DIY Hair Oil Recipes for Growth, Shine & Scalp Health

For many, a hair oiling routine begins and ends with picking up a single bottle, patting some on, and calling it a day. But if you’re someone who loves experimenting—or just obsessed with creating the perfect formula for your hair—mixing oils lets you bring together the unique benefits of each one into a single blend.

I put this article together with one aim: to give you simple DIY hair oil recipes you can start with, especially if you’re at the beginning of your hair care journey.

And if you’d rather explore and make your own blends, I’ve also included a few guiding principles to help you do that safely and effectively.

Principles of Blending Hair Oils

When it comes to blending hair oils, the options are endless, and it would simply be impossible to list every recipe in a single article. I share my best proven picks in the next section, but chances are you may want to explore your own blends out of curiosity or simply because you love experimenting with your hair.

That’s why I’ve laid out a few guiding principles first so you can create endless blends that work safely and effectively for your hair type, all without needing to memorize dozens of fixed recipes. Take note of the following:

• Keep Carrier oils as the base. Carrier oils are the base oils like coconut, jojoba, batana, or almond that form the majority of any blend. They are gentle, nourishing, and safe enough to apply directly. Think of them as making up around 80–90% of your total mix, with the rest reserved for essential oils or add‑ins.

• Dilute essential oils properly. Essential oils bring targeted benefits like stimulating circulation or adding antimicrobial protection, but they’re highly concentrated. That’s why only a few drops are enough when diluted in a carrier oil. This keeps them safe for your scalp, avoids irritation, and still delivers the benefits.

• Balance heavy and light oils. Heavy oils like castor or coconut can be softened with lighter ones like grapeseed or argan so the blend doesn’t weigh your hair down. You can also add herbs or infused ingredients when you want to introduce traditional benefits such as shine, scalp soothing, or pigment protection.

9 DIY Hair Oil Recipes You Can Start Making at Home

For every recipe below, I’ve laid out what it’s best for, the exact ingredients, how to prepare and mix them step by step, and a short explanation of why the oils work well together.

I've also included proportions in mL for guidance, but if you’d like a bigger batch, you can simply scale up the quantities evenly.

Batana + Rosemary Blend

Best for: Deep conditioning and adding shine to coarse or dry strands.

Ingredients & Proportions (~30 mL total):

• 1 Tbsp batana oil

• 4 drops rosemary essential oil

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

Method:

Warm the batana and olive oil together until just softened, then stir in rosemary essential oil once cooled slightly. Massage into scalp with fingertips for 3–5 minutes, working down to the ends. Leave on for 30–60 minutes before rinsing, or overnight for deeper conditioning.

About the Recipe:

Batana oil, originating from the Miskito people of Honduras—often celebrated as the People of Beautiful Hair—has long been passed down for its nourishing and antioxidant-rich properties.

Rosemary, on the other hand, has been studied for its potential to support hair growth, with research even comparing its performance to minoxidil.

Together, they create a natural option for deep conditioning and shine while also stimulating scalp circulation. I also like that this blend has a lightweight feel, which makes it super easy to use every day.

Coconut + Curry Leaf Oil Blend

Best for: Root strength and delaying early graying

Ingredients & Proportions (~100 mL total):

• ½ cup coconut oil (about 100 mL)

• 1 handful curry leaves (about 20 leaves)

Method:

Warm the oil with the leaves until crisp. Strain the mixture carefully using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all leaf particles, leaving only the infused oil. Massage into scalp and leave for 30–60 minutes before washing. Works well as a quick pre‑wash treatment once or twice a week.

About the Recipe:

Coconut oil is one of the few oils proven to penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss, making it a reliable base for strengthening roots. Curry leaves, packed with vitamin B and antioxidants, are traditionally used in South Asia to help maintain natural pigment and prevent premature graying.

Castor + Olive Oil + Amla Blend

Best for: Scalp nourishment and growing thicker strands

Ingredients & Proportions (~90 mL total):

• 2 Tbsp castor oil

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 2 Tbsp amla oil

Method:

Pour in the castor, olive, and amla oils in a small glass bowl, then stir with a clean spoon or glass rod until evenly combined. You can gently warm the bowl by placing it over a larger bowl of hot water (avoid direct heat so the nutrients are preserved).

Once mixed, part your hair into sections, dip your fingertips into the oil, and massage it thoroughly into the scalp. Leave the blend on for 1–2 hours before washing.

About the Recipe:

You'll notice this blend is relatively thick and has a heavier texture. That said, it works better as a deep scalp treatment rather than a daily leave-in option.

It features castor oil, known for increasing scalp circulation and reducing hair breakage thanks to its rich supply of ricinoleic acid. Olive oil, abundant in squalene and fatty acids, smooths the cuticle to lock in moisture and adds a natural gloss.

Amla oil, derived from Indian gooseberry, brings high levels of vitamin C and polyphenols that act as antioxidants to counter free radical damage on the scalp. At the same time, it supports collagen synthesis that can keep follicles resilient.

Argan + Jojoba + Lavender Oil Blend

Best for: Lightweight shine with a calming finish for irritated scalps.

Ingredients & Proportions (~65 mL total):

• 2 Tbsp argan oil

• 2 Tbsp jojoba oil

• 5 drops lavender essential oil

Method:

In a small glass bowl, combine argan and jojoba oils, then stir with a spoon or glass rod until well mixed. Add lavender essential oil and blend gently. Apply a few drops onto damp hair ends, or part hair into sections and lightly massage into the scalp for a calming effect.

About the Recipe:

This recipe works beautifully as a daily leave-in serum because it’s light and non-greasy.

Argan oil, sometimes called “liquid gold,” is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids that smooth cuticles and add gloss without heaviness.

Jojoba oil closely resembles natural sebum, helping balance scalp oils and provide lightweight hydration.

Lavender essential oil not only calms skin irritation but also promotes relaxation, which can indirectly support healthier hair. Talk about a mini-spa experience right at home!

Neem + Tea Tree + Sesame Oil Blend

Best for: Dandruff control and soothing persistent scalp itch.

Ingredients & Proportions (~55 mL total):

• 3 Tbsp sesame oil (45 mL)

• 1 Tbsp neem oil (10 mL)

• 4 drops tea tree essential oil

Method:

In a small glass bowl, mix sesame and neem oil until blended. Add tea tree essential oil and stir. Using clean fingertips, part the hair into sections and apply directly to the scalp.

Massage gently for 3–5 minutes to help the oil absorb. Leave for about 30 minutes before rinsing with a gentle shampoo.

About the Recipe:

This recipe is a scalp-focused blend. Neem oil is valued in Ayurvedic tradition for its antifungal and antibacterial activity, making it effective against dandruff and flaking.

Tea tree essential oil, backed by dermatology studies, has antimicrobial properties that further help calm irritation and itch.

Sesame oil acts as the carrier, bringing nourishing fatty acids that condition the scalp and hair. Because the blend is potent, it’s best reserved as a once‑weekly treatment rather than a daily leave‑in.

Avocado + Aloe Vera + Peppermint Oil Blend

Best for: Reviving brittle hair and cooling the scalp after heat or styling damage

Ingredients & Proportions (~40 mL total):

• 2 Tbsp avocado oil

• 1 Tbsp aloe vera gel

• 3 drops peppermint essential oil

Method:

In a small bowl, whisk avocado oil with aloe vera gel until smooth. Add peppermint essential oil and stir to combine.

Use clean fingertips or a dye brush to spread the mixture onto the scalp and along hair lengths. Massage gently in circular motions, then leave for 20–30 minutes before rinsing.

About the Recipe:

This blend is best used as a quick hydrating scalp mask once a week rather than a leave-in, since the aloe makes it slightly sticky.

Avocado oil is rich in oleic acid and vitamins A, D, and E, which penetrate deeply into the shaft for moisture and elasticity.

Aloe vera brings lightweight hydration and enzymes that soothe and cool irritated scalp skin.

Peppermint essential oil provides a refreshing tingle and has been shown in studies to improve blood flow to hair follicles.

Sesame + Castor + Almond w/ Rosemary & Peppermint Blend

Best for: Stimulating growth while softening and thickening strands.

Ingredients & Proportions (~55 mL total):

• 2 Tbsp sesame oil

• 1 Tbsp castor oil

• 1 Tbsp almond oil

• 3 drops rosemary essential oil

• 2 drops peppermint essential oil

Method:

In a heat-safe bowl, combine sesame, castor, and almond oils. Warm gently using a water bath, then stir in rosemary and peppermint oils once cooled slightly.

Part the hair into sections and massage the blend into the scalp for 5 minutes. Spread leftover oil along the lengths. Leave for 45–60 minutes before shampooing.

About the Recipe:

With the abundance of healthy nourishing oils here, this recipe works well as a pre-shampoo treatment twice a week, especially for those looking to thicken their strands over time.

Sesame oil carries nourishing fatty acids that improve scalp hydration. On the other hand, castor oil, thick and viscous, is rich in ricinoleic acid that supports follicle health and may help hair feel denser.

Almond oil lightens the mix with vitamin E, reducing heaviness and adding softness.

As for the essential oils, rosemary has been examined in clinical studies for its ability to stimulate follicles and support growth.

Peppermint essential oil, with its menthol content, increases blood flow to the scalp and gives a cooling sensation, which can refresh tired roots and support healthier follicle function.

Rosemary + Lavender Oil Blend

Best for: Evening relaxation ritual that doubles as a gentle growth support treatment.

Ingredients & Proportions (~35 mL total):

• 2 Tbsp jojoba oil

• 4 drops rosemary essential oil

• 4 drops lavender essential oil

Method:

Pour jojoba oil in a small glass dropper bottle, then add rosemary and lavender essential oils. Cap and shake gently to blend.

At night, part your hair into sections and apply a few drops along the scalp line. Massage slowly in circular motions for 5 minutes, then smooth any excess oil through mid‑lengths. Leave it on overnight and wash in the morning.

About the Recipe:

This is the recipe you should go for if you want both healthy hair growth and real evening relaxation that helps you sleep peacefully at night.

Jojoba oil mimics natural scalp sebum, giving balanced moisture without greasiness, while rosemary essential oil carries most of the follicle‑stimulating potential.

Lavender adds that touch of calming aroma and mild antimicrobial properties, making the blend feel like a spa treatment while also keeping the scalp comfortable.

Mixed Oil Super Blend (with Batana)

Best for: All‑around hair and scalp nourishment

Ingredients & Proportions (~40 mL total):

• 1 Tbsp batana oil

• 1 Tbsp argan oil

• 1 Tbsp grapeseed oil

• 4 drops rosemary essential oil

Method:

Warm batana oil in a small boil until softened. Add argan and grapeseed oils, then stir until well blended. Mix in rosemary essential oil once cooled slightly.

Apply generously to scalp and hair lengths, massage for 5 minutes, then cover with a shower cap. Leave for 45–60 minutes before rinsing.

About the Recipe:

If you’re wondering why I call this the “super blend,” it’s because it brings together a mix of hair oils that I’ve personally found to deliver the best results when combined. Each one works well on its own, but together they act like a complete treatment—nourishing, strengthening, and adding shine all at once.

Batana oil delivers deep moisture and antioxidants, while argan oil adds vitamin E for shine. Grapeseed balances the blend with its lightness and keeps it from feeling greasy. Finally, rosemary essential oil supports circulation at the roots, giving the scalp that extra push for healthier growth.

Tips for Safe & Effective Use of DIY Hair Oils

Making your own homemade oil blends is exciting, but safety and proper use should always come first. Below are some tips to keep in mind:

• Do a patch test first. Apply a small amount of the blend to your inner arm and wait 24 hours to check for irritation before using it on your scalp.

• Never use essential oils undiluted. They’re too concentrated on their own and can cause burns or rashes. Always dilute them in a carrier oil.

• Avoid ingesting oils. DIY hair blends are for external use only and should never be swallowed.

• Keep away from eyes. If contact happens, rinse immediately with plenty of clean water.

• Stop at the first sign of irritation. Discontinue use if you notice burning, redness, or persistent itching.

• Wash thoroughly after use. Oils should not sit on your scalp for longer than 24 hours. Use a gentle shampoo, and double‑wash if the blend feels heavy.

• Massage properly. Use your fingertips in small circular motions for 3–5 minutes. Definitely check out our previous guide on mastering scalp massage if you want to dig in further.

Wrapping Up on DIY Hair Oil Recipes

There you have it—my top list of recipes that have worked for me and from hair care girlies kind enough to share their wisdom with the rest of us. Of course, with the blending principles we discussed earlier, you can always create your own mix that fits your hair goals and your budget.

But if you’re stuck in decision paralysis and just want a place to start, I recommend the batana + rosemary blend. It’s versatile enough for overnight deep conditioning or as a quick daily shine oil.

For more hair care tips, oil recipes, and science‑backed guides, head over to the Keyoma blog and keep experimenting safely.