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It may seem like the hair on your legs grows faster than your at-home waxing routine can keep up with. So why is it that the hair on your head seems to take ages to get to the length of your dreams, despite pulling out all the stops—nourishing shampoos, coconut oil treatments, and even hair growth supplements? Sometimes, no matter what you do, it just seems like your hair will. not. grow.
Thankfully there’s another option for wishful Rapunzels. Turns out, hair growth oil could be your ticket. Though more research is needed, there are a few studies that show specific oils aid hair growth—specifically bergamot oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and peppermint essential oil, says Gretchen Frieling, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist in Boston. How? Though each specific oil functions a bit differently—some encourage regrowth, some enhance thickness—they all generally nourish the scalp in a way that stimulates hair follicles, says Frieling.
Our Top Picks:
- 1
Best Vegan
Shedavi Hair and Scalp Growth Elixer
$35 at Amazon$35 at AmazonRead more
- 2
Best Clinically-Proven
Foligain Triple Action Complete Formula for Thinning Hair
$24 at Amazon$24 at AmazonRead more
- 3
Best for Scalp Health
EssyNaturals Advanced Hair Growth Oil with Caffeine and Biotin
$20 at Amazon$20 at AmazonRead more
- 4
Best Budget Buy
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
$10 at Target$10 at TargetRead more
- 5
Most Versatile
PURA D’OR Castor Oil
$15 at Amazon$15 at AmazonRead more
Show more
And, hey, you’ve really got nothing to lose: At the very least, hair growth oils will leave your strands silkier and stronger. These serums have tons of other scalp-friendly and hair-boosting benefits. The right serums can also help prevent split ends, tame frizz, and define curls, says Dominic Burg, chief scientist, biologist, and trichologist for èvolis.
Sold? You don’t have to look far for worthy options. Dermatologists and trichologists say these are the best hair growth serums and oils to stimulate your hair follicles ASAP.
1Best Vegan
Shedavi Hair and Scalp Growth Elixer
1Best Vegan
Shedavi Hair and Scalp Growth Elixer
$35 at Amazon$43 at WalmartCredit: Amazon
A vegan formula that contains a powerful punch of oils proven to promote hair growth, including argan oil, coconut oil, castor oil, and tea tree oil.
2Best Clinically-Proven
Foligain Triple Action Complete Formula for Thinning Hair
2Best Clinically-Proven
Foligain Triple Action Complete Formula for Thinning Hair
$24 at Amazon$25 at WalmartCredit: Amazon
This lightweight formula infuses strands and the scalp with key nutrients and botanicals for healthier and thicker-looking hair, says Howard Sobel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. It also smooths and shines.
3Best for Scalp Health
EssyNaturals Advanced Hair Growth Oil with Caffeine and Biotin
3Best for Scalp Health
EssyNaturals Advanced Hair Growth Oil with Caffeine and Biotin
$20 at AmazonCredit: Amazon
Essy is a popular option because it contains castor oil, an ingredient that’s rich in omega-6 fatty acids, as well as vitamin E, says Sonia Batra, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and former cohost of The Doctors. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that calm inflammation in the scalp.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Best Budget Buy
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
4Best Budget Buy
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
$10 at Target$9 at Walmart$10 at Nordstrom RackCredit: Target
Peppermint essential oil has been reported to benefit hair growth and increase thickness, because it contains menthol—an ingredient that helps increase blood flow to hair follicles, says Frieling. This invigorating formula also contains biotin—another important protein for hair.
5Most Versatile
PURA D’OR Castor Oil
5Most Versatile
PURA D’OR Castor Oil
$15 at Amazon$15 at WalmartCredit: Amazon
Pure castor oil is also a worthy option for anyone looking for a pure formula, says Batra. Plus, this one, which hydrates skin and hair, is also appropriate for lashes and brows.
6Best for Thickness
Virtue Healing Oil
6Best for Thickness
Virtue Healing Oil
$42 at Sephora$44 at Walmart$44 at NordstromCredit: Sephora
Keratin-based products, like this one, may help increase thickness, since it is one of the building blocks for hair, says Anna Guanche, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Best Homemade Hair Growth Oil
Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
7Best Homemade Hair Growth Oil
Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
$9 at AmazonCredit: Amazon
For a simple and natural, yet effective homemade hair growth serum, combine aloe vera gel, rose essential oil, grapeseed oil, and coconut oil, says Rina M. Allawh, a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia. For an even simpler recipe, mix one part castor oil with three parts coconut oil.
8Best Salon Pick
Kerastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original Hair Oil
8Best Salon Pick
Kerastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original Hair Oil
Now 48% Off$26 at KerastaseCredit: Kerastase
Apply one to two pumps onto wet or dry hair to smooth and nourish locks. The formula contains argan oil—an oil that has been shown to promote hair growth in some studies, says Guanche.
9Best for Fine Hair
Evolis Professional Promote Activator
9Best for Fine Hair
Evolis Professional Promote Activator
$65 at Bloomingdale’s$45 at Dermstore$65 at Macy’sCredit: Bloomingdales
A non-greasy hair growth serum that uses natural botanicals tested in two blinded placebo controlled clinical studies to boost hair growth, hydrate strands, and protect long hair from damage.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Best Essential Oil
Handcraft Blends Bergamot Essential Oil
10Best Essential Oil
Handcraft Blends Bergamot Essential Oil
$10 at AmazonCredit: Amazon
Because bergamot oil helps heal and reduce inflammation, it calms the scalp and decreases dryness, allowing for healthy hair growth, says Frieling. To use as a hair growth serum, simply add a few drops to your normal shampoo.
