doesn’t itch.”
Most Sustainable Hair Growth Oil
Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Pre-Shampoo Scalp & Hair Oil
Most Sustainable Hair Growth Oil
Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Pre-Shampoo Scalp & Hair Oil
Pros
- Leaping Bunny certified
- Formula is vegan
Cons
- May not suit those with fragrance allergies
Ceremonia Aceite de Moska is a pre-shampoo treatment designed to help combat itchiness and flaking while promoting healthy hair growth. The brand suggests massaging the oil into your scalp with a scalp massager, and leaving it on for 15 minutes or overnight before washing your hair.
Ceremonia makes efforts toward sustainability, like using packaging made from 30 to 100 percent post-consumer recycled materials. It’s a brand that’s officially plastic-negative, ensuring it takes out more plastic from nature than it uses in its products, contributing to recycling efforts.
Rave review: “My hair and scalp have been extra dry after having my baby, and I’m starting to lose my hair due to postpartum. Using this treatment has helped me with the dryness and I feel like it’s helping keep my hair loss under control.”
Best Hair Growth Oil With Bhringraj Oil
rthvi Revitalize Natural Hair Growth Oil
Best Hair Growth Oil With Bhringraj Oil
rthvi Revitalize Natural Hair Growth Oil
Pros
- Formulated for those experiencing hair loss
- Strengthens hair follicles
Cons
- Some of the ingredients aren’t organic
Rthvi’s products are created with the intention of merging Ayurvedic principles with modern science. The brand’s scalp oil combines rosemary, peppermint, and bhringraj oils to promote hair growth and combat dryness. It also contains Indian goosebury (amla) extract, which, according to a 2020 study by Dovepress, stimulates hair follicles to promote hair growth and indirectly block DHT, a hormone linked to androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness).
The product is designed to be used three times a week and left on for at least three hours before washing your hair, but you can also use it as a leave-in treatment.
Rave review: “I have been struggling with hair thinning and hair fall for many years. I have tried many OTC solutions as well as consulted specialists many times. However I have never seen such promising results as I did with this Revitalize Hair Growth oil. My hair is thicker and I can barely see my scalp anymore.”
Best Value Hair Growth Oil
The Mane Choice The Alpha Multi-Vitamin Scalp Growth Oil
Best Value Hair Growth Oil
The Mane Choice The Alpha Multi-Vitamin Scalp Growth Oil
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Super inexpensive
Cons
- May be too heavy for people with fine hair
The Mane Choice The Alpha Multi-Vitamin Scalp Growth Oil is designed to be used up to once per day, and contains ingredients like rosemary extract and castor oil. It also has tea tree oil, which may enhance the effects of minoxidil (a medication that stimulates hair growth), per a 2013 study by Dovepress.
The oil is one of the more affordable options on this list. Reviewers love its fruity smell but caution that it’s best used before washing, since it’s rather heavy.
Rave review: “I’ve been using this serum two to three times a week for two months now and I noticed lots of baby hairs growing. I was losing so much hair, especially in the frontal area. Now, I’m happy with the results.”
Best Hair Growth Oil For Travel
Leonor Greyl Régénérescence Naturelle
Best Hair Growth Oil For Travel
Leonor Greyl Régénérescence Naturelle
Pros
- Intended for all hair types
- Can leave it on for 15 minutes or overnight
Cons
- On the pricer side
Leonor Greyl Régénerescence Naturelle features a blend of 16 oils, some of which are organically grown. The combination is intended to nourish your hair and scalp while promoting hair growth.
For optimal effects, the treatment is designed to be left on for a period of time ranging from 15 minutes to overnight. It’s suited to those who prefer products that are vegan, cruelty-free, silicone-free, and/or made without synthetic ingredients. The oil comes in a vial with a rollerball, allowing for easy, mess-free application.
Rave review: “I love the way this product smells. It’s amazing. It also does wonders for my dry scalp.”
Best Scented Hair Growth Oil
Kitsch Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth & Healthy Scalp
Best Scented Hair Growth Oil
Kitsch Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth & Healthy Scalp
Pros
- Loosens build-up before shampooing
- Has scalp-friendly ingredients like castor oil
Cons
- Not suited for those who stick to unscented products
Formulated with rosemary oil extract and scalp-friendly ingredients like castor oil, Kitsch Pre-Wash Scalp Oil is designed to loosen buildup before shampooing. It’s naturally fragranced with a calming lavender scent.
The oil is meant to be left on for 10 minutes, which is ideal if you don’t like leaving oil on your scalp for long periods of time. The bottle is made of recyclable aluminum, and the dropper is made of recycled plastic.
Rave review: “After using this serum I did notice that my hair looked healthier and I even thought my hair had a bit more volume the day after. The scent is nice and it’s easy to apply prior to your shower.”
Best Splurge Hair Growth Oil
Sarisha Nourishing Hair & Scalp Oil
Best Splurge Hair Growth Oil
Sarisha Nourishing Hair & Scalp Oil
Pros
- Contains lavender, peppermint, and rosemary essential oils
- Mostly organic ingredients
Cons
- One of the pricer options on this list
Sarisha’s products are hand-blended in small batches and are cruelty-free and vegan. The brand’s Nourishing Hair & Scalp Oil is a combination of vitamin E and organic plant-based oils, including lavender, peppermint, and rosemary oils.
It’s lightweight enough to use as a daily leave-in, and you can use it on the lengths of your hair to fight frizz in addition to applying it to your scalp for hair growth. The formula is also safe for color-treated hair.
Rave review: “Makes my waves look beautiful and reduces frizz significantly. Smells divine to boot.”
Hair Growth Oil With The Best Reviews
Wild Growth Hair Oil
Hair Growth Oil With The Best Reviews
Wild Growth Hair Oil
Now 23% Off
Pros
- Long lasting supply
- Has thousands of five-star reviews
Cons
- Some reviewers don’t like how it smells
Wild Growth Hair Oil is one of cosmetic chemist David Petrillo’s top picks. It combines ingredients like lavender, peppermint, castor, and jojoba oils. “Jojoba oil is often used to moisturize the scalp and hair,” says Petrillo. “While there is limited research on its direct impact on hair growth, it may contribute to overall hair health.”
You’re only meant to use a few drops of the oil one to three times per week, so the four-ounce bottle can last a while. You can add it to shampoo, hot oil treatments, co-washes, or apply it on its own after washing your hair. The oil is on the richer side, making it ideal for those with thick hair. The brand also makes a more lightweight version.
Rave review: “My main goals was to grow and strengthen my hair, I have been using this oil for a month and I can honestly say that I have noticed a great difference. Not only did my hair grow but it feels stronger, shinier, and it stopped falling.”
Best Two-In-One Hair Growth Oil
Mauli Rituals Grow Strong Hair Oil
Best Two-In-One Hair Growth Oil
Mauli Rituals Grow Strong Hair Oil
Now 19% Off
Pros
- Option to purchase a set with a comb
- Multiple size options
Cons
- No discounted subscription option
Mauli Rituals encourages applying its Grow Strong Hair Oil with a head massage. You can purchase the oil with or without a comb, which you can use to stimulate your scalp.
The brand recommends using a few drops of oil twice a week for six weeks, then once per week. You can leave it on from 20 minutes to overnight before washing your hair, or use it on your strands to tame dry ends. It’s filled with potentially beneficial plant-derived ingredients, like amla and bhringraj oils.
Rave review: “I have fine naturally grey hair which is glossy and shiny thanks to this oil. There’s a lot of regrowth too which is great.”
Best Hair Growth Oil For Dry Scalps
Camille Rose Rosemary Oil Strengthening Hair Drops
Best Hair Growth Oil For Dry Scalps
Camille Rose Rosemary Oil Strengthening Hair Drops
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Vegan
Cons
- There aren’t many customer reviews
Camille Rose Rosemary Oil Strengthening Hair Drops are targeted to people of all hair types who want to improve growth and avoid dryness. Along with its namesake ingredient, rosemary oil, the formula contains amla extract and peppermint, castor, and lavender oils.
The brand suggests applying two to three drops of the oil to wet or dry hair, daily or as needed, and leaving it on. In addition to applying it to your scalp to promote hair growth, you can use it on the lengths of your hair to reinforce your strands, minimizing breakage.
Rave review: “This oil along with the shampoo and conditioner has improved my itchy flaky scalp as well as growth/ length retention. I mainly use the oil when I wear braids because of the thickness of the oil but other than that I’d recommend using buying and using this product.”
Best Hair Growth Oil For Damaged Hair
Weleda Rosemary Conditioning Hair Oil
Best Hair Growth Oil For Damaged Hair
Weleda Rosemary Conditioning Hair Oil
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Made for all hair types
- Can be used on scalp and ends
Cons
- There’s not as much rosemary in this serum as other oils on this list
Dr. Garshick recommends Weleda Rosemary Conditioning Hair Oil, noting that it leaves hair feeling soft and smooth. Made for all hair types, the rosemary-infused oil is intended to make dry, damaged hair shinier and more manageable. It’s suitable for those who want to avoid synthetic preservatives, fragrances, or silicone.
Weleda is a Certified B Corporation, meaning it meets standards related to social and environmental performance and transparency. It’s also Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT)-certified, which indicates that it’s committed to ethical ingredient sourcing.
Rave review: “This is such a great product. My hair looks and feels much better”
Best Castor Oil For Hair Growth
Holy Natural Organic Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Best Castor Oil For Hair Growth
Holy Natural Organic Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Pros
- Serves multiple functions
- Available in four different sizes
Cons
- Castor oil can be very thick and sticky
Thanks to the potential of ricinoleic acid to promote hair growth by boosting circulation, pure castor oil is a solid option, according to Petrillo. Plus, it can serve multiple functions, since castor oil is a popular DIY lash serum alternative.
This pure castor oil is USDA-certified organic and ISO-certified, meaning the company meets various quality assurance standards. It’s available in four different sizes, with the smallest ringing in at just under $7.
Rave review: “I use this organic product on my natural hair. The moisture holds longer in my hair and keeps hair in place as well. Also have seen hair growth and thicken since I began using this product.”
Best Organic Hair Growth Oil
Thicc Organics Thicc Hair Oil
Best Organic Hair Growth Oil
Thicc Organics Thicc Hair Oil
Pros
- Reviewers have noticed improvements in hair length
- The brand blends its bottles in small batches
Cons
- There’s only one size option
This organic oil contains eight ingredients selected to boost hair growth, including rosemary, tea tree, lavender, and peppermint oils. It also has green coffee bean oil which contains caffeine, an ingredient that may boost hair growth by counteracting DHT’s effects on hair follicles.
The oil is meant to be used as a pre-shampoo treatment and is intended for all hair types. The brand hand blends and bottles its products in small batches in California.
Rave review: “I’ve been using this hair oil for almost a year and I’ve noticed improved hair growth and overall hair health. I love my hair care routine of oiling before washing and have recommended this oil to others as well.”
Best Multi-Use Hair Growth Oil
Briogeo Curl Charisma Organic + Cold-Pressed 100% Castor Oil
Best Multi-Use Hair Growth Oil
Briogeo Curl Charisma Organic + Cold-Pressed 100% Castor Oil
Pros
- Can be used on your eyebrows and eyelashes
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Pricier than some other pure castor oil options
Dr. Garshick considers Briogeo Curl Charisma Organic + Cold Pressed Castor Oil a contender for the best castor oil for hair growth. “The cold-pressed castor oil contains humectants, vitamin E, and omega fatty acids, which work together to keep the hair healthy and hydrated,” she says. “It can be used on the hair, eyebrows and eyelashes.”
The pure castor oil is a vegan, cruelty-free, organic option. It’s certified Fair Trade for Life, signifying that the company uses environmentally friendly practices and safe working conditions throughout its supply chain.
Rave review: “Better than other castor oils. Grew my eyelashes so long and my baby hairs are growing around my front of my hair.”
How our team chose the best hair growth oils
For the past few months, Women’s Health editors, including contributor Renee Cherry, have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated hair growth oils. Our team consulted four hair experts and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best hair growth oils for a wide range of needs and preferences.
Can oils promote hair growth?
Yes, but ingredients matter. “Many hair oils may help the hair to feel and look thicker, but there’s only one that has actually been proven to increase hair growth, which is rosemary oil,” says Dr. Zubritskey. “There is one study showing that rosemary oil had similar efficacy to 2 percent minoxidil for helping to regrow hair after six months of use. This study only looked at androgenetic alopecia, which is one of the most common types of hair loss for men and women.”
While other oils aren’t necessarily useless, you’ll want to opt for a formula containing rosemary oil if you want to go with the ingredient with the strongest research behind it.
How long does it take for a hair growth oil to show results?
Consistency is key, so if you just started using a hair oil and haven’t noticed a difference, it’s not necessarily ineffective. “While some benefits from a hair growth oil may be seen within three to six months, it can take up to 12 months for full effect,” says Dr. Garshick.
What should I look for when shopping for a hair growth oil?
It’s helpful to scan an oil’s ingredients list to confirm that it includes oils with potential hair growth benefits. Look for the ingredients listed throughout this article like rosemary, peppermint, and bhringraj oils. You can choose an option that’s specifically designed to meet your needs, whether you have a dry scalp, fine hair, or other qualities. Additionally, a pre-shampoo may be better if you find that oils weigh down your hair, while a leave-on has the benefit of a longer contact time.
When in doubt, an expert can provide personalized guidance. “Individual responses can vary, and the effectiveness of these oils may depend on factors such as genetics, overall health, and the specific cause of hair loss,” says Petrillo. “Before trying any new treatment, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist, especially if you have underlying health conditions or concerns about hair loss.”
Shop other haircare products we love
Renee Cherry is a New York-based writer and editor specializing in beauty, health, fitness, and nutrition. She earned a B.S. in journalism with a specialization in fashion in beauty communications from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She completed internships at Cosmopolitan and Shape.com before taking a full time position at Shape as a digital writer/producer. Renee spent the next six years working at Shape.com, most recently as the brand’s associate editor, before transitioning to freelance work.
Danielle is the beauty editor at Women’s Health. Her apartment is currently littered with beauty products, but when she’s not testing them all out, you can find her watching facial ASMR videos on YouTube, binge-watching The Golden Girls on Hulu, and reading rom-coms.
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