Written By Taiwo Kazeem
Natural Oils for Hair Growth 2025 - Best Hair Growth Oils
While medications like Minoxidil and Finasteride are highly effective for hair growth, you can get great results with natural oils too. With natural oils, you get a better safety profile and relatively cheaper hair growth options. That aside, they offer other benefits besides hair growth, so you'll be doing good for your hair in more ways than one.
Curious to learn how to grow your hair with natural oils? Continue reading to discover the best natural oils for hair growth, how to utilize them and much more.
Best Natural Hair Oils for Hair Growth
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is topnotch for everything hair and body. It contains lauric acid that eases penetration and repairs the scalp from within. Additionally, coconut oil does the following:
Unlike some other oils, coconut oil can be applied directly to the scalp. After leaving it on a bit, you may choose to wash it out with a shampoo or just leave it in.
- hydrates hair preventing dryness and breakage
- protects the hair from free radicals and other hair issues
- helps your hair retain protein that is essential to hair health
Almond Oil
Almond oil has moisturizing and hydrating effects that prevent dry scalp and add luster to your hair. Its antioxidant effects also help fight free radicals from environmental pollution, and harmful UV rays and slow down ageing. You can gently massage the oil into your hair and leave it in, and thanks to its lightweight nature—there'd be no greasy buildup or heavy feel to weigh your hair down.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil has a lot of backing to it and some studies have even likened its effects to that of minoxidil but with nicer smelling hair and without itching and irritation. Its ability to stimulate hair growth makes it a top solution for people with alopecia. But beyond that, it aids cell regeneration and has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that aid with hair issues like dandruff.
That said, using rosemary oil on its own is discouraged as it may cause irritation. Instead, mix with almond or coconut oil or any of your favorite hair oils. Apply to your hair routinely, leaving in or washing after a few hours.
Castor Oil
There's some uncertainty about the effects of castor oil on the hair; some studies suggest that effects on the hair are unproven while others suggest that it has far-reaching benefits ranging from deeply penetrating hair follicles, to stimulating growth, and enhancing shine.
Additionally, castor oil is believed to support protein retention in the hair, contributing to stronger strands. However, don't leave it in for too long or overnight because it irritates sinuses.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil, known for its aromatic properties, is also a key player in the hair scene. Its antimicrobial effects help prevent the build-up of microbes and fungi while promoting hair growth by stimulating hair follicles. It is perfect for people with alopecia and anyone trying to improve their hair health.
In addition to its therapeutic properties, lavender oil's soothing fragrance offers a calming effect. You can combine it with your shampoo or blend it with oils like cedarwood, rosemary, or almond oil to enhance its benefits.
Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood oil, derived from various parts of the cedar tree, has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and oil-balancing effects. These features help soothe the effects of irritation, and protect and fight against hair conditions. Its oil-balancing effect helps prevent oiliness and dryness that may lead to breakage and hair loss.
Combining it with other essential oils like coconut or lavender oil can have immense benefits on your hair.
Chamomile Oil
You must have heard of chamomile tea and its amazing benefits; well, its hair oil is just as efficient. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help improve scalp health and prevent ailments. You can make it into any kind of mixture before applying directly or mixing with other essential oils on this list.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that may help with dandruff. It is good for soothing irritation, strengthening the hair follicles and overall scalp health. You can mix it with your conditioner, shampoo or olive oil to get the best of it.
Supplements for Hair Growth
Besides using essential oils, you may incorporate hair growth supplements and vitamins like zinc, fish oil, vitamins C and D, and biotin into your routine as they offer hair growth benefits.
Natural Hair Growth Serum Recipe
If you're looking to make your own natural hair growth serum at home, try out some of the natural hair growth serum recipes below:
Cloves Serum
Cloves serum can help with inflammation and blood circulation, which can be advantageous to the scalp. To prepare the serum, you need cloves and any carrier oil. In this recipe, we will use coconut oil:
- Grind the cloves into powder, then take two tablespoons of it and mix with 8 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Warm up the mixture and store for a few days before extracting the oil.
- Apply to damp hair (once or twice a week) by massaging it in.
Rosemary Oil Mix
As mentioned earlier, mix rosemary oil with other carrier oils to prevent irritation. To prepare a rosemary oil serum, get:
Then, follow these steps:
- A tablespoon of rosemary oil or fresh rosemary leaves
- Olive oil
- Castor oil
- Combine three tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of castor oil and mix. Then, add the rosemary to the mixture.
- Heat the mixture by placing it in hot water.
- Once heated, strain out the oil and apply the mixture to damp hair. Use it once to twice a week.
Vitamin E Oil and Honey
Vitamin E has anti-ageing, antioxidant and inflammatory effects. These effects along with the natural humectant benefits of honey protect the scalp and aid hair growth.
To make this hair serum, you need:
Gather your ingredients and:
- Eight capsules of vitamin E
- Two tablespoons of honey
- A tablespoon of coconut oil
- Warm the coconut oil, then add vitamin E and honey and mix properly.
- Apply on the hair generously and massage in.
- Leave it on for about 45 minutes and wash it off with shampoo. Apply about thrice a week.
Black Castor Oil and Rosemary Essential Oil
Castor oil and rosemary oil combination can have great effects on the scalp and hair. To make a serum with this combination:
- Combine two tablespoons of castor oil and six drops of essential rosemary oil into a tablespoon.
- Warm both up and massage into your hair.
- Cover the hair with a shower or heating cap for saturation.
- Then wash off with shampoo.
Aloe Vera Treatment
Aloe vera is a natural plant known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. It promotes healing and hydration, making it a popular ingredient in hair care and skincare routines.
To prepare an aloe vera treatment, you need:
- Fresh aloe vera plant
- Olive oil
Once you have your ingredients:
- Cut open the plant in a way that the gel is easily assessable, then blend with a few tablespoons of olive oil, and apply on your scalp like a hair mask.
- However, if you want to make it into a hair serum, squeeze out the juice and apply it over the hair with a spray bottle.
- Wash off with a shampoo.
Onion Juice Hair Growth Mix
Onion juice is an amazing hair growth ingredient. It contains sulfur, which nourishes the hair follicles, boosting hair growth and thickness. It is also packed full of antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, which reduce hair fall and soothe scalp inflammation.
To prepare this mix, get:
- Onion
- Lavender
- Castor oil
Then, do the following:
- Blend the onion and strain out its juice.
- Mix the juice with castor oil and then add lavender oil.
- Apply to your hair, ensuring that it gets to the scalp.
- Leave it on for an hour and wash it off with shampoo.
Henna Mask
Henna, derived from henna tree, is a natural dye widely used for coloring nails and hair, but it also promotes hair growth. To create a henna hair mask, you need:
Once you have the ingredients:
- Henna powder
- Honey
- Coconut milk
- Pumpkin seed oil
- Aloe vera juice
- Combine ½ cup coconut milk, ¼ cup henna powder, and aloe vera juice.
- Mix in two tablespoons honey and one tablespoon pumpkin seed oil.
- Apply for 30 minutes, and rinse. Repeat weekly for best results.
Shea Butter Mix
Alone, shea butter hydrates and nourishes hair. So, mixing it with other hair growth ingredients means that you get double the necessary effects for your hair.
This mix requires
- Amla powder
- Aloe vera powder
- Olive oil
- Rice Bran Oil
- Shea butter
- Moringa powder
- Peppermint oil
Steps:
- Blend ¼ cup each of amla, aloe vera, and moringa powders with one cup each of olive and rice bran oils.
- Warm the oils for 20 minutes, strain, and mix with melted shea butter.
- Whip until fluffy and apply twice weekly for enhanced hair growth.
Coconut Milk Treatment
The effect of coconut is not only limited to its oil as its milk is also great for hair. To make this serum, you need:
- Coconut milk
- Honey
- Hibiscus powder
Steps:
- Combine ½ cup coconut milk with three tablespoons honey and one tablespoon hibiscus powder.
- Apply for 30 minutes before rinsing with shampoo to nourish and strengthen your hair.
Coconut Oil Serum
To make a DIY coconut oil hair growth serum:
- Combine ¼ cup coconut oil with rosemary, lavender, and ylang-ylang essential oils.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, leave it on for an hour, then rinse. Repeat three times weekly for optimal results. Store in a dry, cool place for long-term use.
Jojoba Oil with Essential Oils
Jojoba oil mimics the scalp’s natural oils, providing moisture and encouraging the formation of new skin cells that support hair growth. To create a DIY serum:
- Blend ¼ cup jojoba oil with essential oils like rosemary, tea tree, lavender, and basil.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp, let it sit for 30 minutes, and wash with a mild shampoo.
- Use the serum three times weekly and store it in a dry, shaded spot.
Olive Oil Hair Growth Serum
Olive oil, packed with antioxidants, soothes the scalp and protects it from damage while promoting healthier hair. To prepare this serum:
- Mix ¼ cup olive oil with rosemary, basil, and cedarwood essential oils for a nourishing serum.
- Apply it to your scalp, leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Use twice a week and store in a glass bottle in a cool, dry place.
Essential Oil Blend for Hair Growth
For a versatile serum containing various essential oils:
- Mix 10 drops each of rosemary, lavender, peppermint, cedarwood, and tea tree oils with 4 ounces of your chosen carrier oil, such as jojoba, coconut, or argan oil.
- Transfer to a glass dropper bottle, shake well, and apply directly to your scalp.
- Massage in, let it sit for 15 minutes, and wash off. Use bi-weekly for strong, healthy hair growth.
Risks and Potential Complications
- Before using any of the oils mentioned above, it’s essential to perform a patch test to rule out potential allergies. If you notice any allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately.
- Be careful with essential oils as they may be too harsh for the skin, especially sensitive skin. Avoid them completely in children less than 15 years old.
- Always dilute essential oils with carrier oils to prevent adverse effects such as contact dermatitis, rashes, or hives. Proper dilution ensures safety.
Are Hair Growth Products Effective?
Yes, hair growth products are effective. Apart from stimulating hair growth (preventing and reversing it), they help hydrate the hair preventing hair issues like dandruff, oils like lavender can help reduce stress causing hair loss.
How Much Does Hair Grow in One Week?
Hair growth rate depends on age, genetics, hormones, nutrition, hair care, sex, and overall health. For instance, a young, healthy boy with full hair genes and a solid hair care regimen is more likely to experience quicker and fuller hair growth than an older woman, with hormonal imbalance, thinner hair genes, and poor health. Also, male hair generally grows faster than female hair, which is why a boy was used in this comparison.
On average, hair grows by about half an inch per month and 0.35mm per day. This loosely translates to 2.5mm or one-tenth of an inch weekly under normal circumstances.
Final Take
Natural oils can significantly enhance your scalp and hair health. Even if they don’t directly boost growth, they add lustre, provide hydration, and leave your hair smelling delightful. Most importantly, they are gentle, affordable, and far less likely to cause harm compared to chemical alternatives.