Experts review the best hair growth oils for men and women

After having a bad haircut or experiencing significant hair loss, growing out your hair can feel incredibly slow. While microlink hair extensions make a great shortcut option, studies show that certain oils can naturally help boost hair growth when regularly applied and massaged into the scalp. And with today’s market and updated beauty technologies, brands are coming out with oils specifically designed to promote the hair growth process. Since there are a ton of options out there that feature various ingredients and cater to different hair types and concerns, we gathered a list of the best hair growth oils, serums, and extracts to help narrow your search.

To find the best hair growth oils, we tapped a panel of dermatologists, trichologists and plastic surgeons. With their expert insights in mind, we then researched and tested various hair growth oils and serums from top retailers and brands. Finally, we filtered our recommendations to standout products that actually promoted hair growth in our tests, contained ingredients proven to stimulate hair growth and were backed by clinical trials. We also considered other factors, including cost, hair type and scent.

Whether you’re dealing with COVID-19 hair loss or simply want to speed up your hair growth, here are the best hair growth oils and other hair growth products for women and men.

Best hair growth oil overall

Other top hair growth oils we recommend for 2024

Factors to consider when choosing a hair growth oil

• Hair treatment: Some products will help with thinning hair, while others will promote growth or will only help with exfoliating and moisturizing the scalp to promote a healthy environment. Make sure you choose the product that will treat the condition you are trying to correct.
  

• Ingredients: Look for products that contain time-tested botanicals and other compounds that have research behind them, such as rosemary, nettles, red clover and peptides. That said, many brand-specific formulas contain a proprietary hair growth technology or formulation, which may not be lab-tested or backed by mainstream science, in which case, do a thorough check of reviews.
  

• Consistency: Consider your hair texture and choose accordingly, such as opting for a lightweight formula if you tend to have an oily scalp or very fine hair.
  

• Budget: Since you'll likely need to stick with the product for at least three months to see the full effects, make sure you can spare three times the cost of the product.

How we tested

To find the best hair growth oils, serums, extracts and tonics, we started by consulting with our panel of dermatologists, trichologists and plastic surgeons. With their feedback and guidance, we researched and tested more than 27 industry-leading hair growth oils and serums.

We focused on products with proven ingredients that stimulate natural hair growth, were backed by clinical trials, promoted hair growth in our testers, cost, consistency and if the products helped with other concerns such as dry skin, or promoted lash or brow growth and commitment to ethical or clean beauty.

We also took into account customer satisfaction, before and after results, and eliminated any oils rated below 4.5 stars by general reviewers. We also looked at price, and brand reputation.

Other hair growth products that deserve an honorable mention

Two FDA-approved medications are regularly used to target hereditary hair loss: minoxidil which was mentioned above and finasteride. "These treatments have demonstrated positive results in stimulating hair regrowth," Henry explains. While minoxidil is cleared for OTC use in men and women, finasteride can only be obtained through a prescribing physician and can only be used by men and postmenopausal women. Hims, offers a hair regrowth serum containing both minoxidil and finasteride. However, finasteride has side effects that should be weighed with your prescribing doctor prior to use. We also saw promising results with KeraFactor's scalp-stimulating 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner and the scalp-stimulating serum. This product can only be obtained through the KeraFactor website or at your dermatologist's office.

FAQs

How do hair growth oils work?

According to hair experts and hair stylists, hair growth oils help stimulate blood flow and oxygen to the scalp, as is the case with rosemary oil. The oils also nourish and strengthen hair follicles and existing strands. Most of all, when applying hair oils, you will be giving your scalp a nice massage. This alone promotes circulation, which is proven to promote growth and a healthy scalp. Even if you're not battling thinning hair or hair loss, giving your scalp a daily massage is always a good idea. Plus, you can find other hair growth products such as vitamins and supplements to add to your regular routine to help stimulate growth.

How often should I use hair growth oils?

Nearly every oil will recommend using it on a daily basis to see the fastest results. That may not be feasible for those with fine hair or a scalp condition. Also, depending on the type of hair thinning or loss you're experiencing, you may not need to continue using it after your hair grows back (Stress-related hair loss, for example, is often reversible, while age-related hair loss can be more chronic).

How long does it take for hair growth oils to work?

It depends on the brand. Some brands, like Nutrafol, promise results in 90 days of consistent use, while all-natural, gentle oils can take around six months for you to see significant results. This timeline is in contrast to hair growth chemicals like minoxidil and finasteride, which often help hair grow faster but have a higher risk for side effects. Your biology also plays a role, as some will grow new hair faster than others. Keep in mind, healthy hair growth is about one centimeter per month, so while a product can help maximize growth, hair can only grow so fast.

Meet our experts

Dr. Amy Taub, board-certified dermatologist

Dr. Andy Goren, board-certified dermatologist and trichologist

Dr. Glenn Vallecillos, MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, board-certified dermatologist

Dr. Michelle Henry, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon

Dr. Alan J. Bauman, hair transplant surgeon

Dr. Rekha Singh, board-certified dermatologist

Meerika Khanna, certified trichologist