Oils that promote hair growth….so I used to think hair oils were just another scam in the endless pit of beauty marketing. Like, cool, let me rub some ancient tree snot from the Himalayas into my scalp and maybe in 6 years I’ll have hair like a shampoo commercial goddess?

Spoiler alert: I was very wrong.

Turns out, oils that promote hair growth can actually work. Like for real. I’m not saying they’ll turn you into Rapunzel overnight (unless you find a magical frog that grants wishes in the shower—please let me know), but these babies? They changed my hair. My routine. My confidence. And yes, even my edges (they were in witness protection for a while).

So here we are. Me. You. A cup of coffee or maybe a sad mug of cold tea you forgot about. Let’s talk about the 7 oils that saved my hair and my sanity, one messy bun at a time.

1. Castor Oil – The Thick, Sticky MVP

You know that friend who shows up uninvited but always brings pizza and good gossip? That’s castor oil. Super thick, kinda annoying to wash out, but so worth it.

I started using this after my postpartum hair decided to evacuate like it owed taxes. I slathered it on my bald spots like frosting on a sad cupcake. Three weeks in, my baby hairs were doing the wave.

📝 Pro Tip: Mix with coconut or jojoba oil unless you want to fight your scalp with a bottle of shampoo for 30 minutes. You’ve been warned.

2. Rosemary Oil – Tiny Bottle, Big Drama

This one? Ohhh this one.

I saw it all over TikTok—girls massaging rosemary oil into their scalps like they were summoning ancestral strength. I was skeptical. But I tried it.

And holy herbs, it worked.

I’d apply it before bed, and in a few weeks, my hairline looked less like a disappearing shoreline and more like…a comeback tour.

Pro Tip: Always dilute. This stuff is potent. Straight rosemary oil will have your scalp singing the national anthem of irritation.

3. Coconut Oil – The Classic You Forgot About

Coconut oil is like that ex you swore off, but then they show up with good vibes and suddenly you’re like “Okay…maybe we can hang out just once.”

I had written it off as too basic. But mixed with a bit of peppermint oil? Chef’s kiss.

And let me tell you, detangling with coconut oil in your hair is smoother than my online shopping excuses. (“This isn’t a want, it’s a need!”)

4. Argan Oil – The Fancy Friend with Good Credit

Argan oil smells like someone who’s got their life together. It’s lightweight, doesn’t make you look like you fried your head in Crisco, and it leaves your hair soft like baby alpaca fur. (I assume. Never touched one.)

Back when I had to attend my cousin’s wedding with 48 hours’ notice, I used argan oil as a leave-in treatment and people legit thought I had a blowout.

I didn’t.

I just had argan oil and a prayer.

Bonus: You can use it on your face too. Multi-use = my broke brain is happy.

5. Peppermint Oil – Tingles and Miracles

This one’s wild. First time I used peppermint oil, I thought my scalp was having a spiritual awakening.

That tingle though? That’s the circulation boosting your hair follicles into beast mode.

Add a few drops to your carrier oil (castor, coconut, jojoba, etc.), massage it in, and boom—you’ll feel like you’re wearing a tiny hat made of minty fire.

Heads up: DO NOT use it undiluted unless you’re into crying in the shower and questioning life choices.

6. Jojoba Oil – The Chill, No-Drama Queen

If coconut oil is the messy ex, jojoba oil is the stable relationship that actually texts back and remembers your dog’s birthday.

It mimics the natural oils your scalp makes, so it’s perfect if you have oily hair but still want growth. I use this on no-wash days just to keep things moisturized without looking like I dipped my head in fry oil.

Also, it’s kinda magical for people with dandruff or itchy scalps. Trust me. I’ve had snowstorms on my shoulders before.

7. Onion Oil – Yeah, You Heard Me Right

Okay, don’t click away.

Yes, it smells like you’re prepping for stir fry. And yes, my husband did ask, “Are you making soup?” when I used it the first time.

But hear me out: this stuff WORKS. It’s rich in sulfur, which helps with hair growth and reducing breakage. I used it twice a week for a month and saw less hair in my brush, more baby sprouts on my hairline.

My Tip? Use it at night, wash it out in the morning, and maybe light a candle so your bedroom doesn’t smell like a hibachi grill.

Real Talk: What Worked For Me for oils that promote hair growth

I didn’t use all these at once. That would be chaos. And sticky.

What I did was test them out, one by one, for a couple of weeks each. My go-to blend now? Castor + peppermint + jojoba. I slap it on like I’m marinating a roast, wrap my head in a scarf, and binge true crime while it does its thing.

Hair growth oils aren’t magic, but they’re a heck of a lot more powerful than I gave them credit for.

And you know what? Even if your hair doesn’t grow down to your booty, just taking the time to massage your scalp, care for yourself, and pretend you’re in a self-care montage? That’s a win in itself.

Things I Learned the Hard Way for oils that promote hair growth

  • Don’t use too much oil. Your scalp needs to breathe, not drown.
  • Always patch test. Peppermint oil on a sensitive scalp = spicy regret.
  • Use a clarifying shampoo once a week. Otherwise, your hair gets gunky.
  • Be patient. Seriously. I know it’s hard. I check my hairline like it’s growing crops.

Wanna Try It Yourself?

You can find most of these oils at:

  • Mountain Rose Herbs
  • iHerb
  • Or honestly, your local TJ Maxx if you’re feeling adventurous (bless their chaotic shelves).

I’m not a hair guru or scientist or fairy godmother—just someone who tried stuff, failed a bunch, and finally found some things that worked. Hopefully, it helps you too.

And if nothing else, at least you’ll smell like a refreshing herbal salad. Or soup, depending on the oil.

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