15 Best Essential Oils for Your Hair Care and Growth

Unlike traditional medicines, which can be expensive and often come with various side effects, natural essential oils offer a more affordable and safer alternative for addressing hair issues.

Essential oils, a key component of many cultures’ medical and beauty practices for centuries, continue to be a trusted solution for hair care issues, backed by a wealth of anecdotal evidence.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated oils extracted from plants believed to have medical, aesthetic, or functional benefits. They are obtained mostly through distillation, which uses steam from heated whole plants or plant parts, such as roots, leaves, or seeds. 

Contrary to common belief, the term ‘essential’ in ‘essential oils’ does not denote ‘necessary’ or ‘important’. Instead, it refers to the ‘essence of the plant from which the oil is extracted. 

Knowing the difference between synthetic and natural essential oils is important. Synthetic oils attempt to imitate essential oils’ fragrances but do not contain the same beneficial chemical properties as natural essential oils. Worse, synthetic oils contain petroleum, and some contain carcinogens, which cause adverse health effects in the long run. 

What are the uses of essential oils?

Essential oils are used for various reasons, depending on the plant source. The most popular use is aromatherapy, which claims that inhaling the scent of these oils positively affects health and well-being. For example, lavender oils improve sleep quality, and peppermint oils reduce nausea and stress. 

Aside from aromatherapy, the more science-backed uses for essential oils include food poisoning antidotes, acne treatments, and, more aptly for this article, alopecia areata treatments.

Is it safe to use essential oils on the hair and scalp?

Yes, it is generally safe to use essential oils on the hair and scalp, provided that certain precautions are followed. Pure essential oils can be too potent for the sensitive scalp conditions. Therefore, some essential oils must be diluted into carrier oils, such as coconut oil, before topical application. This safety measure ensures that you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils without any potential harm, providing you with a sense of reassurance and confidence in your natural hair care routine.

Essential oils’ most common side effects when inhaled or applied topically in high concentrations and for prolonged periods include skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory problems. It’s important to be aware of these potential side effects and use essential oils in moderation and caution. Always remember to do a patch test first to check whether you have allergic reactions or irritations. Also, do not ingest essential oils that are not meant to be ingested. Take extra caution in using essential oils when you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have other medical conditions. In such cases, it is better to consult a physician. 

To reduce the risk of side effects, do a patch test first to check whether you have allergic reactions or irritations. Also, do not ingest essential oils that are not meant to be ingested. Take extra caution in using essential oils when you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have other medical conditions. In such cases, it is better to consult a physician. This responsible and mindful approach to using essential oils ensures your safety and the effectiveness of your hair care routine. 

Are essential oils effective in treating hair problems?

Researchers and physicians still debate the general effectiveness of essential oils in medical treatments. However, essential oils and aromatherapy are categorized as complementary and alternative medicine. This means they can complement but not replace traditional medicine. Complementary medicine is used alongside conventional treatments, while alternative medicine is used in place of conventional treatments. Essential oils fall under the category of complementary medicine, as they can be used to enhance the effects of traditional treatments or to manage specific conditions independently. This potential to enhance traditional treatments gives hope and optimism to those on their hair care journey. 

Remember, the effectiveness of essential oils is mainly based on anecdotal evidence instead of rigorous scientific studies. What worked for others might not work for you. So, it’s crucial that you carefully experiment with the combinations and varieties of essential oils that would work best on your scalp and hair. Remember that individual results may vary, and setting realistic expectations is important. This experimentation allows you to find the perfect blend that suits your unique hair needs, giving you a sense of control over your hair care journey and a feeling of empowerment. 

Essential Oils for the Hair

Now that we have established the effectiveness of essential oils let’s examine the types of essential oils that work best for the most common hair problems. We’ll also discuss choosing the right essential oil for your specific hair type and needs.

Essential Oils for Hair Growth and Thickness

Do you dream of having long and thick hair, but your naturally thin hair can only grow so much? Or perhaps you’re one of those who shed too much hair every day? Even if you’re young, have you noticed your hair thinning? If you’re aiming to stimulate natural growth, there’s a wide variety of essential oils that can help. These oils offer a ray of hope for those struggling with hair issues, promising potential solutions and encouraging optimism about the future of your hair. 

Here are a few essential oils that aid in stimulating healthy hair growth:

Castor oil

Castor oil is obtained through castor beans. It is usually pale yellow in color, if not transparent. As for the smell, castor oil is not known for being pungent. It generally smells light and oily; some describe its smell as similar to peanuts. Historically, castor oil has been widely used in India and the Caribbean. 

Ninety percent of Castor oil is ricinoleic acid, which provides most of castor oil’s benefits. Because it is rich in ricinoleic acid, on top of other proteins and fatty acids, castor oil can moisturize and nourish the hair. It can protect the scalp and the hair shaft from fungal and microbial infections. 

Hence, you may use castor oil for hair growth and dandruff protection. Since castor oil is a humectant that can lock in moisture, you may also use it on your split ends after conditioning. 

To get the best benefits out of castor oil in hair growth, make sure to dilute it first in carrier oils like jojoba or coconut oil. 

You would want to massage the oil onto your scalp using your fingertips or a scalp massager. Then, comb it through the lengths down to the tips of your hair. Leave it in for up to 30 minutes if you have coarse hair. If you have fine hair, leave it on for a shorter amount of time to avoid having flat and heavy hair throughout the day.

You may wrap your hair with a scarf for better penetration. After the waiting time has passed, shampoo your hair with your regular shampoo and massage thoroughly. Depending on your preference, you may need to shampoo more than once since castor oil can be really sticky. 

Some people also leave castor oil on their eyebrows and eyelashes overnight. You may apply it using your fingers or, better yet, use a spoolie brush for more hygienic application on both the lashes and brows. 

Some reported having baby hairs, a conclusive sign of hair growth, after six months of using castor oil paired with rosemary oil on their scalps.

Rosemary oil

As previously mentioned, rosemary oil can significantly contribute to hair growth. Its color ranges from colorless to yellow. Rosemary oil is distinctly aromatic, often used as an herb to spice up dishes. 

Rosemary plants contain carnosic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties help restore damaged nerves and tissues and improve cellular turnover. Hence, rosemary encourages nerve growth and aids in better blood circulation, which are both essential for hair growth.

In a medical study on alopecia patients, rosemary oil and minoxidil (the traditionally prescribed medication for hair loss) performed similarly regarding increased hair count over six months. Indeed, it is better to buy the cheaper rosemary oil than the more expensive minoxidil if you will get the same results anyway.

Rosemary oil should be diluted with a carrier oil (jojoba and argan oils are the best pairs for rosemary oil) before topical application. It should not be left on the scalp for more than 30 minutes to avoid irritation. Hair growth results will most likely be visible after six months of continuous use. 

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil ranges from colorless to yellow to green in color, with a sharp aroma that feels cool and refreshing. Because it contains menthol, it can also treat itchy scalp. 

A medical study showed that topical application of peppermint oil for four weeks significantly increased the subjects’ dermal thickness, follicle number, and follicle depth. Like rosemary oil, peppermint oil helps induce blood flow in the scalp, which is why it is effective in hair growth. 

Peppermint oil is like hitting two birds with one stone if you have an itchy scalp and want thicker hair because of its antimicrobial properties and hair stimulant. Like previous oils, it is best to dilute peppermint oil in a carrier oil. Instead of putting the mixture directly on the scalp, you may also opt to mix it in your shampoo to feel the cooling menthol effect as you massage the lather onto your scalp.

Peppermint oil is also great when your hair smells burned. This can happen after chemical treatment but there is a way to get rid of that smell with a small amount of peppermint oil!

Jojoba oil

Unrefined jojoba oil, from the seeds of the jojoba plant, has a light golden hue and smells earthy and nutty. Refined ones are colorless and odorless. Jojoba is considered one of the best carrier oils as it easily penetrates the skin without clogging the pores. It also does not adversely react when mixed with most essential oils.

Jojoba oil is just as potent on its own. It is rich in vitamins B, C, and E—all essential vitamins for skin, nail, and hair care. Experts claim that jojoba oil is similar to the sebum released by our bodies; hence, it does a similar job of hydrating, moisturizing, and nourishing our skin and scalp. Jojoba improves overall hair health, contributing to hair growth in the long run. You can even use jojoba oil as a heat protectant for your hair.

Jojoba is best for textured hair because, in the right amounts, it does not weigh the hair down and even makes the hair shinier. You may gently massage jojoba oil directly to the scalp and leave it overnight if you wish. However, if you are prone to dandruff, use pure jojoba oil with caution or in combination with other anti-dandruff essential oils. 

Coconut oil

Coconut oil, derived from mature coconut meat, can be colorless or pale white and boasts a tropical coconut scent. Coconut oil is a go-to carrier oil that can be used alone or with other potent essential oils. It contains fatty acids and polyphenols that easily penetrate the hair cuticle, nourishing the strands from the inside.

Coconut oil is your best bet if you have brittle, damaged hair. It helps tame frizz and repair hair shafts, resulting in healthy hair. 

The caveat with using coconut oil is that it can clog pores, unlike jojoba. Thus, although you can leave it on your hair overnight, treating it like a hair mask that has to be rinsed after 30 minutes is best. Learn more about coconut oil and when NOT to use it.

Amla oil (also known as Indian Gooseberry)

Amla oil comes from the Indian Gooseberry fruit and has been an integral part of the Indian hair care regimen for centuries. Being rich in vitamins C and E, it is known to soothe scalp inflammation and regulate oil production of the scalp. It also treats hair loss and premature hair graying.

Amla oil is best paired with other Indian herbs like turmeric and bhringraj. Mix it with honey and yogurt, then use it as a hair mask. Amla oil is gentle and does not require a carrier oil. Massaging it on your scalp twice a week before a shower should be sufficient, especially if you have an oily scalp. 

Amla oil has been proven and tested throughout the centuries. Indians surely know how to keep their hair strong and healthy.

Bhringraj oil

Bhringraj oil is also a popular ayurvedic treatment, which Indians have vouched for for centuries. In addition to stimulating hair growth, it helps remedy premature hair graying and dandruff.  

Since Bhringraj oil is potent, it requires a carrier oil. According to experts, olive and coconut oil are the best partners for Bhringraj oil as they also contain antioxidants that complement Bhringraj’s. 

Essential oils for hair moisture and repair

While almost all essential oils have moisturizing properties, some oils moisturize and repair hair better than others. 

Here are a few essential oils that specialize in moisturization and damage repair:

Argan oil

Argan oil has long cemented its place in the haircare industry. It is known for being extremely rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin E, all of which are needed for soft and hydrated hair.

Argan oil restores hair health and prevents further damage. It moisturizes and soothes the shaft from the inside and protects strands from environmental damage caused by UV, heat and other external factors. 

Argan oil does not require carrier oils and can be massaged directly to the scalp for 20 minutes before showering it off. After styling your hair, you can spread a tiny amount of Argan oil to add shine. 

Pure argan oil works just fine for those with coarse, thick hair. Those with finer strands may opt for lighter formulations that contain smaller amounts of argan oil to avoid weighing the hair down.

Olive oil

Olive oil is applauded by the hair and skin care community for its excellent moisturizing powers. It contains oleic acid, palmitic acid, and squalene, which soothe and soften the skin and hair.

Olive oil is an excellent carrier oil, but it is also powerful on its own. You can use it as a hair mask or apply it only to damaged ends. Olive oil is safe to use on heavily processed hair. Rinse thoroughly to avoid flat and greasy hair.

Here is a detailed tutorial on how to get rid of olive oil out from your hair.

Avocado oil

Avocado oil contains a rich blend of proteins, folic acid, magnesium, and an abundance of monounsaturated fats, which deeply penetrate the hair. 

Avocado oil helps seal the hair’s cuticles, protecting it from damage, locking in moisture, improving elasticity, and preventing split ends. If your hair is damaged due to excessive styling, avocado oil can help nourish and restore the health of your scalp and roots, but it cannot undo excessive damage.

Apply and massage to the scalp or only onto dry hair lengths and ends. Leave for 20 minutes before shampooing. Depending on your hair needs, do this twice or thrice a week.

Sweet almond oil

Sweet almond oil is different from almond oil. Almond oil is derived from bitter almonds, whereas sweet almond oil is from—you guessed it—sweet almonds. Sweet almond oil is better and more popular in hair and skin care than bitter almond oil.

Being rich in omega fatty acids and biotin, sweet almond oil is perfect for preventing hair breakage and decreasing frizz. As a lightweight oil, it works well for all hair types. It can be used as a hair oil to add luster to your hair before going out and about. You can also massage it onto your scalp before you shower; it can be applied on its own or combined with olive oil for extra nutrients.

Grapeseed oil

Grapeseed oil is one of the lightest oils in this article. But its lightweight character does not make it any less powerful than other essential oils. In fact, rapeseed oils are known to contain proanthocyanidins—natural chemicals that fight against inflammation and improve hair follicle health.

You can use it as a pre-shampoo treatment since its lightness makes it convenient to rinse off or as a leave-in product to add shine and extra protection to the hair. 

For scalp health

Some oils are beneficial for the hair but are too heavy to stay on the scalp for too long. Some oils are only meant for moisturization and protection, not nourishment. Meanwhile, some other oils possess unique chemicals that significantly improve scalp health. Here are some examples of the latter category:

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties and antifungal properties. It has been used to treat acne, athlete’s foot, and dandruff. However, you don’t need to have a major hair concern before using tea tree oil; it can also be used for preventative measures. 

Tea tree oil is very concentrated and should not be directly applied to the scalp. Before massaging it onto the scalp, it should be diluted in a carrier oil, like coconut or sweet almond oil. A few drops of tea tree oil can also be mixed with your regular shampoo.

Doing these can help you relieve dry scalp and eczema, kill head lice, treat dandruff, prevent product and dirt build-up on the scalp and increase moisture levels.

Lavender oil

Lavender essential oil is everywhere—from your perfume to your tea. This oil may possess one of the most universally pleasant fragrances. But it’s more than just a nice scent. Like tea tree oil, it also contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, drastically uplifting unhealthy scalp and hair. 

Lavender is versatile; you can mix it with various natural ingredients for various purposes. For example, add a few drops of lavender oil to lemon juice to make a dandruff-control potion. Or you can simply mix it with other essential oils, preferably coconut, olive, and jojoba, for a healthy scalp and deeply nourished hair shafts.

Cedarwood oil

Cedarwood oil is steam-distilled from wood chips or sawdust of the cedar tree. Before using cedarwood oil, dilute it in a carrier oil to help prevent skin irritation.

Cedarwood oil has many benefits for the hair. It can stimulate new hair growth, cleanse the scalp, reduce any excess oil you may have and combat dandruff or any other hair conditions. It has also been shown to strengthen the hair, prevent any breakage, and improve overall hair texture and appearance. It can also tighten the hair follicles to increase hair volume. 

Important Notes

Since most of the oils mentioned above are more or less used in similar ways, here are a few overarching important notes to remember when using essential oils for the hair:

  • Please always do a patch test before applying any new oil to your scalp. We recommend dabbing a few drops of oil on your nape or behind your ear. Leave it on for a few hours and check for any reaction.
  • Be careful with potent essential oils. Always note which oils need to be diluted in carrier oils before application. The usual ratio is 1 part potent essential oil for every two parts carrier oil. 
  • Consistency is vital to seeing the best results. Ensure to use these oils only within the prescribed frequency, usually once or twice a week. Overdoing it might cause adverse effects, such as clogged scalp pores or greasy hair.
  • Make sure to rinse your scalp and hair strands thoroughly after application.

Final thoughts

Each essential oil contains unique properties in the same way that each hair type and scalp condition requires unique remedies. With this array of essential oil options for scalp and hair care, ensure you use the oil in the amount and frequency that works best for you. 

You don’t have to follow what is written here rigidly; you can modify our recommendations based on your unique needs. 

Also, remember that while these oils offer potential benefits, individual results may vary. If you have specific hair concerns, consult with a dermatologist or trichologist.

Would you like to learn more about using these oils or creating a DIY hair mask?