8 of the best hair oils to help hair growth
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Beauty & Skincare
Reading time: 7 minutes
From castor oil to coconut oil & rosemary oil, find the best hair oil for your hair & scalp needs with our expert guide
If growing your hair long and strong is on your beauty bucket list, we’re with you. And we have all the intel on the product that can help you support hair growth and achieve those healthy, longer locks that don't break as easily. Read on…
Hair oils: one scroll through our TikTok feeds reveals that they are having a real moment right now – but which one’s right for you? We ask a trichologist (a hair and scalp specialist) to help break down the buzz for us, and for the scoop on whether oils really can help make a difference when you’re trying to make thinning hair appear more bountiful or simply gain that all-important extra inch.
Is hair oil good for hair growth?
“While the speed of hair growth is genetically inherited (on average growing between half to one cm per month) and using hair oil can’t bypass that, it can make hair less prone to breakage,” explains consultant trichologist, fellow of the Institute of Trichologists and member of the International Association of Trichologists and UK Hair Consultants, Eva Proudman.
Plus, they can also help support scalp health. “Research shows a scalp massage, using an appropriate oil for your hair type on the hair and scalp, does show benefits for stimulating hair growth.
“It works by stimulating follicular activity and protecting the hair from breakage and damage, to support healthy hair growth,” she informs us.
When applied to lengths, it can help moisturise, condition and nourish, making it a great choice for dry and damaged hair types, to help prevent strands from snapping off prematurely.
You don’t need very much for it to do its job
What to look for in a hair oil
Remember: keep it light. “You want the formula to be lightweight and not overly thick, as you don’t need very much for it to do its job,” says Eva.
Also, “Wash excess oil off the hair, otherwise it can build up and cause the hair to become dull and lifeless.
“Coconut, almond and olive oil are all great carrier oils for other active ingredients such as rosemary, peppermint, thyme or ginger,” she adds. Carrier oils can be mixed with more potent oils to make them less concentrated and help reduce the risk of irritation.
How to choose a hair oil for your hair type
What to look for in a hair oil depends on your hair type and its unique needs. Here, with Eva’s help, we break down the benefits of a range of different hair and scalp oils, to help address common concerns.
For dry hair
Look for: coconut oil, argan oil and castor oil
“Coconut oil penetrates the protein fibres of the hair, providing hydration from within the hair structure and wrapping around the hair shaft,” explains Eva. “Once in place, it makes hair smooth and shiny and reduces friction from hair-on-hair movement, leading to less breakage.
“Bonus points: coconut oil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.”
Looking for an alternative? “Organic castor oil also works to add shine and moisture that sticks around,” she adds.
For a treat and treatment in one, we also love argan oil; an oil that’s rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, to help soften and smooth.
Irritated scalp
Look for: rosemary oil
You might have seen this oil trending on TikTok. And according to Eva, while more evidence is needed for its hair-growth benefits, it’s still worth the hype.
“Not only can it stimulate blood flow into the hair follicles when massaged into the scalp, it does so minus scalp irritation, itching and flaking.”
Plus, its antimicrobial properties can soothe the scalp and help with dandruff and flaking.
Stimulating the hair follicles supports healthy hair growth
Fine hair
Look for: peppermint oil
“This hair type generally doesn’t tolerate oils, as the hair structure is too fine and the oil can weigh it down, but peppermint oil is as invigorating and stimulating as it smells,” says Eva.
“Again, stimulating the hair follicles supports healthy hair growth.”
Damaged hair
Look for: olive oil and coconut oil
“Thick, coarse, wavy or curly hair benefits from using oils, although above all, what hair needs is hydration,” Eva says.
“Hair is made up of 10% water and needs to keep this water content in order to maintain its smooth, glossy, and shiny look. Using an ingredient such as glycerin and ‘steaming’ the hair and scalp can give really great results for very dry and damaged hair.”
Perfect on a salad and your strands: “Kitchen-cupboard staple, olive oil acts in a similar way to our hair and scalp’s natural sebum – so look out for it as a hair-product ingredient,” Eva adds.
“It works by lubricating and protecting the outer layers of the hair and keeping moisture in the cortical fibres, helping to prevent breakage and damage, while adding smoothness and shine.”
How to use a hair oil for hair growth
Easy does it: “Oil should be used on the mid lengths to ends of the hair, as the natural sebum (oil produced naturally by our bodies) is most abundant on the scalp, running along the hair shaft as a natural moisturiser and conditioner,” Eva advises.
Eva’s pro’ tip: “Massage from the mid lengths to the ends working down the hair shaft and not from the tip upwards. Going downwards allows you to work with the natural cuticle that seals and protects the hair.”
But, as always, there are exceptions to the rule: “Perimenopause and menopause can make skin drier, so a monthly treatment with a coconut-based oil can be helpful – but be sparing, as we don’t want to overload the scalp or block the hair follicle,” Eva adds.
What’s more, if your scalp’s feeling irritated or you’re looking for the perfect partner for a scalp massage (bliss), there’s a range of scalp-specific oils to choose from, formulated with a variety of different needs in mind.
“I’d advise using hair oil sparingly; as a treatment maybe every two weeks (or even monthly). It’s a very personal choice, depending on hair type and texture,” Eva adds.
Want to give your locks an extra boost? These overnight treatments may help.
8 of the best hair oils to help hair growth
Feeling inspired? Today’s line-up of hair and scalp oil formulas are brimming with benefits and, as well as oils, boast other hair health-boosting ingredients to help restore and strengthen dry and damaged hair. Here are eight of our team's approved picks that are worth weaving into your hair care routine.
Best for heat-damaged hair
Try: Bumble and Bumble Bond-Building Repair Oil Serum
• Size: 48ml
• For fine, medium and thick textured hair
• For all hair types
If you’re always first to check out the latest heat-styling trend, this luxurious oil-serum and treatment-styler hybrid is the hottest ticket to healthier-looking hair. Formulated to strengthen and prevent breakage up to a scorching 232°C, it contains the brand’s highest concentration of honey bond-building complex, as well as castor oil, to detangle, moisturise and reduce frizz.
Best for dry hair
Try: L'Oréal Elvive Extraordinary Oil 10 in 1 Miracle Treatment Leave-In Spray
• Size: 150ml
• Sillicone-free
If keratin are the building blocks of the hair, lipids are the cement. Lipid deterioration happens over time as hair is exposed to chemical treatments, UV exposure and even washing. That means hair loses its protective barrier and can also lose moisture and become dry. This 10-in-1 spray is enriched with a luxurious oil blend that includes quenching coconut oil but leaves out silicones that may drag hair down. The result? Nourished, softer, shinier hair that’s better shielded from the cumulative effects of breakage, daily aggressors and heat-styling.
Best for frizz
Try: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Glossy™ Nourishing Anti-Frizz Hair Oil
• Size: 60ml
• Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
Enhances shine, deeply moisturises and fights frizz –this all rounder is the TLC that lacklustre locks need. Pequi fruit oil adds moisture to define and separate curls, coils and waves while fatty-acid-rich patauá oil leaves a lustre and high-shine finish. Just dial up or down, from half a pump to three pumps, depending on hair length and the degree of damage.
Best for shine
Try: Beauty Works Argan Oil Serum
• Size: 90ml
• Hair-extension friendly
• Vegan-friendly
Formulated with a blend of high-quality argan oils that are rich in essential fatty acids, and vitamin E, this golden elixir helps increase elasticity and restore shine. It’s suitable for nourishing extensions and using daily on hair – wet or dry – to help manage frizz, flyways, tangles and signs of damage.
Best for dry, damaged hair
Try: OGX Damage Remedy+ Coconut Miracle Oil Extra Strength Penetrating Oil
• Size: 100ml
This hair primer has a new and upgraded formula. Containing coconut oil, it gives hair a punch of power to transform it from dry, damaged lengths into silky, shiny perfection. Deliciously tropically-scented, simply smooth onto clean, towel-dried hair, pre-styling, to transport strands – and your senses – to paradise.
Best for scalp health & supporting hair growth
Try: Cantu Strengthening Biotin-Infused Hair & Scalp Oil
• Size: 59ml
• Silicone-free
• Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
• Patch test before first use
For healthier hair from the root, try massaging this multitasking blend of rosemary, avocado, tea tree peppermint and castor oils gently onto the scalp. For an extra treat prior to shampooing, comb through before popping on a processing cap for 10 minutes to help stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth. While thicker, curly and coily hair types can apply a generous amount to strands, it can be a good idea for fine, thinner, straight, or wavy hair types to use it sparingly.
Best for soothing your scalp
Try: Pattern Scalp Serum
• Size: 119ml
• Helps soothe irritation
• Cruelty-free
While technically called a hair serum, this formula, rich in peppermint, rosemary, lavender and castor oils, is a great choice for tired, stressed-out scalps. It helps cool and calm as well as stimulate hair follicles to prime for healthy hair growth. Breathe in the invigorating yet soothing fragrance, as you massage into sectioned wet or dry hair, and relax.
Best for curl care
Try: Umberto Giannini Curl Oil Bond Repair
• Size: 50ml
• Silicone-free
• Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
• Patch test before first use
With a trio of curl-friendly ingredients – coconut oil, shea butter and olive oil – this lightweight, kink-loving tincture helps seal in moisture and prevent hair-bond breakage to protect against future damage. After a few uses, look forward to stronger, healthier-looking, shiny waves, curls and coils.
