If you've been on the hunt for the best natural oils for hair growth, your search ends here. Below, we've unpacked everything you could possibly need to know, from why natural hair oils are so brilliant for promoting healthy growth, which variation is for you and the best products to try.
Growing out your hair can feel like it takes forever. Longer than waiting for the next instalment of Bridgerton, longer even than waiting for our friend to reply to our gossip-laden WhatsApp. And while we can't profess that this article offers up a magic cure to speeding up the process, we have had a good old delve into the research around the best natural oils for hair growth (including castor oil and rosemary oil), which can promote longer, thicker, and healthier hair.
These potent plant extracts help define curls, moisturise the scalp, seal split ends, and help retain length. We turned to the experts, including a trichologist, a dermatologist, and a top hairstylist, to understand all the hair-enhancing benefits of natural oils depending on your hair goals.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why your hair seems to stall at a certain length or why your ends constantly feel dry, no matter what products you use, natural oils may just be the missing link in your routine. Unlike many traditional hair products formulated with synthetic fillers, natural oils deliver concentrated nutrients that work on both the scalp and the hair shaft, helping to strengthen existing strands while creating an environment where new growth can thrive. They’re also incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer a weekly pre-wash treatment, a lightweight daily sealant, or a deep conditioning mask, there’s an oil that fits seamlessly into your routine.
Another reason oils have stood the test of time is their long history in beauty rituals around the world. From Ayurvedic practices that rely on sesame and coconut oils to West African traditions built around castor and palm oils, cultures have used botanical oils for centuries to nourish the scalp, encourage growth, and protect hair from environmental stressors. Today’s expert-backed recommendations are simply a modern continuation of what people have known for generations: when used correctly, natural oils can dramatically improve the look, feel, and longevity of your hair.
Whether your goal is to boost shine, fight frizz, maintain moisture, repair damage, or simply help your hair grow with fewer breakage setbacks, incorporating the right natural oils can make a meaningful difference. Here's everything you need to know.
The best natural oils for hair growth, at a glance:
- Best Overall: Sky Organics Castor Oil
- Best for New Growth: Mielle Rosemary Mint Light Scalp & Hair Oil
- Best for Dry Hair: Kiehl’s Magic Elixir Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment
- Best for Colour Damage: Public Goods Argan Oil
- Best for Conditioning: Shea Moisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Leave-In Treatment
In that annoying ‘in-between' stage? Here's how to kickstart growth, stat
What to know about natural oils for hair growth
- What is the difference between carrier and essential hair oils?
- Why are natural oils used for hair growth?
- How do natural oils improve hair and scalp health?
- What is the best way to apply natural oils for hair growth?
Castor oil: Sky Organics Castor Oil
Castor oil is stocked with fatty acids that moisturise the scalp and increase blood circulation when massaged and may help with reviving hair on brows and lashes, says Leah Kay, lead stylist at Hair Lounge NYC. With 65,000 five-star reviews, customers praise Sky Organics’ castor oil for its ability to strengthen strands, sprout new growth, and retain length.
How to use: Castor oil is thick, and so you can try mixing it with a carrier oil (jojoba, coconut, grapeseed, etc.) in a bowl to dilute it. Section your hair and massage the oil mixture onto your scalp with gentle pressure to stimulate blood flow. Leave the oil on your scalp for up to an hour, then shampoo it out using a sulfate-free shampoo. If your hair still feels greasy, shampoo it again and condition it as you normally would.
Coconut oil: Shea Moisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Leave-In Treatment
Great for all hair types, coconut oil “coats the hair shaft to increase its strength, decrease brittleness, and reduce hair breakage during styling,” says Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin. This particular leave-in treatment softens, detangles, and de-frizzes hair, leaving it with a tropical coconut aroma for days.
How to use: Generously spray this leave-in conditioner on clean, damp hair. Or make your own DIY mixture by melting down one or two tablespoons of coconut oil, three drops of lavender oil, and one cup of water. When spraying either one, focus on mid-lengths to ends of the hair. To finish, blow-dry or air-dry.
Olive oil: Difeel Premium Natural Hair Olive Oil
Revive dull, damaged hair by lathering on this high-performing extra-virgin olive oil as a deep conditioner. It’s “rich in monounsaturated fats, which contain conditioning properties that penetrate and moisturise parched strands,” says Kay.
How to use: Always opt for extra-virgin olive oil because it's incredibly rich in nutrients and moisturising. Pro tip: Warm it up by placing the container in a warm bowl of water so it penetrates your hair as a mask. Apply it to the driest parts of your hair and gently massage it onto the scalp, but avoid putting too much if your scalp tends to be oily. Leave it on your hair for 30 minutes before shampooing it out, and condition as normal.
Jojoba oil: Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil Blend
Ideal for those with coily or curly hair, jojoba oil is high in essential fatty acids, which “helps soften and add sheen to hair that tends to run dry,” Kay says. This specific blend from Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross helps maintain moisture and thickens thinning hair.
How to use: Jojoba oil can be used on wet or dry hair as a leave-in conditioner for added moisture. Start by applying a few drops to the palm of your hand. (Remember, a little goes a long way.) Then lightly dab it onto the most parched areas of your hair. If you want to use it as a scalp treatment, apply a few drops to targeted areas around your head and massage the oil into the scalp. Pro tip: Opt for cold-pressed jojoba oil because it preserves the oil’s natural vitamins.
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Rosemary oil: Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Oil
Rosemary oil is a popular option because, when massaged onto the scalp, it boosts blood flow, which can lead to faster hair growth. Studies suggest that it can be as effective as minoxidil (a common hair-loss treatment) in triggering growth. Mielle’s top-rated version has biotin, an essential nutrient in the hair growth cycle.
How to use: William Gaunitz, FWTS, certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology Products, recommends diluting rosemary oil with a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil) before applying because it is highly concentrated and will irritate the scalp if applied directly. Massage the concoction gently onto your scalp, focusing on areas with hair loss or thinning. For a deeper treatment, leave it on for longer than 30 minutes. Otherwise, rinse it out after about half an hour, and shampoo thoroughly using a sulfate-free shampoo, then condition as you normally would.
Avocado oil: Kiehl’s Magic Elixir Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment
Use this lightweight scalp and hair and oil treatment as a pre-shampoo. It’s infused with avocado oil, a rich source of vitamin E, which prevents hair loss, seals the hair cuticle, dials up your natural shine, and makes your hair extra smooth.
How to use: Choose a cold-pressed avocado oil that is enriched with nutrients. Pro tip: Warm it up by placing the container in a bowl of warm water. It will help the product penetrate the hair better. When applying, lightly coat your fingertips and target the areas that you need the most. If you have an itchy scalp, rub the oil onto your head. For split ends, rub it onto the tips of your hair, as well as the driest parts. Lightly work your way up the hair as needed. Use it as a pre-shampoo treatment, then wash it out using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
Grapeseed oil: Handcraft Blends Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is on the lighter side, so it’s a great match for hydrating fine hair. Kay recommends routinely rubbing a small amount of this cold-pressed oil onto a dry scalp to keep it moisturised, soothe dandruff, and amp up hair growth. She also says, “It’s filled with antioxidants, which help it masterfully treat and prevent split ends.”
How to use: If your strands tend to get dry or frizzy, add a few drops of this oil to your palms and lightly coat the lengths of your hair after showering. Whether you blow- or air-dry, it will help reduce frizz and improve hydration without weighing it down.
Macadamia nut oil: Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Treatment
As one of the richest oils, macadamia is great at penetrating the hair shaft and softening very thick or curly hair. This product has therapeutic properties that revitalise heat-damaged hair, provide UV protection, and even extend the life of colour treatments.
How to use: Take a dime-size dollop of virgin cold-pressed macadamia oil. Rub it between your palms and then smooth it throughout your dry hair. Pro tip: Pay careful attention to getting the oil to the ends of your hair to help repair split ends and damage.
Argan oil: Public Goods Argan Oil
Massage this sweet-smelling oil onto your scalp regularly to boost hair growth. Kay says, “It’s packed with essential fatty acids that condition strands and improve overall softness.” Or if your hair is frizzy, brittle, or colour-treated, apply it as a leave-in conditioner.
How to use: Massage 8 to 10 drops of this oil into your mane and scalp (adjust the amount based on your hair length) for up to 10 minutes. Make sure your hair is covered from root to tip. Put on a shower cap and allow the oil to sink in for an hour, then shampoo and condition normally.
Baobab oil: R+Co On a Cloud Baobab Oil Repair Collection
In search of an oil that delivers a non-greasy shine? Baobab oil has incredible conditioning properties that “add a subtle gloss to all hair types,” says Kay. Beyond making your strands look more lustrous, this spray-on oil styling mask has a baobab oil-protein technology that rebuilds bonds and seals the hair cuticle.
How to use: Spray this oil mixture evenly from roots to ends on clean, damp hair. It'll help detangle knots while repairing dry hair damage. Comb through and style as normal. You’ll be left with a soft, lustrous finish.
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Tea tree oil: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment
A healthy scalp is essential for hair growth, and tea tree oil contains potent nutrients that calm and soothe a dry, itchy, oily, or flaky scalp. This 100% organic version works for all hair types and textures, without leaving oily residue behind.
How to use: For a refreshed scalp, Kay recommends mixing a few drops of this organic tea tree oil with coconut oil or water. Then massage it onto a clean scalp before bedtime and rinse it out the next morning. Pro tip: If you have a really flaky scalp, repeat two or three times weekly.
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Sweet almond oil: Pure Body Naturals 100% Cold Pressed Sweet Almond Oil for Hair and Skin
Rich in vitamins E and D, sweet almond oil stimulates the scalp and protects against ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can lead to dryness, brittleness, and limp strands. We love this version because it’s non-greasy, smells great, and calms the scalp.
How to use: You have the option to add this oil to wet or dry hair, though adding it to dry hair will improve its manageability, shine, and softness. This is probably the better option for those with very thick or brittle hair. Simply pour a penny-sized amount into your hands and distribute throughout your hair, focusing more on the middle to the ends of the hair. Avoid adding too much to the root so your mane won’t look greasy.
What is the difference between carrier and essential hair oils?
There are two different types of natural oils: carrier oils and essential oils. Carrier oils are extracted from the fatty parts of plants, like seeds and nuts (think olives for olive oil or coconuts for coconut oil). They tend to be thicker and odourless, and are especially helpful with hydrating the scalp.
On the other hand, essential oils are distilled from aromatic plant parts such as flowers, leaves, and stems (like rosemary or clove oil). These oils are highly concentrated and must be diluted with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin. When massaged into the scalp, they can boost circulation and energise the hair follicles, which may encourage growth. Many also have antifungal and antimicrobial benefits that help curb dandruff and deliver fatty acids that support stronger, healthier hair.
Why are natural oils used for hair growth?
The best hair oils address scalp and strand health from all angles and support faster regrowth without harsh side effects. Beyond easing common scalp issues, oils can penetrate the hair shaft to lock in moisture, leaving strands softer and more resilient. Used as a leave-in, they can make hair easier to manage and detangle. Altogether, this creates a healthier scalp environment that supports growth and helps hair maintain length. According to Dr Gaunitz, essential oils may also help with scalp conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, dandruff, itchiness, and certain kinds of hair loss.
How do natural oils improve hair and scalp health?
Applied regularly, natural oils can soothe inflammation, combat microbes that cause scalp problems, and deliver essential fatty nutrients directly to the roots, says Dr Gaunitz. These benefits can help address conditions that slow growth, including psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, cicatricial alopecia, and general shedding. Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, and clove can also target fungi, reducing excess oil and buildup. For the hair itself, “most natural oils coat and protect the hair shaft (the visible part of the hair) shielding it from breakage due to heat styling, colouring, and environmental stressors,” dermatologist Dr Geddes-Bruce explains.
What is the best way to apply natural oils for hair growth?
If you’re new to oils, it's a good idea to ease them into your routine slowly. Begin by massaging a few drops of diluted, scalp-stimulating essential oils, such as rosemary or castor, onto your scalp once or twice a week. Leave the oil on for about an hour before shampooing. If your hair feels too oily afterwards, adjust the amount, frequency, or switch to a lighter formula.
For dry, damaged, or thick hair types, mix a couple of drops of richer carrier oils (like coconut or avocado) into your shampoo or conditioner for added hydration. Those with curly or coarse textures can smooth a light carrier oil, like jojoba or grapeseed, onto the ends as a leave-in to reduce split ends and boost softness.
A version of this article originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
