Falling or thinning hair can be extremely stressful and scary for many. In 2022, it is estimated that 64 million Americans suffer hair loss by age 30. There are many factors that can cause hair loss such as hereditary, hormonal fluctuations, medical conditions or just the normal process of aging. 

You may have never even thought about trying essential oils to promote hair growth, but studies have shown that essential oils may help to improve the overall health of your hair. 

Continue reading to learn more about the best essential oils for hair growth. 

How Do Essential Oils Promote Hair Growth?

Now let's dive into some of the beneficial properties of essential oils for hair growth. Remember, they cannot completely change genetics or certain medical factors, but they can contribute to healthier hair. 

Some essential oils may support scalp health, while others can stimulate blood flow or increase hair shininess. Many are packed with antioxidants, which can improve overall healthiness and reduce cellular damage caused by free radicals. 

Yoram Harth, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, stated, "The advantage of essential oils over other products is that they are plant-based and omit the synthetic preservatives, colors and fragrances added to most hair products."

Best Essential Oils for Hair Growth 

1. Rosemary

If you are looking to improve hair thickness and hair growth, rosemary essential oil is an amazing option because of its ability to improve cellular generation and increase circulation to the hair scalp. According to a study, rosemary essential oil performed just as well as minoxidil, a popular OTC hair growth treatment, but with less scalp itchiness as a side effect.  

2. Peppermint 

For the increase of scalp thickness and an increase in the number of hair follicles, peppermint essential oil is a perfect choice. A study confirmed this when tested on mice that PEO showed prominent hair growth effects; a significant increase in dermal thickness, follicle number, and follicle depth with zero toxic signs reported. 

Another key component in peppermint is menthol, which causes blood vessels to dilate just below the skin. Using this EO when the hair is in its anagen phase (or growth phase) can significantly benefit hair growth. 

Did you also know that lavender is a great essential oil to support beard growth in men? Learn more about how and which essential oils can help beard growth. 

 

4. Tea Tree 

If you suffer with clogged hair follicles, tea tree essential oil is a superb option. Remember that hair growth is inhibited if your hair scalp is not being cared for. Essential oils with strong antimicrobial properties, like tea tree, can prevent scalp acne, help with dandruff and clear the scalp of any product buildup. 

If you really want to give a detox to the scalp and set the foundation for an improvement in hair growth, mix several drops of tea tree oil in your shampoo. 

 

MOXĒ Breathe Essential Oil contains many essential oils for hair growth, such as peppermint, tea tree, rosemary and lavender. Learn more here. 

 

5. Ylang Ylang 

Ylang ylang essential oil is suited for those who lack sebum production in the hair follicle. Sebum functions to lubricate the hair follicle and helps to prevent moisture loss. Those with dry and brittle hair can massage this oil (mixed with a carrier oil) into the scalp to stimulate sebum production. The oil can improve overall hair texture and decrease hair breakage. 

Those with oily hair should not use ylang ylang essential oil to promote hair growth, this can increase even more oil causing the hair follicles to clog. 

 

6. Bergamot 

If your locks are dull, bergamot essential oil can add shine to your hair. Its high content of Vitamin C also protects your hair from environmental pollutants, as well as stimulating the production of collagen. 

Bergamot also works to stimulate skin cell renewal in the hair scalp which exfoliates the dead skin and reveals young new skin underneath. This process opens the hair follicles and allows for stronger hair growth. 

 

7. Cedarwood 

If you have damaged hair follicles and shafts, cedarwood enhances circulation to your scalp to strengthen these follicles. It is also known to be beneficial to help reduce and sooth an itchy, flaky scalp. Making it a beneficial option for those with dandruff. 

A 1998 study at the Department of Dermatology studied the effects of essential oils on people who suffered alopecia areata, a disease that happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles causing hair loss. The study found that people with alopecia areata experienced significant hair growth when given a daily scalp massage of cedarwood, thyme, rosemary, and lavender essential oils combined with a carrier oil. The patients reported that their hair benefited in length, thickness, and even color. 

 

How to Safely Use Essential Oils in Your Hair 

• It is recommended to source organic, therapeutic-grade essential oils versus synthetic essential oils. 
• Always proceed with caution and patch-test before applying essential oils anywhere in your scalp. 
• Never put essential oils directly to the scalp, they are extremely concentrated, and should always be diluted with a carrier first. Recommended carrier oils are argan oil, jojoba oil or coconut oil. 
• Do not apply essential oils to broken skin. Those with skin sensitivities should be cautious. 
• Pregnant women and children should be cautious about using essential oils for hair growth. Always seek medical guidance before use is best suggested to prevent any adverse complications.

Remember you only need a few drops of essential oil for any hair treatment. You can add the essential oils directly into your shampoo or conditioner or into a carrier oil of your choice. 

After you massage the solution into your hair, cover your head in a towel or shower cap. 

You can leave it on for 30 minutes, leave it on overnight and shampoo and rinse off first thing in the morning, or use some as a leave-in conditioner. Everyone has different types of hair so test and see what works best for you.