Natural Oil Types That Nourish and Strengthen Hair
1. Castor Oil
“Castor oil is a popular natural remedy for hair growth,” Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, Ph.D., board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic dermatology expert, explains. “It contains ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help to improve scalp health and promote hair growth."
Additionally, castor oil is high in omega-9 fatty acids essential for healthy hair and skin.” Goldman emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research before selecting a bottle of castor oil. “When it comes to using castor oil, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to choose a high-quality castor oil that is free of additives or impurities,” he says.
“Secondly, use it sparingly — a little bit goes a long way. You can apply a small amount of castor oil to your scalp and massage it, leaving it on for 30 minutes to several hours before washing it.”
2. Peppermint Oil
Another oil that often leads to stronger, thicker and healthier strands is peppermint oil, Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, shares. Using this along with rosemary oil can "stimulate the hair follicles, and hydrolyzed protein and collagen can help fortify the hair shaft against damage and breakage," she says.
Regarding haircare products as a beginner, Harth says that "particularly those designed as scalp treatment serums," can be "beneficial for thin, fine hair." These oils, like many rosemary and peppermint-infused options, are "formulated to promote scalp health, nourish the hair follicles, and stimulate blood circulation in the scalp."
3. Pumpkin Seed Oil
Abdullah also recommends trying a "pumpkin seed oil" for your hair and scalp, as it has been "scientifically proven to grow more hair and aid those who have thinning hair."
She continues: "The best oil for thickening hair is pumpkin seed oil. It puts more hair follicles into the hair growth phase, which means you can see thicker hair near the roots in as little as three weeks."
4. Rosemary Oil
According to Abdullah, rosemary oil "works against the hair loss hormone DHT," and "the hairline and crown are common areas of thinning for women with hair loss that's related to age." She advises "adding a few drops of rosemary oil to a 4 ounce bottle of lotion." Lotion works just as well (if not better) than oil for some women with thicker textures because it "absorbs quicker into the skin," she explains.
Abdullah recommends "using this solution twice daily." She stresses not "expecting to see results overnight," as it often takes "at least six months" to see hair regrowth at the crown. "If you're not sure what type of hair loss you have, use more than one essential oil [on its own or in] your lotion," she recommends.
5. Lavender Oil
According to experts, lavender essential oil possesses the power to improve scalp health, stimulate hair growth, and even reverse alopecia symptoms. It accomplishes this by soothing the scalp, healing hair, and stimulating follicles.
Additionally, the antifungal properties of lavender oil play a crucial role in maintaining scalp health and promoting overall hair health. Hence, including lavender essential oil in your hair care regimen is highly recommended.
Top-Rated Hair Oils You Can Add to Your Routine
6. MDhair Regrowth Serum ($44)
According to Dr. Yoram Harth, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of MDhair, this serum, infused with potent DHT blockers, revitalizes both your scalp and hair. Specifically designed to enhance scalp wellness and invigorate hair follicles, this regrowth treatment transitions them from a dormant state to active growth. Packed with over 20 botanical ingredients, it promotes cellular renewal and naturally encourages fuller, stronger hair.
Key components include rosemary leaf oil, horsetail extract, saw palmetto berry extract, argan oil, tea tree oil, and more. "For beginners [to hair oiling], I recommend using a combination of plant-based scalp treatment serums like MDhair regrowth serum and another type of oil to apply often to the hair strands," Harth says.
7. MDhair Peptide Hair Repair Oil ($18)
This bond repair oil is a game-changer for those battling dry, frizzy locks ravaged by coloring, perming, or harsh chemical treatments. Harth notes that it is a lightweight, silicone-free formula that glides on effortlessly and works wonders for all hair types. Enriched with active oligopeptides, nourishing argan and avocado oils, and potent antioxidants, this elixir shields your hair from heat damage, amplifies shine and strength, and tames frizz, flyaways, and split ends.
"There are two types of hair oils. One, which is applied to the scalp skin and intended to help with scalp health and hair regrowth, is called a scalp treatment serum," Harth explains. "The other type of hair oil is applied to the hair strands and is intended to help strengthen the strands and reduce breakage and split ends," he adds.
8. Bellisso Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Serum Oil ($9.99)
Lauren Udoh, hair stylist and hair creative director of WigReports suggests this hair serum, now available at a discount on Amazon, as the ultimate solution for itchy, flaky scalps. She describes it as a transformative elixir that breathes life into lackluster hair, infusing it with a radiant shine. Moreover, it can boost scalp health, add volume and minimize frizz and split ends.
"Apple cider vinegar has several benefits for hair health, including restoring the pH balance of the scalp, fighting dandruff, and improving shine," Udoh notes. "It can help clarify the scalp, remove styling product build up, and reduce frizz when used in a diluted solution," she adds. She goes on to say that apple cider vinegar helps to "close down the cuticle of each strand of hair which leads to more shine and less damage from environmental stressors."
It is also able, Udoh says, to "penetrate the hair shafts more efficiently than regular water due to its low pH level which allows it to reach deeper into your strands ensuring greater effectiveness in nourishing your hair while providing hydration and volume reduction."
Thyme essential oil might not enjoy the same fame as rosemary, castor, or pumpkin seed oil, but according to Jake Woods, dermatologist and co-founder of GyaLabs, it has a unique ability to invigorate the scalp and promote hair growth. Despite its lesser-known status, medical professionals often recommend thyme oil for its scalp-stimulating benefits and potential to encourage new hair. It is "often used due to its potential stimulating, soothing, and nourishing effects on the scalp," he says.
Experts highlight that red thyme oil boosts blood circulation to the scalp, strengthens hair follicles, and nourishes both the hair and the scalp. Its natural thymol content plays a key role in enhancing blood flow, leading to more robust and healthier hair. This Hiqili product (on sale via Amazon) can stimulate hair growth, diminish dandruff, and enhance overall hair quality. Specialists recommend incorporating 1-2 drops of thyme essential oil into your shampoo and conditioner for optimal results.
10. SheaMoisture 100% Pure Argan Oil Head to Toe Smoothing ($10.99)
Up next, Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, DCNP, dermatologist with the Orentreich Medical Group, recommends argan oil for its anti-aging benefits and how it can treat thinning hair, hair loss and fine hair. "Argan oil is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial and antifungal properties," she shares. This celebrated product by SheaMoisture, infused with pure argan oil, consistently garners glowing reviews.
Renowned for its versatility, this luxurious oil serum brims with essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Whether you use it to tame frizz and impart a lustrous shine to your hair or to hydrate and soften your skin, it excels in both roles. By replenishing moisture, it not only smooths your hair but also bestows your skin with a radiant, youthful glow.
The Bottom Line
Goldman advises against relying on any one product as a cure-all solution for your hair woes. While these two hair oils may be beneficial, they are merely a component of a comprehensive hair care routine. “Remember your diet,” Goldman adds. “Your diet should be rich in vitamins and minerals. While using these oils, you should always be mindful of what you eat.”
When it comes to issues related to hair loss or other hair problems, it's crucial to seek advice from a dermatologist or other healthcare expert to identify the root cause and come up with a personalized treatment strategy, according to Goldman's recommendation. “If you're interested in trying oils for hair growth, I encourage you to do so — but remember to use it in moderation and conjunction with other healthy hair practices,” he concludes.