5 Hair oils that promote fast hair growth (backed by science)

A woman's hair is her crowning glory. For thousands of years, women (and men) have sought ways to grow their hair long, luxuriant and healthy. And there are so many ingredients, ranging from oils to herbs that people have applied to their scalps to achieve premium hair growth. In these modern times, science has been able to prove the efficacy of some of these products.

Today, we bring you 5 oils that will undoubtedly help you on your journey to longer, thicker and healthier hair. So let's dive in, shall we?

1.  Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil is extracted from the peppermint plant. The most concentrated forms are produced using distillation methods. Peppermint oil contains an active ingredient called menthol which is responsible for its characteristic smell, taste and  the cooling sensation it gives. It is a vasodilator. This means that when applied to the scalp, it helps stimulate blood flow which provides nutrients to the hair follicles, leading to more hair growth. Peppermint oil even helps to activate dormant hair follicles while increasing the depth of existing hair follicles. 

A 2014 study to investigate the effect of peppermint oil on hair growth was carried out on mice. The results showed a prominent increase in follicular number, dermal thickness and follicular depth without toxic signs.

Peppermint oil also offers other excellent benefits for the scalp. These include the following:

1. It helps prevent dandruff.

2. It soothes itchy scalp.

3. It is anti-inflammatory.

4. It is anti- microbial.

How to use peppermint essential oil

Peppermint essential oil should never be used in it's concentrated form as this can cause skin irritation. It should be diluted with a carrier oil such as olive oil, jojoba oil or almond oil before applying it to the scalp. 

For a hot oil hair treatment, simply add 2 or 3 drops for every tablespoon of your carrier oil. Heat the oil (not too hot to avoid scalding) and thoroughly massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash off with a shampoo. Peppermint oil can also be added to your leave-in conditioner. Add two drops for every ounce of conditioner.

2. Tea Tree Oil 

Tea tree essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree. Tea tree oil has long been used to treat cuts and to kill germs. It is an excellent remedy for dandruff because it has strong antifungal properties. Dandruff is known to hinder hair growth and in severe cases, even render some hair follicles dormant. Tea tree oil can get rid of this pesky scalp condition, allowing the scalp to thrive and grow healthy hair.

 Tea tree oil also has antioxidant properties that help reduce the effect of free radicals. Free radicals cause oxidative stress, which can lead to premature hair loss. 

Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties which can help with scalp conditions such as contact dermatitis and psoriasis. 

How to use Tea Tree Oil

1. As a hot oil treatment: Add 3  drops of the essential oil to 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil. Heat the oil slightly and massage thoroughly all over you scalp. Leave on for 15 minutes and then wash off with a shampoo.

2. As a leave-in treatment: You can add it to your leave-in conditioner or to a carrier oil and massage into your scalp. Do this three times a week for best results.

3. Castor Oil

Castor oil is extracted from the pressed seeds of the castor bean plant Ricinus Communis. The oil is quite dense with a mild scent. Castor oil had been used for centuries and touted for its many hair benefits such as increasing hair thickness and helping combat dry scalp.

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid which acts as a vasodilator. Thus applying the oil on the scalp leads to increased blood flow to the hair follicles, which leads to better nourishment and consequently,  more hair growth. Castor oil also restores the natural pH of the scalp. This creates a better environment for hair growth.

How to use castor oil

Castor oil is a heavy oil. So it's always better to mix it with a lighter carrier oil such as olive oil or jojoba oil for easier application. You can mix your castor oil and carrier oil in a ratio of 1:3. This mixture can be used as a hot oil treatment or a leave-in conditioner. Castor oil can also be added to your deep conditioner. 

4. Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil is gotten by steam distillation of the stalks and leaves of the rosemary plant.

Rose Mary oil contains the active ingredient carnosic acid which stimulates more blood flow to the scalp. It is also known to prevent premature graying. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties also help to create an ideal environment for hair to thrive. Many clinical studies have proven the oil's ability to stimulate hair growth and protect against hair loss.

A 2015 study compared the effects of rosemary essential oil to minoxidil, a hair growth treatment. Results proved that the essential oil was just as effective as minoxidil. 

How to use Rosemary essential oil

Rosemary oil has to be diluted with a good carrier oil to avoid skin irritation. It can be added to your conditioner or used as a hot oil treatment for your scalp.

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been used for thousands of years in many parts of the world for hair care. Coconut oil contains many fatty acids that nourish hair follicles and make them stronger and healthier. The oil has a very small molecular weight compared to other plant oils, making it better able to absorb into the hair strands to moisturize them. The high lauric acid content in the oil causes it to have a high affinity for hair protein. This greatly helps the hair prevent protein loss, helping significantly with length retention.

How to use coconut oil

A perfect way to incorporate coconut oil into your hair care routine is to use it during deep conditioning. You can also use it as a pre-poo hair treatment. For daily use, apply just a small amount as too much can make the hair greasy and clog your pores.

Take-away on hair oils

All the oils mentioned each have amazing benefits that can greatly increase your chances of growing longer, thicker and healthier hair when you incorporate them into your hair care regimen. The key is to use them consistently and according to the instructions for each oil. Experiment with them until you find the one that works best for you and for your hair type.