10 Hair Growth Oils for Thicker Hair

The average woman sheds up to 100 hairs each day and more than half of women experience considerable hair loss at some point in their lifetime. New moms, women over 40, those experiencing menopause, and even women with consistently tight hairstyles may notice an increase in hair loss or damage, which causes them to worry whether or not these changes are permanent. 

Often times, they aren’t. Many causes of hair loss or hair damage are temporary and can be treated. There are a lot of products and options out there to choose from when it comes to hair growth, which is why we’ve pulled together our top ten hair growth oils that might promote hair production and build thick, healthy hair.

1. Argan Oil

Argan oil has enjoyed a spike in popularity in recent years and its reputation is well deserved. The antioxidants and fatty acids in argan oil make it useful for strengthening your hair’s elasticity and helping it shine. It’s also a natural UV-protector.

How to Use—Comb a small amount of argan oil through damp, freshly washed hair 2–3 times a week.

2. Lavender Oil

A 2016 study showed that lavender oil had a marked effect on hair growth by stimulating and repairing hair follicles at a faster than normal rate. It also calms and soothes, and can heal itchy scalp and dandruff.

How to Use—Create a weekly hair mask of lavender essential oil by rubbing it directly onto your scalp, or add 5-10 drops to your favorite hair serum.

3. Jojoba Oil

This oil works wonders as a moisturizing agent that can remedy dandruff and dry hair. Jojoba nourishes hair with its rich vitamins and minerals that work to strengthen hair, as well as prevent hair loss and promote hair thickness.

How to Use—Apply to scalp and work into hair strands, leaving it in for about 20 minutes. Follow by washing hair. If applying directly to the scalp, use small amounts (about 1–2 drops).

4. Hemp Seed Oil

The rich fatty acids in hemp seed oil help promote hair growth and stimulate regeneration when applied topically to your hair. It can also repair split ends and prevent hair damage giving you a double dose of benefits.  

How to Use—With clean hair, massage hemp seed oil onto your scalp and work it throughout  the strands of your hair. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes before washing as normal.

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is typically thought of as a carrier oil but comes with its own hair benefits. Because it consists of over 90% saturated fat, it’s more deeply absorbed in your hair follicles, making it a great choice for repairing damaged hair.

How to Use—Try applying coconut oil directly to your hair before or after washing it, or mix it with essential oils for an even deeper treatment.

6. Olive Oil

The omega-3 fatty acids in olive oil may help treat chronic inflammation, but it’s also beneficial for strengthening and softening your hair, as well as encouraging growth.

How to Use—Heat olive oil until it’s about body temperature and then massage it into your hair and scalp. Allow it to sit for 30-40 minutes or overnight before rinsing and shampooing your hair.

7. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil not only smells nice and feels pleasant on our skin, but it’s also proven to increase hair density during the anagen, or hair growth, phase.

How to Use—A little goes a long way with peppermint oil. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil like coconut, almond, or olive oil and rub into your scalp and along the strands of your hair. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before rinsing.

8. Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is typically used as a skin moisturizer because it’s packed full of fatty acids, vitamins, and zinc. It can also moisturize and strengthen your hair while restoring the natural oil balance that other products may strip. 

How to Use—Combine 2 tablespoons of almond oil with the same amount of honey, and apply directly to your hair, distributing it equally. Leave for up to 20 minutes and then rinse.

9. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil for hair can help balance the effects of harsh ingredients from shampoos and clear out clogged follicles while repairing damage to your scalp and hair.

How to Use—Tea tree oil can cause allergic reactions if it’s not heavily diluted, so add just 5–7 drops for every 15 ounces of shampoo or carrier oil, or buy your favorite products already infused to ensure proper dosing. 

10. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary is packed with antioxidants that are powerful in the treatment of hair loss and damage, along with many other conditions. When combined with other essential oils, it’s even been shown to stimulate hair growth in alopecia patients.

How to Use—Make an overnight hair mask by adding several drops of rosemary oil to coconut oil, and rubbing throughout your hair. Wrap your hair in a towel or keep it bare, and let it set overnight while you sleep.

When exploring new hair growth oils, always review the list of ingredients to ensure there are no toxic or unnatural additives, as well as consider your personal hair texture. Different hair types will respond differently to oils and treatments. Experiment in small amounts to discover what works best for your hair.