Hair is one of the first things people notice. People spend a lot of time ensuring that their hair is healthy, strong, and styled. However, hair also takes a long time to grow, which can be frustrating for people who are eager for a new look, as well as those experiencing premature hair loss, baldness, alopecia, and various other infections or health conditions.
Many people turn to essential oils for hair growth, as they can be used quite frequently without worrying about doing further damage to hair. Many oils have a stimulant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, emollient, and antioxidant properties, all of which can help stimulate the growth of healthy hair and protect the hair you already have from breakage. [1]
Adults on an average have 150,000 hair follicles on their head. On an average, we lose hair at an impressive rate of 100 per day. That rate can be faster if anyone is suffering from a vitamin deficiency, physical or emotional stress, chemotherapy, rapid weight loss, autoimmune diseases as well as people taking various medications. Those who over-style their hair or others who are genetically predisposed are also prone to accelerated hair loss.
The scalp and hair follicles are of particular importance when trying to stimulate hair growth, so most of the essential oils mentioned below are topically applied or massaged into the scalp to promote excellent hair growth.
9 Best Essential Oils for Hair Growth
The most effective essential oils for hair growth include rosemary, coconut, lavender, peppermint, chamomile, cedar, carrot seed, cypress, and lemon oil.
Peppermint Oil
The major causes of hair loss include dry skin and a lack of blood flow to the hair follicles, which can also slow down hair growth. The soothing and stimulating properties of peppermint oil can increase blood flow to the scalp while helping to unclog pores and boosting follicle health, all of which leads to healthy hair growth. [2]
How to Use – You only need a small amount of this oil (5-8 drops) mixed in with extra virgin coconut oil to effectively stimulate hair growth. Apply this blend to your scalp by rubbing it thoroughly across the area, and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing out with normal shampoo.
Lavender Oil
One of the best options to stimulate hair growth is lavender oil, as it can increase blood flow to the follicles, prevent excess sebum production and blockage, moisturize the skin, cut down on dandruff, and generally increase the health of the hair. It can also improve the appearance and texture of the hair, making it an all-around hair tonic. [3]
How to Use – Lavender oil is potent, and the scalp can be a sensitive area, so blend 10 drops of this oil with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil and rub it thoroughly into the scalp and hair. Wrap your hair in a towel or wear a shower cap while you sleep and wash it in the morning.
Rosemary Oil
By stimulating the amount of blood that flows to the scalp, rosemary oil is able to stimulate hair growth and protect follicle health, while also minimizing the release of oils to the scalp, which will prevent pore blockage and invite infection. This oil treats both the symptoms and underlying causes of hair loss. [4]
How to Use – One popular method of using this oil is to blend 8-10 drops of coconut oil or olive oil before vigorously scrubbing it into the scalp. You can keep the oil blend on for 30-60 minutes before washing it out in the shower.
Some essential oils stimulate the scalp and promotes hair growth. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Cedar Oil
This oil is excellent for stimulating blood flow and boosting the immune health of the scalp. By preventing acne and dandruff, while also promoting the flow of nutrients to the follicles, it is no wonder that studies have found this oil to be capable of reversing some of the effects of alopecia. [5]
How to Use – A common use of this oil, particularly for those with excessively oily scalps, is to simply blend in 4-5 drops with a handful of shampoo when you wash your hair. Do this once a week for a month for oil-balancing results and better hair growth!
Cypress Oil
Cypress is a very powerful oil that has long been used to stimulate circulation throughout the body. This is very important for the scalp, as proper blood flow to the hair follicles is one of the proven factors behind speeding up or normalizing hair growth. [6]
How to Use – You can mix 5-10 drops of cypress oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to form a gentle hair scrub. Apply it to the scalp and massage it through your hair for 10 minutes, then allow it to sit on the hair for another 20 minutes. Following that, you can wash it out in the shower.
Chamomile Oil
When the scalp is inflamed, it can be very bad for hair growth, as this can cause dandruff, excessive scratching, and itching, which can lower your hair growth rate. Chamomile oil is one of the best essential oils for hair growth, as it has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the skin and promote healing. [7]
How to Use – As with most hair growth remedies, you want to mix your chamomile oil with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or jojoba oil, and then gently rub it into the scalp and the roots of your hair. You can leave this oil in, or wash it out, as the oils will eventually absorb into your scalp.
Lemon Oil
When your scalp is exposed to infections or irritants, it can result in dandruff and dry skin. By adding the rich antiseptic and antioxidant-containing lemon oil to your hair, you are able to protect the immune health of your hair and prevent potential infections from minimizing hair growth. [8]
How to Use – A simple and popular use of lemon oil is in a hair rinse. Following a normal shampoo, mix 10 drops of lemon oil into the warm water and then rub it through your clean hair and scalp before rinsing it out a few minutes later.
Carrot Seed Oil
This oil is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that your hair needs to stay healthy, both while growing in the follicle and when it is visible, to prevent hair loss. Carrot seed oil also moisturizes the scalp, detoxifies it, and protects it from any potential infections. [9]
How to Use – Mixing 5-10 drops of carrot seed oil with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and applying the mixture to the scalp can be an effective remedy. Leave this hair mask on for 30-60 minutes before thoroughly rinsing it out in the shower with warm water.
Coconut Oil
This legendary oil is rich in fatty acids and other nutrients that the hair and skin need to retain their moisture and overall health. When you apply coconut oil to the scalp, follicles, and hair, it can strengthen the strands, reduce sebum production and blockage, and moisturize the skin to prevent dandruff.
How to Use – Coconut oil is an excellent carrier oil, so it can be used on the hair in a pure form. Heating up the oil and then rubbing it into the scalp, followed by combing through the hair to ensure it is thoroughly applied, can quickly stimulate hair growth and improve the appearance and luster of your hair!
Word of Caution: The use of essential oils for hair growth is extremely popular all over the world, but for people with sensitive skin and scalps, certain essential oils can cause inflammation and discomfort, particularly if an allergy exists for the source plant of the oil. However, when used in moderation or when properly diluted, most of these oils are perfectly safe to use. But it is always better to consult your doctor, before experimenting with different essential oils for hair growth, about potential complications or risks, given your particular health condition. [10]
