top of page

The 17 Best Hair Growth Oils

Dec 22, 202214 min read

Marie Claire - Whether the issue was a bad haircut, a case of COVID, or thinning strands, just about all of us have struggled at some point to grow out our hair. And while the key to healthy hair growth is a healthy lifestyle (i.e., hydrating, eating well, and sleeping enough), there are also a number of topical products, like hair growth shampoos and hair growth vitamins, that can enhance scalp health and stimulate hair growth alongside your regular shampoo and conditioner. One of my go-tos is hair growth oil, which can easily be applied to the scalp to give your hair growth regimen an extra boost.

But how do the best hair growth oils work, you ask? We spoke to Dr. Mona Gohara, a dermatologist who serves as Vice President of the Women’s Dermatologic Society at Yale University and is an active member of The American Academy of Dermatology and The American Society For Dermatologic Surgery, to get the lowdown.

"Hair growth oils are serums that help restore nutrients to your scalp and increase stimulation and hair production," Dr. Gohara explains. "Oils can thicken the cuticle, making the hair appear fuller. As the hydration is absorbed, the cuticle expands giving the appearance of growth."

What to Look for in a Hair Growth Oil

With so many hair oils on the market, it may be difficult to determine which ones are best for your hair type and needs. For that reason, we asked Dr. Peter Young(opens in new tab), a board-certified dermatologist and medical director for Keeps(opens in new tab), to demystify hair growth oils and the best, tried-and-true ingredients to look for when shopping for one. He reiterates the previously stated point that these ingredients support healthy hair growth, giving the appearance of thicker hair, rather than growing net-new hair from nowhere. However, they can still go a long way in terms of giving you the mane of your dreams. 

"Your hair has fat in it, and oils are pretty much pure fat, so putting them on your hair can help restore those naturally-occurring fats," Dr. Young explains. "Oils high in saturated and monounsaturated fats are good because these types of fatty acids penetrate the hair strand more easily. Oils with polyunsaturated fats, on the other hand, don’t have the same effect."

Examples of some of these optimal fats? "One option is coconut oil," he says. "In fact, one study showed that coconut oil assisted with decreasing how much protein the hair lost, which basically means it prevented the hair from getting weaker. Another oil that’s high in saturated fat is palm oil (such as saw palmetto oil(opens in new tab)), and some options high in monounsaturated fats are almond oil, olive oil, and argan oil." 

When shopping for hair growth products of all types, he also recommends "plant-based, organic, and raw" ingredients such as biotin, caffeine, and green tea. These, in addition to the aforementioned, are "science-backed ingredients designed to support hair growth and give the appearance of thicker, healthier-looking hair."

How to Use Hair Growth Oil

If you've never used a hair oil before, applying it for the first time can be a baffling experience. It's important to remember that hair growth begins with a healthy scalp. For that reason, Dr. Gohara says, "Hair growth oils are massaged into the scalp to stimulate the hair at the root. Once you’ve shown your scalp lots of love, you can carry the product through to the ends."

How Often to Use Hair Oils

When it comes to how often to use your hair oil, Dr. Gohara reminds us to read the instructions for your oil of choice very carefully. "Following the instructions on your hair growth oil is imperative because some oils have you apply once a day while others are more frequent," she points out. She adds that it's perfectly all right to use multiple hair products at once, so long as you "couple your hair growth oils with a shampoo and conditioner routine to make sure your hair is getting as clean and nourished as possible." Clarifying shampoos, in particular, she says, "are perfect companions for hair growth oils."

Still worried that adding an oil to your regimen will make your hair look greasy? "A lot of hair growth oils are applied before you shower," says Dr. Gohara. "However, if you have one that needs to be applied in the morning, you can always rock a sleek bun or pony!"

The Best Hair Growth Oils

The products on this list have either been tested and vetted by Marie Claire's E-Commerce Writer, Gabrielle Ulubay (aka yours truly), Marie Claire's Beauty Director, Deena Campbell, and Marie Claire's Beauty Editor, Samantha Holender; or have been hand-selected by a hair stylist or board-certified dermatologist. Each one includes ingredients clinically proven to support healthy hair growth and support a healthy scalp, and is highly rated by reviewers. While the *best* hair growth oil for you will vary based on factors such as skin type, hair type, and personal preference, you truly can't go wrong with one of the items on this list. For a more personalized recommendation or if you have any concerns, check with your board-certified dermatologist or trichologist.


EssyNaturals Hair Growth Oil with Caffeine and Biotin


This oil from EssyNaturals has more than 300 five-star reviews on Amazon, and is packed with castor oil and rosemary oil—both of which are highly recommended ingredients by Dr. Gohara. The serum also incorporates caffeine, which Dr. Jerry Shapiro, a dermatologist at the New York University School of Medicine who specializes in hair loss, highly recommends. He explains, "Caffeine reverses the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the main hormone involved in hair loss."

Pros: contains natural ingredients; contains caffeine

Cons: thick, so overuse can make scalp appear greasy

Customer Review: "This stuff is amazing. Just a couple drops rubbed into my hair instantly made it look and feel thicker. It seems to be working and growing more hair after only about a week of daily use." -Walmart


Nutrafol Growth Activator Hair Serum


Nutrafol is beloved for its line of hair growth products, including vitamins, a powder, and topical products. This particular hair growth oil is loved by users, one of whom noted that the product increased hair growth and, perhaps more crucially, decreased hair loss.

Pros: beloved by customers; contains natural ingredients like ginseng; decreases shedding

Cons: high price point

Customer Review: "I tried many different hair serums. I like this one the most. It does not leave my hair greasy and absorbs fast." -Rejuvent Skincare


Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil



This oil uses fermentation to strengthen the impact of its key ingredient, green tea. How does fermentation help, you ask? "Fermentation breaks down natural molecules and makes them smaller, so it’s easier for them to absorb deeper into your skin’s surface," says dermatologist Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky. That means that this oil will effectively penetrate the pores of your scalp so you can easily achieve your longest locks yet.

Pros: contains natural ingredients like green tea; fermented skincare (strong); top-rated

Cons: high price for small bottle

Customer Review: "I LOVE this oil! It works great whether your hair is already dry or damp. Perfect for extra lightweight moisture and frizz!" -Sephora


Briogeo B. Well Organic + Cold-Pressed 100% Castor Oil



Not all castor oil is created equal or up to Briogeo's beauty standards. This castor oil is cold-pressed to preserve the harvested seeds' nutrients, and reviewers use this not only on their scalp, but on lashes, brows, and other areas where their hair follicles need a little extra love. Beauty director Deena Campbell says that she started by using this product to fill in sparse areas in her eyebrows (which had fallen victim to over-plucking). "And now," she says, "I’ve graduated to using it for my edges—which are hairs I’ll forever go to great lengths to preserve."

Pros: clean; vegan;  visible results; fan-favorite

Cons: smells of castor oil

Customer Review: "I absolutely love and recommend this product to anyone suffering from hair loss." -Sephora


Évolis Professional Promote Activator



This activator promises to lengthen hair by 20 percent (!!), and heavily features citrus oils, which Dr. Gohara lists among her essentials. According to one simple yet compelling review, "This product is magic."

Pros: dermatologist-recommended; developed by hair biologists; top-rated

Cons: high price point; small bottle

Customer Review: "I just finished my first bottle of Reverse Activator. It did not discolor my hair like other products. I have less hair loss and more hair in my target area (top back part of my head). I will continue to use this product—it really works." -Dermstore


THE GENTLE HAIR GROWTH OIL(opens in new tab)

The Mane Choice The Alpha Multi-Vitamin Scalp Growth Oil


This product contains jojoba oil, which Dr. Gohara highly recommends looking for when shopping for a hair growth oil. It's also paraben-free, so you can be sure it's gentle enough for frequent, damage-free use.

Pros: dermatologist recommended; paraben-free; affordable

Cons: thick, so can make thin hair look greasy

Customer Review: "I fall in love the this oil instantly, it helped my hair so much and my hair got a lot thicker." -Ulta


Natucain Hair Growth Serum


"The Natucain Hair Activator is my go-to hair serum because of its patented MKMS24 plant-based technology that supports the appearance of stronger and fuller-looking hair," says Dr. Gohara. She goes on to explain, "Ingredients are very important to me when I look at a product, which is how I initially got interested with this brand, but the results are even better!"  

Pros: dermatologist-recommended; plant-based

Cons: high price point

Customer Review: "After experiencing postpartum hair loss this product came in to save the day. I'm well on my way to my pre-baby hair texture and volume." -Target


Juices & Botanics Gentle Formula: The Drip Gentle Healthy Hair Growth Elixir

I'm personally a huge fan of this hair growth oil, which features argan oil, chia seed oil, jojoba oil, and a myriad of other gentle, natural ingredients. While I have a lot of dense hair, my strands themselves are thin, so I'm often concerned about my scalp looking greasy. This oil, however, absorbs beautifully into my scalp without making it look slick. Plus, it smells fantastic.

Pros: natural ingredients; made with natural hair in mind; gentle; editor-approved

Cons: very small bottle

Customer Review: "The drip is everything! It makes my hair so soft, and feels great on my scalp." -Juices & Botanics


Grow Gorgeous Original Hair Density Serum



This unique formula uses organic pea sprout extract, Chinese scullcap, soy, and wheat sprouts to stimulate hair root for increased hair density. Plus, it features another one of Dr. Gohara's favorite ingredients: Castor oil, which has long been beloved for its restorative effect on hair health.

Pros: uses natural ingredients like castor oil; contains caffeine to stimulate hair growth

Cons: strong smell

Customer Review: "I was really depressed about the hair loss but this product made me feel better about myself when I started to notice regrowth around my edges and temples." -Dermstore


Vegamour GRO Advanced Hair Serum



This vegan hair growth oil is formulated with CBD, which strengthens hair follicles at the root level. Furthermore, its chemical-free makeup is crucial for long-term hair growth. Several customer reviews attest to less hair loss, increased hair growth, and thicker strands after consistent use.

Pros: clinically tested; vegan; contains CBD

Cons: small bottle

Customer Review: "A serum that actually works! I started losing so much hair last year and started seeing my line receding. I immediately started looking for products that stimulated hair growth and stumbled upon Vegamour. This serum is so easy to use; it has a watery consistency, doesn’t feel sticky and doesn’t make the hair oily. I use it every other day as soon as I get out the shower. Within three months of using it, I’ve noticed a huge difference. I have a ton of baby hairs now!! Will definitely continue to use, and would recommend for anyone who is experiencing the same!" -Sephora


The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density



Dr. Gohara warns us to "avoid hair oils that that contain primarily silicones if you want more than just an instant fix," so this silicone-free option from cult favorite brand The Ordinary certainly fits the bill.

Pros: silicone-free; affordable; alcohol-free; works on all hair types

Cons: small bottle

Customer Review: "Not only did this help my hair grow, but it made it so much thicker as well!" -Ulta


Mizani 25 Miracle Nourishing Oil



Dr. Gohara counts jojoba seed oil and coconut oil among her most desirable hair growth oil ingredients, and both are included in this formula. It's also silicone-free and combats hair and scalp dryness. To avoid greasiness, though, one reviewer helpfully instructs, "The best way that I have found that this works is by slightly dampening my hair first, then adding a few drops of this oil into my palm, rubbing my hands together, then running through my hair, especially the parts that seem more damaged."

Pros: decreases frizz; contains natural ingredients like coconut oil; silicone- and sulfate-free

Cons: thick, so may make thin hair look greasy at the roots

Customer Review: "I love this oil! It smells amazing, it’s light and it doesn’t leave my hair feeling greasy. I only apply it to my scalp and I know longer have issues with my scalp feeling itchy and dry." -Sephora


Virtue Healing Oil



Beauty editor Samantha Holender swears by this oil. "I have ridiculously thin hair, so applying hair oil is a risky business. I typically end up looking like a greasy mess," she says. "But this sulfate-free, paraben-free, lightweight one is the exception to the rule. It gives my hair shine (not oil), seals my split ends (there are many), and smells delicious (think: fresh meets citrus). Over the course of a few weeks, I noticed that my hair felt stronger overall—my stands looked less fried and felt stronger." 

Pros: sulfate- and paraben-free; reduces frizz; enhances shine

Cons: high price point for small bottle; more suited for straight than curly hair

Customer Review: "This is the best oil I have ever used in my life. It’s honestly worth every penny. It’s literally magic in a bottle. It’s fixed my frizzy hair and just made my hair healthier. If you’re thinking about buying it, do it." -Sephora


Adwoa beauty Baomint Protect + Shine Oil Blend



This product works well for all hair types, but was formulated with curly hair in mind. Customers are particularly pleased with how effective it is for taming frizz and for putting on before donning protective hairstyles like braids.

Pros: good for curls; good for natural hair; provides scalp with UV protection

Cons: strong smell; thick, so may make thin hair look greasy

Customer Review: "This oil is nourishing yet so lightweight. I’ve been using it on silk pressed hair and my hair looks so shiny and healthy. I also use it after a flat iron and my hair comes out way more flowy as the oil doesn’t weight the hair down. A bonus is that it smells amazing!" -Sephora


Curls Blueberry Hair and Scalp Oil


This paraben-free, sulfate-free formula's organic origins make it safe for long-term use on natural hair, and customers rave about its results. Top reviews say that results manifest themselves within a month, that the formula smells divine, and that it even helps with styling. One reviewer writes, "It's never been so soft and my curls are so much more defined than ever before."

Pros: made with natural hair in mind; moisturizing; good for curls

Cons: contains sulfates; contains alcohol; has a sweet smell that may be polarizing

Customer Review: "If you want to enhance your curly or wavy hair then this hair oil will bring out the best of your hair. This product is also effective for moisturizing your scalp to prevent and eliminate any dryness and accompanying itch." -iHerb


Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil



Hair growth and retention go hand-in-hand with hair strengthening, and this oil promises to help with just that. Several reviewers say that it's a great alternative to castor oil if you find the latter to be too thick or sticky.

Pros: lightweight; cruelty-free; sulfate-free; Black owned business

Cons: strong smell

Customer Review: "Amazing! Helped with hair growth on bald spots and length! You just have to be consistent with it for results (1-3x a week)" -Target


Dr. Hauschka Hair Tonic



Hair growth begins with a healthy scalp, and this formula, which utilizes natural oils, is designed for just that. It's also an ideal solution for those whose skin tends to be irritated by oils, because multiple users report decreased dandruff, oiliness, itching, and overall scalp irritation after using this product.

Pros: moisturizing; easy application (sprays on); good for sensitive scalps

Cons: strong smell; small bottle

Customer Review: " I’ve been using this hair tonic consistently every night for about two weeks. I’ve already noticed that my hair is stronger and shinier." -LovelySkin

Getting Healthy Hair

Hair growth oils can go a long way in supporting your overall hair health, but there are a number of other crucial steps one should take to grow (and sustain) thick, healthy hair. Trichologist and president of the Philip Kingsley clinic and haircare brand(opens in new tab), Anabel Kingsley, reminds us that hair health starts from the inside. Thus, if you want gorgeous, flowing locks, you need to minimize stress (which she says "can exacerbate hair thinning"), drink plenty of water, and follow a healthy diet rich in nutrients such as protein and iron. 

Kingsley also says that hair thinning should first and foremost be addressed "by optimizing the scalp environment and providing internal nutritional support." For that reason, many hair growth oils focus on supporting a well-moisturized, healthy scalp so that hair follicles can thrive.

Finally, if you want longer, healthier hair, be sure to keep up with your trims and to style carefully. Hairstylist and founder of HERcurlsHaiya Eliza recommends getting a haircut at least once every three to four months, and to always get it cut in its natural state. "If you're straightening your hair to cut it, then you're damaging your hair in the process of cutting it," she warns, "and if you go to wear it curly, you're not going to have the same shape as you did when you cut it, because you cut it when it was styled a different way. And you've also applied heat to it, so you've damaged and weakened any curls you have."

Too attached to your length to get a hair cut? Haiya says that eschewing haircuts can actually cause more damage—and hinder your length—because the longer you wait between haircuts, the more likely you are to get split ends. "Naturally, we all get split ends," she says. "A strand will split into two, and that split will keep running up the strand until you stop it. So what happens is you have one strand that's become half a strand, and those two strands just keep breaking off as you brush it, detangle it, and so on. So while it's continually growing, it's also continually breaking, and when that happens, you end up losing rather than retaining length."

Comments

bottom of page