Stress environmental factors, and, truthfully, genetics can all pose a threat to the luscious, back-grazing hair you’ve been working so hard to achieve or maintain. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to hair loss, and combating loss or thinning requires patience, research, and lots of trial and error. Employing the right shampoo and conditioner combo, scalp scrubs, and hair masks can aid in hair growth. However, if it’s nourishment and protection you’re looking for, a hair oil could be the answer to your problems.
“Hair oils can have many potential benefits for your scalp and hair,” says NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi. While some may just sit on top of your hair, many updated formulas are packed with scalp-loving ingredients that won’t clog the pores or weigh your strands down. “They aim to keep the scalp and hair follicles healthy and inflammation-free. They also aim to strengthen the hair shafts and help the hair itself to grow. Look for products that are pure, without too many additives that can cause potential irritation.”
Top picks for the best hair growth oils in 2026
HoliRoots Hair Oil Best Pre-Wash Oil Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil Read moreArrow down Regular Icon
Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil Best for Protective Styles Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil Read moreArrow down Regular Icon
Healing Oil Best for Thinning Hair Virtue Healing Oil Read moreArrow down Regular Icon
Oftentimes, the regular hair oil you massage into your strands and ends isn’t going to cut it; hair growth oils and serums are specifically formulated with many ingredients known to encourage scalp and hair health. “Different hair oils may have different types of fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, which give each its own properties that could help promote hair growth,” explains Dr. Garshick, a NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University.
At the end of the day, finding the right hair growth oil for your strands is essential for keeping your hair as healthy as possible. We researched, tested, and consulted with hair experts to identify the 16 best hair growth oils for every hair type and texture.
Best Deal tag iconBest Deal Healing Oil Virtue Healing Oil $46 $37 NOW 20% OFF Best Deal tag JUMP TO REVIEW
HoliRoots Hair Oil
Best Pre-Wash Oil Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil $38 Sephora Also Consider $38 Amazon $29 Walmart
Pros
- Strengthens hair before shampoo
Cons
- Some users dislike the scent
Most people save hair oil for post-wash, but Fable & Mane’s iteration was designed to impart nourishment pre-shampoo. Inspired by Ayurvedic rituals HoliRoots brims with antioxidant-rich amla, strengthening ashwagandha, and calming plant root extracts.
Key ingredients Ashwagandha, amla
A Sephora reviewer said: “I absolutely love this pre-wash hair oil treatment. I definitely feel like it makes my hair healthier, having used it before a shower, and overall is a great smoothing treatment. I would recommend this product to a friend.”
Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
Best for Protective Styles Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil Now 13% Off $10 $9 Amazon
Pros
- Affordable Cons Con
Cons
- Smell may be strong for some
Mielle Organics scalp treatment is packed with biotin and essential oils to encourage hair growth. Perfect for those with protective styles like braids and weaves, the oil also helps combat pesky split ends that can prevent your locks from reaching their full potential.
Key ingredients rosemary essential oil, mint essential oil, castor seed oil, jojoba seed oil
Our expert says: “The combination of rosemary and mint essential oils help to boost circulation and stimulate hair follicles to help with hair growth and thickening.”—Dr. Garshick
Healing Oil Best for Thinning Hair
Virtue Healing Oil Now 20% Off $46 $37 Amazon Also Consider $39 Nordstrom $46 Neiman Marcus
Pros
- Promotes repair Cons
Cons
- Pricey for a small bottle
Vitue has made a name for itself by providing solutions for hair loss and products that actually promote regrowth. All of its products are formulated with alpha-keratin which mimics the keratin already found in our skin, hair, and nails to promote healthy strand growth. Plus, it’s Vanessa Hudgens’ go-to.
Key ingredients Gardenia flower extract, melon seed oil, vitamin E
A Sephora reviewer said: “The virtue healing oil left my hair looking soft smooth hydrated, and healthy! I love the smell of the product; it is strong. The oil is light, more like a serum, and a little product goes a long way!”
Can oil really help your hair grow faster?
If everything were perfect, we could get our hair to the length we want with just oil alone. But genetics, lifestyle, consistency, and, of course, patience all play a role in hair growth process.
Dr. Lauren Penzi, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Patience is key.” It would be unrealistic to think that adding oils to your hair would make it grow faster in a short amount of time. Oils help keep the hair follicles and hair shafts hydrated and moisturized. This helps fight bacteria and speed up the growth of new cells, both of which help hair grow. Like most hair treatments, hair oils need to be used regularly and correctly. You won’t see any real change for at least three to six months.
What oils and ingredients should I look for in a treatment for hair growth?
People have called rosemary oil a hero ingredient, but it’s not the only one.
“Rosemary oil can also help hair look stronger by reducing damage and breakage.” Dr. Garshick says that rosemary oil is anti-inflammatory, which means it can help with redness and irritation on the scalp and signs and symptoms of dandruff.
Dr. Garshick says that castor oil is another popular ingredient that is said to strengthen hair. It “contains ricinoleic acid, a type of fatty acid, which may improve circulation in the scalp and, in turn, make hair healthier and stronger.”
Dr. Camp says that argan tea tree, and mineral oils are also said to be good for hair. He says, “These oils strengthen hair by adding moisture and nutrients and antioxidants, which protect hair follicle cells from oxidative stress damage.” “Tea tree oil is also known for its ability to fight bacteria fungi, and inflammation.”
How often should you put oil in your hair?
“Depending on the product, you can use hair growth oils every day or just a few times a week. Depending on the specific oil and treatment goal, the oil may be left on for minutes, hours, or overnight and rinsed off in the morning,” Dr Garshick says.
How should you use hair oil?
The easiest and most effective way to use hair oil is to apply it directly to your scalp. “If using pure oils, I generally recommend applying the oil to the scalp at night and washing it out in the morning. For those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin, consider diluting the oil with water before applying, or do a test spot on your arm first to ensure it does not irritate your scalp,” Dr. Penzi adds. You can also do hot oil treatments and deep conditioning masks by incorporating the oil into the other products in your routine. “Keep in mind that for any treatment aiming to grow hair, it will take a minimum of 3-6 months to have any noticeable results,” Dr. Penzi warns.
Meet the Experts
Dr Lauren Penzi is a Long Island-based board-certified dermatologist who specializes in general, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology.
Dr Marisa Garshick is a NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University.
Dr Brendan Camp is a NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University.
