The Comprehensive Guide To The Best Oil For Hair Growth
Contents
- Best 10 Oils For Hair Growth Compared
- Top Rated Brands
- Hair Oils Reviewed
- Best Coconut Oils For Hair Growth
- Nutiva Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil
- Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- Emu Oil For Hair Growth
- Why Is Emu Oil So Great?
- Gaia Purity’s emu oil
- InstaNatural Emu Oil
- Argan Oil For Hair Growth
- So What Makes Argan Oil Great?
- The Best Argan Oil on the Market
- Premium Moroccan Argan Oil by Desert Beauty
- Product Highlight And Features
- PURA D’OR 100% Moroccan Argan Oil
- Aria Starr Organic Argan Oil
- Avocado Oil For Hair Growth And Scalp Care
- Criteria
- NOW Foods Avocado Oil
- Coconut Oil For Scalp Treatment
- Criteria
- Sky Organics Coconut Oil
- Radha Beauty Tea Tree Essential Oil
- NOW Solutions Castor Oil
- Sun Essential Oils – Peppermint
- NOW Foods Organic Jojoba Oil
- Viva Naturals Sweet Almond Oil
- La Tourangelle Grapeseed Oil
- What To Look For In Oils For Hair Growth And Thickness?
- Conclusion
- Sources
Dull, dry or thinning hair is a problem many people face and can cause you to be self-conscious about something that you once took for granted.
One estimate puts the number at 50 million men in the US with some kind of hair loss.
But it’s not just a male problem. Many women notice thinning hair too.
There are a lot of different factors that can affect the quality of your hair. Oils can help condition dry, brittle hair and reduce breakage.
There are many natural remedies and oils that can make dry hair look shinier and feel softer.
If you’re looking into natural remedies, the variety of natural oils that exist are some of the best options to consider.
To make your search easier, we’ve gathered a list of popular oils for hair growth and thickness.
A quick reality check first: there’s little good evidence that any oil regrows hair in people. The treatments with the strongest evidence for pattern hair loss are minoxidil and, for men, finasteride, which the FDA approved for male pattern hair loss.
If you’re losing hair, see a dermatologist to find the cause. Oils are best for conditioning hair and protecting it from breakage.
Best 10 Oils For Hair Growth Compared
Top Rated Brands
Radha Beauty
Radha Beauty is a company well known for offering an extensive line of oils and natural skin care products.
Trademarked with natural and 100% organic products, Radha is sure to give you the beauty you desire in every product it offers.
Formed by an entrepreneur with a passion for natural beauty products who fully stands by them, Radha Beauty doesn’t disappoint.
Now Foods
NOW offers a large lineup of affordable products ranging from high-quality supplements, food supplements, and essential oils to other various oils.
They pride themselves on delivering the best natural products and have a large focus on sustainability and environmental impact.
Viva Naturals
Viva Naturals is a relatively new company that has focused all its efforts on creating whole and natural products.
The company has built its foundation and created its business to cater to those whose very way of life was healthy living.
The brand says its products are third-party tested, certified organic, non-GMO and free of fillers.
Hair Oils Reviewed
There are lots of oils that can improve how your hair looks and feels. Evidence that they speed up growth is limited.
Provided here is a list of the main types of oil for hair growth that will be covered in this guide.
Best Coconut Oils For Hair Growth
Coconut oil has so many wonderful beautifying properties and uses. One thing that a lot of people don’t realise is that you can use it on your hair!
The best brand I recommend is Nutiva Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil. It’s a top of the line product known for its purity and quality.
In this article, I’ll explain how to use coconut oil for hair growth and shine.
Coconut oil for hair has great reviews, mostly for softness, shine and less breakage.
Why Should I Use Coconut Oil To Help With Hair Growth?
Have you noticed that your hair is becoming more and more brittle lately?
Maybe you’ve noticed it takes forever to grow your hair and it feels thin and lifeless.
Have you ever tried coconut oil?
It can help with restoring your hair condition by making it softer and less prone to breaking.
I noticed a huge difference in my hair after even using it only a few times.
Coconut oil is great for moisturizing your hair and helping to detangle it. Its fats help seal moisture into your locks.
It does not cure dandruff. If you have stubborn flakes, a medicated dandruff shampoo works better.
Coconut oil is made mostly of lauric acid, a small fat molecule that can get into the hair shaft. In a lab study on hair damage, coconut oil was the only oil tested that markedly reduced protein loss from hair. Sunflower and mineral oil didn’t help. (The study was run by a hair-oil maker.)
Some sources say coconut oil can reduce hair damage by up to 39%.
Coconut oil won’t make hair grow faster. But when hair breaks less, it holds on to more of its length, so it can look longer and fuller.
Nutiva Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil
The best coconut oil for hair growth that I’ve found (and trust me, I’ve tried a fair few!) is Nutiva Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil.
I like to buy the larger container which is 1.6L.
There are so many uses for coconut oil so it’s very handy to just save money and buy a larger quantity.
This product is cold pressed, which means the oil is mechanically pressed without high heat.
This product does have a light coconut aroma and will be solid at room temperature unless you live somewhere lovely and warm. In which case, I’m jealous.
Use only a little, since too much can leave hair greasy.
Next, let’s talk about how to use coconut oil for hair growth!
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Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Each 16 oz jar contains 100% extra virgin coconut oil.
Extra virgin means the product is unrefined, and still contains a coconut smell and taste.
The fats in coconut oil are great at moisturizing the scalp and hair without being overly greasy.
You don’t need much to get great results here either.
This oil is solid at room temperature so try melting half a teaspoon in a cup, dab your fingers in the melted oil and run them through your hair.
Lab studies suggest coconut oil has some antifungal activity, but it isn’t a proven treatment for scalp or yeast infections.
Eating coconut oil won’t improve your hair. It is high in saturated fat, so use it in moderation in your diet.
This one is our top pick for a coconut oil to use on your hair.
How Do I Use Coconut Oil For Hair Growth
One thing to remember about coconut oil is that it melts at about 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
Just rubbing it in your hands the heat from your body will be enough to melt it. I think the best way to use coconut oil is to apply it before you wash your hair.
You can, of course, also apply oil when it’s damp.
You just simply warm up about a teaspoon or more in your hands, if you have thicker hair use a bit more and simply apply to your ends and a little on your scalp if you wish.
If you have a scalp condition like dandruff you may want to focus the product more on your scalp. After you’ve applied the oil twist up your hair in a small towel or shower cap and leave on overnight and in the morning your hair will be so soft and silky!
Some people like leaving it in overnight. You can also use it in the shower as a conditioner and then rinse out.
It really all depends on how dry your hair is. I even use a very small amount after my hair is styled just to add a little shine.
After using coconut oil, your hair will likely feel softer and look shinier. Oil can smooth the look of split ends, but the only real fix for them is a trim.
I think so highly of this amazing natural oil and definitely recommend that everyone tries it on their hair!
Emu Oil For Hair Growth
As of late, emu oil has grown in popularity for being a highly beneficial oil for both your hair and scalp, especially due to the use of emu oil for hair growth.
This oil comes from the Australian emu, a large flightless bird related to the ostrich. Emu oil sellers say it has been used by Aboriginal Australians for 40,000 years.
People use emu oil for hair growth and scalp care, but there’s very little research on it in humans.
This is widely used throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia. The unique blend of fatty acids includes a mixture of saturated, mono-saturated, and polyunsaturated fats.
The combination of these fatty acids helps soften your hair and help it to retain its much-needed moisture.
Let’s take a look at the top emu oil for your hair to help you achieve your best hair results yet.
Why Is Emu Oil So Great?
Emu oil contains fatty acids, including linoleic acid, that make it a good moisturizer.
Sellers claim it can wake up dormant hair follicles, but there’s no good human evidence for that.
It can reduce the appearance of dry and brittle hair and soften a dry scalp.
Emu oil for hair growth is an outstanding alternative to conventional heavier oils. It won’t leave your scalp clogged up or your hair weighed down.
Like other oils, it can help reduce breakage.
The high penetrability of Emu oil allows it to really get under your skin’s surface layer, enabling it to work particularly well for dry skin and scalp problems.
Some people use it for an itchy, dry or flaky scalp. For eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis, see a dermatologist rather than relying on emu oil.
Gaia Purity’s emu oil
This natural emu oil product by Gaia Purity is 100% free from any added chemicals or preservatives.
It’s composed of nothing more than pure and natural emu oil.
It’s a rich moisturizer for dry skin and hair.
You’ll see sellers claim emu oil helps joint pain, wounds and scars. Those claims aren’t well supported, so see a doctor for injuries, burns or wounds.
Check the listing for the current return policy.
InstaNatural Emu Oil
Those from Australia will know the emu as a large bird that looks similar to an Ostrich.
The oil is derived from the adipose fatty tissue from the Emu’s back and has been used for skin and hair health for centuries.
Looking at the testimonials, emu oil may possibly be the best oil for hair regrowth.
InstaNatural Emu Oil:
- Is 100% natural with no fillers or adulterants.
- Helps relieve scalp dryness.
- Fatty acids similar to our own natural oils meaning it won’t block your pores and will nourish and replenish your hair.
A Word Of Caution
There are a few important questions that should be asked before you decide which brand of emu oil is best suited for you.
Important questions that cover the products processing regime are the ones that are the most pertinent.
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Is the oil free from contamination, such as hormones, blood and meat residues?
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Has the oil been processed in such a way that trans fatty acids are not produced?
Oil that has been processed at too high a temperature can be the cause of some health-related problems. This is due to trans fatty acids being non-natural and unusable by the human body.
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Is this oil free from solvent extractors used in processing?
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Have synthetic anti-oxidants or preservatives been added to the oil?
These are just a few questions that you should be asking when choosing your brand of Emu oil.
Each question will lead you away from the more undesirable products, and help you to find the purest and best emu oil for your purposes.
In General
Emu oil is a good moisturizer for dry hair and scalp.
If you’re trying to stop hair loss, though, it isn’t a proven treatment. Talk to a dermatologist about options that work.
Argan Oil For Hair Growth
If looking in the bathroom mirror leaves you feeling a bit deflated, then perhaps it’s time to take a stand against your unsightly hair loss.
Argan oil is a popular choice for keeping the hair you have healthy and shiny.
Hair loss is common. According to the American Hair Loss Association, about 85% of men have significantly thinning hair by age 50.
Argan oil can improve how hair looks and feels. There’s no good evidence that it stops hair loss or regrows hair.
So What Makes Argan Oil Great?
Argan oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. It helps with dryness, controls frizz and leaves your hair looking and feeling great.
It can soothe a dry scalp. For true dandruff, a medicated shampoo works better.
Argan oil can also smooth dry hair, frizz and the look of split ends, and a light coat may reduce some damage from heat styling.
This particular oil for hair growth further enriches and repairs damage with its nourishing nutrients.
A quality argan oil will hydrate and soften your hair without leaving much oily residue.
It’s best used to improve the overall condition of your hair.
What’s more, it can be left in as an overnight treatment, and can even be used as a styling agent.
The Best Argan Oil on the Market
Premium Moroccan Argan Oil by Desert Beauty
This Premium Moroccan Argan Oil by Desert Beauty is a popular argan oil hair serum.
It adds softness and shine and hydrates dry hair.
This premium Argan oil offers an exclusive, antioxidant-rich formula. It’s been infused with Jojoba oil, coconut oil, and other natural ingredients to provide your hair with some extra nourishment.
Desert Beauty’s Premium Argan Oil is lightweight, meaning it won’t add too much extra weight to your hair. The golden serum absorbs quickly without leaving much grease.
The brand says it isn’t tested on animals.
This light serum softens dry, damaged and brittle hair and tames frizz and flyaways.
Desert Beauty’s Premium Argan Oil won’t weigh your hair down. It can be used as a conditionerafter shampooing, as a leave-in treatment on damp hair, or as a styling aid for your hair.
A few drops a couple of times a week can keep hair looking shiny and healthy.
Check the listing for the current return policy.
Product Highlight And Features
- Hydrates and smooths dry, frizzy hair
- Deep-conditions dry hair and scalp
- Encourages brilliant shine
- plus-circleMakes hair easy to comb and manageable
- plus-circleQuick-penetrating, no oily residue
- plus-circleDelicate, pleasant fragrance
- plus-circleIdeal for both men and women
PURA D’OR 100% Moroccan Argan Oil
Argan Oil is a great natural derived from the argan trees of Morocco. There’s definitely a reason why this bountiful and nutrient rich oil has been dubbed “liquid gold”.
In Morocco, argan oil has long been used in cooking and for skin and hair care.
When buying argan oil, you want to pay special attention to making sure it’s the only ingredient in the bottle.
You also want to make sure the bottle is dark to prevent oxidation and damage from light.
You’ll be getting all that with this oil by PURA D’OR. The oil is a rich color and is pure with no added ingredients and chemicals.
You’re left with pure, unrefined argan oil with an array of nutrients and vitamin E that will leave your skin and scalp feeling moisturized and soft.
Aria Starr Organic Argan Oil
Aria Starr also offers its own argan oil in a beautifully designed dark bottle.
You’ll find that high quality argan oils such as this absorb right into the scalp and hair.
It will leave you with a non-greasy, natural like feeling.
Just the way your hair is meant to be. The smell will be a light nutty scent, pure and unadulterated.
It also comes with a dispenser for easier use. Simply use about half a teaspoon, massage into your scalp and then work through your hair.
Expect softer, shinier hair rather than new growth.
In General
If you want to restore your hair’s shine and softness, argan oil is a great pick.
If you’re worried about hair loss or thinning, see a dermatologist, since argan oil isn’t a proven hair loss treatment.
So, when deciding on your next hair care product purchase, argan oil is a solid choice for dry, frizzy hair.
Avocado Oil For Hair Growth And Scalp Care
Avocados have become one of the most popular superfoods out there, and I for one am a very big fan. My life these days basically consists of coconuts and avocados.
Did you know that sales of avocados in the US have more than quadrupled since 2000? The trend shows no sign of slowing down.
With the fruit being packed with all good things from heart-healthy fats to an abundance of nutrients, we’ve learned how amazing it is for inside our bodies.
Have you thought about what it can do for us on the outside?
Some people with hair loss have turned to avocado oil, though there’s no good evidence it regrows hair.
Avocado oil has become a popular hair conditioner.
Criteria
There are many products on the market to help with hair growth. The ones with real evidence behind them are medicines like minoxidil, not oils.
If hair damage from heat, coloring or over-processing is your problem, a natural oil can help condition and protect it.
Avocado oil is a rich, gentle choice for that, and some people like it as a solution for the scalp when it feels dry.
NOW Foods Avocado Oil
NOW Foods Avocado Oil is a straightforward, no-nonsense natural oil with many uses, including hair care.
There’s absolutely nothing in it but avocado oil.
No additives, no perfumes. It’s just a 100% natural product, so you’re sure not to get any unnecessary ingredients that could cause irritation.
It’s rich in monounsaturated fats that soften hair strands and help protect them from breakage. Hair-care oils work on the hair shaft; they don’t feed the follicle.
Your hair should be wet and clean first. Apply the product to the roots and massage in, ensuring to stimulate your hair follicles and aiding in nutrient absorption. Leave for about 5-10 minutes before rinsing out.
Rinse well to avoid greasy residue. What you end up with is hair that looks and feels healthier.
NOW Foods Avocado Oil is expeller-pressed, meaning it’s pressed to get out all of the essential oils in one step.
There’s no long, complicated process that requires the use of chemicals to get all of the product out.
To store, keep it in a cool, dark place like a cupboard and use it before the best-by date.
Pros & Cons
Avocado oil won’t regrow hair, but it’s an excellent conditioner.
You can use it as an all-over hair mask.
It’s also good for dry skin and absorbs quickly.
A little bit goes a long way, and it’s also an inexpensive option, so you don’t need to worry about having to keep buying an expensive product often.
NOW Foods Avocado Oil comes in a 16-ounce bottle, offering plenty of uses before needing to buy again. You also don’t have to worry about smelling like an avocado too. The scent is very light.
The main problem you’ll probably have is stopping yourself from eating it all before you can use it on your hair! I defy you not to get addicted to avocado toast with a drizzle of avocado oil and a sprinkling of sea salt. Heaven!
In General
NOW Foods Avocado Oil is a simple, pure oil for conditioning dry hair and scalp.
It helps protect hair from breakage, which can help it look fuller, but it isn’t a hair loss treatment.
Coconut Oil For Scalp Treatment
Coconut oil has recently become a bit of a phenomenon. Although it’s been used for many centuries in the Pacific Rim and parts of Asia, it’s only recently that it’s popularity has exploded.
People use it for everything from cooking to shaving.
It can also soothe a dry, tight scalp.
Here’s what coconut oil can and can’t do for your scalp.
Criteria
If you’ve ever had dandruff, you know those white flakes can be embarrassing!
There are plenty of hair products on the market that can help treat dandruff. Medicated dandruff shampoos are the most reliable option.
Coconut oil can help a dry, itchy scalp feel better. It is not a treatment for scalp infections or head lice.
A fungal scalp infection (scalp ringworm) needs antifungal medication from a doctor, and head lice need a proven lice treatment.
Sky Organics Coconut Oil
Sky Organics offers a simple option: pure organic coconut oil, our choice for a dry scalp and dry hair.
Their organic extra virgin coconut oil is 100% pure, unrefined and cold pressed.
There are no additives and no irritating perfumes, just coconut oil! Another fabulous quality about this product is that it is proudly fair trade and cruelty-free.
Coconut oil is very moisturizing and can help a dry, itchy scalp.
It has shown some antibacterial and antifungal activity in lab studies, but it isn’t a substitute for medical treatment. See a doctor for folliculitis, ringworm or head lice.
If you color your hair, Sky Organics says coconut oil can be used as a hair color corrector.
It can also give much-needed nutrients and moisture to a scalp that may be in need of it after a coloring.
To use, take out the amount you need to cover your scalp. You can rub it between your hands before going through your scalp or microwave for a few seconds to get it to its liquid state.
Massage the oil into the scalp and wrap up for at least two hours before shampooing as normal. You can even leave it overnight, but always be sure to wash out well, unless you’re into that greasy look!
Pros & Cons
While this Sky Organics Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is protecting your scalp, it’s also giving you luxurious locks! It’s amazing for conditioning and for putting back essential nutrients that may have been lost for any reason.
It can leave a bit of oily residue on the hair if not washed out completely.
Some parents use a little oil to loosen cradle cap scales before brushing them away. Check with your pediatrician first.
Ask your vet before using it on a pet’s skin condition.
This coconut oil comes as a solid in the 16.9-ounce BPA-free plastic jar but melts when slightly warmed. It may be a bit messy to take out what you want, but if you slightly warm a small spoon under warm water, it will help.
In General
Sky Organics Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is a versatile product that has several health benefits for the entire family.
It soothes a dry scalp and leaves you with fabulous looking hair, though it doesn’t cure scalp conditions.
Keep a jar of coconut oil handy for scalp treatment, and you’ll soon find plenty of other uses for it too!
Radha Beauty Tea Tree Essential Oil
You might associate tea tree oil with skin health, but it’s also great for hair as well.
Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties, and some people use diluted tea tree oil for a flaky scalp. Evidence that it helps hair grow is lacking.
As the oil is strong, mix a couple of drops into a larger, neutral oil base such as coconut oil. It can still cause redness or irritation, so patch test first. NCCIH warns that tea tree oil should not be swallowed.
This is a pure product, obtained through the steam distillation of fresh leaves to produce a high quality, undiluted tea tree oil with no fillers or adulterants.
Try massaging the diluted oil into your scalp for a refreshing, tingly feel.
NOW Solutions Castor Oil
Castor Oil is one of the most well-known beauty oils.
There are tons of testimonials from people using castor oil for hair growth, quality and texture, but there’s little scientific evidence that it makes hair grow.
Now Solutions castor oil is a 100% pure product that can be used on its own or added to a shampoo solution before using on your hair.
It’s thick and very moisturizing for skin, scalp and hair.
If thinning hair is a problem for you, see a dermatologist to find the cause first.
Some people dab it on their eyebrows and lashes. Keep it out of your eyes, and stop if you get irritation.
NOW foods castor oil has been produced to be mostly odorless and tasteless.
Sun Essential Oils – Peppermint
You might not think of peppermint oil for hair, but there is some early animal research.
Due to the strong nature of the essential oil, it’s best to dilute it in a larger carrier oil base like coconut oil before applying to your hair or scalp.
Diluted, it gives the scalp a cool, tingly feel. Patch test first, since it can irritate skin.
In a 2014 study in mice, 3% peppermint oil promoted hair growth more than saline, jojoba oil or minoxidil. Results in mice don’t always carry over to people, and human trials are lacking.
NOW Foods Organic Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is oil extracted from the jojoba tree. It’s a great way to turn dry, dull hair into shiny, healthy and fully moisturized locks.
NOW Foods jojoba oil:
- Is similar in structure to our own sebum, which prevents clogged pores.
- Used to treat scalp problems, dandruff and dryness.
- Gentle enough to be used without diluting. Simply massage a small amount into your scalp and work through your hair.
- Moisturizes the scalp.
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Viva Naturals Sweet Almond Oil
Almond oil pressed from the sweet almond tree produces a light unscented oil, unlike most bitter almonds.
- Nourishes and hydrates the scalp and hair with its combination of minerals and high Vitamin E content.
- Gentle enough for daily use. Can be used as a carrier to mix with essential oils for scalp application.
La Tourangelle Grapeseed Oil
Like a lot of natural oils, grapeseed oil has a ton of uses.
Its neutral flavor makes it usable for cooking, and it’s also a light oil for hair.
- It’s an emollient that can soften hair and soothe a dry scalp.
- It’s light and absorbs quickly, so it’s less likely to feel greasy.
What To Look For In Oils For Hair Growth And Thickness?
As with the case of many supplements, when using oils on your hair a little goes a long way.
This is especially true in the case of essential oils, which should be diluted in a larger base of oil or water before applying to your hair.
A couple of drops of peppermint oil in a larger base of say, coconut oil or castor oil is a great mixture to apply to the scalp.
You’ll get the highly nourishing and moisturizing effects of the carrier oil, along with the stimulating properties of the peppermint oil for hair growth.
When buying oils for your skin, scalp or hair, look for pure products from reputable brands, and patch test anything new. Never swallow essential oils.
We’ve chosen popular, single-ingredient oils for this guide.
Conclusion
Natural oils are a simple and cost-effective way to promote healthy hair quality and reduce breakage.
They won’t reverse pattern hair loss. If you’re losing more hair than usual, see a dermatologist.
Experimenting with different types of oils or even making your own special mixtures with a couple types can prove to have better results for you.
Give a new oil a few weeks to judge how your hair feels and looks.
With this guide, you’re sure to find your favorite and personal best oil for hair growth to get you the locks you love.
Sources
- Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment, American Academy of Dermatology
- Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage, Journal of Cosmetic Science (PubMed)
- Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs, Toxicological Research (PMC)
- Tea Tree Oil: Usefulness and Safety, NCCIH (NIH)
