Essential Oils for Hair Growth

May 3, 2021
Updated: December 28, 2021
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Hair follicles are living tissues that can stop producing hair properly when they become old or damaged. Several types of oils have shown promise in restoring health and function to hair follicles and promoting hair growth.

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”Genetic and hormonal changes are important factors in hair loss, but weathering and grooming habits take a toll on our hair as well.” (Assaf Monselise, MD, 2017 )

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Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula spica) oil is used in many cosmetic products because of its skin smoothing properties.  It is known to have stress-relieving effects, and can stimulate cellular growth.  On top of making your hair smell lovely, some people say that it can help with alopecia.  Recently, this claim has been backed by rodent studies which used 3% or 5% lavender oil to accelerate hair growth in shaved mice.1

Lavender Powder Dry Shampoo
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Rosemary

Another pleasantly-scented herb, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil is often used in fragrances and perfumes.  It has also been used medicinally by traditional practitioners for centuries, even as early as the ancient Egyptians.  Researchers have found that rosemary extract does indeed have a number of health benefits including improved circulation in microcapillaries, such as those that supply hair follicles.  A clinical trial on men with androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness) found that applying rosemary oil to their scalps regularly over the course of six months increased hair counts similar to topical minoxidil (a drug used for hair loss), though with less itching reported.2

JASON Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo
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Peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has been used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes for centuries. Its main active ingredient is menthol, which has been found to have multiple clinical applications in modern medicine.  This molecule has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.  In addition to being a digestive aid and promoting mental stimulation, peppermint oil has therapeutic potential as a hair loss remedy as well. Topical application of 3% peppermint oil to C57BL/6 mice increased hair follicle numbers and depth, and increased activity of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gene expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), markers of hair growth.3

Sun Essentials Oils Peppermint
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Pumpkin Seed

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) seed oil is a culinary specialty, but recently has also been reported to have antiandrogenic effects and clinical uses for men’s health, such as treating benign prostatic hyperplasia.  It has shown promise as an alternative therapy for male-pattern baldness as well.  In a clinical trial in 2014, men with androgenetic alopecia took 400mg pumpkin seed oil orally in capsule form daily for 24 weeks.  After the treatment period, participants had an average of a 40% greater hair count than at baseline.4

Leven Rose 100% Pure & Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil
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Arugula and beeswax

You might be familiar with arugula (Eruca sativa) as a salad green, which has a number of benefits for your overall well-being.  Less familiar is propolis, a sticky substance bees produce with beeswax and saliva to seal holes in their hive.  Mixing arugula seed oil with propolis makes a waxy product with hair follicle stimulating properties.5

Dr. Joe Lab Organic Pure Cold Pressed Watercress Oil

[1]   Pei S, Inamadar AC, Adya KA, Tsoukas MM. 2015. "Light-based therapies in acne treatment." Indian Dermatol. Online J.6(3):145-157. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4439741/

[2] Rai R, Natarajan K. 2013. “Lase and light based treatments of acne.” IJDVL 79(3):300-309. http://www.ijdvl.com/article.asp?issn=0378-6323;year=2013;volume=79;issue=3;spage=300;epage=309;aulast=Rai

[3] J[1] Kim RH, Armstrong AW. 2011. “Current state of acne treatment: Highlighting lasers, photodynamic therapy, and chemical peels.” Dermatology Online Journal 17(3):2.
https://escholarship.org/uc/item/0t40h9px).

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