Dermatologists Share 3 Types Of Hair Oils That Make Hair Loss So Much Worse—And Better Alternatives

January 20, 2025 by Lisa Cupido

Shutterstock

Hair oils are big business. And, here’s the deal: whether they’ll work for you will depend on so many factors that it’s nearly impossible to bow down and give all of that credit to castor oil and castor oil alone. You may have been experiencing a stressful episode that contributed to hair shedding and has since abated AND coincided with a new oil routine, or maybe that oil is working, but so is hormone-replacement therapy and other supplements.

Keeping in mind that no one hair oil is going to be a savior, it’s still important to remember that some oils are more effective at nourishing the scalp than others. Avoiding certain oils that have been known to cause irritation is a key factor to choosing products that help, and don’t hurt, in your journey to regrow hair. These three hair oils may make hair loss worse — but here are some better alternatives.

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has well-known anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial benefits that can help rid the scalp of buildup and promote healthier hair follicles. But this oil can also be pretty potent on its own, cousin scalp irritation and stripping it of natural oils. To keep this from happening, always dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut or joboba oils.

2. Lavender Oil

If you have sensitive skin, it might be best to avoid lavender oil. This oil can be calming and soothing, but it’s not a top choice for the scalp because it can lead to skin reactions like redness, rashes, and hives, all of which can disrupt your scalp and prevent proper hair growth.

3. Peppermint Oil

When used properly and diluted with a carrier oil, peppermint oil can stimulate hair follicles and help boost hair growth and scalp health. But the key here is to use it wisely — because it is a potent oil that can also tingle, burn, cause allergic reactions, dryness, and dandruff, and under hair growth.

4. Try: Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is considered by many to be one of the top natural oils for hair growth. Some studies suggest it blocks the production of DHT, which can help slow down hair loss. It is also known for improving circulation to the scalp, reducing scalp inflammation, and even (possibly) slowing down the graying of hair.

5. Try: Castor Oil

You can credit castor oil’s rich nutrients with its success in nourishing the scalp and hair, according to many experts. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, omega-6 fatty acids, proteins, and vitamin E — all of which have either anti-inflammatory, strengthening, or nourishing properties. It can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment (apply it to the scalp, massage it in, and leave it on for few hours prior to shampooing) or as a leave-in treatment (but use it sparingly, as it is thick).

NEXT
Reese Witherspoon Has Reportedly 'Stepped Up' To Support Natalie Portman After Their Marriages Fell Apart 'At The Same Time'

Tags:

Beauty, best hair oils, hair oils, health, strengthening hair oils, thinning hair, worst hair oils

Tags: Beautybest hair oilshair oilshealthstrengthening hair oilsthinning hairworst hair oils

Load more...

Recommended