essential oils for hair growth

🌿 Discover the Best Essential Oils for Hair Growth

If you're exploring natural ways to support healthier, stronger hair, essential oils for hair growth can be a beautiful addition to your routine. For centuries, plant-based oils have been used to maintain scalp balance, soothe dryness, and create an environment that supports hair growth.

Essential oils are extracted from aromatic plants and are naturally rich in compounds that keep the scalp clean, refreshed, and nourished — all important foundations for healthy-looking hair.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best essential oils for hair growth and how to use them safely and effectively.

🌸 How to Use Essential Oils for Hair Growth

There are several simple, tried-and-true ways to use essential oils in your hair care routine:

1. Scalp Massage

Mix 2–3 drops of a recommended essential oil with a tablespoon of a carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba, grapeseed, or sweet almond.
Gently massage into the scalp for 5–10 minutes  — long enough to relax, short enough that you don’t fall asleep mid-rub.

This encourages circulation to the scalp and helps keep the roots nourished.

2. Hair Mask Treatment

Combine essential oils with natural mask ingredients like honey, aloe vera gel, or yogurt.
Apply to the scalp and hair, leave for 20–30 minutes, then rinse and shampoo as usual.

A great option for dryness, lack of shine, or stressed hair.

3. Boost Your Shampoo or Conditioner

Add 1–2 drops to your shampoo or conditioner in your palm just before applying.
This subtly refreshes your routine and supports a cleaner, more balanced scalp.

4. Aromatherapy Support

Diffuse calming oils to support relaxation and reduce stress.
High stress levels can play a role in hair shedding, and aromatherapy can help support overall wellbeing — indirectly benefiting hair health.

Essential Oils Safety Tip

Always dilute essential oils before applying them to skin or scalp.
Do a patch test, especially if you have sensitive skin or are trying a new oil.

🌿 The Best Essential Oils for Hair Growth

lavender dropper bottle

Below are some of the most loved essential oils for hair care, along with what makes them helpful.

⭐ Rosemary Essential Oil

 is a favourite for anyone exploring natural hair-support options.
It’s loved for:

  • keeping the scalp feeling fresh and balanced
  • supporting circulation
  • helping create a healthier environment around hair follicles

Many people find that consistent use helps their hair feel stronger and look fuller over time.

⭐ Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil is well known for its calming scent, but it’s also useful for hair and scalp care.

It may help by:

  • keeping the scalp clean
  • providing natural soothing properties
  • supporting relaxation (always a bonus for hair health)

⭐ Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil offers a cooling, refreshing sensation that many people enjoy during a scalp massage - think “mini scalp ice bath,” minus the shock factor.

It’s commonly used to:

  • invigorate the scalp
  • provide a feeling of increased circulation
  • help keep the scalp clean and fresh

If your scalp tends to feel dull, oily, or sluggish, peppermint can be a wonderful pick-me-up.

⭐ Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood oil has a warm, grounding scent and is naturally rich in purifying and balancing properties.

It may help:

  • keep the scalp clean
  • support natural oil balance
  • maintain a healthy scalp environment for hair growth

It pairs beautifully with rosemary and lavender.

⭐ Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea Tree Oil is one of the most popular essential oils for scalp care thanks to its strong purifying properties.

It’s often used to:

  • help reduce product build-up
  • support a cleaner, clearer scalp
  • reduce the appearance of dandruff flakes

A little goes a long way with this oil.

⭐ Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang ylang is a natural hair-softening oil known for its rich floral aroma.

It may help:

  • moisturise dry hair
  • reduce the feeling of brittleness
  • support smoother, softer texture
  • create a nourishing environment for scalp health

It’s a favourite for dry or curly hair types.

Other Essential Oils for Hair Growth

These oils are used less commonly than the classics above, but they’re extremely helpful in the right routines.

essential oils for hair

Bergamot Essential Oil

Fresh, citrusy, and uplifting, bergamot offers both hair and scalp benefits.

It’s known for:

  • helping keep the scalp clean
  • providing natural soothing properties
  • supporting a scalp environment where follicles can thrive

Important: Bergamot can increase photosensitivity. Avoid sun exposure on areas where it’s applied.

rose essential oil in dropper

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass is a popular choice for its bright scent and purifying properties.

It may help:

  • support a cleaner scalp
  • minimise the appearance of dandruff
  • balance excess oil
  • strengthen the feel of the hair shaft
  • support hair strength and reduce the appearance of thinning, making hair look healthier over time.

It’s especially loved by people with oily-prone scalps.

Thyme Essential Oil:

Thyme essential oil is potent, so a little is all you need. It’s often used to:

  • keep the scalp clean
  • support circulation
  • help maintain the pH balance of the scalp
  • reduce the appearance of dandruff
  • support the look of stronger, shinier hair

To use thyme essential oil for hair, mix a few drops with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil and massage into the scalp. Leave on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with warm water and shampooing as usual. Thyme essential oil can also be added to a shampoo or conditioner for daily use.  

t is important to note:- Always dilute well, as thyme can be intense for sensitive skin.

brown hair

Clary Sage Essential Oil 

Clary sage has a soft, herbal scent and is beautifully balancing.

It may help:

  • regulate oiliness
  • reduce dryness
  • soothe the scalp
  • support hair softness and shine
  • help maintain a cleaner scalp environment

This oil blends wonderfully with lavender and cedarwood.

🌱 How to Choose the Right Oils for Your Hair Type

Dry hair: Ylang ylang, clary sage, lavender
Oily scalp: Lemongrass, tea tree, peppermint
Thin or fine hair: Rosemary, peppermint, cedarwood
Itchy scalp: Tea tree, lemongrass, lavender

🌼 Final Thoughts

Essential oils can be a beautiful natural support to your hair-care routine, especially when used consistently.
Whether you prefer relaxing lavender massages, invigorating peppermint blends, or nourishing rosemary and cedarwood, choosing the right oils for your hair type can make a noticeable difference over time.