18 Best Oils for Hair Growth and Thinning Hair

You want to regrow hair—not gamble with another overpromised solution. You’ve seen the ads, read the reviews, maybe even searched Reddit for what people actually trust.

We’ve studied the oils that show up in science, tradition, and your search history. The ones backed by clinical data, passed down through generations, or praised by people going through the same thing you are.

Let's walk you through what works, why it works, and how to know what’s worth your time. No fluff. No chemicals. No synthetic shortcuts.

If you’ve felt frustrated, you’re not alone. Let’s help you figure out what your hair truly needs.

Why Hair Thinning Happens First

You might notice more shedding before you spot a single bald patch. That’s not random. Hair thinning usually starts beneath the surface—long before it becomes obvious.

If you’re trying to fix it with the wrong product, you won’t see results.

Here’s what can trigger thinning:

• Hormonal shifts like postpartum changes or perimenopause
• Chronic stress or sleep loss
• Inflammation from product buildup or scalp conditions
• Damage from heat styling, coloring, or chemical treatments
• Genetics or age-related follicle shrinkage

What to Look for in a Hair Growth Oil

You want results, but not at the cost of your scalp or your values. The right oil does more than coat your strands—it supports growth at the root.

If you’ve been overwhelmed by options, focus on what your scalp and follicles need to thrive.

Look for oils that check these boxes:

• Plant-based and cold-pressed, with no synthetic fillers
• Rich in nutrients that support blood flow and follicle activity
• Light enough to absorb without clogging pores
• Soothing for dry, itchy, or reactive scalps
• Safe for daily use—even if you’re postpartum or ingredient-sensitive

18 Best Oils for Hair Loss and Thinning Hair (Ranked & Compared)

Now that you know what causes thinning and what ingredients matter, it’s time to look at the oils people trust most. We’ve narrowed it down to those that show up in research, heritage routines, and real-world reviews.

If you’ve been unsure where to start, this comparison can help you match the right oil to your scalp, hair type, and goals.

Batana Oil

If your hair feels dry, brittle, or worn down by years of product use, this oil gives your scalp what it’s missing. Batana oil is rich in essential fatty acids that nourish follicles and support regrowth from the root .

It gained traction on TikTok for a reason—people saw real results. If you’ve tried everything else and still see hair in the sink, this is worth your attention.

We recommend it for anyone rebuilding texture, sealing in moisture, or recovering from breakage.  It works best as a scalp massage oil used two to three times a week.

Rosemary Oil

If you’re seeing the first signs of thinning, rosemary oil is a smart place to start. It’s one of the few natural ingredients shown in studies to perform like minoxidil—without the harsh side effects.

This oil works by increasing circulation around your follicles, helping them stay active longer. If your goal is to slow shedding or reactivate growth before it stalls, rosemary delivers.

We suggest it for anyone noticing receding edges, widening parts, or postpartum shedding. Use it diluted and massage into your scalp regularly for best results.

Peppermint Oil

If your scalp feels tense or irritated, peppermint oil helps reset that environment. It stimulates blood flow and creates a natural cooling effect that can calm inflammation and wake up sluggish follicles.

If you’ve felt tenderness near your part line or noticed flakes, this oil can offer quick relief while supporting long-term growth.

We recommend it for anyone with buildup, itchiness, or poor circulation near the scalp. Use it diluted and apply with light massage to avoid irritation.

Pumpkin Seed Oil

If you’ve noticed thinning at the temples or crown, pumpkin seed oil targets one of the most common causes—DHT. It contains compounds that help block this hormone, which can shrink follicles and shorten the growth cycle.

If your hairline feels like it’s slowly pulling back, this oil could help slow the shift.

We recommend it for early intervention, especially in men or anyone seeing pattern-related thinning. Use it as part of a regular scalp massage routine for best results.

Castor Oil

If you use protective styles or wear your hair in braids, castor oil helps you keep it strong at the root. This oil is thick, rich, and deeply nourishing—ideal for sealing in moisture and shielding your strands from breakage.

If your edges feel fragile or your hair breaks where it’s pulled tight, this oil can help restore strength over time.

We recommend it for anyone focused on retention, especially around the hairline or nape. Use it sparingly and concentrate on targeted areas.

Tea Tree Oil

If your scalp feels congested or reactive, tea tree oil helps clear the path. It’s known for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce itch, flakes, and buildup.

If your follicles feel blocked or your scalp overproduces oil, this oil can help create a cleaner foundation for new growth.

We recommend it for anyone dealing with scalp irritation, product residue, or signs of inflammation. Always dilute before applying and focus on problem areas.

Almond Oil

If your hair snaps easily or feels weak to the touch, almond oil can help rebuild its strength. It’s packed with vitamin E and magnesium—two nutrients that support hair structure and reduce breakage.

If you’ve been dealing with shedding after heat styling or coloring, this oil helps bring back softness without weighing hair down.

We recommend it for smoothing rough textures and reinforcing fragile strands. Apply it lightly along the lengths or use it as a pre-wash treatment.

Argan Oil

If your hair looks dull or feels coarse, argan oil helps bring back shine without leaving buildup. It’s loaded with antioxidants and fatty acids that smooth the cuticle and fight frizz at the source.

If your hair feels rough after styling or dries out between washes, this oil can help restore softness.

We recommend it for anyone managing frizz, dryness, or styling damage. Use a small amount on damp ends or as a finishing oil for added luster.

Coconut Oil

If your hair feels weak or breaks after every wash, coconut oil can help protect what you still have. It penetrates the hair shaft and reduces protein loss, which keeps strands stronger during heat or wash days.

If you’ve been losing hair during detangling or notice more split ends than usual, this oil helps prevent more damage.

We recommend it for anyone with medium to thick hair who needs deep repair and long-lasting moisture. Use it before shampooing or as an overnight treatment.

Jojoba Oil

If your scalp feels dry one day and oily the next, jojoba oil brings balance. It closely mimics your natural sebum, making it one of the most scalp-compatible oils available.

If you’ve been dealing with flaky patches or inconsistent oiliness, this oil can help regulate without clogging.

We recommend it for soothing dry scalps and supporting hydration where it’s needed most. Use a few drops on damp hair or massage into your scalp between wash days.

Olive Oil

If your hair feels stiff or lacks flexibility, olive oil helps restore softness from the inside out. It’s rich in oleic acid and antioxidants, which improve elasticity and protect strands from damage.

If detangling feels rough or your curls lose shape fast, this oil can help smooth things out.

We recommend it for anyone trying to soften coarse hair or protect against dryness caused by frequent washing. Use it as a weekly mask or mix with lighter oils to boost performance.

Lavender Oil

If your hair loss feels tied to stress or tension, lavender oil brings both calm and care. It promotes relaxation while supporting scalp circulation and microbial balance.

If your scalp feels sensitive or your body shows signs of burnout, this oil supports you in more ways than one.

We recommend it for soothing the mind and scalp at once. Use it as part of your nighttime ritual or blend into a carrier oil for weekly scalp massage.

Cedarwood Oil

If your scalp feels too oily or too dry, cedarwood oil helps bring it back to balance. It supports regulation of sebum production, which plays a role in both thinning and buildup.

If your roots get greasy quickly or your scalp feels inconsistent, this oil may help even things out.

We recommend it as part of a blend with rosemary or lavender for improved results. Use it diluted and massage gently into the scalp.

Chamomile Oil

If your scalp feels tender or reacts to most products, chamomile oil brings calm where it’s needed most. It soothes irritation and supports a more peaceful scalp environment.

If your hair looks dull or your scalp gets red easily, this oil offers relief and softness in one step.

We recommend it for sensitive scalps and anyone seeking gentle shine without buildup. Use it diluted or paired with jojoba oil for best results.

Grapeseed Oil

If your hair feels weighed down by heavier oils, grapeseed is a lighter option that still delivers. It’s rich in linoleic acid, which helps strengthen follicles and support healthy growth.

If you want nourishment without buildup, this oil gives your strands what they need—without making your scalp greasy.

We recommend it for fine or low-porosity hair that needs subtle hydration and scalp support. Use a few drops on clean scalp or mix into your favorite blends.

Sage Oil

If your hair feels thinner by the week or your scalp needs a reset, sage oil brings both protection and stimulation. It combines antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that help guard follicles and encourage new growth.

If your scalp feels inflamed or your strands lack fullness, this oil supports both skin and strand health.

We recommend it for building density and keeping your scalp environment clean and balanced. Use it diluted and massage into the scalp 1–2 times weekly.

Geranium Oil

If your scalp feels out of sync—too dry in spots, too oily in others—geranium oil can help level it out. It supports balanced sebum production and increases blood flow to the follicles, which is key for steady growth.

If your strands feel thin or lack moisture from root to tip, this oil helps hydrate while giving your scalp what it needs to function better.

We recommend it for improving scalp balance, adding lightweight moisture, and promoting overall strength. Blend with jojoba or rosemary oil for best results.

Avocado Oil

If your hair feels dry, brittle, or slow to grow, avocado oil works below the surface. It’s packed with monounsaturated fats and vitamin D—two nutrients that help nourish the scalp and strengthen follicles.

If you’ve been recovering from over-styling or sun exposure, this oil helps restore softness and shine.

We recommend it for deep moisture and long-term scalp support. Use it as a pre-shampoo treatment or blend into your weekly oiling routine.

How to Know Which Oil Is Best for You

If you're still unsure where to begin, you're not alone. Hair oil results can vary based on your scalp, habits, and the root cause of thinning.

We’ve reviewed community posts, firsthand accounts, and shared experiences—from Reddit threads to before-and-after stories—to help you learn what’s working for others like you.

• People with postpartum shedding often praise rosemary oil for its ability to restart growth without irritation
• Reddit users struggling with scalp buildup often turn to tea tree or jojoba oil to clear clogged follicles
• Castor and batana oils appear in threads about edge regrowth and breakage repair, especially in natural hair forums
• Many find success in layering oils or customizing blends based on their specific needs

The goal is to help you skip the guesswork and choose what fits your hair story best.

Ready to Start Seeing Less Hair in Your Brush?

You’ve seen DIY fixes, hyped serums, and quick-fix claims. Still thinning? Still guessing?

We focus on oils that support real regrowth, not surface-level shine—because your scalp deserves better.

If you’re ready to start fresh with something grounded in tradition and proven by real people, this is it.