3 Effective Hair Oils Experts Recommend—They Promote A ‘Healthy Scalp Environment’ And ‘Improve Thickness’

1. Rosemary Oil

Of all oils, rosemary oil is perhaps the most talked-about for hair growth (one study even shows that it can make the same games in hair growth as Minoxidil). It “stimulated hair growth and improved circulation.” This can boost your hair follicles and send them a message to grow new, healthy hair. This oil also has antimicrobial properties and antioxidants and can strengthen the hair and give it a boost of shine.

It is recommended that you never apply rosemary oil directly to your scalp, but blend it first with a few drops of a carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba, or olive oil.

2. Castor Oil

Castor oil is another popular oil for hair growth, and we see this ingredient pop up often on eyebrow serums. This oil “promotes a healthy scalp environment and nourishes the scalp” and can also “improve thickness,” so it’s a great one to keep on your radar if you have thinning hair. Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory benefits and can improve dandruff as well as promote circulation to the scalp. You don’t have to dilute castor oil with a carrier oil, but this is a very thick and viscous oil — a little goes a long way and it may work best as a pre-shampoo treatment.

3. Peppermint Oil

When you think about peppermint oil you probably think: invigorating. That’s the idea behind why it’s a great choice for your hair and scalp: it promotes circulation to a boost to hair follicles. This antimicrobial and anti fungal oil balances your scalp’s oil production to help relieve conditions like dandruff and psoriasis and prevent hair follicles from becoming clogged.

As you can already predict, peppermint oil is intense and can be very irritating if applied directly. Always dilute it first with a gentle carrier oil because massaging it onto your scalp.