Essential Oils for Hair Growth: What the Evidence Shows
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You may have heard about essential oils for hair growth. Hair loss is common: one estimate puts it at 35 million men and 21 million women in the US.
Some of these people embrace their hair loss and risk the occasional sunburned scalp. Some choose to cover up, hoping their hat or wig won’t take flight in public thanks to a gust of wind.
Others look for treatments, and some try essential oils. The research on oils is limited. A small trial found rosemary oil worked about as well as 2% minoxidil for pattern hair loss after six months, but it needs confirming in larger studies.
Hair loss has many causes, from genetics to thyroid problems, iron deficiency, stress and medications. Effective treatment begins with finding the cause, so see a dermatologist or doctor, especially if hair loss is sudden or patchy.
Proven options include minoxidil and, for men, the prescription drug finasteride. If you also want to try oils for scalp care or shine, here are five popular products:
5 Best Essential Oils For Hair Growth
Ginger & Saw Palmetto
The most popular and first essential oil for hair on my list is the Hair Growth Treatment Ginger & Saw Palmetto by Hair Growth Botanical Renovation.
This product contains capsaicin, derived from chili peppers. There is no good evidence that capsaicin on the scalp regrows hair, and it can sting or irritate skin.
It also contains ginger and saw palmetto oils. Claims that they boost scalp circulation or regrow hair have little research behind them.
The maker says the ingredients are organic. The tingling some users notice is skin irritation from capsaicin, not a sign of hair growth, so patch test first.
Organic Castor Oil
Second on the list is Organic Castor Oil for Hair Growth by Rain Lillie. Castor oil is a popular moisturizer for hair, brows and lashes. There is no solid scientific evidence that it makes hair grow, but it can help hair feel softer.
The maker says it is organic, and it comes in an amber bottle that protects the oil from light.
The oil is cold pressed and undiluted. Keep it away from your eyes, and stop using it if your skin gets irritated.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood Essential Oil by Fab Naturals comes in third; this oil is 100% pure and natural and can also be used as aromatherapy for relaxation.
Customers describe the scent as “woody” and “clean”. It can be mixed with other scents for your own custom blend in soap, room spray or shampoo!
Cedarwood was one of four oils (with thyme, rosemary and lavender) in a small 1998 trial where massaging the blend into the scalp helped 44% of people with alopecia areata, versus 15% with carrier oil alone. It has not been proven on its own. Some people also use it for a dry scalp.
This oil is so versatile, it can also be used as an insect repellent. Although this product is geared towards both sexes, it would be especially great for those who want to avoid more feminine scented products!
Rosemary Essential Oil
This brings us to Rosemary Essential Oil by Radha Beauty. This pure rosemary essential oil is all natural and doubles as a wonderful aromatherapy scent.
You can also add it to your bath, candles, or blend it into a revitalizing room spray. The scent has been described as potent but pleasant and energizing by customers who claim it leaves their hair softer and shinier than ever.
Customers appreciate the dandruff-fighting and hair-strengthening ability of this oil.
Rosemary has the most research of the oils on this list, though the evidence is still limited to small trials. Always dilute it in a carrier oil before it touches your scalp.
Essential 17 Oils
Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil by Alikay Naturals contains tea tree oil, olive oil, horsetail powder and exotic emu oil, to name just a few! The maker says the blend helps clear scalp residue and condition the scalp. It has not been shown to regrow hair.
Users say it soothes dryness and flaking. If you are sensitive to smell or have sensitive skin this is the one for you; customers describe the scent as being “light” and “unisex” and appreciate that there were no flare ups on delicate scalps. Hair appears more lustrous and fuller and those who bought this product also love the easy-to-use applicator.
And In Summary…
There you have it: five oils for scalp and hair care.
Whether you're male or female, sensitive or resilient to most products, whether you enjoy soft or stronger scents, whether you’re committed to organic oils or not, there's a product for you.
Most can be added to a shampoo if you want to avoid direct application. Pure essential oils are strong, so dilute them in a carrier oil, patch test first and keep them away from your eyes.
Oils are not a substitute for a diagnosis. If your hair is thinning, a dermatologist can find the cause and recommend treatments with stronger evidence.
Used carefully, these oils can make hair look shinier and feel softer while you work on the underlying cause with your doctor.
Sources
- Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial, Skinmed (Panahi et al., 2015)
- Randomized trial of aromatherapy: successful treatment for alopecia areata, Archives of Dermatology (Hay et al., 1998)
- Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment, American Academy of Dermatology
