Skip to Content

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

Derms Say These Hair Growth Oils and Serums Actually Work

Rapunzel, Rapunzel...

Headshot of Brigitt EarleyBy Brigitt Earley
best hair growth oils, creams, and serumspinterest icon

It may seem like the hair on your legs grows faster than your at-home waxing routine can keep up with. So why is it that the hair on your head seems to take ages to get to the length of your dreams, despite pulling out all the stops—nourishing shampoos, coconut oil treatments, and even hair growth supplements? Sometimes, no matter what you do, it just seems like your hair will. not. grow.

Thankfully there's another option for wishful Rapunzels. Turns out, hair growth oil could be your ticket. Though more research is needed, there are a few studies that show specific oils aid hair growth—specifically bergamot oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and peppermint essential oil, says Gretchen Frieling, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist in Boston. How? Though each specific oil functions a bit differently—some encourage regrowth, some enhance thickness—they all generally nourish the scalp in a way that stimulates hair follicles, says Frieling.

Our Top Picks
:

  • 1
    Hair Growth Oil with Caffeine and Biotin

    Best for Scalp Health

    EssyNaturals Advanced Hair Growth Oil with Caffeine and Biotin

    $18 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

    Best Budget Buy

    Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

    Read more
  • 3
    Hair and Scalp Growth Elixer

    Best Vegan

    Shedavi Hair and Scalp Growth Elixer

    Read more
  • 4
    Castor Oil

    Most Versatile

    PURA D'OR Castor Oil

    Read more
  • 5
    Healing Oil

    Best for Thickness

    Virtue Healing Oil

    Read more

And, hey, you've really got nothing to lose: At the very least, hair growth oils will leave your strands silkier and stronger. These serums have tons of other scalp-friendly and hair-boosting benefits. The right serums can also help prevent split ends, tame frizz, and define curls, says Dominic Burg, chief scientist, biologist, and trichologist for èvolis.

Sold? You don't have to look far for worthy options. Dermatologists and trichologists say these are the best hair growth serums and oils to stimulate your hair follicles ASAP.

1
Best for Scalp Health

EssyNaturals Advanced Hair Growth Oil with Caffeine and Biotin

Hair Growth Oil with Caffeine and Biotin
1
Best for Scalp Health

EssyNaturals Advanced Hair Growth Oil with Caffeine and Biotin

Now 34% Off
$18 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon

Essy is a popular option because it contains castor oil, an ingredient that's rich in omega-6 fatty acids, as well as vitamin E, says Sonia Batra, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and former cohost of The Doctors. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that calm inflammation in the scalp.

2
Best Budget Buy

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
2
Best Budget Buy

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

Credit: Target

Peppermint essential oil has been reported to benefit hair growth and increase thickness, because it contains menthol—an ingredient that helps increase blood flow to hair follicles, says Frieling. This invigorating formula also contains biotin—another important protein for hair.

A vegan formula that contains a powerful punch of oils proven to promote hair growth, including argan oil, coconut oil, castor oil, and tea tree oil.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Most Versatile

PURA D'OR Castor Oil

Amazon’s Choice
Castor Oil
4
Most Versatile

PURA D'OR Castor Oil

Credit: Amazon

Pure castor oil is also a worthy option for anyone looking for a pure formula, says Batra. Plus, this one, which hydrates skin and hair, is also appropriate for lashes and brows.

5
Best for Thickness

Virtue Healing Oil

Healing Oil
5
Best for Thickness

Virtue Healing Oil

Credit: Sephora

Keratin-based products, like this one, may help increase thickness, since it is one of the building blocks for hair, says Anna Guanche, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles.

6
Best Clinically-Proven

Foligain Triple Action Complete Formula for Thinning Hair

Triple Action Complete Formula for Thinning Hair
6
Best Clinically-Proven

Foligain Triple Action Complete Formula for Thinning Hair

Credit: Amazon

This lightweight formula infuses strands and the scalp with key nutrients and botanicals for healthier and thicker-looking hair, says Howard Sobel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. It also smooths and shines.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Best for Fine Hair

Evolis Professional Promote Activator

Promote Activator
7
Best for Fine Hair

Evolis Professional Promote Activator

Credit: Bloomingdales

A non-greasy hair growth serum that uses natural botanicals tested in two blinded placebo controlled clinical studies to boost hair growth, hydrate strands, and protect long hair from damage.

8
Best Salon Pick

Kerastase Elixir Ultime L'Huile Original Hair Oil

Elixir Ultime L'Huile Original Hair Oil
8
Best Salon Pick

Kerastase Elixir Ultime L'Huile Original Hair Oil

Now 48% Off
Credit: Kerastase

Apply one to two pumps onto wet or dry hair to smooth and nourish locks. The formula contains argan oil—an oil that has been shown to promote hair growth in some studies, says Guanche.

9
Best Essential Oil

Handcraft Blends Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot Essential Oil
9
Best Essential Oil

Handcraft Blends Bergamot Essential Oil

Credit: Amazon

Because bergamot oil helps heal and reduce inflammation, it calms the scalp and decreases dryness, allowing for healthy hair growth, says Frieling. To use as a hair growth serum, simply add a few drops to your normal shampoo.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Best Homemade Hair Growth Oil

Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
10
Best Homemade Hair Growth Oil

Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Credit: Amazon

For a simple and natural, yet effective homemade hair growth serum, combine aloe vera gel, rose essential oil, grapeseed oil, and coconut oil, says Rina M. Allawh, a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia. For an even simpler recipe, mix one part castor oil with three parts coconut oil.

Headshot of Brigitt Earley
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

Watch Next
 
preview for Oprah Daily US - Beauty Playlist

Hair

best products frizzy hair

18 Products That Reduce Frizz and Add Shine

best conditioners for curly hair

10 Best Curly Hair Conditioners for Summer

blue shampoos 2023

Banish Brassiness with Blue Shampoo

the concept of eco cosmetics packaging natural organic skin care for face beauty routine beautiful splashes in the sun

The 11 Best Hair Oils for Dry Hair

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
twitter icon
facebook icon
instagram icon
pinterest icon
Hearst Lifestyle and Design Group

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

©2023 Oprah Daily LLC. All rights reserved.

Privacy NoticeYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutCA Notice at CollectionTerms of UseSite Map
Cookies Choices