14 Best Hair-Growth Oils in 2024 for Every Hair Type and Texture (Tested & Reviewed)
QQ: Do they actually do anything...?
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Okay, sorry to crush all your hopes and dreams, but...*deep breath*...there's no such thing as a hair-growth oil that'll give you longer, thicker hair overnight (nope, not even that "magical" formula your favorite influencer sweaaaars by). “Hair growth takes time—think: half an inch a month," trichologist Dominic Burg has told Cosmo. Not only that, but even hair-loss products clinically proven to work—like minoxidil—take at least three to four months to see results, Burg has explained. So when it comes to that random bottle of oil you see online? Let's just say you need to temper your expectations.
However, that doesn't mean hair-growth oils are totally off the table since most formulas are spiked with hydrating, scalp-friendly ingredients that ~may~ help create a strong and healthy foundation for hair to grow. And because hair loss is complicated and unique to each person, I've consulted a few dermatologists—hi, Mona Gohara, MD, Dhaval G. Bhanusal, MD, and Karan Lal, MD—to give me all the inside scoop, as well as personally tested and reviewed the best ones on the market, below.
✔️ FYI: We updated this article in August 2023 to give you the most up-to-date info on hair-growth oils, including tried-and-tested formulas, and expert advice on how to choose the best hair-growth oil for yourself.
Our top picks for the best hair-growth oils in 2024:
Keep reading for the full breakdown of the best hair-growth oils—according to my own testing and product reviewers—along with tips from dermatologists on choosing the best hair oils, how to know if you should (or should not) use one, and what to look for before you buy.
Pros
- Great for naturally curly hair
Cons
- Excess application of rosemary oil may be irritating on your scalp and skin
If you've been struggling with hair loss or thinning and have considered using OTC treatments but don't wanna commit yet, minoxidil—the active ingredient in Rogaine proven to promote hair growth—and rosemary oil were both clinically tested on people who struggle with genetic androgen-related hair loss. The study found similar efficacy between the two. The best part? Rosemary oil was more effective than minoxidil in reducing scalp itching and irritation, explains Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD.
- Key ingredients: Rosemary leaf oil, tea tree leaf oil, castor seed oil, peppermint oil
THE REVIEW: "The quality of the oil has helped my dry scalp feel much better while my hair is in braids," writes a tester, adding, "I definitely recommend this product to anyone with a dry scalp and dry hair."
Pros
- Can be used on your hair, scalp, skin, cuticles, and more
Cons
- Only use a little bit as too much can result in hair looking oily
Castor oil is one of the most widely used hair oils, thanks to its ability to lock in a ton of moisture while also promoting a clean and healthy scalp—oh, and the almost 100,000 positive reviews back these claims up. I can attest this formula from Kate Blanc Cosmetics can also be used on your hair, scalp, skin, and cuticles—wherever you feel like you need some extra moisture.
- Key ingredients: 100 percent castor oil
THE REVIEW: "The results my wife has witnessed with this castor oil are truly impressive," writes one tester. "She has diligently used it to address her hair growth concerns, and the progress she has seen is remarkable. Her hair has visibly improved in terms of thickness, vitality, and overall health."
Pros
- Testers note it doesn't feel or look greasy at all
Cons
- I have personally had issues with the bottle leaking
Heavy oils are basically the enemy of anyone with fine, flat hair, but this cult-favorite, lightweight option from Verb means you won't have to jeopardize your shiny and moisturized hair goals. The formula's top-notch hydrators (see: glycerin) and moisturizers (see: argan oil and rice bran oil) help enhance shine without weighing hair down.
- Key ingredients: Argan oil, rice bran oil, glycerin
THE REVIEWS: "Non-greasy, holy grail hair oil!" notes one tester adding, "I’ve repurchased this three times in just over a year. Works flawlessly for air drying or for blow drying."
Pros
- Promotes hair moisture
Cons
- The scent can be overwhelming for those sensitive to smell
For those with thin, fine hair, oil can be a nightmare (read: greasy, weighed-down hair). That's why those looking for an oil alternative should consider a pre-wash treatment that can be rinsed right out, so you get all the benefits and moisture without that heavy, oily feeling.
- Key ingredients: Safflower seed oil, olive fruit oil, grape seed oil, squalene
THE REVIEWS: One tester writes that they struggle with dull, frizzy hair due to overprocessing it, and this oil "is a total game changer!" Another reviewer writes, "I can’t comment on whether it helps with hair growth, but my hair feels significantly softer when I use it as a pre-wash."
Leonor Greyl Paris Complexe Energisant Leave-In Energizing Vials for Hair Loss
Pros
- Doesn't leave hair feeling greasy
Cons
- Results will take time and consistency, which can add up price-wise
Crack open one of these luxe lil vials, and you'll get the perfect dose of hair oil. The formula features a blend of agave extract (a lightweight deep conditioner), yeast extract (a potentially hair-strengthening supplement), and riboflavin (aka vitamin B2). It's definitely on the pricier side ($95 gets you a pack of 12 two oz. vials), but you'll love how soft and shiny your hair feels after each use.
- Key ingredients: Agave extract, yeast extract, vitamin B2
THE REVIEW: "I have tried many brands and I like this product because it helps improve my damaged hair and make it shine," reads one review.
Pros
- Uses caffeine, which has been said to decrease hair loss
Cons
- It will take consistent use to see results
So, we now know that oil in itself will not stimulate hair growth, but it can potentially create an environment to promote it. The GRO Hair Serum by Vegamour moisturizes dry, irritated scalps and uses caffeine, which naturally counteracts DHT (see: the hormone responsible for hair loss). It works best when used as a spot treatment, and bonus points because it's perfectly safe for color-treated hair.
- Key ingredients: Caffeine, AHA, glycerin, panthenol
THE REVIEW: "It has a water-based formula and the serum quickly penetrates into the hair follicles, so no need to worry about excess oil on the scalp or greasy hair," writes one tester. "It might be making me break out along my hairline a tiny bit," writes another.
Pros
- Moisturizes hair and is especially great for natural coils and curls
Cons
- The bottle tends to leak, testers note
This Moisture Miracle hair oil incorporates five oils, including castor, grapeseed, argan, coconut, olive oil, anddddd it also includes vitamin E. It's basically a slew of hair-lovin', moisturizing ingredients that'll also add the prettiest shine to the hair. I'll take five, tyvm.
- Key ingredients: Castor oil, grapeseed oil, argan oil, coconut oil, olive oil, vitamin E
THE REVIEWS: "I love this product, I use it to nourish my scalp and to help give my hair shine," writes one reviewer, adding that this one product contains all of the oils they had previously purchased separately.
Pros
- Great for natural hair, curls, weaves, and braids
Cons
- Those with fine or thin hair will find that it may weigh their hair down
Shea butter, tea tree, and jojoba oils are combined in this ultra-moisturizing hair and scalp oil. And thanks to the thin nozzle-tip applicator, the formula is v easy to apply (even if you've got braids or extensions). Massage the formula through your dry hair and scalp, then style as usual—no need to rinse this bb out.
- Key ingredients: Shea butter oil, tea tree oil, jojoba oil
THE REVIEW: "I have eczema and my scalp is prone to being red, itchy, and irritated at times, this stuff cooled and moisturized my scalp," writes one tester.
Pros
- Cult-favorite argan oil that can be used on your scalp, hair, nails, skin, cuticles, and more
Cons
- Those with fine hair should opt for the lighter version
Vitamin E-rich argan oil and linseed extract are combined in this gentle hair oil from Moroccanoil. Rake a very small amount (a little goes a long way with this one) through clean, towel-dried hair, and then air- or blow-dry—you'll be left with sleek, flyaway-free hair that's incredibly soft.
- Key ingredients: Argan oil, linseed extract
THE REVIEW: "I love this oil on my hair because it leaves it feeling soft, manageable, and hydrated without being heavy or greasy," reads one review.
Pros
- Quickly smooths flyaways and frizz on dry hair
- Seriously great for all hair types
Cons
- Comes with a very minimal amount
I get it: It's f*cking hard to grow out fried, sizzled, and bleached hair—and it usually takes serious time (I know, ugh). This hair oil makes your journey a whole lot easier, though, since it works to hydrate broken hair from chemical and heat-related damage. Pro tip: Double up with Olaplex's cult-favorite leave-in treatment for maximum results.
- Key ingredients: Dimethicone, sunflower seed oil, pomegranate seed oil, vitamin E
THE REVIEW: "Seriously, 10/10," writes one tester, adding, "I use this product exclusively on the ends of my hair after I shower, and when my hair dries, it dries very soft and without any frizz,"
Pros
- Excellent for curly hair
Cons
- Some testers say to avoid applying it to your roots
Not only does this lightweight hair oil set you up for major hair-growth success (shoutout to the formula's coconut, jojoba, and sunflower seed oils), but it also helps smooth and soften your flyaways. Smooth it on wet or dry hair—there's really no wrong way to apply this one.
- Key ingredients: Coconut oil, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil
THE REVIEW: "It smells amazing, it’s light, and it doesn’t leave my hair feeling greasy," writes one tester, adding, "I only apply it to my scalp and I no longer have issues with it feeling itchy and dry."
Pros
- It's supposed to be washed out, so it won't leave a greasy feeling
Cons
- Not for hair needing intense moisture
Don't love the feeling of hair oil? No prob, this serum is just as hydrating as a leave-in treatment, but it's formulated as a pre-shower oil (meaning you can wash that sh*t alllll the way out after the formula's shea butter oil does its thing). Work it through your hair and scalp, leave it on for 10 mins, and follow with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
- Key ingredients: Shea butter oil, vitamin E, lipids
THE REVIEW: "It's not for hair that needs a lot of moisture, but it definitely softens hair," reads one review. "The formula's texture feels almost like a dry oil, but keep it away from the scalp so it doesn't weigh your hair down, and make sure to wash out completely," reads another.
Pros
- Contains a slew of hydrating ingredients
Cons
- Those with thicker hair may not find the moisture they need with this product
The ingredients in this strengthening hair serum are probably pretty similar to that moisturizer you slather on your face every night—it's got niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and plant collagen, which work together to minimize breakage and possibly promote hair growth. Trust: You'll love how this one feels on your hair and scalp—it's super soothing.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, plant collagen
THE REVIEW: "After the shower, I use a pick to detangle my hair, I put a little on my fingertips and massage it into my scalp and throughout my hair," writes one reviewer, adding, "my looks healthier, is soft to the touch, [and the oil] amplifies my natural curls."
Pros
- Can be used on the body and hair
Cons
- A small amount goes a long way, if you use too much it can feel greasy
There's basically nothing this multi-tasking squalane oil can't do—gently pat it on your face and neck as the last step in your skincare routine, massage it onto your legs and arms to smooth out dry patches, or rake it through your (dry or wet) hair to pump up shine and smooth flyaways.
- Key ingredients: 100% squalane oil
THE REVIEW: "If you have sensitive skin, you need this, if you have fungal acne, you need this, if you have dry lips, dry nails, dry hair, you need this," writes one reviewer. "Biossance 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil is a skincare cure-all."
Do hair-growth oils actually work?
For starters, it depends on what you mean by "work." No, hair oil will not magically regrow hair, despite what you may see on social media, explains Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, adding that it's important to keep in mind that there are plenty of skincare and hair myths out there. As for what hair oils can do, well, certain oils can hydrate the scalp and hair cuticles, possibly creating a better environment for hair growth, especially if the hair loss is temporary (yes, we'll get into that).
If you want to see real growth, consult your doctor or dermatologist to assess whether clinically-proven hair growth treatments such as Minoxidil (the active ingredient found in topical products such as Rogaine and Hers), steroids and prescriptions, or an in-office treatment would be a good option for you.
How to choose the best hair-growth oil:
Figure out the cause of your hair loss
"Hair growth patterns are very complex and depend on genetics, environment, age, diet, and so on," says board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, MD. Mona Gohara, MD, has explained to Cosmo that stress (hi, Covid-19 related hair loss), dieting or lack of nutrition, hormonal fluctuation, post-pregnancy, and even over-processing hair are all lifestyle changes that can lead to temporary hair thinning and/or loss (aka telogen effluvium).
If you and—most importantly!—your doctor or dermatologist have assessed that it is not one of the above causes, you could be suffering from an inflammatory scalp condition (i.e., dandruff, dryness, psoriasis). This is incredibly important to determine before using hair oil because, as Dr. Lal explains, if you have dandruff, certain hair oils can make your condition worse as some oils feed the culprit yeast that causes dandruff. So, yeah, reason #109234 to be evaluated by a professional.
Manage your expectations
Okay, so if you and a dermatologist have determined what may be the culprit of your hair loss, and you want to dabble with a few hair oils, it's important to understand what they can and cannot do.
"Most hair growth oils have vitamins, antioxidants, and various extracts," says Dr. Lal. And reminder! Sure, all of this sounds great, but the best these formulations can do is add moisture to dry scalps, promote cuticle health, or moisturize the actual hair strands, which in turn may create a better environment for hair growth. Sorry, it may not be the answer you were hoping for, but don't fret just yet—science continues to advance, and there are proven hair-growth treatments out there today (see: in-office treatments and minoxidil) that you and your doctor can look into.
Meet the experts:
- Karan Lal, MD, is a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.
- Dhaval G. Bhanusal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY and the founder of HairStim, a custom-compounded hair-loss formula that’s created and prescribed by your own dermatologist.
- Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut, president of the Women's Dermatologic Society, and associate clinical professor at Yale. Her areas of expertise include medical and surgical dermatology and skin of color. Gohara has talked to Cosmo in the past about shampoos for thinning hair.
- Dominic Burg is a trichologist and chief scientist at Evolis Professional. His expertise includes hair cycles and how they are impacted by inflammation and age-related diseases. Burg has talked to Cosmo in the past about hair loss in young women.
Why trust Cosmo?
Siena Gagliano is an associate editor at Cosmopolitan, and has three years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing hair and skin stories, like best shampoos for thinning hair and the best toners for acne-prone skin, and feels especially knowledgable in hair-growth oils, thanks to her own struggles with—what she believes—was post-Covid-19 related hair loss. She regularly tests and analyzes hair oils and hair products on her own hair for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists, cosmetic chemists, and trichologists to assess new formulas and brands.
Ruby Buddemeyer was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan for nearly three years, and has five years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and celebrity news across print and digital, including the best shampoos for thinning hair and hair loss in young women. Her hair-growth oil picks were based on product reviews, ratings, and dermatologist, cosmetic chemist, and trichologist recommendations.
Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.
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