Table of Contents
After having a bad haircut or experiencing significant hair loss, growing out your hair can feel incredibly slow. While microlink hair extensions make a great shortcut option, studies show that certain oils can naturally help boost hair growth when regularly applied and massaged into the scalp. And with today’s market and updated beauty technologies, brands are coming out with oils specifically designed to promote the hair growth process. Since there are a ton of options out there that feature various ingredients and cater to different hair types and concerns, we gathered a list of the best hair growth oils, serums, and extracts to help narrow your search.
To find the best hair growth oils, we tapped a panel of dermatologists, trichologists and plastic surgeons. With their expert insights in mind, we then researched and tested various hair growth oils and serums from top retailers and brands. Finally, we filtered our recommendations to standout products that actually promoted hair growth in our tests, contained ingredients proven to stimulate hair growth and were backed by clinical trials. We also considered other factors, including cost, hair type and scent.
Whether you’re dealing with COVID-19 hair loss or simply want to speed up your hair growth, here are the best hair growth oils and other hair growth products for women and men.
Best hair growth oil overall
Mielle Organics
Cost: $10 | Key ingredients: Rosemary, peppermint, biotin, tea tree and 30+ essential oils | Best for: All hair types, especially damaged and processed hair | Product type: Oil
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil is one of the highest-rated, most loved oils across multiple online and brick-and-mortar retailers. Formulated for all hair types and safe for treated and processed hair, this oil can be used daily or as an intensive overnight deep treatment. The rosemary and peppermint oils gently exfoliate the scalp while increasing blood circulation, allowing more oxygen to be carried to your scalp. A recent study found that increased oxygen promotes faster and thicker hair growth. Above all, Rosemary oil has been found to be just as effective as the FDA-approved 2% minoxidil hair growth treatment, but without the side effects.
AOL’s Senior Health Editor, April McCormick, is not only a fan of Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil, but it’s also the one she recommends most to friends and family, «Don’t discount this mighty hair helper because of its discount price. I have found this to be one of the safest, most effective hair growth oils on the market, even when compared to the very expensive oils.»
- High-quality all-natural botanical ingredients
- Heals split ends
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Very strong scent can be overwhelming for some
Other top hair growth oils we recommend for 2024
Harklinikken
Cost: $88 or $75 with a subscription | Key Ingredients: Proprietary blend | Best for: Hair thinning and shedding | Product type: Extract
Even though Harklinikken’s award-winning Hair Gain Extract is pricey, each bottle is customized specifically for you. In order to get your hands on a bottle of this serum, you’ll start by filling out a brief questionnaire on the Harklinikken website that covers your hair type, hair thinning and shedding concerns, current and past medical conditions, diet and exercise, and any past procedures, illnesses or stressful life events that could have lead to your thinning or loss. After completing the survey, a tailored hair treatment regime is created that includes product recommendations for the serum, shampoo and conditioner (optional) that will improve the condition of your scalp, strengthen the hair at the roots, re-engage hair follicles, stimulate regrowth, and prevent future hair loss.
Harklinikken comes highly recommended by one of our experts, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Glenn Vallecillos, who tells us, «In our practice, we have seen great success with the Harklinikken line, which addresses specific types of hair loss by offering customized, targeted and responsive treatments, based on the patient’s unique history, scalp profile and hair loss circumstances.»
You can purchase one bottle at a time for $88 on the brand’s website or opt into auto-replenish and save 15% off the retail price ($74.80).
- Doctor recommended
- Custom-formulated for your needs
- Clinically proven results
- Requires a questionnaire and/or consultation to obtain the product
VEGAMOUR
Cost: $64 | Key ingredients: Curcumin stem cell extract, red clover, mung bean, caffeine, bergamot | Best for: Thinning and shedding | Product type: Serum
Vegamour’s Gro serum has both a cult and celebrity following, with Nicole Kidman leading the pack as the brand’s ambassador. Vegamour’s cruelty-free, plant-based Gro serum features curcumin stem cell extract (aka turmeric) and red clover to block DHT production, a naturally occurring hormone shown to inhibit hair growth, while mung bean, which contains copper, strengthens the hair follicle. Additional hair fortifiers like caffeine and bergamot boost circulation, reduce inflammation and promote growth. While patience is a virtue with any hair regrowth product, it will likely take three months to see full results.
Vegamour Gro+ Advanced Hair Serum is a more powerful, upgraded version of this product and is available only on the Vegamour website for $74, or you can opt to «subscribe and save» on Amazon to get 20% off per order and free shipping. We have not personally tested the Gro+ product yet but will update this review once we have.
- Celebrity and cult favorite
- Consistently provides positive results
- Great for all hair types
- Expensive compared to competitors
The Mane Choice
Cost: $14 | Key ingredients: Rosemary, rice bran extract, sunflower, tea tree, castor oil and vitamin C | Best for: All hair types, especially thick hair | Product type: Thick oil
The Mane Choice Alpha Multivitamin Scalp Growth Oil is comprised of almost 100% all-natural ingredients, such as rosemary, sunflower, sweet almond, tea tree and jojoba oil. If you have low porosity hair (which makes it hard to absorb moisture), this heavy formula might be just what you need to hydrate your locks thanks to the castor oil, which can add moisture and make your hair less prone to breakage. While this may be a budget buy, it’s still a great product worth trying.
Something to consider: If you have fine hair, this product is likely too heavy for daily use. You could try adding a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner for a boost of moisturizing goodness.
- Strengthens hair from root to tip
- Moisturizing
- Contains over a dozen natural extracts
- May be greasy for some hair types
- Contains almond oil, which could be an issue for those with a nut allergy
THE ORDINARY
Cost: $22 | Key ingredients: Peptides Redensyl, Procapil and Baicapil; caffeine, castor oil | Best for: All hair types, especially hair that is thick, coarse and curly | Product type: Oil
The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Serum contains three powerhouse peptides, Redensyl, Procapil and Baicapil, shown in controlled lab studies to promote hair growth. What we really love is that this product’s lightweight formula works well for a variety of hair types. Whether you have naturally fine hair, have noticed a change in the density of your hair due to age, stress or hormones, or have balding due to illness, this formula is for you.
Something to consider: If you have very fine hair, start with just one drop, rub between hands and then run your fingers through your strands to distribute evenly. Once evenly distributed, root to tip, massage into your scalp and strands to promote circulation. From there, build drop-by-drop to find the perfect amount for your needs.
- Contains peptides proven to promote growth
- Lightweight oil
- Clean and ethical brand
- May make hair greasy if overused
EssyNaturals Advanced
Cost: $28 | Key ingredients: Castor oil, caffeine, rosemary oil, biotin | Best for: Thick, dense hair | Product type: Oil
EssyNatural’s Hair Growth Oil contains natural ingredients proven to promote hair growth, such as coffee bean extract and rosemary. The cruelty-free product also comprises ages-old cultural hair remedies like castor oil and biotin. Another bonus is that one drop is enough to tame flyaways and keep strands in place after styling. But what really stood out about this product was the multitudes of before and after photos provided by happy customers. Talk about a picture being worth a thousand words. “I am beyond pleased with this amazing product,” said one reviewer who provided a picture. Another proudly displayed a row of new baby hairs.
One tester with fine hair said it was a little too heavy on its own, but when she mixed a few drops with her conditioner and left it on in the shower for a few extra minutes, her hair emerged from the shower thicker, fuller and super shiny.
- Most reviewers see significant hair growth
- Tames flyaways
- Nourishes hair and scalp
- Castor oil may be too heavy for ultrafine hair
Kiehl’s
Cost: $25 | Key ingredients: Rosemary leaf oil, avocado oil, safflower oil | Best for: Damaged hair, itchy scalp, fine hair, sensitive skin | Product type: Prewash oil
Kiehl’s Magic Elixir Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment is part hair growth serum and part pre-shower conditioning oil for the hair and scalp. It’s ideal for anyone with dryness, damaged hair or a flaky, itchy, dry scalp who is also trying to grow in their hair after thinning or shedding. The key ingredients of rosemary, avocado and safflower oil work to first exfoliate and moisturize the scalp so that after the shower, you are left with a healthy scalp environment that limits loss and promotes growth.
This is a prewash product, not a leave-in treatment, so using it after the shower will likely leave your hair oily and heavy. This is a great fit for those with very fine hair who find styling products often weigh their hair down.
- Treats the hair and the scalp,
- Avocado and rosemary work to prevent hair loss
- Removes product build-up
- Prewash treatment may not be appealing for those wanting a finishing oil
Nutrafol
Cost: $70 | Key ingredients: Ashwagandha exosomes, Irish moss peptides, pea sprout extract | Best for: All hair types, especially thin, fine hair | Product type: Serum
Nutrafol is a leading brand in the hair growth industry, and its Growth Activator hair serum is living proof. Rather than relying on heavy oils like castor oil, this formula contains lipid-filled ashwagandha exosomes and pea protein to promote a healthy scalp environment and hair growth, while Irish moss peptides strengthen existing hair. We love that Nutrafol’s formula benefits the entire hair ecosystem (scalp and follicles) all without weighing down fine hair. For best results, pair with your favorite shampoo for thinning hair.
Something to consider, however, is that the Ultralight formula may not be great for thick or coarse hair.
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy formula
- Contains lipids and proteins proven to benefit hair
- No silicones, parabens or phthalates
- Expensive compared to competitors
Weleda
Cost: $27 | Key ingredient: Rosemary oil | Best for: All hair types, especially dry and damaged hair | Product type: Tonic
Weleda’s Rosemary Conditioning Hair Oil is a simple and straightforward formula with a few key powerhouse ingredients: rosemary, arnica and almond oil. One study showed that rosemary oil alone has similar growth-boosting results equivalent to a 2% concentration of minoxidil, one of only three FDA-approved hair growth formulas. We also love that this oil doubles as a massage oil to help melt away muscle aches at the end of the day, thanks to the arnica plant extract.
Something to consider: If you have a tree nut allergy, this formula is not for you since it contains almond oil.
- Simple, clean ingredients
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Affordable
- Contains almond oil, so those with a nut allergy may need to steer clear
Factors to consider when choosing a hair growth oil
Hair treatment: Some products will help with thinning hair, while others will promote growth or will only help with exfoliating and moisturizing the scalp to promote a healthy environment. Make sure you choose the product that will treat the condition you are trying to correct.
Ingredients: Look for products that contain time-tested botanicals and other compounds that have research behind them, such as rosemary, nettles, red clover and peptides. That said, many brand-specific formulas contain a proprietary hair growth technology or formulation, which may not be lab-tested or backed by mainstream science, in which case, do a thorough check of reviews.
Consistency: Consider your hair texture and choose accordingly, such as opting for a lightweight formula if you tend to have an oily scalp or very fine hair.
Budget: Since you’ll likely need to stick with the product for at least three months to see the full effects, make sure you can spare three times the cost of the product.
How we tested
To find the best hair growth oils, serums, extracts and tonics, we started by consulting with our panel of dermatologists, trichologists and plastic surgeons. With their feedback and guidance, we researched and tested more than 27 industry-leading hair growth oils and serums.
We focused on products with proven ingredients that stimulate natural hair growth, were backed by clinical trials, promoted hair growth in our testers, cost, consistency and if the products helped with other concerns such as dry skin, or promoted lash or brow growth and commitment to ethical or clean beauty.
We also took into account customer satisfaction, before and after results, and eliminated any oils rated below 4.5 stars by general reviewers. We also looked at price, and brand reputation.
Other hair growth products that deserve an honorable mention
Two FDA-approved medications are regularly used to target hereditary hair loss: minoxidil which was mentioned above and finasteride. «These treatments have demonstrated positive results in stimulating hair regrowth,» Henry explains. While minoxidil is cleared for OTC use in men and women, finasteride can only be obtained through a prescribing physician and can only be used by men and postmenopausal women. Hims, offers a hair regrowth serum containing both minoxidil and finasteride. However, finasteride has side effects that should be weighed with your prescribing doctor prior to use. We also saw promising results with KeraFactor‘s scalp-stimulating 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner and the scalp-stimulating serum. This product can only be obtained through the KeraFactor website or at your dermatologist’s office.
FAQs
How do hair growth oils work?
According to hair experts and hair stylists, hair growth oils help stimulate blood flow and oxygen to the scalp, as is the case with rosemary oil. The oils also nourish and strengthen hair follicles and existing strands. Most of all, when applying hair oils, you will be giving your scalp a nice massage. This alone promotes circulation, which is proven to promote growth and a healthy scalp. Even if you’re not battling thinning hair or hair loss, giving your scalp a daily massage is always a good idea. Plus, you can find other hair growth products such as vitamins and supplements to add to your regular routine to help stimulate growth.
How often should I use hair growth oils?
Nearly every oil will recommend using it on a daily basis to see the fastest results. That may not be feasible for those with fine hair or a scalp condition. Also, depending on the type of hair thinning or loss you’re experiencing, you may not need to continue using it after your hair grows back (Stress-related hair loss, for example, is often reversible, while age-related hair loss can be more chronic).
How long does it take for hair growth oils to work?
It depends on the brand. Some brands, like Nutrafol, promise results in 90 days of consistent use, while all-natural, gentle oils can take around six months for you to see significant results. This timeline is in contrast to hair growth chemicals like minoxidil and finasteride, which often help hair grow faster but have a higher risk for side effects. Your biology also plays a role, as some will grow new hair faster than others. Keep in mind, healthy hair growth is about one centimeter per month, so while a product can help maximize growth, hair can only grow so fast.
Meet our experts
Dr. Amy Taub, board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Andy Goren, board-certified dermatologist and trichologist
Dr. Glenn Vallecillos, MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Michelle Henry, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
Dr. Alan J. Bauman, hair transplant surgeon
Dr. Rekha Singh, board-certified dermatologist
Meerika Khanna, certified trichologist
