5 Oils That Actually Boost Hair Growth—And How to Use Them Right

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TL;DR

Certain hair oils, such as rosemary, peppermint, and castor, have been scientifically shown to support hair growth by boosting circulation, reducing scalp inflammation, and strengthening follicles. While no oil causes instant regrowth, consistent use (2-3 times per week) can improve scalp health and help retain length over time. For best results, apply diluted oils with a scalp massage and allow 4-6 weeks to track progress. The best oil for hair growth depends on your hair type, scalp condition, and application method.

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You’ve massaged in oils, flipped through DIY hacks, even scrolled TikTok for that one miracle trick, but your hair still won’t grow past your shoulders. Sound familiar? 

You’re not alone. I’ve seen this frustration in so many of our clients, and honestly, I’ve been there too.

Not all oils are created equal. Some are hyped up with zero science to back them. But some? They’re packed with nutrients and compounds that support growth, if you use them the right way.

In this post, we’re skipping the fluff. 

I’m breaking down the best oils for hair growth that are scientifically backed, plus stylist-approved routines that get results. Whether you’re dealing with thinning, breakage, or just want your hair to finally pass your collarbones, we’re diving into the oils that can get you there.

Let’s decode what really helps hair grow and what’s just hype.

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What Is the Science Behind Using Hair Oils for Regrowth?

If you’ve ever wondered why everyone from your grandma to your favourite beauty influencer swears by hair oils, there's a reason. 

Some oils do have clinical and lab-backed science supporting their role in hair growth. Not magic overnight, but real effects when used the right way.

Here’s what’s happening on a biological level, backed by research:

Oils Improve Scalp Circulation and Extend the Growth Phase

Certain oils increase blood flow to the scalp and even extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle:

• A 2014 study published in Toxicological Research found that peppermint oil increased follicle number, depth, and thickness in mice more effectively than minoxidil 3%. Researchers concluded that peppermint oil “promotes hair growth without toxic signs.”

• A 2022 study in Advances in Traditional Medicine tested a rosemary oil gel on humans and found it significantly boosted hair density over 6 weeks, with results comparable to minoxidil 2%.

Oils Nourish Hair Shafts and Prevent Breakage

Oils rich in fatty acids and antioxidants (like castor and argan) coat and strengthen the hair shaft, preventing breakage:

• Though not directly studied for hair growth, castor oil’s high ricinoleic acid content helps lock in moisture and reduce hair shaft breakage, allowing existing growth to be retained.

• Argan oil, rich in vitamin E, has been shown to improve elasticity and reduce oxidative stress in hair fibres.

Oils Calm Scalp Inflammation and Restore Barrier Health

Healthy hair can’t grow from an inflamed or imbalanced scalp:

• Baobab oil contains vitamins A, D, E, and F, which support skin regeneration and help maintain the scalp’s lipid barrier.

• Rosemary oil 

From a Hairstylist Who’s Actually Used Oils

“I’ve personally used rosemary oil with postpartum clients who had thinning at the temples. When we paired it with consistent scalp massage 2-3×/week, I saw new regrowth in about 8-12 weeks. Not baby hairs, they were full strands coming back to life.”

- Jennifer Charan

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Compare the 5 Best Oils for Hair Growth at a Glance

If you’re not sure which oil is best for your hair concern, don’t worry, we break down who should use what in the next sections.

Oil	Key Benefit	Best For	Where to Buy
Rosemary	Boosts scalp circulation and follicle activation	All hair types, slow-growing areas	Buy on Amazon
Peppermint	DHT blocker; stimulates regrowth via menthol	Oily scalp, thinning edges	Buy on Amazon
Castor	High in ricinoleic acid; nourishes and thickens	Dry scalp, breakage-prone textures	Buy on Amazon
Argan	Rich in antioxidants, protects and hydrates	Brittle ends, chemically treated hair	Buy on Amazon
Baobab	Vitamins A-F; seals in moisture, supports repair	Frizzy, textured, natural hair	Buy on Amazon

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Best Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth and Scalp Circulation

This is the one I’ve used and loved for years. It’s 100% pure, steam-distilled, and comes with a dropper for easy dilution.

Rosemary oil is a known vasodilator, meaning it helps increase blood flow to your scalp. More circulation = more oxygen and nutrients delivered directly to your hair follicles. That’s how it encourages dormant follicles to start growing again.

In a 2015 randomized study published in Skinmed, rosemary oil was found to be just as effective as 2% minoxidil (aka Rogaine) at improving hair count over 6 months without the itchy scalp side effects.

How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth

• Mix 2–3 drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or argan. Massage into the scalp for 5 minutes, focusing on thinning areas.

• Apply your diluted rosemary blend to the scalp and let it sit for 20–30 minutes before washing your hair.

• Want to blend your own growth mix? Use this applicator bottle to combine rosemary with castor, baobab, or peppermint.

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Best Peppermint Oil for Hair Growth and Thinning Hair

Therapeutic-grade, steam-distilled, and super concentrated, you’ll only need a few drops. This one’s a staple in my backbar.

Peppermint oil contains menthol, which causes vasodilation, widening the blood vessels under your scalp. This allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach the hair follicle, which may stimulate dormant roots and support active growth.

In a 2014 Toxicological Research study, peppermint oil was tested against minoxidil 3% in mice, and guess what? The peppermint group had faster and thicker hair growth, with no side effects.

 “For clients with sluggish, oily scalps or early signs of thinning, I always suggest peppermint oil treatments a few times a week. It’s like a wake-up call for your follicles.”

- Jennifer Charan

How to Use Peppermint Oil for Hair Growth

• Add 2 drops of peppermint oil to a palmful of your shampoo, mix it in your hand, and massage it into your scalp for 1–2 minutes.

• Mix 2–3 drops with a carrier oil (like jojoba) and apply directly to thinning areas. Leave on for 10–15 minutes before washing out.

• Always dilute. Straight peppermint oil can burn your scalp or eyes. If it tingles lightly, that’s normal but if it stings, rinse immediately.

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Best Castor Oil for Hair Thickness and Regrowth

Cold-pressed, USDA Organic, and comes with a small mascara wand you can use for eyebrows or lashes too. Multi-tasker alert!

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a unique omega-9 fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory and moisture-retaining properties. It helps:

• Nourish the hair follicle

• Boost blood flow to the scalp

• Strengthen the hair shaft to prevent breakage

While research on castor oil is mostly anecdotal, dermatologists agree that its ability to reduce inflammation and lock in moisture makes it ideal for anyone dealing with hair loss from dryness, scalp irritation, or hormonal shedding.

“I always tell my clients: castor oil isn’t cute but it works. It’s thick, sticky, and takes commitment. But for fragile edges, sparse part lines, or dry scalps? Nothing beats it.”

- Jennifer Charan

How to Use Castor Oil for Hair Regrowth

• Apply a thin layer (a little goes a long way) to your scalp 1–2x/week. Massage in well. Cover with a satin bonnet or towel and wash out in the morning.

• For deeper penetration, warm a small amount of castor oil and massage it in, then wrap your head in a warm towel for 30 minutes.

• Mix castor oil with lighter oils like argan or baobab to make it easier to spread and rinse out.

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Best Argan Oil for Damage Repair

Pure, cold-pressed, and lightweight. This one won’t leave your hair feeling greasy or weighed down.

Argan oil is packed with:

• Vitamin E: known to reduce oxidative stress on the scalp and hair.

• Linoleic acid: helps maintain moisture and elasticity in the hair shaft.

• Squalene + antioxidants: reduce breakage and improve shine.

Its main superpower? Sealing the cuticle, reducing friction, and protecting hair from environmental damage, heat, and UV so you actually keep the growth your follicles are working hard to create.

“For my clients with colored, heat-styled, or bleached hair, this is the oil I reach for every time. It makes hair feel silky, but also stops that slow, sneaky breakage at the ends.”

- Jennifer Charan

How to Use Argan Oil for Hair Growth & Repair

• Apply 1-2 drops on damp hair, mid-length to ends, to prevent breakage while detangling or heat styling.

• Argan is a great “balancer” for heavier oils like castor, making the blend smoother and easier to apply.

• Don’t apply directly to the scalp unless you’re targeting dryness. It’s best for the strands, not follicles.

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Best Baobab Oil for Hair Growth and Moisture Retention

This lightweight, cold-pressed version absorbs fast and doesn’t leave that sticky, greasy film like some heavier oils do.

Baobab oil is extracted from the seeds of the African baobab tree and is loaded with:

• Vitamins A, D, E, and F: support cell regeneration and scalp barrier function.

• Omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids: soften hair, reduce frizz, and seal moisture.

• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties: great for soothing irritated scalps.

While there aren’t many direct hair growth studies on baobab yet, its nourishing, hydrating, and protective profile makes it ideal for keeping the scalp balanced and hair breakage-free.

 “I love baobab for my clients who wear protective styles or have dry natural curls. It hydrates like a heavier oil, but feels light and silky and doesn’t clog the scalp.”      

- Jennifer Charan

How to Use Baobab Oil for Hair Hydration and Growth

• Use baobab oil as the “O” (oil) step after leave-in conditioner to seal in hydration for curls or coils.

• Apply 2–3 drops to dry ends to lock in moisture and prevent frizz.

• Combine with rosemary or peppermint for a hydration + growth-boosting combo.

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Nourish, Balance & Grow: Haircare Essentials
From repairing with oils to balancing oily roots and boosting growth, these expert guides will help you care for your hair at every stage: Hot Oil Treatment Tips for Stronger, Healthier Hair The Best Shampoos for Oily Hair Indian Hair Growth Tips You Need to Try Explore these articles to restore balance, promote healthy growth, and keep your hair looking its best.

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How to Mix the Best Oils for Hair Growth Into One Power Routine

If you’re wondering whether you need to pick just one oil, good news: you don’t. In fact, combining a few targeted oils into a custom blend is often the most effective way to address multiple hair concerns at once from thinning edges to dry ends to scalp irritation.

The Perfect DIY Hair Growth Oil Recipe

You’ll need an applicator bottle like this one for easy mixing and mess-free scalp application.

Basic Growth Blend (Great for All Hair Types):

• 2 tbsp Castor oil (for thickness and follicle nourishment)

•  tbsp Baobab oil (for hydration and softening)

• 1 tbsp Argan oil (for shine and breakage protection)

• 5–7 drops Rosemary oil (to boost scalp circulation)

• 3–5 drops Peppermint oil (to stimulate regrowth)

Shake well and store in a dark bottle in a cool place.

How to Use This Oil Routine

Use 2–3x per week, depending on your scalp type.

• Step 1: Warm a small amount between your palms

• Step 2: Apply to the scalp using the applicator bottle (focus on areas where growth is slow or hair feels thin)

• Step 3: Massage for 3–5 minutes using circular motions

• Step 4: Leave on for at least 30 minutes or overnight if desired

• Step 5: Rinse out with a gentle shampoo (double cleanse if needed)

Pro Tip

Massage with your head tilted forward slightly to encourage even more blood flow to the crown and temples.

You can also make two bottles:

• A morning mist (lighter blend with rosemary + peppermint + baobab)

• A nighttime deep treatment (castor + argan + rosemary)

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Do Oils Really Help With Hair Growth?

Short answer? Yes, but not in the “miracle overnight results” kind of way. Oils won’t magically sprout hair where there are no active follicles, but they can significantly improve your scalp environment, strengthen your strands, and support long-term growth when used correctly.

What Oils Can’t Do

• Regrow hair on a bald scalp with fully inactive follicles

• Replace medical treatments for alopecia or hormonal hair loss

• Act as a one-time quick fix (consistency is everything!)

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Common Questions About the Best Oil for Hair Growth

Which oil is best for fast hair growth?

Rosemary oil is one of the most studied and effective options for stimulating faster hair growth. It boosts circulation to the follicles and may even perform as well as minoxidil in some studies. Combine it with peppermint oil for a power duo that wakes up sluggish roots.

Can coconut oil grow hair?

Coconut oil doesn’t directly stimulate growth, but it’s amazing at preventing protein loss and reducing breakage. That means your hair stays stronger and retains length better which adds up over time. Use it as a weekly pre-shampoo mask, especially if your hair is dry or over-processed.

Which oil is best for hair loss and regrowth?

For visible regrowth, I recommend castor oil and rosemary oil especially when massaged into the scalp consistently.
• Castor thickens and nourishes
• Rosemary boosts blood flow and follicle activity
Tip: Use them together 2-3x a week for best results.

What is the world’s No. 1 hair oil?

It depends on who you ask! Globally, coconut oil is the most widely used. But for targeted growth and regrowth support, rosemary oil is quickly becoming a go-to based on both science and user results.

What oils can increase hair growth?

The top oils backed by research and pro experience include:
• Rosemary (circulation + follicle stimulation)
• Peppermint (DHT blocking + scalp activation)
• Castor (thickening + root nourishment)
• Baobab (moisture + repair for retention)

How can I grow hair faster in one week?

Honestly? You can’t grow inches in a week but you can absolutely kickstart the process:
• Do a rosemary + peppermint scalp massage 3x this week
• Avoid heat styling and tight hairstyles
• Focus on hydration + protein balance
• Sleep with a satin bonnet to reduce breakage

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Final Word From Haiirology

The best oil for hair growth depends on what your scalp needs; circulation, hydration, or strength. Rosemary and peppermint wake up follicles, castor thickens roots, and baobab seals in moisture. 

I’ve seen these oils help clients regrow edges, repair damage, and retain real length but only when used consistently. 

Hair growth takes time, not tricks. So pick your oils, build a routine, and let it work. Ready to get started? 

Shop my go-to oils above, and tag me @HaiirologyByJen to share your results. I’ll be cheering you on the whole way.

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