Get ready for full, flowing hair.
Much to everyone’s dismay, long, full hair doesn’t appear overnight — as much as you might wish it would. According to Philip B., celebrity haircare specialist, “hair grows half an inch a month,” so it takes time and care to grow hair long. That’s why there are so many oils and serums on the market created to help hair grow faster.
To find the best hair growth oils you can use at home for healthier, longer strands, we relied on our Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab scientists’ categorical expertise in the field of hair products, as well as recommendations from hair experts and dermatologists.
But first, it’s important to understand the difference between the ingredients in hair growth oils. “The only FDA-approved over-the-counter topical ingredient for the treatment of hair loss is Minoxidil,” says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. It is known to slow down hair loss and stimulate hair growth but “the mechanism of action on the hair follicle is very limited,” according to this scientific review. “Unless it contains minoxidil, a hair growth oil won’t increase hair growth (the number of strands on your scalp); instead it will lubricate hair, preventing breakage and damage,” she adds.
Looking for more ways to help with hair growth? Check out our guides to the best foods for hair growth and the best DIY hair masks, some of which include ingredients that promote hair growth.
1
Best Overall
Rogaine Women’s 5% Minoxidil Foam for Hair Thinning and Loss
If you want true hair growth, reach for a bottle of the tried and true solution: Rogaine. Since it contains minoxidil, the only FDA-approved drug for hair growth, the GH Beauty Lab recommends this for thinning hair that needs a boost that many other products can’t give. Perfect for anyone in the beginning stages of hair loss, this treatment is clinically proven to help fill in the gaps but should really only be used by those experiencing that.
“I am very pleased with how easily it applies to my scalp, causes no irritation and is showing very promising results in only one month,” says one Amazon reviewer.
2
Best Value
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
Jeannette Graf, M.D., a dermatologist in Great Neck, New York and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City recommends this bargain-priced Mielle Organics scalp oil for those prone to irritation. “This is a great option for sensitive scalps,” she says. “It has over 30 different oils and nutrients that can promote hair growth.” Those ingredients include rosemary, castor, tea tree and peppermint oil, which is known for soothing. It does have a strong scent so beware before applying.
3
Best Overall Hair Growth Oil
Boost It Intensive Scalp Tonic Spray
Many hair growth oils can be pricey, but this Boost It option offers good value with a science-backed formula that contains coffeeberry extract. “Research shows that coffeeberry extract can have a benefit for hair growth and hair loss reduction,” says beauty expert Birnur Aral, Ph.D. A reviewer confirmed, “it’s really helping my hair grow.” One thing to note: it has a strong smell that not all reviewers love.
4
Best Natural Hair Growth Oil
The Mane Choice The Alpha Multi-Vitamin Scalp Growth Oil
Made with almost 100% powerhouse plant oils and extracts like castor, jojoba and rosemary, this hair growth oil encourages longer locks. While reviewers generally raved about its abilities, a few noted that it left hair a little greasy after applying.
“I typically keep my hair silk pressed and I’ve noticed since using this oil my hair holds the press much longer and humidity isn’t as much of a hassle as it was before I used this oil,” one reviewer notes. “I also noticed that I have much denser new growth than I did before, so I believe it is aiding in my hair growing faster and thicker.”
5
Best Hair Growth Oil with Rosemary
Weleda Rosemary Conditioning Hair Oil
A study found that rosemary oil has growth-boosting effects equal to a 2% concentration of the FDA-approved hair growth active ingredient minoxidil, Aral says. This Weleda formula is recommended by Dhaval Bhanusali, M.D., a dermatologist and founder of Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery in New York City, and works for all hair types, especially dry and damaged. The bottle doesn’t come with a dropper so be mindful when applying not to let too much pour out.
6
Best Hair Growth Oil for Hair Density
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
With peptides and plant extracts, The Ordinary claims to give hair a fuller look by supporting the scalp. “I have an odd hairline with almost bald spots on my temples and only a month of using this a few times a week has made my hair grow so much,” one reviewer says. Reviewers note that this oil can make hair greasy, so only use it on camera-off days.
7
Best Hair Growth Oil for Fullness
KeepItAnchored Hair Loss Protection Treatment For Women
A GH Beauty Award winner, this KeepItAnchored shampoo, conditioner and scalp serum set helps maintain hair’s fullness by improving the scalp’s condition with ingredients like niacinamide, zinc and caffeine.
In a clinical study on the technology, users had about 2,400 more hairs on their scalp after six months than those who used a placebo, GH Beauty Lab data analysis confirmed. Make sure to use consistently; one user noted the results decreased when she wasn’t using the system regularly.
8
Best Hair Growth Oil for Curly Hair
Cantu Hair & Scalp Oil
Designed with curly and natural hair in mind, this Cantu oil is deeply nourishing and repairing. “My hair has grown so much from where I once had a bald spot from hereditary hair growth issues and it is now full and thick,” one reviewer says. “The tea tree in this also helps to stimulate my scalp when I do scalp massages.” Just an FYI: A few reviewers had issues with the packaging and noted it can be hard to get product out.
9
Best Hair Growth Oil for Thinning Hair
Vegamour GRO Hair Serum for Thinning Hair
For hair that’s grown sparse, turn to Vegamour’s dermatologist-recommended serum made with biotin, citrus oil and caffeine. “This is the best overall when it comes to hair growth for thinning hair as it can work on any hair type,” says Dr. Graf. Note that some reviewers reported it made hair oily.
10
Best Hair Growth Oil with Baobab
Evolis Professional Promote Activator
Formulated with baobab and rosemary oil, this Evolis Professional oil hydrates strands while encouraging growth. “Absolutely amazing product,” one reviewer raves. “People are amazed at how quickly my hair is growing back post chemotherapy.” While it is on the pricier side, reviewers think it’s worth it.
11
Best Lightweight Hair Growth Oil
Nutrafol Growth Activator Hair Serum
This serum from Nutrafol, the brand known for its hair growth supplements, is also one of Dr. Graf’s go-tos thanks to its robust formula. “It contains growth activator ingredients such as ashwagandha and collagen peptides,” she explains. The serum itself is also lighter than many hair growth oils.
“I like the light feeling,” a reviewer reported. “I really like how effective it is — the condition of my hair began to improve drastically.” One thing to note: A few reviewers felt the dropper didn’t work well to release product easily.
12
Best Hair Growth Oil for Exfoliation
Rene Furterer Complexe 5 Stimulating Plant Concentrate
When trichologist Bridgette Hill recommends an oil to her clients, this is the one she tells them to look for. “The René Furterer Complex 5 has botanical-based cleansing and anti-inflammatory ingredients that truly cleanse and exfoliate for every scalp and hair type and texture,” she says.
This oil isn’t made to add moisture, but instead to prep the hair before washing. “The intention is to nurture and cleanse the microbiome,” Hill notes. If you are prone to dryness in your hair and scalp, note that this could have a drying effect.
13
Best Hair Growth Castor Oil
Briogeo B. Well Organic Cold-Pressed Castor Oil
Castor oil has been a folk health remedy for ages, but it also works wonders for hair, skin and nails. When used on hair, it helps strengthen and soften strands. “My hair is natural and a tapered cut,” one reviewer says. “I’m so happy this product helped with my hair growth, especially the edges.”
14
Best Hair Growth Oil for Damage
Leonor Greyl Paris Complexe Energisant
Specifically designed to help fill out thinning or damaged hair, this set of Leonor Greyl Paris hair treatments comes in a pack of 12 for targeted treatments. They can be used once a week for moderate hair loss or up to three times a week for more severe damage. They are pricey but since they’re not designed for daily use, the package will last some time.
“This product has really improved the look and feel of my hair,” one reviewer says. “It’s been a few months now and I’m seeing a lot of new hair growth. My hair is noticeably thicker.”
15
Best Hydrating Hair Growth Oil
Virtue Topical Scalp Supplement
Virtue’s oil targets the root of your hair growth — the scalp — to help grow hair long and strong with nourishing ingredients. Peptides and hyaluronic acid keep it super moisturized so hair has an optimal growing environment. In clinical studies, 95% of women claimed their hair felt and looked healthier and more manageable.
“I love the dropper application, so easy to just take the dropper throughout your roots and get the treatment on your hair,” says one Dermstore reviewer. “Feels so good on your scalp as well!” A few others noted they went through it quickly based on the recommended dosage, so be mindful with how much you apply.
How we choose the best hair growth oils
The hair growth oils in this list are either dermatologist or hair expert favorites, Beauty Lab scientists recommendations or popular options with rave consumer reviews and ratings.
When choosing products, we consider the included ingredients, formula, clinical testing and ratings to select the best ones on the market in this category.
What to look for when shopping for the best hair growth oil
“Most topicals that are formulated with active ingredients are made to leave on the scalp for optimum efficacy,” Hill says. She suggests seeking out a formula that’s “light enough to penetrate the scalp without leaving a residue on the hair fiber and that’s formulated to increase cellular turnover, reduce inflammation, respect the natural balance of the scalp’s microbiome and can be shampooed out.” She recommends products that contain:
✔️ Citrus oils
✔️ Rosemary oil
✔️ Castor oil
✔️ Jojoba oil
✔️ Shea
✔️ Thym
In addition to hair growth treatments made with minoxidil, the FDA-approved hair growth ingredient, and rosemary oil, Aral also suggests products infused with coffeeberry extract to promote healthy hair growth.
Dr. Graf recommends hair growth oils containing biotin, which “promotes hair growth by supporting the hair’s natural keratin.” She is another proponent of rosemary oil, which, she says along with tea tree and peppermint oils, “can stimulate the scalp and its hair follicles.”
Do hair growth oils actually work?
As we mentioned above, most hair growth oils you can buy won’t actually make hair grow faster, but rather promote growth by minimizing breakage and damage. “If the product does not contain minoxidil, adjust your expectations accordingly,” says Aral. “Most hair oils work as lubricants on hair mid-lengths and ends that help prevent breakage,” therefore resulting in longer hair.
How long does it take to see results from a hair growth oil?
“It can take several months of consistent use to see improvement in hair growth with minoxidil,” says Wnek. “As with most cosmetics, consistency is key to see optimal results.” She recommends to always follow manufacturer instructions.