Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil is the more popular of the two oils that so many have turned to for hair growth benefits. The reason this oil is highly recommended is because it boosts blood circulation to the scalp and encourages new hair growth. When it was tested against 2 percent Minoxidil it even proved to be just as effective — a great natural alternative.
Rosemary oil can help control the spread of bacteria and fungi, so it’s also a great pick to help keep your scalp healthy. It contains fatty acids and vitamins, can reduce inflammation, and nourishes your scalp and hair.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Not as prevalent or talked about as rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil is another fantastic hair oil that’s becoming a popular natural hair growth aid. A 2014 study found that this oil blocks 5-alpha reductase and has antiandrogenic effects on rats. In other words, it helps prevent hair shedding so that your scalp has more time to grow hair that it has already shed.
Carrier Oils
Be aware that many essential oils shouldn’t be applied directly to the scalp, as they can be too harsh and irritating alone. Mixing them with a carrier oil like coconut oil dilutes some of their harsher qualities. Massage the oil onto your scalp 2-3 times a week and allow it to sit for 30 minutes or so. Then wash it out with a quality shampoo and conditioner that does not contain sulfates or other ingredients that strip hair of oils.
Before you begin using hair oils to treat thinning hair, it’s important to have realistic expectations of what they can and can’t do. These oils can support hair growth and help prevent shedding. They can nourish the scalp and keep it healthy, which also helps with growth. But they can’t, alone, work miracles. There may be other issues contributing to hair loss that are important to get a handle on, such as stress or other factors. If your hair concerns are upsetting to you, do yourself a favor and also visit a dermatologist or trichologist to get to the heart of your hair loss issues.