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Tackling the challenges of thinning hair and excessive shedding can be daunting, yet it’s essential to recognize the role of hair oils and scalp serums as powerful allies in this endeavor. While many are acquainted with post-styling oils and serums that tame frizz and enhance smoothness, they might be missing out on other types of oils that offer significant benefits to the scalp.
Using the right oil can stimulate hair follicle growth, nourish the roots, and lead to stronger, healthier hair. Given the plethora of hair oils on the market, we turned to experts in dermatology, medicine, and haircare to explore the virtues of oils like castor, rosemary, pumpkin seed, lavender, and thyme. These oils are especially beneficial for women with fine hair aiming to achieve fuller, more robust locks.
Read on for suggestions and insight from Dr. Yoram Harth, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of MDhair, Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, Ph.D., board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic dermatology expert, Jake Woods, dermatologist and co-founder of GyaLabs, Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, DCNP, dermatologist with the Orentreich Medical Group and Dr. Cheryl Rosen, director of dermatology at BowTied Life.
We also checked in with Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Lauren Udoh, hair stylist and hair creative director of WigReports and Arrogant Smith, professional hair stylist and hair consultant at KES Wigs for additional haircare tips.
11 Dermatologist-Recommended Hair Oils & Serums For More Nourished Tresses This Summer
1. MDhair Regrowth Serum ($44)
According to Harth, 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.
2. 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.
3. Bellisso Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Serum Oil ($9.99)
Udoh 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."
4. Mielle Rosemary Mint Blend Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil ($9.99
Mielle's rosemary oil has garnered immense popularity on Amazon, boasting nearly 80,000 reviews. Enriched with biotin, this oil is conveniently packaged with a dropper for effortless application. 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. Hiqili Thyme Essential Hair Oil ($9.99)
Thyme essential oil might not enjoy the same fame as rosemary, castor, or pumpkin seed oil, but according to Woods, 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.
6. Fable & Mane Hair Oil ($38)
Ideal for all hair types, this Indian pre-wash hair oil boasts a blend of ashwagandha and dashmool oils to invigorate the scalp and stimulate healthy hair growth. Additionally, it features castor oil, a renowned natural remedy praised by experts like Goldman for its hair-enhancing properties.
“Castor oil is a popular natural remedy for hair growth,” Goldman 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.”
7. RejuveNaturals 100% Pure Certified Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil ($19.95)
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."
Should you find yourself intrigued to give it a whirl, consider this rosemary oil from ReJuveNaturals. Garnering a 4.5-star rating on Amazon and amassing close to 3,000 reviews, this oil is a standout. Packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, it proudly bears certifications from both USDA and ECOCERT, assuring its organic purity.
8. Royal Oils Head and Shoulders Instant Soothe Scalp Elixir ($11.20)
Another oil that often leads to stronger, thicker and healthier strands is peppermint oil, Abdullah 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. This product has garnered glowing reviews on Amazon and is celebrated for its ability to balance and rejuvenate scalp health, thanks to its infusion of peppermint oil.
It features a refreshing, cooling leave-in formula that revitalizes the scalp and offers immediate relief without the need for rinsing. Ideal for protective styles, twists, and locs, it’s a must-have for maintaining a healthy scalp.
9. SheaMoisture 100% Pure Argan Oil Head to Toe Smoothing ($10.99)
Up next, LoGerfo 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.
10. Soulflower Lavender Essential Oil for Hair ($19.99)
As per the insights of hair health specialists such as Smith, lavender essential oil holds remarkable potential to enhance scalp health, foster hair growth, and even mitigate the effects of alopecia. This botanical marvel achieves these feats by calming the scalp, rejuvenating hair, and invigorating follicles. "A few drops of essential oil like lavender can also provide some extra benefits," he says regarding a haircare routine designed to promote regrowth.
Furthermore, the antifungal attributes of lavender oil are pivotal in preserving scalp wellness and supporting comprehensive hair health. Integrating lavender essential oil into your hair care routine is strongly advised. This product by Soulflower has countless positive reviews on Amazon and tackles the issue of lifeless, lackluster hair by invigorating growth, fortifying the roots, and ensuring a pristine, healthy scalp. Infused with lavender oil, it nurtures and softens each strand, leaving your hair radiant, silky, and smooth.
11. Allpa Botanicals Grapeseed Hair Oil ($37)
For anyone boasting thick hair, grapeseed oil serves excellently as a carrier oil. Meanwhile, for those with relaxed or finer hair textures, it stands alone as a true blessing. Experts champion this featherlight oil for its remarkable ability to ward off split ends, tame frizz, and seal in moisture. The best part? Grapeseed oil's emollient properties ensure that moisture stays locked in, combating dry scalp and frizz—particularly beneficial for those with curly or brittle hair.
Rosen says to always look for hair oils that are "free of these harsh ingredients, and instead focus on products that contain natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatories." Ingredients like "grapeseed oil work to fight the signs of aging by scavenging free radicals and reducing inflammation" when it comes to your scalp, she notes.
This Allpa Botanicals oil is rich in Vitamin E and linoleic acid. It can effectively reduce DHT (dihydrotestosterone)—a major factor in hair loss—thereby encouraging new hair growth. The more you know!
