If you’re dealing with thinning hair, flat tresses and loss, many dermatologists will say that oils could be the solution for achieving a healthier, stronger mane. Hair and scalp oils provide countless advantages, they tell us, like nourishing and promoting hair follicle growth.
With a vast array of options available, selecting the right one for your specific needs can feel daunting. To make the choice easier, experts like derms, doctors, and haircare professionals recommend castor oil and rosemary oil. These particular oils have proven especially beneficial for women with fine hair looking to attain fuller, more robust locks.
With that said, we checked in with Dr. Yoram Harth, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of MDhair.
We also caught up with Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, Ph.D., board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic dermatology expert.
Read on for additional tips, suggestions and insight from Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles.
2 Natural Hair & Scalp Oils That Promote Healthy Hair Growth
1. 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.
Harth adds that "a healthy scalp environment can lead to improved hair growth and a reduction in hair loss." The best scalp oils or scalp treatment serums would "include DHT blockers that help reduce the effects of DHT on the hair follicles," he notes. (Keep an eye out for this on your product's label!)
2. Castor Oil
“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.”
The Bottom Line
There are "two main types of hair oils," Harth explains. Whether you're noticing hair loss or thinning or just want to prevent this from happening, Harth says that using two different kind of oils in your routine is best.
The first is "applied to the scalp skin and intended to help with scalp health and hair regrowth," he notes. This is called a scalp treatment serum. "The second 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. Both of these types can contain rosemary and peppermint oil as ingredients.
Ultimately, Harth suggests that regardless of your choice between oil, lotion, or a combination of the two, it's widely known that nourishing your scalp and dedicating extra attention to hair care can yield remarkable benefits, including combating hair loss and thinning.
Additional Hair Care Tips For Thinning Tresses
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.
