We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
12 best hair growth oils that reduce shedding and improve length and thickness, tried and tested
We spotlight the best bottles on the market and experts share their tips for healthy growth
Before we proceed, some cold, hard truths: Deep breath… there's no such thing as a hair-growth oil that delivers longer, thicker hair overnight – not even the so-called "miracle" formula your favourite influencer won't stop banging on about. Sorry to shatter the Rapunzel fantasy…
“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, Dr. Mona Gohara, Dr. Dhaval G. Bhanusal, and Dr. Karan Lal — to give me all the inside scoop, as well as personally tested and reviewed the best ones on the market, below.
Best oils for hair growth in 2026:
Ahead, we break down the best hair-growth oils – plus dermatologist-backed advice on how to choose the right one, whether you should actually be using one, and what to check before you buy.
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Oil
If you’ve been struggling with hair loss or thinning and have considered using over-the-counter treatments but don’t wanna commit yet, minoxidil 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, so this one is a good one to consider if you suffer from a sensitive scalp.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Rosemary leaf oil, tea tree leaf oil, castor seed oil, peppermint oil |
|---|
Fable & Mane HoliRoots Pre-Wash Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil
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 Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Safflower seed oil, olive fruit oil, grape seed oil, squalene |
|---|
Hair oiling is quite the thing on TikTok to stimulate growth – although it’s far more than just a trend, with the ritual being one of the oldest in Ayurveda traditions (an ancient Indian medical system that focuses on holistic methods to solve health concerns).
If you’re interested, one of the buzziest brands for the job is Hair Syrup. In particular, the Rapunzel Pre-Wash Oil is formulated with pink grapefruit and flaxseed to moisturise the scalp and naturally promote growth. Before washing, use a scalp brush to massage a few drops of the oil into your scalp – you can also bring it down to your lengths – and stay loyal to it to see results.
You can read our e-commerce beauty writer’s full review here.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | pink grapefruit, flaxseed, castor seed – all to boost circulation and stimulate the health of hair follicles. |
|---|
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 Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Argan oil, linseed extract |
|---|
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
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-favourite leave-in treatment for maximum results.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Dimethicone, sunflower seed oil, pomegranate seed oil, vitamin E |
|---|
Batana Oil is extracted from the roots of oil palm trees, and it has become a widely popular ingredient to improve the quality of the hair and scalp. Rich in fatty acids, the oil works wonders on hair that is dry, frazzled and damaged, helping to restore its natural lustre. Although there’s no solid evidence to suggest it promotes hair growth, it does soothe the scalp and strengthen the hair follicles, which all lead to the direction of hair growth!
Better yet, everyone can get on board here, whether you have straight, wavy, curly or textured hair.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | 100% raw batana oil |
|---|
Cantu Strengthening Biotin-Infused Hair and Scalp Oil
Flaxseed oil and biotin are combined in this ultra-moisturising hair and scalp oil. And thanks to the pipet 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 Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Shea butter oil, tea tree oil, jojoba oil |
|---|
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 hundreds of positive reviews back these claims up.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | 100 per cent castor oil |
|---|
Heavy oils are basically the enemy of anyone with fine, flat hair, but this cult-favourite, lightweight option from Verb means you won't have to jeopardise your shiny and moisturised hair goals. The formula's top-notch hydrators (see: glycerin) and moisturisers (see: argan oil and rice bran oil) help enhance shine without weighing hair down.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Argan oil, rice bran oil, glycerin |
|---|
Leonor Greyl Complexe Energisant
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, but you’ll love how soft and shiny your hair feels after each use.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Agave extract, yeast extract, vitamin B2 |
|---|
Biossance 100% Squalane Oil 100ml
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 Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | 100% squalane oil |
|---|
Ouidad Bye Bye Breakage Strengthening and Thickening Scalp Serum
The ingredients in this strengthening hair serum are probably pretty similar to those of the moisturiser you slather on your face every night – it’s got niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and plant collagen, which work together to minimise breakage and possibly promote hair growth. Trust: You’ll love how this one feels on your hair and scalp – it’s super soothing.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, plant collagen |
|---|
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 Dr. Dhaval G. Bhanusali, 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 Dr. Karan Lal. Dr. Mona Gohara has previously explained to Cosmo that stress, 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 derm 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
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 a reminder! Sure, all of this sounds great, but the best these formulations can do is add moisture to dry scalps, promote cuticle health, or moisturise 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 that you and your doctor can look into.
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.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
Ballet wrap tops are the elevated wardrobe staple you need
Bum lift jeans: I tried on 132 pairs
Matcha green is spring's new favourite colour
Backless loafers are the perfect comfy spring shoe
