3 Best Oils for Hair Growth (and DIY Hair Oil Recipe)
I have a hard time finding shoes. Thereโs nothing wrong with my feet. They are symmetrical, well arched, and a size 4.
But still, most shoes are either too narrow, too broad, too hard or too softโฆ and the list goes on. And even if they pass all these criteria, then they are likely to bite me. So yes, itโs a bit of a task finding shoes that ticks all the boxes. And when I do find the โright fitโ, itโs one of the great joys for me.
Because I walk a lot, I donโt like to compromise on the โright fitโ.
Likewise, when it comes to hair care, finding the right hair oil can be a bit of a challenge. Well, I am not spoiling you for choices, but I have listed below 3 most amazing oils that work wonders for hair. I am positive your hair will love them.
But before we delve into the oils, let me tell you why apply oil on hair
The short answer is because itโs really really good for your hair.
And the long answer is this:
When you oil massage, it stimulates the scalp circulation and brings with it more oxygen and nutrients for your hair follicles. More nourishment means your hair will grow healthier and stronger. Plus, every oil has its own unique qualities, which can further enhance the look and health of your hair.
Best Oils for Hair Growth:
1. Coconut Oil
2. Olive Oil
3. Almond Oil
1. Coconut Oil Helps Thicken Your Hair
Coconut oil was not always world-famous. Itโs only in the last decade that it has garnered so much attention in the west. Coconut oil is the Asian hero, where people use it in cooking, moisturising, and of course, hair care.
Coconut oil hair massage is a common practice in the Indian subcontinent. If you see a South Asian woman with long, thick and shiny hair, you can, by default, give credit to the lovely-white-creamy-coconut-oil. (Although some north Indians would argue over this as they are die-heart fans of mustard oil, the topic of discussion for some other time. Let coconut oil be the star now).
So why is coconut oil so fabulous for hair?
Coconut oil is largely composed of medium-chain fatty acid, which includes lauric acid, capric and caprylic acid. These are โhealthy fatsโ that help to beautify your hair and keep the scalp healthy.
All thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. They fight the fungus and get rid of bad bacteria that may be lurking on your scalp. So you will have no more itching, scratching or flaky scalp. And when your scalp is clean and healthy, it will grow strong, shiny, beautiful hair without any hindrance. Itโs a win-win!
Besides, one of the fatty acids โ lauric acid โ has a special liking for hair proteins. Due to its tiny molecules, itโs able to penetrate within the hair strands and protect protein loss from the hair. Regular use of coconut oil will literally pump up your hair strands and make them thicker and voluminous. ย Who doesnโt want that, especially if you have thin or limp hair?
Will Coconut Oil Work for Every Hair type?
Unfortunately, the answer is โNoโ.
It wonโt work for everyone. Coconut oil works best for those with normal and oily hair. Also, if you have thinning, balding hair, coconut oil will be very beneficial for you.
But if your hair is coarse and dry, coconut oil can cause your already dry hair to become drier due to protein overload.
But donโt worry, for dry hair there is โOlive Oilโ to moisturise and nourish.
2. Olive Oil Moisturises and Nourishes Hair
A popular oil from the Mediterranean region, Olive oil is another superb oil for your hair. In olden times it was used more for body massage, to prevent sports injuries and to relieve muscle fatigue, and less so for hair.
But I would highly encourage you to give it a go, especially if your hair is dry, damaged, coarse, with fly-aways and frizz. Make olive oil your friend. The high oleic acid in this lovely oil makes it an intense conditioner and moisturiser. That is why itโs also a favourite ingredient in store-bought-conditioners.
Another advantage of olive oil for dry hair types is that it has humectants properties. It draws moisture from the outside air into your hair strands, making it soft, shiny and elastic โ so you have less breakage and split ends.
And thereโs more to olive oil goodness. This beautiful green tint oil contains high amounts of โsqualeneโ โ which is also present in our skinโs natural oils. And again, squalene too offers amazing moisturising and softening benefits.
So olive oil has triple moisturising power, which is superb for those with dry, brittle hair!!
Besides, olive oil has tons of vitamin E and polyphenols. They help to repair and regenerate damaged hair follicles and promote strong, healthy and lustrous hair.
You may also like: Olive Oil and Egg Hair Mask for Gorgeous Hair
3. Sweet Almond Oil Works for All Hair Types
Almond oil is a lovely light, non-greasy oil with a delicate, sweet aroma. One of the well-known benefits of almond oil is to keep your skin and hair looking great. We are talking sweet almond oil here, as the bitter variety could be a skin irritant.
I call almond oil all-rounder because it works for every hair type and every hair problem. So if your hair is dry or oily, thick or thin, curly or straight, you can rely on this wonderful oil.
Almond oil is one of the highest sources of vitamin E. And, as you may know, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect your hair follicle from all sorts of damage โ sun, pollution, and toxins. If you are dealing with hair loss and damaged hair, almond oil head massage will bring health and strength to your weak hair.
Almond oil is also moisturising and conditioning. Itโs light oil. So unlike other oils, it doesnโt feel very greasy. You can use almond oil to soften your dry, dull hair, as well as to add lustre and amazing shine to it.
And if you are suffering from eczema, psoriasis or dry, flaky scalp, almond oil is a suggested natural remedy. The main culprit for skin conditions is poor diet and stress, so along with addressing those, a nice massage with almond oil can bring great relief.
That was all about the hair oils. Now letโs see how to use themโฆ
How to Apply Oil on Your Hair
Using Oils for Head Massage is Simple and Easy.
Take 2-3 tablespoons of oil of your choice: coconut or olive or almond oil.
If your coconut oil is solid, simply warm it to liquefy. Dip your fingers and apply this mixture on onto your scalp.
Now itโs time for a massage. I like gentleย massage as itโs not rough on the roots and a slow rhythmic movement also stimulates hair follicles โ which promotes healthier and faster hair growth. I donโt time myself, but about 2-4 minutes is the massage time.
Let the oil soak in for an hour at least or overnight for extra effect. Wash out with a SLS-free natural shampoo. You can also use homemade egg shampoo or my favorite ree-shi shampoo.
Mix Two or More Oils to Create a Massage Blend
You donโt have to, and two is not necessarily better than one, but it helps bring more nutrients to hair follicles. Itโs fun and satisfying to create your own oil blend. Here are some of my favorite ones:
Stimulating Hair Oil (Recipe 1)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon almond oil
- 3 drops rosemary essential oil
Moisturising and Conditioning Hair Oil (Recipe 2)
- ยฝ tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon almond oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 drops lavender oil
Where to Buy the Oils
You will easily find all the above oils in your grocery store or health food store, or online. But before you buy, make sure the oils are cold-pressed and unrefined or virgin oils. The refining process uses a lot of bad chemicals and strips the oil of many nutrients and vitamins.
You can buy cold pressed unrefined oils here:
Finding anything that fits perfectly is not easy. Itโs the same with the shoes and also with the oils, so now that you have a good knowledge of each one of them, itโs time to get DIYing!
You have a great hair day!
Which is your favoriteย hair oil? I would love to hear, do share in the comment box below!
You may also like:
Why Coconut Oil is a Simple and Effective Way to Stop Hair Loss
Castor Oil to Stimulate Thick Hair Growth
The Ultimate Hair Mask for Dry, Coarse Hair
How to Make Amla Hair Oil: Promotes Growth and Prevents Greying
