Discover the Best Hair Growth Oils for Stronger, Healthier Hair

Many of us are looking to achieve beautiful, healthy hair that’s soft, smooth, and glossy. As it turns out, using natural oils on the hair can play a big part in getting us there. Even better, some of these oils, such as rosemary essential oil, may even help prevent hair loss and promote hair growth just as well as over-the-counter medication. Meanwhile, other oils, such as argan and avocado oils, boost overall hair health and shine.

Still, Alan J. Bauman, MD, ABHRS, IAHRS, FISHRS, a board-certified hair restoration physician and hair transplant surgeon at the Bauman Medical Hair Transplant & Hair Loss Treatment Center, says that while these oils may support your scalp, hair fiber moisture, and hair follicles, they are certainly not miracle cures for hair loss. 'It is crucial to visit a board-certified hair restoration physician for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.'

That said, natural oils can provide amazing benefits with consistent use and are helpful whether you’re dealing with hair loss or simply looking to revive dull or parched hair. Plus, many of them are super easy to find in drugstores and health stores, and have a range of potential applications in your hair care routine. Below, we go into detail about eight oils that help to support hair and scalp health as well as promote hair growth.

Rosemary oil is one of the best oils for supporting hair growth—which may explain why you’ve seen it all over TikTok. It’s an essential oil that improves blood circulation to the scalp, stimulating hair follicles and promoting growth, says Dr. Bauman.

Research has even shown that it may be as effective in boosting hair growth as the hair loss medication minoxidil. Rosemary oil boasts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, which together make it a great choice for soothing an irritated scalp, fighting dandruff, and generally achieving a healthy scalp.

Castor oil comes from the castor bean and is rich in ricinoleic acid, which is a type of fatty acid known to fight inflammation, says Gretchen Friese, a trichologist for BosleyMD. When there is less inflammation, you’re creating the best environment for your hair to grow. But that’s not all.

Castor oil promotes hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and providing essential nutrients to hair follicles, says Dr. Bauman. That said, there isn’t a lot of research to back up the use of castor oil for hair growth. Still, this ingredient supports hair health by providing moisture to the scalp, helping to fight dandruff, and reducing frizz.

Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E and moisturizes the scalp and hair, reducing dryness and frizz, says Dr. Bauman. “It strengthens hair strands and promotes shine, making hair more resilient and less prone to breakage.”

Friese adds that the compounds in argan oil called phenols help to strengthen hair follicles and create the ideal environment for your hair to grow beautifully. That said, argan oil alone won’t be enough to promote hair growth.

Coconut oil is another great option for boosting your hair health, especially since it’s so readily available and relatively inexpensive. Plus, it has antibacterial properties, which help to support scalp health, says Dr. Bauman.

Coconut oil is also full of fatty acids, including lauric acid, adds Friese, which makes it especially useful for restoring dry or damaged hair, though it is suitable for most hair types. “It is also used to relieve dandruff, tame frizz, and protect hair against heat damage from styling.'

Olive oil may soften your hair and leave it looking extra healthy and shiny. It's also rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which protect hair from environmental damage, says Dr. Bauman. “It moisturizes the scalp, reduces dandruff, and improves hair elasticity, making hair less prone to breakage.”

Jojoba oil is chock full of hair-loving nutrients, including vitamins B, C, and E, plus copper and zinc, says Dr. Bauman. “Jojoba oil [also] closely resembles the natural oils of the scalp, making it an excellent moisturizer for both hair and scalp. It helps balance oil production, promotes hair thickness, and provides protection against dandruff and dryness.”

Avocado oil—like avocado fruit—contains a ton of nutrients that promote hair health, such as monounsaturated fats, minerals, antioxidants, vitamins A, D, and E, proteins, and amino acids. It also goes a long way toward nourishing and strengthening the hair shaft and preventing breakage. It can even heal a dry and flaky scalp and promote beautiful, shiny hair.

Last but not least, grapeseed oil can greatly enhance your hair and scalp health, says Friese. “Grapeseed oil contains vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins—a type of antioxidant found in grapes and grapeseed oil.'

These ingredients are crucial for promoting healthy hair growth, making grapeseed oil a fantastic option for moisturizing and strengthening your hair. According to Dr. Bauman, the linoleic acid found in grapeseed oil may also aid in reducing hair thinning and promoting strong, healthy hair growth.