There are so many oils out there that claim to help with hair growth. And to a certain degree they all do work. The problem is finding out what your hair issue is and using the right oil for that issue. If you know you have less keratin, or that you have an excess amount of DHT production, you will be able to get right down to what oil will help recover your hair and also speed up growth. The best way to use any of these oils is to first find out what is causing you hair to grow slow or less. Or is it hair loss that is caused by issues beyond your control. Read this article on how to grow and sustain your hair growth. We will focus this article on different types of hair oils for various hair growth issues. The most common of which is stress – which we can control.
Stress as a Cause of Hair Loss
Stress has been shown to cause all sorts of diseases and hair loss is one of them. The more you stress, the more your brain tells the blood and nutrients to go to “required” tasks. Hair growth is not one of them. So you would be unconsciously moving blood and nutrients away from your scalp. Remember that next time you stress about anything. The NIH did a study on it too! Check it out here. And if you are not sure how to stress less or what to do to calm your body and mind, check out this article on stress, or this one on meditation and how that helps with stress and all other diseases too!
If you don’t know what the issue is, you’d have to do a lot of trial an error. In the process of my own hair loss research for 12 years, these are the hair oils that have helped me with 1) retaining my hair, 2) awakening the hair follicles, 3) strengthening the scalp, and… 4) producing new hair growth. Again, individual results will be different. So here goes, in no particular order…
1) Coconut Oil
Coconut oil stands out from the rest as one of the best hair oils ever. It has extremely moisturizing properties along with being antimicrobial, which helps to kill viruses, bacteria and fungi. It’s great for both the scalp and the hair itself. It is cooling and reduces inflammation around the scalp. Make sure you get the cold-pressed organic coconut oil, that way you are not losing the benefits of the oil during processing.
Do this: Take about a 4 tablespoons of coconut oil, heat it up until it melts (since its usually in solid form), then use your finger tips to generously apply to your scalp and all through your hair. Leave on your hair for no less than 30 minutes, and wash out with a mild shampoo.
2) Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Jamaican black castor oil has been touted all over the world for obvious reasons. It really works to strengthen hair and promote growth. It contains omegas 6 and 9 and vitamin E, which helps strengthen hair by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. This oil is generally thick, but if that is not a problem for you, march on soldier. If you want to reduce the consistency, add in another hair oil like jojoba or coconut oil. Use a one for one combination.
Do this: Get your muscles out and part your hair into sections so you can easily see your scalp. Generously apply the oil to all parts of your scalp. Wrap it up and let it work through overnight. Wash it off in the morning. If you cannot go to bed with an oily head, leave it on for no less than an hour, and then wash off with your regular shampoo. Since it is thick, you may need to shampoo twice, so for the second time, try to shampoo you hair only and not the scalp. That way you leave it on the scalp to continue working.
3) Pumpkin Seed Oil
Unlike its friends, Pumpkin seed oil is relatively new to this hair growth game. Making an entrance circa 2014. The properties in pumpkin seed oil block the bad hormone DHT that stifles hair growth. Using this oil helps block out the DHT hormone, thus promoting more hair growth. Pro Tip: double up on the benefits of this oil by adding pumpkin seed oil capsules to your daily vitamin regimen.
Do this: Take about 3 tablespoons of it and getting massage it onto your scalp and hair. Leave on for from about one hour to overnight, and wash off with your shampoo of choice.
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4) Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a light weight oil that like coconut oil is antimicrobial and anti-fungal targeting some bacteria and fungi. It is highly moisturizing, contains vitamin E which is good for hair growth, and is very similar to your body’s sebum, that once applied, it lets your body know that no extra sebum is necessary. And that’s a good thing. Sebum production does cause some level of hair loss. Make sure this is organic and expeller cold pressed.
Do this: Take about 3 tablespoons of it and getting massage it onto your scalp only. If you are okay with the oily feeling, carry on until you need to wash your hair. If not, wait about one hour before washing it off.
5) Argan Oil
Argan oil contains nourishing fatty acids and phenols, which both deeply moisturize the hair and promote hair growth. It is also rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. It can also help in reducing dandruff. It is light enough that it does not make your hair greasy but it sticks to the scalp and soaks in. Another cooling oil that is great for daily use.
Do this: Take about 3 tablespoons of it and getting massage it onto your scalp and hair. Leave on for about one hour or overnight and wash off.
In Conclusion
Consistency is key when trying to help your hair grow. Keep doing these hair oils as often as you can and no less than once a week. Everything takes time especially your hair. Also, be patient and as I state above, stress less! The day you decide to stress less, your body will relax a bit, triggering your brain to send nutrients to non-essential activities like hair growth. I hope you find what works for your hair, poppet.
Have you tried any of these oils? Let me know below!
Featured photo courtesy of unsplash.com
Article last updated on September 14th, 2021
