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What are Hair Growth Oils?

Kay Paddock
Kay Paddock

When used for faster hair growth, essential oils are typically believed to stimulate the hair follicles and improve circulation of the scalp. Such hair growth oils are distilled from specific plants. The water is then removed from them during a filtering process. This leaves only the essential oils, which can be used for hair growth, aromatherapy, healthier skin, and a variety of other applications. Some of the most commonly used hair growth oils are tea tree, peppermint, jojoba, lavender, rosemary, basil, and olive.

Whether or not hair growth oils are truly effective is a matter of debate. The scientific community hasn't proven that these substances actually cause hair growth. Different oils that many people use as hair loss treatments also aren't scientifically proven to work. People who regularly practice alternative health and medicine usually consider the use of hair growth oils an effective way to make hair grow faster.

Lavender may be added to natural recipes to help stimulate hair growth.
Lavender may be added to natural recipes to help stimulate hair growth.

A product like hair growth olive oil may help stimulate follicles and foster circulation. Other products, however, are designed to clean, strengthen, shine, and moisturize individual hairs, rather than work below the surface of the skin. When purchasing essential hair growth oils, it is important to read the product labels carefully. Research into the type of oil can also help prevent the purchase of the wrong kind.

There are many oils that are claimed to be beneficial for hair loss.
There are many oils that are claimed to be beneficial for hair loss.

In addition to basic essential oils, commercial products that combine several ingredients are also popular. Wild Growth® Hair Oil is a product that contains several substances that work together. It contains coconut, jojoba, and olive oils, as well as other hair growth herbs. It's 100% natural, which is common in alternative health products. It was designed for African-American hair, but anyone can use it.

Coconut oil is said to strengthen hair and make it shinier.
Coconut oil is said to strengthen hair and make it shinier.

Those who prefer to purchase a single essential oil should look into its characteristics to see if it will do what they are hoping for. Jojoba oil, for instance, is commonly used as a hair loss treatment in addition to a hair growth product. Tea tree and rosemary are also often used as hair loss oils. Not all oils are said to regrow lost hair, but instead only foster longer and healthier locks.

Hair growth olive oil may help energize hair follicles and improve circulation.
Hair growth olive oil may help energize hair follicles and improve circulation.

Careful research into essential oils for hair growth is important for health and safety as well as beauty. Not all oils can be used safely at all times. Rosemary, for example, can help with dandruff and itchy scalp, but pregnant women and people with high blood pressure should avoid it. There is no government regulation on the sale of these oils, so it is important to look into the claims and potential side effects before using them.

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    • Lavender may be added to natural recipes to help stimulate hair growth.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      Lavender may be added to natural recipes to help stimulate hair growth.
    • There are many oils that are claimed to be beneficial for hair loss.
      By: viperagp
      There are many oils that are claimed to be beneficial for hair loss.
    • Coconut oil is said to strengthen hair and make it shinier.
      By: Valentina R.
      Coconut oil is said to strengthen hair and make it shinier.
    • Hair growth olive oil may help energize hair follicles and improve circulation.
      By: margo555
      Hair growth olive oil may help energize hair follicles and improve circulation.
    • Natural oils lend shine to hair.
      By: millaf
      Natural oils lend shine to hair.