Since I was a little girl, I’ve yearned for long, luscious locks, only for my hair to stubbornly remain at a fixed length for nearly 30 years. Little did I know, certain hair growth oils could help me in my pursuit of longer tresses.
Rogerio Cavalcante, a hairstylist, colorist and the founder of The Second Floor Salon in New York City, explains that hair growth oils usually have hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients that help soothe the scalp, creating a healthy environment for hair growth.
Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist, adds that “the act of massaging in an oil stimulates blood flow to the scalp which also enhances hair growth.”
Still, not all oils marketed for hair growth have been proven effective — like castor oil, which lacks scientific evidence behind trending claims of hair growth.
To determine which oils and ingredients to reach for (and which to avoid), we spoke with trichologists as well as professional hairstylists for clarification.
What to look for in hair growth oils | What to avoid | Expert-recommended hair growth oils | Editor-tested hair growth oils | How we chose | Meet the experts
What to look for in hair growth oils
If you’re anything like me and want to be sure to find the absolute best oils for hair growth, first start by paying attention to the list of ingredients.
“There is some scientific evidence suggesting that rosemary oil may stimulate hair growth,” suggests Jeffy. He mentions that this oil hydrates the scalp and calms inflammation, which creates an environment more conducive to growth.
“There is some scientific evidence suggesting that rosemary oil may stimulate hair growth."
Based on a past study referenced by Jeffy, rosemary oil has an equivalent effect on hair growth at six months as compared to 2% topical Minoxidil, which is the key ingredient in Rogaine. Jeffy recommends rosemary oil for someone who is unable to tolerate topical Minoxidil (or simply does not want to use it).
“Ensure the oil promotes scalp health by moisturizing, reducing inflammation and preventing dandruff, with options like tea tree oil and jojoba oil being particularly beneficial,” suggests Jennifer Korab, a New Jersey celebrity hairstylist.
Other notable ingredients that may help with hair growth include redensyl and caffeine, which can be found in various products and treatments.
What to avoid in hair growth oils
While you’re checking for the proper ingredients for hair growth oils, you’ll also want to pay attention which to bypass. “When selecting hair growth oils, avoid products with harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, phthalates and silicones, as well as artificial fragrances and colors, which can cause irritation,” suggests Korab.
“Steer clear of mineral oil and petroleum, which can clog hair follicles, and drying alcohols like isopropyl alcohol. Instead, opt for high-quality, natural oils that are preferably cold-pressed or unrefined to retain more nutrients,” she explains.
Additionally, the recent influx of viral TikToks with people applying castor oil to their hair has caused us to question if castor oil does, in fact, help with hair growth. According to trichologists Penny James and Anabel Kingsley, there is no scientific proof that castor oil actually does help hair grow.
While previously speaking with Shop TODAY, James warned that castor oil use on your scalp can result in felting, which is when your hair becomes so matted that it's nearly impossible to remove the knots.
The best hair growth oils, according to experts
Most budget-friendly: Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
- Smells nice
- Moisturizes scalp
- Prevents itching
- Dropper may leak
- Some note itching
Size: 2.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Rosemary leaf oil, biotin
“This is a great example of a product that does not dilute the rosemary oil too much,” says Cavalcante. “It is inexpensive and easy to apply at night before a wash day.” This moisturizing oil features more than 30 essential oils and nutrients and should be applied to the scalp daily.
A little goes a long way: Maple Holistics Pure Rosemary Essential Oil
- Helps hair feel more healthy
- Doesn't make hair greasy
- Mixed reviews on scent
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Rosemary oil
Cavalcante is an avid fan of this rosemary oil from Maple Holistics. “Add three drops to your shampoo when washing hair, or mix it with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut and apply it to the scalp the night before washing your hair to stimulate growth,” he suggests.
Caffeine-infused: The Inkey List Caffeine Stimulating Scalp Treatment
- Can use with other treatments
- Can use on sensitive scalps
- Some itching complaints
Size: 5.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Caffeine, redensyl, betaine
While previously speaking with Shop TODAY about hair growth, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green mentioned this treatment by The Inkey List. Not only does it contain both caffeine and redensyl, but it also has betaine in its formula to help soften hair with each use.
Soothing and enriched with rosemary oil: Kitsch Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth & Healthy Scalp
- Soothes scalp
- Helps with itching
- Makes hair feel healthy
- Bottle may spill easily
Size: 2.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, jojoba seed oil
Cavalcante also recommends this plant-based formula from Kitsch that contains rosemary oil. This soothing hair growth and scalp oil is also infused with jojoba oil and is free of parabens.
Infused with turmeric and red clover: Vegamour GRO Hair Serum
- Nice texture
- Helps thicken hair
- Mixed reviews on smell
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Biotin, turmeric, red clover
“This serum is clinically proven to improve hair density and strength within 90 days of consistent use,” shares Korab. “It features plant-based ingredients like turmeric and red clover, making it a great investment for long-term hair health,” she explains.
Say hello to new hair: Nutrafol Women's Hair Serum
- Easy to apply
- May be greasy
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Pea sprout extract, ashwagandha exosomes
"This serum is loved for its ability to reduce hair loss and breakage while promoting new growth," says Korab. "It includes natural ingredients like pea sprout extract and ashwagandha exosomes, making it effective and nutrient-rich," she explains.
Editor-tested hair growth oils
Editor-loved: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
Size: 2.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Redensyl, procapil and baicapil
Associate editor Shannon Garlin tried this trendy hair serum that is enriched with three key peptides: redensyl, procapil and baicapil. This formula is designed to work on any hair type or texture and is also Shop TODAY’s Beauty Awards winner for best hair serum for thinning hair.
"I’ve noticed vast improvements to my scalp and hair," shares Garlin. "I no longer find myself itching my head throughout the day (unless I’ve gone too long without washing my hair), and the flaking is completely gone," she explains.
Helps with breakage: JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Treatment Oil
- Easy to use
- Smells great
- Pricey for amount of product
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Rosemary extract, turmeric extract
“I love this brand in general and use multiple products, but this oil is great for tackling the roots of your hair to add strength and inches,” says social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo. "I use it once a week before I shower and have noticed my hair has less breakage and seems to grow a little faster," she shares.
How we chose the best hair growth oils
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best hair growth oils using a few unique methods: We enlisted the recommendations of celebrity hairstylists, trichologists and dermatologists, conducted general market research and also asked our editors for their favorite products.
Meet the experts
- Rogerio Cavalcante is a hairstylist, colorist and the founder of The Second Floor Salon in New York City.
- Dr. Brooke Jeffy, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona and founder of youth skincare brand, BTWN.
- Penny James is a board-certified trichologist, who became a trichologist due to her own hair loss. She has over 30 years of experience in the beauty business and runs her own trichology center in New York City called Penny James Trichology.
- Anabel Kingsley is a New York-based consultant trichologist and the brand president of the Philip Kingsley Clinics and product ranges.
- Jennifer Korab is a New Jersey celebrity hairstylist and owner of Renaissance Salon & Spa.
- Dr. Cameron K. Rokhsar is the founder and medical director of New York Cosmetic, Skin & Laser Surgery Center.
- Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified dermatologist located in New York City.
