19 Best Essential Oils to Stimulate Hair Growth

It’s easy to believe that your hair has enough oil – after all, your scalp naturally produces sebum, which is a natural skin oil.

However, sebum is only meant to keep your hair waterproofed, and your skin lubricated.

When you add in factors like dust, dead skin, wind exposure, and even standard hair washing, your hair and scalp are stripped of sebum, leaving your hair frizzy and your scalp flaky, itchy, and dry.

The worst part is that this can actually cause hair loss, or worse, result in a lack of new hair growth.

The solution — essential oils. You can use essential oils both to stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss.

Since having kids, I’ve worked hard to achieve a more natural, healthy lifestyle.

And it’s something I want to teach everyone on the planet.

That’s why I’ll be giving you tons of tips and suggestions on both how to use essential oils, and how to make them yourself!

 

Essential Oils and Hair Health

Essential oils are basically medicinal plant concentrates that are put into an easy-to-use oil.

In my list, I’ve focused on essential oils that will help improve your scalp’s blood flow, which will help to stimulate your hair follicles, as well as oils that will help to keep your scalp from becoming dry, flaky, or covered in dandruff.

 

The One Thing You Should Always Do with Essential Oils

Make sure that you are always using what we call a “carrier oil” when you use your essential oils for hair loss or growth.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and so very potent.

This means that it’s crucial that you blend them with a carrier oil to help dilute them to a more useful mix.

Great carrier oils for your hair and scalp are coconut and jojoba oils.

 

What to Watch out for When Using Essential Oils

• If you know that you are allergic to the plant that the essential oil is extracted from, don’t use it!
• With proper use, there are rarely “bad” reactions, but you should always do a “patch test” when trying out new oils to make sure you aren’t allergic to it.
• This is a great one to speak to your doctor about: If you have epilepsy, hypertension, or are pregnant, you should avoid using rosemary essential oil.
• If you’ve never used essential oils for hair growth before, it’s fine to ask your natural health practitioner or family doctor for advice.

Also, keep in mind that there’s never just one best oil for hair growth.

Now that we’ve gone over some of the W’s, let’s get to the list!

Here are my 15+ picks for best essential oils for hair:

 

Best Essential Oils for Hair Growth

Chamomile Essential Oil

This oil has a unique scent that is both subtle and warm, while being fresh and sweet.

Some have even compared it to the scent of apples!

While you could use either German or Roman chamomile essential oils, I have found both for myself and in my studies that Roman tends to help more with hair growth.

Its soothing qualities combined with its anti-inflammatory agents make it excellent for calming irritation.

This means that it can help to get rid not only of dandruff but also of dermatitis and psoriasis.

And it hydrates your hair, leaving it conditioned and protected against environmental pollutants.

Using this essential oil will leave your hair with a glowing shine.

Part of what makes this essential oil so unique is that it’s not at all greasy.

This means that it’s perfect just to put a drop into your hair and leave it in.

The recipe:

• Mix together 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (I prefer jojoba for this one) and 3 drops of chamomile essential oil.
• Massage the mixture into your scalp.

OR

• Combine 1 quart of purified water and 10 drops of chamomile essential oil.
• Use this mixture as a conditioning rinse after you’ve washed your hair with your usual shampoo.

 

Peppermint Essential Oil

You should be aware that due to peppermint’s cooling properties, some people do experience skin irritation.

Be sure that you do a test patch before you use it to treat any hair or scalp issues.

Peppermint is the most aromatic member of the mint family.

It has a very cool, sweet, fresh aroma that is known to help amp up your energy, as well as keep your mood positive.

But when it comes to hair, it can help in even bigger ways.

It not only supports blood circulation but rejuvenates your scalp’s follicles, which further stimulates your hair to grow.

It’s also a great cleansing agent, which means it will unclog your scalp’s pores and help to reduce dandruff and dry scalp.

The recipe:

• Mix together 2 tablespoons of carrier oil, warmed (I recommend coconut oil), 5 drops of lavender essential oil, and 6 drops of peppermint essential oil.
• Thoroughly massage this mixture into your scalp, and let it sit for 20 minutes.
• Wash it out normally.

 

Tea Tree Essential Oil

This oil is a mild sensitizer, which means that if you have sensitive skin, you might not like it.

Do a patch test before you commit to using it!

With a powerful fresh, woody, sweet aroma only rivaled by its powerful antifungal and antimicrobial properties, it is used in many anti-dandruff and scalp health products.

The reason that tea tree essential oil works so well is because it can get deep into your hair’s follicles.

It will help to unclog them, as well as regulate sebum production.

It’s also great due to its antifungal and antimicrobial properties, which help to combat scalp acne, scalp fungal infections, and other such irritations.

The recipe:

With this, I’ll be providing two recipes that have slightly different emphases.

The first will be to help with hair growth, while the second will be to help fight scalp acne and dandruff.

The First Recipe:

• Mix together 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (I highly recommend using sweet almond for this one) and 2 or 3 drops of tea tree essential oil.
• Thoroughly coat your scalp and hair (root to tip) with the mixture.
• Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash it out normally.

The Second Recipe:

• Add 4 or 5 drops of tea tree essential oil to your regular shampoo and use it. You can also find shampoos infused with tea tree oil at most health shops.

 

Clary Sage Essential Oil

A quick warning about this essential oil: clary sage essential oil is known to induce contractions, so if you are pregnant do not use this.

Having said that, if you’re past your due date, consider talking to your doctor about giving it a try!

This essential oil has an incredibly potent, yet very pleasing aroma.

It is a sweet, woody scent with both nutty and musky tones.

It has a high phytoestrogen content.

This property is used for many hair loss prevention and hair loss reversal products, as well as products that help with hair growth.

It is also great for managing scalp issues such as the itchy and dry scalp, dandruff, and healthy sebum production.

The recipe:

I decided to break this into two different uses.

The first is to help hydrate your hair. The second is to help promote hair growth.

The First Recipe:

• Mix together 1 – 2 teaspoons of your carrier oil (I recommend coconut oil) and 10 drops of clary sage essential oil.
• Massage your scalp thoroughly with the mixture, then brush it through your hair to leave it shiny and soft!

The Second Recipe:

• Mix together equal parts of carrier oil (jojoba is great for this one) and clary sage essential oil.
• Massage into your scalp and let it rest for 30 minutes.
• Wash your hair normally.

 

Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood essential oil has a very full, woody, warm aroma.

But it doesn’t just smell great – this powerful essential oil can also fight and reverse alopecia areata, which is a skin autoimmune disease that causes sufferers to lose the hair on their scalp and face.

This oil helps to balance the sebum-producing aspects of your scalp.

It also provides a warm feeling, which helps with blood flow.

That and its antiseptic and antibacterial properties help not just to eliminate dandruff but cause a vigorous amount of hair growth.

The recipe:

• Blend together 2 tablespoons of your carrier oil (I find that coconut oil works best with this recipe) and 2 – 3 drops of cedarwood essential oil.
• Massage the mixture into your scalp and work it through your hair thoroughly from root to tip.
• Leave it in your hair for an all-day shine.

OR

• Mix together 1 tablespoon of your shampoo with 5 drops of cedarwood essential oil, and wash your hair normally.

 

Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil

With high, sharp notes and a deep, musky aroma, this sweet-smelling essential oil is sure to become your new go-to for…well, everything!

Ylang ylang essential oil is fantastic for warding off the itchy, dry scalp that results from under-production of sebum.

Not having enough sebum doesn’t just leave your scalp dry and itchy, but can lead to brittle, thin hair that ultimately results in either thinning hair or hair loss.

This oil naturally encourages your scalp to produce sebum, which helps with both hair and scalp moisturization.

As a bonus, this is a great way to combat head lice.

The recipe:

• Blend together 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (I recommend olive or coconut oil) and 5 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil.
• Thoroughly massage the mixture into your scalp, then wrap your hair in a damp, warm towel.
• Let the hot oil treatment sit for about an hour, then wash out normally.

 

Lavender Essential Oil

This oil has a sweet, fresh, and refreshing aroma.

When used to treat hair loss, lavender essential oil can improve your scalp’s blood flow.

It can also help not just to prevent hair loss, but new hair growth, as well.

And it is a very strong moisturizer and has many antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.

It’s great to help fight off dandruff, as well as balance your scalp’s sebum production.

The recipe:

• Blend together 4 tablespoons of your favorite carrier oil and 8 – 10 drops of lavender essential oil.
• Thoroughly massage the mixture into your scalp.
• You’ll want to leave this on your scalp overnight to achieve best results. This is doubly useful, as lavender is known for helping with calm and sleep!
• Wash your hair normally in the morning.

 

Vetiver Essential Oil

The aroma of this wonderful oil is very woody and smoky with deep earthy tones.

It is lovely but quite potent. I strongly recommend only using a small amount in any particular blend.

Did you know that you can lose hair due to excessive body heat?

Stress and other factors can lead to this result, causing hair loss.

That’s what makes vetiver essential oil such a great fighter against hair loss.

Its calming and soothing effects will help to cool your body while easing your mind.

Its antioxidant properties also help to fight damage caused by free radicals, as well as premature aging or your hair follicles.

The recipe:

• Blend together 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (I recommend using sweet almond as a carrier oil for this one) and 6 drops of vetiver essential oil.
• Massage the mixture into your scalp thoroughly.
• Let it sit on your scalp for 2 hours.
• Wash your hair as normal.

OR

• Leave the mixture on your scalp overnight using a towel or nightcap, and wash your hair in the morning.

 

Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum has been praised for millennia for its many medicinal properties.

When you use helichrysum italicum extract, its amazing anti-inflammatory capabilities can help to fight off free radicals, while regenerating your scalp’s health.

Helichrysum essential oil can help improve your scalp’s blood flow, sebum production, and overall health.

Together, this leads to quicker and thicker hair growth.

The recipe:

• Blend together 5 drops of lavender essential oil, 4 drops of rosemary essential oil, and 4 drops of helichrysum essential oil.
• Massage the mixture into your scalp thoroughly.
• Let it sit in your hair for 1 – 2 hours, then wash it out normally.

 

Cypress Essential Oil

The aroma of cypress essential oil is downright sensual.

Sharp, fresh peaks accent the deep, smoky, and earthy scent.

It is used in many popular formulas for hair growth.

That’s because it helps to stimulate both capillary strength and blood circulation, as well as promoting hair growth by stimulating hair follicles.

The recipe:

• Mix together 4 tablespoons of a carrier oil (jojoba is great for this one!), 4 drops of orange essential oil, 2 drops of manuka essential oil, and 4 drops of cypress essential oil.
• Apply liberally to your scalp, working it into your hair from root to tip.
• Leave in for 20 minutes – 1 hour.
• Wash your hair as normal.

 

Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Carrot seeds have a long history of helping your body.

In fact, they have been used for centuries to treat issues with everything from your head to your feet – including digestive issues!

They are hailed for their nourishing properties, detoxifying qualities, and hormone-regulating capabilities.

These together work to promote hair growth.

As it evaporates, this wonderful essential oil has a subtle, woody, and earthy scent.

The recipe:

• Blend together 4 tablespoons of carrier oil (I recommend coconut oil, as this mixture greatly enhances the scent), 4 drops of frankincense essential oil, 2 drops of rose otto essential oil, and 4 drops of carrot seed essential oil.
• Massage this mixture into your scalp thoroughly.
• Let it sit on your scalp for 1 – 2 hours, then wash it out with your regular shampoo.

 

Thyme Essential Oil

There are two points you should be aware of when using thyme essential oil:

It is highly potent, which means that you should only use it in moderation.

It also means that when you do use it, you must blend it with either other essential oils or carrier oils.

This is to help dilute it to a comfortable solution.

The other is that you should avoid red thyme oil, which is a skin irritant. Instead, opt for thyme linalool, which is a wonderful skin conditioner.

This essential oil is wonderfully aromatic and is great for your hair because it increases circulation to your scalp.

This will help rejuvenate your hair’s follicles, which will, in turn, promote hair growth.

Thyme essential oil is such a popular oil for hair growth that it is actually used in a lot of hair products and shampoos that are geared toward preventing hair loss!

The recipe:

• You’ll want to blend together 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (for this one, I recommend extra virgin olive oil), 5 drops of lavender oil, and just 2 drops of thyme essential oil.
• Massage this mixture into your scalp.
• Wait for 20 minutes, then shampoo it out normally.

 

Rosemary Essential Oil

Remember that this particular oil is not recommended if you suffer from epilepsy, high blood pressure, or are pregnant.

Talk to your doctor first if you have any concerns.

If it’s safe for you to use, it’s amazing for your scalp and hair.

Its antioxidants can help to prevent your hair from thinning, and may even stop it from turning gray!

It also helps to promote healthy blood flow to your scalp, which in turn stimulates hair growth!

It can also help if your scalp produces excess sebum, as it can help to slow down its production.

It can also help with dandruff and itchy scalps, as well as clearing the pores on your scalp!

The recipe:

• Warm up 3 tablespoons of carrier oil (I recommend olive oil) then blend it together with a generous amount of rosemary essential oil – 10 drops is ideal.
• This is a “hot oil treatment”, so you’ll apply it evenly throughout your hair and over your scalp.
• Use a towel that has been dampened with hot water to wrap your hair.
• You’ll want to leave this oil/towel combo on your hair for 30 minutes.
• Wash it out with your regular shampoo.

You should do this about once a month to see more long-term results.

 

Patchouli Essential Oil

This oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which means it’s exceptional at taking care of just about any skin or scalp issues.

If you’re suffering from hair loss, especially hair loss associated with eczema, dermatitis, or dandruff, patchouli essential oil can be a blessing.

This essential oil has been used in countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and India for centuries.

Its scent is a sensual blend of earthy, deep tones.

It can be overwhelming, however, so use just a little bit.

The recipe:

• Mix together 5 – 6 drops of rosemary essential oil, 2 tablespoons of argan essential oil, and 2 – 3 drops of patchouli essential oil.
• Massage the mixture into your scalp thoroughly.
• Leave it on for 1 – 2 hours, then wash it out as normal.

Because patchouli has a strong, exotic scent, there’s a chance you may not like it.

It works so well, though, that I recommend you give it a chance.

Simply use lavender or lemon oil during your final rinse to cover up the smell.

 

Lemon Essential Oil

This intensely citrus blast is great for anyone who is producing a little too much sebum.

It will dry excess oil out while clarifying your scalp.

This makes it perfect for anyone suffering from scalp acne or dandruff.

This is in part due to its wonderful antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.

While this is a great hair growth oil, it should be noted that it is phototoxic – so don’t use this oil on your skin if you’re going to be spending time out in the sun!

The recipe:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of your carrier oil (jojoba is my recommendation), 5 – 6 drops of your lemon essential oil, and blend together.
• Gently massage the mixture into your scalp.
• Leave this blend on your scalp for 1 – 2 hours before shampooing it out.

OR

• Mix the blend into warm water and use it as the final rinse after you’ve washed and conditioned your hair.

 

Argan Essential Oil

With vitamin E, antioxidants, fatty acids, and intense moisturizing properties, argan essential oil is absolutely wonderful for your hair.

It’s also possibly the easiest hair growth oil you will find.

It also has an unbeatable fragrance that is both sweet and warm.

It is definitely an oil that you will recognize immediately once you smell it.

The recipe:

• Wash your hair as normal, and allow most to dry.
• Apply argan essential oil.

OR

• Begin your morning routine by adding 2 – 5 drops of argan oil to your palms and massaging it into your scalp, working the oil into your hair from root to tip.

 

Wheat Germ Essential Oil

If you prefer simplicity, this recipe for wheat germ essential oil treatment for hair loss may be perfect for you.

It’s an easy hair mask that you just mix, use, rinse, and wash out.

Wheat germ oil is great for your hair because it is packed with vitamin E and fatty acids.

Together, these help both to keep your hair looking beautiful and healthy and to regulate your scalp’s sebum production.

The recipe:

• Mix together 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel, 1 teaspoon of wheat germ oil, and 1 tablespoon of coconut milk.
• Use as a shampoo for your hair.
• Allow it to sit for just 2 – 3 minutes.
• Wash and rinse your hair with warm water.

 

Avocado Essential Oil

You know that feeling when you try out a new shampoo and your hair feels and looks amazing?

Then you start using it regularly and your hair seems to fall flat?

Essential oils can produce the same “love you and let you down” feelings.

When your hair stops responding to other essential oils is when it’s time to bring in avocado essential oil.

Full of monounsaturated fats, avocado essential oil is essential for strong, healthy hair.

Far from being “bad” for you, this fat will help to unblock clogged follicles, nourish your hair follicles, and thicken your hair.

It also has omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to speed up hair growth!

The recipe:

• Mix together 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (I prefer olive for this one), 3 tablespoons of avocado essential oil, and a dollop of honey.
• You’ll want to apply the mixture to your hair from root to tip.
• Leave it in your hair until it starts to dry out.
• Rinse and shampoo as you normally do.

You can use this daily (or at least 4x a week) for at least a month to see amazing results.

 

Bergamot Essential Oil

If you’re suffering from dandruff-related issues and a scalp that produces excessive sebum, then this is a great solution for you.

Not only is it known for its versatile uses – including as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, and pH balancer – it can also improve your scalp’s blood circulation.

This really increases your hair’s growth.

And because it’s got amazing moisturizing capabilities, this oil will leave your hair both with a lustrous shine and with a strong resilience!

The recipe:

• Mix 3 – 5 drops of a carrier oil (I prefer jojoba for this one) and the same number of drops of bergamot essential oil on your hands, and rub them together.
• Gently massage your scalp and hair.
• Leave in overnight and wash out in the morning.

OR

• Add 3 – 5 drops of bergamot essential oils to your conditioner for a quicker way to fight hair loss!

As long as you use this oil at least 2 – 3x a week, you’ll see a huge improvement in your hair’s health and fullness!

 

Conclusion

Now that you know some of the best oils for hair growth, you’ll not only help stop hair loss but completely rejuvenate your scalp and stimulate new hair growth.

It’s hard to go wrong with these essential oils, and it’s fun to play with new mixtures to make your own unique scents.

What are some of your favorite essential oils for hair growth?

Please let me know – I’m always up to try a new recipe!