How to Regrow Hair Naturally: What Works & Common Myths

The word “natural” has become so muddied that it can mean almost anything these days. Here though, when we talk about natural ways to regrow hair, we’re referring to things you can buy over the counter or even find in your kitchen—like plant-based oils and lifestyle changes.

That also means we’re setting aside proven but medical approaches such as minoxidil, finasteride, PRP, or hair transplants.

In this article, we’ll focus on the natural methods worth considering and clear up the myths that often cause confusion. That way, you won’t waste money testing every new product on the shelf or rushing to the doctor before you’re ready.

Key Takeaways

• Plant-based oils like batana, rosemary, and peppermint can support regrowth, but always patch test first to avoid irritation.

• Everyday lifestyle habits such as proper rest, exercise, and gentle styling directly influence the hair growth cycle.

• Quick fixes and myths rarely live up to the promise. Consistent care over weeks and months is what truly supports regrowth.

Plant-Based Oils & Topicals

When we think of natural regrowth, plant-based oils are usually the first remedies that come to mind. These oils and topicals have been used for centuries and some even carry scientific backing for their effect on scalp health and the hair growth cycle.

Just a quick reminder: before you try any topical in our list below, always do a simple patch test. That way, you can rule out irritation or allergic reactions before applying more widely.

Batana Oil

Often called the "miracle oil" of Central America, batana oil has been passed down for generations as a scalp and hair treatment. It is rich in oleic and linoleic acids that help nourish follicles and restore shine.

If you've been keeping up with the Keyoma blog, we've already talked in depth about how batana oil helped regrow bald spots in just 4 weeks.

Of course, results will vary from person to person, but the bottom line is that it’s one of the few proven oils for regrowth. So it’s no surprise that it always comes up in hair‑nourishing oil conversations alongside coconut, jojoba, and castor oil.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil works by penetrating the hair shaft thanks to its medium‑chain fatty acids—especially lauric acid—which have a strong affinity for hair proteins. This allows it to bind to the keratin in strands, reducing protein loss and protecting against breakage.

It’s also useful if you’re dealing with scalp dryness or flaking. Coconut oil helps minimize those issues and, in the process, creates a healthier scalp environment that’s more welcoming for new strands to grow.

Jojoba Oil

Among the hair oils mentioned, jojoba oil is the one that closely resembles the natural sebum your scalp produces. This means it's a great moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores.

It also carries anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, which can be useful for those with scalp irritation. By calming the scalp and keeping it balanced, jojoba creates the right environment for healthier follicles and stronger regrowth.

You can use it as a leave-in treatment or blend with essential oils like rosemary or peppermint for added effect.

Castor Oil

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that nearly every list of natural topicals includes castor oil. This nourishing oil has a long-standing reputation in traditional medicine for thickening hair.

It contains ricinoleic acid, which supports circulation when massaged into the scalp, and that improved blood flow delivers nutrients to follicles, helping stimulate hair regrowth.

That said, it also carries a reputation for clogging pores and causing irritation. So apply it in moderation, and always in thin layers.

Peppermint Oil

Ah, that unmistakable peppermint smell! Beyond being refreshing, it points to the oil’s cooling effect, which increases blood flow to the scalp by triggering vasodilation—the widening of tiny blood vessels under the skin.

This improved circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients directly to the follicles, encouraging them to enter and stay longer in the active growth (anagen) phase.

In fact, a 2014 study showed peppermint oil stimulated the anagen phase of hair growth even more effectively than minoxidil.

Do keep in mind that peppermint oil is highly concentrated. To use it safely, dilute a few drops in a carrier oil like jojoba before applying. Never apply it directly.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has antimicrobial and calming properties that help keep the scalp free from harmful microbes while reducing inflammation. By lowering irritation and stress signals in the skin, it creates a healthier scalp environment where follicles can function normally and support new growth.

Personally, I keep lavender right next to peppermint on my shelf of spa-like nourishing oils. You can’t deny its calming scent, and when you think about how stress affects hair growth, the relaxing effect starts to make sense too.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is one of the most studied natural topicals. In fact, a randomized controlled trial compared it to 2% minoxidil and found similar improvement in hair count after six months.

What makes rosemary oil effective is its rich mix of carnosic acid and antioxidant compounds, which help reduce inflammation around the follicles and improve microcirculation in the scalp.

And as mentioned earlier, better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reach the follicle roots, and that directly encourages new strands to grow.

Aloe Vera

Did you know aloe vera has been used in ancient Egypt and India as a natural skin and hair tonic? That long history makes sense when you look at what’s inside. Aloe vera gel is rich in enzymes, amino acids, and polysaccharides that soothe scalp irritation and reduce dandruff.

These same compounds also help break down excess sebum and dead skin cells, keeping follicles from getting blocked. By maintaining a clear, hydrated scalp environment, aloe allows follicles to function properly, which directly supports the healthy growth of new strands.

Bee Venom

Now, something that’s been in the skincare game for years but is only starting to sprout in hair care conversations is bee venom. What makes it interesting is its mix of peptides like melittin and apamin, which stimulate keratinocyte activity and encourage vascular growth around the follicles.

That improved blood supply and cellular activity tie right back to hair regrowth, as it nourishes and reactivates dormant follicles.

It’s fascinating to see the research on bee venom, which is why I put together a more in-depth article about it. Definitely check that out if you want a deeper look at the science.

Everyday Habits That Promote Hair Regrowth

Most of us don’t realize it, but the way we live day to day can help—or hinder—our chances of hair regrowth. Simple things like how you wash, style, or even rest all add up over time.

I covered many of these in an earlier lifestyle tips article, and below are some of the most practical nuggets pulled from there.

Massage Your Scalp

A great way to make the most out of those hair-nourishing topicals we discussed earlier is to incorporate scalp massage into your everyday routine.

Regular scalp massage helps increase blood circulation to the follicles, delivering more oxygen and nutrients. That improved delivery nourishes the roots directly, creating the right conditions for follicles to enter the active growth phase.

To do this properly, use the pads of your fingers (not your nails) and gently press in small circular motions across the scalp. Aim for 4–5 minutes a day, either on its own or while applying oils like batana or rosemary for extra benefit.

Wash Your Hair at the Right Frequency

Washing helps clean your hair and maintain a balanced scalp environment, which is essential for healthy growth.

But you know what they say: too much or too little of something is never good. Washing too often can strip natural oils, while washing too little can cause buildup that clogs and suffocates follicles.

There’s plenty of debate about the “right” number, but without leaning too far on either side, I’d say wash your hair according to your hair type.

Two to three washes a week are usually fine, but if your hair is very oily, or if you sweat a lot or work outdoors where you’re often exposed to pollutants, then washing daily may be more beneficial.

While you’re at it, avoid harsh shampoos with sulfates or heavy silicones. Opt for gentle, sulfate‑free cleansers that keep your scalp healthy and leave follicles free to support new growth.

Minimize Tight Hairstyles

Now I know how those braids and ponytails look good, feel convenient, or are simply something you’ve gotten used to. But without a doubt, those styles can pull too tightly on your hair. That tension damages follicles over time and eventually leads to thinning around the hairline.

If you really love those hairstyles, my advice is to alternate styles to give your scalp a break. You could rock a braid today, then let your hair flow freely tomorrow, or switch to a looser bun. That variety keeps stress off the same follicles and helps protect against traction alopecia.

Get Enough Rest

Quality sleep is something we’ve known since elementary science to help our bodies reset and regenerate, yet it’s often taken for granted or ignored. Without enough rest, the scalp and follicles don’t get the time they need for repair and growth.

Poor rest keeps cortisol levels elevated, the stress hormone that’s linked with hair shedding and telogen effluvium. That constant stress environment makes it harder for follicles to stay in the growth phase.

Here are a few simple ways to improve rest:

• Use sleep masks or blackout curtains to block out light completely.

• Practice journaling or breathing exercises before bed to calm your mind.

• Keep devices out of reach so screens don’t interrupt your sleep cycle.

Stay Physically Active

Staying active keeps circulation strong, which means more nutrients and oxygen reach your scalp.

Aerobic exercises like running, cycling, swimming, or even a fast-paced dance class have been shown to lower cortisol and improve insulin sensitivity, both of which support a healthier hair growth cycle.

Strength training, like lifting weights, can be just as helpful. It improves overall metabolism and hormone balance, which indirectly benefits follicles.

If you’re not a fan of formal workouts or you simply aren’t the “active type,” walking counts too. No need to carve out a special workout slot. Walk to work, take the stairs, or stroll to the nearest store.

Eat a Healthy, Balanced Meal

Hair is made of protein, and without enough in your diet, strands can weaken and shed more easily, leading to hair loss instead of regrowth.

Furthermore, deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, zinc, and even omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to hair loss conditions like telogen effluvium.

So what should be on your plate?

• Lean proteins like chicken, eggs, or legumes

• Leafy greens like spinach or kale

• Fatty fish such as salmon or sardines

• Whole grains (e.g. quinoa, oats, whole wheat) that provide steady energy and B vitamins

Popular Hair Regrowth Myths

It’s easy to get caught up in hair advice passed around online or by word of mouth. The trouble is, many of these ideas aren’t backed by science. Let’s look at a few of the most common myths and what research really says.

Cutting Hair Makes It Grow Faster

Trimming your ends can make hair look healthier and fuller, but it doesn’t affect growth at the follicle. Hair grows from the root inside your scalp, not from the tip.

What regular trims do is prevent split ends from traveling up the shaft. That keeps your hair from looking thin and ragged.

Using Nourishing Oils Every Day Can Damage the Scalp

There’s nothing inherently dangerous about hair-nourishing oils themselves. In fact, batana oil has been used daily for generations with nothing but positive results.

Those stories you hear about hair becoming greasy or weighed down, or even scalp breakouts, usually come down to improper application or technique.

Castor oil, for example, when used excessively—especially if you already have an oily scalp—can clog pores and cause irritation if layered on too thickly.

All that said, the key is balance. Start with light applications and see how your scalp responds before moving on to heavier amounts or more frequent use.

Taking Biotin Helps Hair Grow

This is only true if you have a biotin deficiency, which is actually very rare, since you can get enough from your daily diet.

Biotin is often marketed as a hair miracle (hence why you see it in gummies and supplements everywhere), but if you’re not deficient, you’re basically pouring money down the drain. In fact, excess biotin in your system can even interfere with certain lab tests, such as thyroid function results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Are essential oils okay for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

Not always. Many essential oils haven’t been tested for safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and some, like rosemary or peppermint, may be too stimulating. The safest step is to avoid essential oils unless cleared by your doctor or midwife.

When should I see a doctor instead of settling for natural remedies?

See a doctor if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, shedding that lasts more than a few months, or if your scalp is painful or inflamed. These can point to conditions like alopecia areata, thyroid imbalance, or nutrient deficiencies that need medical testing and treatment beyond home remedies.

Is genetic hair loss or balding reversible by natural hair growth remedies?

Not completely. Genetic hair loss, known as androgenic alopecia, is progressive. Natural remedies may slow shedding and improve thickness in early stages, but they rarely reverse balding once follicles are dormant. In these cases, evidence‑based treatments like minoxidil or medical procedures are more effective.

How long before I notice results from natural remedies?

Most people need at least 8 to 12 weeks to see visible changes from oils, although for some, positive results can show as early as 4 weeks. Of course, don't expect overnight results as that is simply unrealistic. Consistency of weeks is what really pays off.

Can I combine natural methods with medical treatments like minoxidil?

Absolutely. You can pair natural methods like scalp massage, balanced nutrition, or diluted essential oils with proven treatments such as minoxidil or low‑level laser therapy. Just remember to test one change at a time so you can monitor what works best for your scalp.

Start With One Simple Habit to Support Hair Growth

Remember the saying, "It’s not a sprint. It’s a marathon"? The same applies to caring for your hair. You now have a list of the many natural ways to support regrowth, but ultimately, their effectiveness comes down to one thing: consistency.

That's why if you’re just getting started, I’d suggest beginning with something safe and simple, like using batana nourishing oil and practicing regular scalp massage. This tradition has been passed down through generations for good reason.

Alongside that, you can lean on quick wins like staying active, getting proper rest, and eating balanced meals every day.

Want more practical guidance? Head over to the Keyoma blog for additional tips and routines you can start today!