10 Best Essential Oils for Hair Growth and Thickness
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Tired of lifeless locks or watching more hair go down the drain than you’d like to admit? If your strands are feeling thin, tired, or just plain stubborn when it comes to growing, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not out of options.
Enter: essential oils, nature’s little miracle workers in a bottle. These powerful plant extracts have been used for centuries to promote healthy, strong, and longer hair. But with so many oils on the market, which ones actually work?
In this guide, we’re diving into the best essential oils for hair growth and thickness—the ones backed by real results (and in some cases, even science). Whether you’re battling breakage, thinning edges, or just want to take your hair game to the next level, these oils might just become your new secret weapon.
Let’s unlock the power of plants—your future luscious locks will thank you.
What Causes Hair Loss or Thinning Hair?
Before we dive into the best essential oils for hair growth and thickness, it’s helpful to understand why your hair might be thinning in the first place. Knowing the root cause (pun intended) can help you choose the right oils and treatments.
Here are some common culprits behind hair thinning or slow growth:
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones like DHT (dihydrotestosterone) can shrink hair follicles, especially in cases of androgenic alopecia. Essential oils like rosemary and peppermint are believed to help block DHT naturally.
Poor Diet & Nutrient Deficiencies
Your hair needs a steady supply of vitamins, minerals, and protein to grow strong and healthy. A lack of iron, biotin, or zinc can lead to shedding and breakage.
Scalp Health Issues
Dandruff, buildup, or inflamed follicles can block healthy hair growth. Oils like tea tree and lavender are known to soothe the scalp and remove buildup.
Stress & Lifestyle
High stress levels can send hair into the “shedding” phase (telogen effluvium). Essential oils can support relaxation and your scalp when used in aromatherapy and massage.
Overstyling or Harsh Products
Heat tools, chemical treatments, and sulfates can all damage hair and lead to breakage. Essential oils help restore balance and support healthy regrowth.
How Essential Oils Help with Hair Growth and Thickness
You might be wondering — how can a few drops of oil make a real difference when it comes to hair growth? The truth is, essential oils aren’t just fragrant extras — they’re concentrated plant extracts packed with therapeutic benefits that can support your scalp and follicles in powerful ways.
Here’s how the best essential oils for hair growth and thickness actually work their magic:
Boost Scalp Circulation
Many essential oils—like peppermint and rosemary—stimulate blood flow to the scalp. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your hair follicles, encouraging stronger, faster growth.
Fight Dandruff and Scalp Buildup
Tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus oils are known for their antimicrobial and antifungal properties. They help eliminate dandruff, soothe itching, and keep your scalp clean and healthy—creating the perfect environment for hair to thrive.
Strengthen Hair from the Root
Some oils, such as cedarwood and clary sage, help regulate oil production and strengthen the hair shaft, making strands thicker, shinier, and less prone to breakage.
Block DHT Naturally
DHT (a hormone linked to hair loss) can shrink follicles over time. Oils like rosemary and thyme have shown promise in reducing DHT’s effects, naturally helping to slow or reverse hair thinning.
Reduce Stress (a Hidden Hair Saboteur)
Stress can push hair into a premature resting phase, leading to excessive shedding. Oils like lavender and chamomile don’t just smell great—they can help calm your nervous system and support hormonal balance.
Top 10 Best Essential Oils for Hair Growth and Thickness
Ready to turn your hair routine into a natural powerhouse? These are the best essential oils for hair growth and thickness—each one with unique benefits that nourish the scalp, strengthen roots, and promote fuller, longer hair.
Let’s break them down one by one:
1. Rosemary Essential Oil
Why It’s Great for Hair Growth
Rosemary essential oil is often called the “miracle oil” for hair because of its strong ability to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, which encourages hair follicles to grow healthier and stronger hair strands. It has been studied for its effects on androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), showing comparable results to minoxidil, a common hair growth drug—but without the irritation or side effects.
Benefits
- Stimulates blood flow to hair follicles
- Promotes thicker, fuller hair growth
- Prevents premature graying
- Fights dandruff and dry scalp due to its antimicrobial properties
Scientific Backing
A 2015 study in the journal Skinmed compared rosemary oil to 2% minoxidil over six months. Both treatments improved hair count, but rosemary caused less scalp itching.
How to Use
- Dilution: Mix 3-5 drops of rosemary oil with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil like jojoba, coconut, or castor oil.
- Application: Massage into your scalp gently for 5-10 minutes to increase circulation.
- Frequency: Use 2-3 times per week for best results.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil
Why It’s Great for Hair Growth
Peppermint essential oil delivers a refreshing tingle and a cooling sensation that’s more than just soothing—it actually helps increase blood circulation to the scalp. This stimulation encourages hair follicles to enter a growth phase, promoting thicker and faster-growing hair. Plus, it can help balance oily scalps and reduce dandruff.
Benefits
- Boosts scalp circulation for healthier follicles
- Encourages faster hair growth and increased follicle depth
- Leaves scalp feeling fresh and invigorated
- Helps control dandruff and scalp itchiness
Scientific Backing
A 2014 animal study showed that peppermint oil increased hair growth more effectively than minoxidil after just four weeks, thanks to its ability to stimulate follicles and improve blood flow.
How to Use
- Dilution: Mix 2-4 drops of peppermint oil with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba.
- Application: Massage gently into your scalp for 5-10 minutes, then leave it on for at least 20 minutes before washing out.
- Frequency: Use 2–3 times per week. Avoid applying undiluted oil directly to the scalp as it can cause irritation.
3. Lavender Essential Oil
Why It’s Great for Hair Growth
Lavender essential oil is well-known for its calming aroma, but it also offers powerful benefits for your scalp and hair. It promotes hair growth by increasing the number of hair follicles and stimulating faster growth cycles. Plus, it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help maintain a healthy scalp environment, reducing issues like dandruff and irritation.
Benefits
- Encourages new hair growth and follicle development
- Soothes and calms irritated, inflamed scalps
- Reduces dandruff and scalp infections
- Helps reduce stress, which can contribute to hair loss
Scientific Backing
Research published in Toxicological Research found that lavender oil applied to mice significantly increased hair growth and follicle number after just a few weeks, demonstrating its potential for stimulating hair growth.
How to Use
- Dilution: Add 3-5 drops of lavender oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (like jojoba, sweet almond, or coconut oil).
- Application: Massage into your scalp gently for 5-10 minutes, then leave on or wash out after 30 minutes.
- Frequency: Use 2-3 times per week or add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner for daily use.
4. Cedarwood Essential Oil
Why It’s Great for Hair Growth
Cedarwood essential oil is known for its ability to balance the oil-producing glands in your scalp, helping to prevent dryness or excess oiliness. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties that keep the scalp clean and healthy—an essential factor for strong hair growth. By improving scalp health and reducing inflammation, cedarwood oil encourages thicker, fuller hair.
Benefits
- Balances scalp oil production
- Fights dandruff and scalp infections
- Promotes hair growth by stimulating follicles
- Reduces scalp inflammation
Scientific Backing
A 1998 study showed that a blend containing cedarwood oil, along with rosemary, thyme, and lavender, improved hair growth in patients with alopecia areata after 7 months of use.
How to Use
- Dilution: Mix 3-5 drops of cedarwood oil with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil like jojoba or grapeseed oil.
- Application: Massage gently into your scalp for 5-10 minutes before bed.
- Frequency: Use 2-3 times per week for best results.
5. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Why It’s Great for Hair Growth
Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic and antimicrobial that helps keep your scalp clean and free from buildup, dandruff, and infections. A healthy scalp is crucial for hair growth because clogged follicles or an irritated scalp can prevent hair from growing properly. Tea tree oil clears these blockages and soothes inflammation, creating an optimal environment for thicker, healthier hair.
Benefits
- Unclogs hair follicles
- Fights dandruff and scalp irritation
- Antimicrobial and antifungal properties
- Soothes itchy, inflamed scalp
Scientific Backing
Studies have shown tea tree oil’s effectiveness in reducing dandruff and improving scalp conditions, which indirectly supports healthier hair growth by maintaining a clean and balanced scalp.
How to Use
- Dilution: Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil or your shampoo.
- Application: Massage into scalp gently or use diluted in shampoo.
- Frequency: Use 2-3 times per week. Avoid direct application without dilution as it can cause irritation.
6. Clary Sage Essential Oil
Why It’s Great for Hair Growth
Clary sage essential oil is valued for its ability to strengthen hair and improve scalp health by balancing oil production. It contains linalyl acetate, which has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the scalp, reduce irritation, and promote healthy hair growth. Additionally, clary sage can help balance hormones, which is especially beneficial if hair thinning is related to hormonal changes.
Benefits
- Strengthens hair strands
- Balances scalp oil production
- Soothes inflammation and irritation
- Supports hormonal balance for healthier hair growth
Scientific Backing
While direct studies on hair growth are limited, clary sage’s hormonal balancing and anti-inflammatory properties suggest strong potential to improve hair thickness and scalp condition.
How to Use
- Dilution: Mix 3-5 drops of clary sage oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.
- Application: Apply as a scalp massage or add to your hair mask.
- Frequency: Use 1-2 times per week for best results.
7. Thyme Essential Oil
Why It’s Great for Hair Growth
Thyme essential oil is a potent stimulant for hair follicles, helping to encourage new growth and improve the overall health of your scalp. It has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, which keep your scalp clean and free from infections that can hinder hair growth. Thyme also helps improve circulation, ensuring that hair follicles receive the nutrients they need to thrive.
Benefits
- Stimulates hair follicles for growth
- Improves scalp circulation
- Antibacterial and antifungal properties
- Helps reduce hair loss caused by scalp issues
Scientific Backing
Studies highlight thyme’s antimicrobial and circulation-boosting effects, making it a powerful essential oil for supporting healthy hair follicles and scalp condition.
How to Use
- Dilution: Use just 1-2 drops of thyme oil mixed with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (it’s very strong!).
- Application: Massage gently into the scalp.
- Frequency: Use 1-2 times per week to avoid irritation.
8. Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
Why It’s Great for Hair Growth
Ylang-ylang essential oil is fantastic for those with dry or brittle hair because it helps stimulate the scalp’s natural oil production, keeping hair moisturized and preventing breakage. Its sweet, floral scent also makes it a favorite in hair care routines. By moisturizing the scalp and improving hair texture, ylang-ylang promotes thicker, softer, and shinier hair.
Benefits
- Stimulates natural oil production
- Moisturizes dry scalp and hair
- Reduces hair breakage
- Adds shine and softness
Scientific Backing
Though direct hair growth studies are limited, ylang-ylang’s ability to improve scalp moisture and reduce breakage supports healthier, thicker hair over time.
How to Use
- Dilution: Mix 3-5 drops of ylang-ylang oil with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil.
- Application: Use as a warm oil treatment or scalp massage.
- Frequency: Apply once a week for best results.
9. Bergamot Essential Oil
Why It’s Great for Hair Growth
Bergamot essential oil is prized for its soothing and calming effects on the scalp. It helps reduce inflammation and irritation, which can disrupt healthy hair growth. Bergamot also adds a natural shine and smoothness to hair, making strands look healthier and more vibrant.
Benefits
- Soothes scalp irritation and inflammation
- Adds natural shine and gloss to hair
- Helps balance scalp oils
- Supports healthy hair texture
Scientific Backing
Bergamot’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help maintain scalp health, indirectly supporting stronger and shinier hair.
How to Use
- Dilution: Mix 3-5 drops of bergamot oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.
- Application: Massage into scalp or apply to hair ends to boost shine.
- Frequency: Use 2-3 times per week.
10. Chamomile Essential Oil
Why It’s Great for Hair Growth
Chamomile essential oil is gentle and soothing, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated scalps. It calms inflammation and reduces scalp redness, creating a healthy environment for hair to grow. Chamomile also naturally lightens hair over time, adding subtle highlights and enhancing shine.
Benefits
- Soothes and calms sensitive scalp
- Reduces inflammation and redness
- Adds natural highlights and shine
- Softens hair texture
Scientific Backing
Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and calming properties support scalp health, which is crucial for optimal hair growth and thickness.
How to Use
- Dilution: Add 3-5 drops of chamomile oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil or conditioner.
- Application: Massage into scalp or add to leave-in treatments.
- Frequency: Use 2-3 times per week.
How to Use the Best Essential Oils for Hair Growth and Thickness
Knowing which essential oils to use is just the first step—using them correctly is key to unlocking their full potential. Here’s your simple, foolproof guide to getting the most out of these powerful natural ingredients.
1. Always Dilute Essential Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated and can irritate your scalp if applied directly. Always mix them with a carrier oil like jojoba, coconut, argan, or castor oil. A good rule of thumb is:
- 3-5 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil
2. Scalp Massage for Maximum Absorption
Massaging the oil blend into your scalp boosts blood circulation and helps the oils penetrate the hair follicles.
- Use your fingertips to gently massage for 5-10 minutes
- Focus on thinning areas or where hair growth is slow
3. Create a Weekly Hair Mask
For deeper nourishment:
- Mix your essential oils with carrier oil and apply generously to your scalp and hair
- Cover with a shower cap and leave on for 30–60 minutes
- Wash out with a gentle shampoo
4. Add Essential Oils to Your Shampoo or Conditioner
For an easy daily boost, add 3–5 drops of your favorite essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner bottle and shake well before each use.
5. Patch Test First
Before trying a new oil, do a patch test on your skin to check for allergies or sensitivity.
Pro Tip: Consistency is everything! Use your chosen oils regularly (2-3 times per week) and be patient—hair growth takes time.
FAQs About Essential Oils for Hair Growth and Thickness
Which essential oils are best for hair growth?
The best essential oils for hair growth include rosemary, peppermint, lavender, cedarwood, and tea tree. These oils stimulate blood flow, unclog follicles, and promote a healthy scalp environment to encourage thicker, faster-growing hair.
How do essential oils help with hair thickness?
Essential oils improve hair thickness by nourishing hair follicles, increasing scalp circulation, reducing inflammation, and preventing scalp infections. This creates optimal conditions for stronger, fuller hair strands over time.
Can I use essential oils directly on my scalp?
No, essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil before applying to the scalp to prevent irritation or allergic reactions.
How often should I use essential oils for hair growth?
For best results, use essential oil treatments 2-3 times per week. Consistency over several weeks or months is key, as hair growth naturally takes time.
Are essential oils safe for all hair types?
Generally, yes, but it’s important to do a patch test first to check for allergies. People with sensitive skin or scalp conditions should use diluted oils cautiously and consult a dermatologist if needed.
Can essential oils help with dandruff and scalp issues?
Yes, oils like tea tree, rosemary, and cedarwood have antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help fight dandruff, soothe irritation, and maintain a clean, healthy scalp.
How do I choose the right essential oil for my hair?
Consider your scalp type and hair needs. For oily scalp, peppermint or cedarwood work well. For dryness or sensitivity, lavender and chamomile are soothing. Rosemary and thyme are great all-rounders for growth and thickness.
