15 best hair oils for stimulating hair growth
On the quest for long and luscious healthy-looking hair, we'll try just about anything to help nourish and protect our strands. And if you're trying to grow your hair, chances are you might have already heard murmurings about the benefits of certain hair oils. Rosemary oil gained a lot of momentum on TikTok last year for its ability to boost hair growth while other oils such as jojoba and coconut oil have been used for decades to help protect hair health and stimulate blood flow to the scalp – resulting in hair growth.
But with so much information out there (and so many different oils to choose from) it can be hard to understand which hair oil is best for hair growth. So, we've done the leg work for you and broken down your FAQs to reveal which hair oil is best and how you should be using it to best benefit from its hair stimulating properties…
Does hair oil help your hair grow longer?
First up, the big question: does using hair oil actually help your hair to grow longer. As you'd probably expect – the answer is more complicated than a simple straight-up yes.
Oils help to nourish your hair, softening your strands and can generally help with the texture and condition of your hair – but they won't specifically boost hair growth, only minoxidil is proven to help with hair growth.
However, what can help hair growth is stimulation of the scalp – and it's this massaging technique (when combined with the use of an oil) that could help encourage hair growth.
How to use hair oil to promote strength and growth:
There are lots of different ways for you to use hair oil in your routine – and your favourite application method may depend on your hair length, thickness and dryness.
1/ Pre-Shampoo Treatment
'If you’re using a pre-shampoo oil or simply applying your oil before your hair wash, make sure to massage your scalp prior to applying the product,' says textured hair expert and founder of Flora & Curl, Rose Ovensehi. 'I recommend starting by massaging the scalp for around 3-5 minutes before wetting your hair to stimulate blood flow. This encourages the follicles to open up which increases the amount of nutrients that will be absorbed.
Another tip for pre-shampoo is to place a shower cap or gentle, microfibre hair towel on after oiling and leave products on the scalp for 15-20 minutes. In the meantime, continue to wash your body and complete any other shower processes - the heat and steam from the shower will open up the hair follicles to speed up the absorption.'
2/ Pre-Styling Treatment
Hair oils are great as a pre-styling treatment to smooth flyaways, add shine and tame frizz – before applying heat to the hair with either a hairdryer or styling tool. Simply warm the oil in your hands before applying through the mid-lengths to the ends of your damp, freshly washed hair.
3/ Post-Styling Treatment
The most common way to incorporate hair oil into your routine? By smoothing a small amount through your hair as the last step in your styling routine. This is a great way to add moisture, shine and eliminate frizz – but won't necessarily boost hair growth (although it will help hair health and overall quality, meaning less breakage).
Simply apply a small amount of hair oil to your hair after styling, focusing on the ends and any other areas that tend to frizz. You can also use a tiny drop to smooth down any flyaways.
4/ Overnight Mask
If your hair is particularly dry, you could use hair oil as an overnight mask – to really help nourish and protect your hair while you sleep. Apply the oil all over the hair, before wrapping your hair in a silk scarf before bed to protect your pillow. Shampoo the next day and your hair will be left ultra smooth and soft. NB: a word of warning on this one: if your hair is fine, you might end up with greasy hair the next day – even after washing.
Best hair oils for growth:
Many different oils have been shown to have benefits for hair growth – and most products that are specifically formulated to be used on the hair have a blend of a few different oils within them.
1/ Rosemary Oil
'Rosemary oil is great for hair health and is a very popular ingredient at the moment,' explains Ovensehi. 'It hosts many benefits – it energises the scalp, strengthens circulation and eases scalp discomfort too, all of which contribute to healthier, stronger hair. Rosemary oil is currently considered a hair hero, especially for textured hair as it helps to promote healthy, thicker, voluminous curls.'
2/ Papaya Oil
'Another beautiful ingredient is papaya oil which encourages hair growth as it contains elements such as folic acid and antioxidants. These promote blood circulation and nutrients to hair follicles which enhances healthy hair growth. Papaya also protects hair from ultraviolet rays, making it an all-natural sunscreen for the hair which helps your hair texture to maintain its strength and growth. Alongside this, papaya oil protects hair, repairs split ends and nourishes your strands and scalp too which leaves the hair feeling soft and hydrated.'
Citrus Superfruit Radiance Oil
3/ Olive Oil
'Olive oil is another great oil for hair usage – it is a multi-tasking ingredient that has the ability to conquer all curls and hair mishaps. Olive oil has the ability to strengthen hair follicles, condition dry hair, and aid in repairing damage, all of which help to promote hair growth and strength. It’s also a great ingredient for the colder, winter months, especially for those with textured hair as curls are more prone to dryness during this time - olive oil moisturises brittle strands and reduces the amount of hair fall.'
4/ Argan Oil
One of the most famous hair oils has to be: Argan oil. Derived from the nuts of the argan tree, it's rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which can help to nourish and protect the hair from damage.
The Hair Oil
5/ Jojoba Oil
'Jojoba oil benefits the hair in many ways,' says Issey Cook, hair stylist at Larry King Hair. 'Research has proven that jojoba oil helps stimulate hair growth as the oil protects the hair from breakage, which may enhance thick hair. Not only does it just work on the hair follicles it benefits the scalp too as it hydrates the scalp and keeps oil production balanced.'
6/ Coconut Oil
'Coconut oil is a naturally fatty oil that has a high affinity for hair protein. It easily penetrates the hair shaft, and because of its fatty nature, its high fat content is great for sealing in moisture and conditioning dry hair, while improving hair and scalp health. The natural fatty coconut oil is also great for preventing breakage and split ends, repairing damage and retaining moisture in your curls too.'
7/ Castor Oil
Derived from seeds of the ricinus communis plant,castor oil contains has something ricinoleic acid, which is believed to help with hair growth. While evidence is hard to come by, this ancient remedy is thought to help promote blood flow and boost circulation when massaged into the the scalp.
8/ Avocado Oil
Not just a tasty snack on toast, avocado is a good source of biotin, a B-complex vitamin that may help hair grow. Suitable for all hair types it works wonders for softening strands the high amount of vitamin E works to protect the scalp and prevent excess shedding. It also contains vitamin D which is essential for supporting incoming hair follicles.
The best hair oils for hair growth picked by WH beauty team
9/ Champo Pitta Growth Serum
This oil has been doing for rounds for helping to combat hair thinning associated with perimenopause. Formulated with caffeine, creatine and Ayurvedic haritaki extract, clinical trials have impressed beauty editors while users have said it has helped make hair thicker and fuller.
Pros:
Volumizes roots on a date to day basis and proven to help with hair growth
Vegan & cruelty-free
Works on coloured hair
Cons:
Users report seeing hair growth results only after 3 months
10/ Virtue Correct Healing Oil
Healing Oil
Formulated with Alpha Keratin 60ku, a transformative protein that’s identical to the keratin in your own hair, this restorative formula binds directly to areas of damage and fills them. Plus, there’s a nourishing blend of Tahitian tiare flower and antioxidant-rich Kalahari melon seed oil to protect against environmental aggressors and boost hydration.
Pros:
Impressive tech helps to bolster hair health
Users love how it make hair incredibly shiny
A little bit goes a long way
Cons:
Better for damaged hair rather than hair growth
Some users say sweet scent is overpowering
11/ Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil
Moisturising but never greasy, this delicate oil heroes honey as an effective humectant that not only absorbs and holds hydration within your strands, but also helps to actually rebuild and repair damaged hair right at the cuticle.
Pros:
Has over 230 4 star reviews on Cult Beauty
Hydrating on hair
Impressive reparative qualities
Cons:
Can weigh down fine hair
12/ Hair By Sam McKnight Love Me Do Nourising Oil
Hair By Sam McKnight Love Me Do Nourising Oil
With a blend of argan, sunflower and camellia seed oils, this light and nourishing hair oil adds mega shine to your strands while boosting hydration – without weighing your hair down.
Pros:
Incredibly lightweight so suitable for thin, fine hair
Protects against UV damage and colour fading
Contains argan oil, which many cultures swear by for hair growth
Cons:
Pricier than other oils out there
13/ Kérastase Première Intensive Shine Repairing Oil
Kérastase Première Intensive Shine Repairing Oil
Not only does this oil cloak hair in hydration, shine and smoothing hair properties – it smells incredible, and doubles as a fragrance that gives off its addictive aroma with every swish.
Pros:
Users love the scent
Super hydrating after just one use
Works well one split ends, frizz and flyways
Cons:
Expensive
Cons:
14/ Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Pure Oil Blend
Melanin Haircare Multi-Use Pure Oil Blend 237ml
Combining vitamin E with a nourishing medley of baobab, argan, sweet almond, jojoba and sage oils, the vegan blend locks moisture into the lengths, all while removing stubborn knots and tangles.
Pros:
Combines 3 best hair oils for hair health
Great for detangling
Seals moisture into the hair
Silicon free & vegan
Works as a hot oil treatment
Cons:
None - the WH team love this oil!
15/ Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil
HoliRoots™ Hair Oil
Adored by beauty editors, this pre-wash oil helps to strengthens your roots while hydrating your scalp and strands thanks to hero ingredients ashwagandha and amla oil.
Pros:
silicone-free
infused with ashwagandha (an adaptogen employed in Ayurvedic rituals for millennia
Contains jojoba and castor oil
Has 190 4.5 star reviews on Cult Beauty
Cons:
On the pricier side
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