If you're looking for Rapunzel-length locks, hair growth oils will be your very best friend. Well, perhaps not as long as Rapunzel's, can you imagine dealing with the hairbrush mess and the clogged drains? No, thanks. But, luscious long hair at a reasonable length is totally achievable with the best hair oils, but we understand if you're unsure as you're reading this. A lot of 'hair growth' products can say a whole lot on the label, but not actually do much in real life. And we're not here to waste your time. So, welcome to the ultimate guide to the best hair oils to shop online that actually work to grow your hair. Lengthy locks, here we come.
heat's best hair growth oils at a glance:
Editor's Choice: Grows-Mary Hair Syrup, £18.50 on Beauty Bay
Best rosemary hair growth oil: Nature Spell Rosemary Oil For Hair & Skin, £7.98 on Sephora
Best hair growth oil for thinning hair: Dabur Amla Hair Oil, £4.49 on Superdrug
How do hair growth oils work, exactly? According to research done by the National Institute of Health, oil in comparison to other substances has enhanced penetration, and so the hair oil "reaches up to the hair follicle, and increases the circulation of the scalp". This thereby increases hair growth, while reducing greying of hair (double win).
There are many different types of hair growth oils, each suiting a particular need one has. Plenty of hair oils have ingredients such as rosemary, which, according to Medical News Today, helps by killing "fungi and bacteria" on the scalp. "So, when hair loss is due to an infection or unhealthy scalp, rosemary oil might help." Other ingredients found in hair oil, such as mint, help stimulate nerve growth which speeds up the process.
All of these elements and more can be found in our list of the best hair growth oils below, within which products can be bought from Amazon, Boots, Look Fantastic and more. Let's take a gander, shall we?
SHOP: The best hair growth oils
Editor's Choice
It's fitting that the word Mary is featured in Hair Syrup's viral Grows-Mary formula because it's our hail-mary when it comes to hair growth. We've already done a Hair Syrup product review because we're such big fans of the brand. Similar to their Rapunzel Syrup formula, Grows-Mary is a pre-wash treatment enriched with rosemary and thyme, known for its ability to boost hair growth and reduce hair loss. I mean, just look at TikTok - everyone and their mother is raging about its results. Obsessed.
Customer reviews: "This makes my hair feel so silky and has thickened my hair since using it."
"My second bottle. Have used 1-2x per week and enjoying this oil. I have had some growth and my hair feels better."
"I love these hair oils, this one for my scalp, I have noticed a huge improvement in my hair in every way since using this regularly. Very refreshing."
Pros
- Thickens and lengthens hair
- Rosemary, Thyme, grape seed and sweet almond work to soften the lengths
- No greasy residue
- Vegan
Cons
- Pre-wash treatment only
Best rosemary hair growth oil
www.sephora.co.uk
Another TikTok viral favourite, the Nature Spell Rosemary Oil is the rosemary oil you'll want for long locks (read our research above for why rosemary is the bomb). For under £10, you get a hair oil you can use for lengthening, strengthening, fighting dandruff and adding shine. Bonus points - you can use it on your skin too! Yes, using rosemary oil on the skin encourages circulation and lymphatic drainage, therefore expelling toxins from the skin.
Customer review: "I’ve only used this for 2 days since the day I got it, and the results are already showing up!! It takes at least several months to work and improve hair growth, but so far in my 2 days of using this, my hair has gone thick and super soft! It’s not like the TikTok ads you see all the time, but the product is really good. You don’t have to dilute it with other oils as well, you just add it straight in, wait an hour or overnight and wash it out just like that! It’s so easy and you’ll get the best results. Amazing for the price too! I recommend this product so much so if you are looking at reviews or willing to buy this it’s your sign to do so!"
Pros
- Reviews rave about its results kicking in within days
- Adds strength and shine
- Also fights dandruff with antibacterial properties
- No need to dilute
Cons
- No pipette included
Best hair growth oil for thinning hair
www.superdrug.com
If there's any culture of women who know how to maintain good hair, it's the women of South Asia. Referred to as "Desi girls", these ladies use oils such as the Dabur Amla Hair Oil to create length in their gorgeously shiny hair. Enriched with Alma (Indian gooseberry) as well as a blend of vegetable and mineral oils, this stuff is gold dust.
Customer review: "I am so obsessed with this oil! My hair has been thinning for as long as I can remember. I've been using this oil, massaging it into my thinning parts for about 2 weeks now and I can tell a huge difference already! I never thought it would ever grow! I'm so pleased. It makes my hair so silky, healthy and soft. I will be buying this for the rest of my life!!"
Pros
- Authentic Indian hair oil enriched with Alma
- Ideal for people suffering with thinning hair
- Silky, healthy hair growth
Cons
- Dyes your hair if used frequently over time - for people with dark hair only
Best TikTok-viral hair growth oil
www.sephora.co.uk
Oh wait, you thought that was the end of the TikTok viral hair growth oils? You were sorely mistaken. Mille's Rosemary Minty Scalp has also gone viral due to its incredible abilities, made with a biotin infusion of more than 20 natural oils/ingredients that promote growth at the root. It's also fantastic at smoothing split ends, which is a big plus for us.
Customer review: "Unfortunately, my hair experienced significant thinning as a result of contracting COVID-19. Desperate for a solution, I came across this product that had gone viral on TikTok, with claims of promoting hair growth. Well, TikTok wasn't exaggerating! I've purchased this product three times already and can see myself continuing to do so due to being so effective.
My routine involves using it 2-3 times a week, applying it the night before I plan to shower in the morning. I distribute several vials onto my scalp and use a scalp massager to massage it in (also bought on Amazon - lol!). With consistent use, I've witnessed a remarkable transformation in my hair. It's become noticeably thicker and fuller, with lots of new baby hairs sprouting, very happy with the results! One bottle typically lasts me around 3-4 months, making it both effective and cost-efficient. This product has truly been a game-changer for me during a challenging time."
Pros
- Pipette design to apply at the root
- Rosemary and mint cleanse the scalp
- Biotin infusion of 20 natural oils
Cons
- Heavy formula, best used at night
Best hair growth oil for fine hair
www.lookfantastic.com
If you have fine hair, you don't want a heavy thick formula greasing up your roots. Rapunzel would never. Therefore, opt for the Grow Gorgeous Hair Growth Serum which stimulates and lifts the roots, while promoting growth. This hair serum is filled with natural ingredients such as Biomimetic Peptide, Chinese Scullcap, Organic Pea Sprouts and Red Clover. A luxurious formula, it can be used on towel-dried hair or dry hair, and will not build up grease on the scalp. We love this as much as the Pantene hair serum, so it is high praise from us.
Customer review: "Bought this as I regularly dye my hair so it does get damaged and I wanted to encourage growth…it’s been two weeks of applying morning and night and I’ve noticed a huge difference and it doesn’t leave hair greasy!"
Pros
- Increase the thickness, fullness and overall density of each strand by up to 13%
- Ingredients stimulate nerves in the scalp to stimulate growth
- Vegan and gluten-free
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive scalps
Best protein-building hair growth oil
www.lookfantastic.com
Peptides are protein builders which create stronger strands for you to whip back and forth whilst blasting out Willow Smith. The Ordinary never disappoint with its products, and the Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density is no exception. Working similarly to Olaplex products, it is created with an emollient base for effective penetration and utilises a 21.15% concentration of technologies for maximum results. Sciencey - we love it.
Customer review: "I have been using it for a few months and started seeing some baby hair slowly growing. It does take a while to see effect like what other influencers stated. I have used 1 bottle once a month. A bit costly but it seems the only one available in the market at an affordable price point."
Pros
- Created with several lab-made peptide complexes to promote denser hair
- Free from alcohol, silicone, nuts, vegan and gluten
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Will take a few months to start seeing results
Best lightweight hair growth oil
www.boots.com
You're rushing to work in the morning - you want to add something to your hair that'll help your hair growth journey but don't want to walk into the office looking like a ball of grease. Enter - the Lee Stafford Grow Strong & Long Stimulating Scalp Serum. Ultra lightweight, and infused with a lush scent (acting as a sort of hair perfume), this formula can be used whenever to stimulate your scalp.
Customer review: "I used to see Lee Stafford products very often in Boots drug stores, but never bought one. After using other products, I thought that nothing would help my thin hair which grows very slowly. One day almost accidentally when in a hurry I bought Lee Stafford hair growth serum and decided to try it. I even didn't realise how quickly my hair started to grow after using this serum for a few months. Also, even if the bottle seems small, you need to use just a little bit of this serum, so you can use it for a long time. I want to buy it again and would want to try shampoo also. I think I found something that really works for my hair type. I could say that Lee Stafford products are worth trying because it has some effect on hair."
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Smells amazing
- Plant-based proteins build stronger, longer strands
Cons
- Sits better on wet hair
Best hair growth mask
www.percyandreed.com
Looking for something to truly treat yourself on hair wash day? Why not go for a hair mask instead of an oil to grow your hair? The Percy & Reed Give Me Strength Strengthening Hair Mask is scientifically proven to leave hair 66% stronger after just one use. Using its main active ingredient, Sweet White Lupine, the formula encourages cell metabolism and circulation at the scalp level, supporting new hair growth and inhibiting hair fallout.
Customer review: "I really like this product it gives my straight very fine baby hair the feeling and appearance of being thicker and it definitely is much easier to style after I use it. It makes my hair feel and look in a much better condition. I don’t have the time to leave it on for as long as recommended so probably only leave it on for maybe 5-7 minutes before rinsing out but I am still very happy with how my hair looks and feels after using it and it definitely makes styling my hair easier. I would recommend you give it a try. In comparison to other products, I think it is very reasonably priced as you don’t have to use much to get a good result. I Do have to change between products as I usually find my hair gets used to products but I have been using now for about 3 months and I am still happy with the results."
Pros
- Treat yourself with a rich hair mask
- Sweet White Lupine encourages hair growth
- Wheat proteins and amino acids to replace the protein lost in styling
- Suitable for sensitive scalps
- Gluten-free, vegan, silicone and parabane-free
Cons
- Not a leave-in treatment
Best hair growth tonic
www.hollandandbarrett.com
Did you think Weleda just made amazing moisturisers? Think again. The Weleda Rosemary Revitalising Hair Tonic is a post-wash treatment, much like apple-cider vinegar rinses are used, to enliven the scalp, assist growth and strengthen the shaft of each hair. Especially useful for dried-out, bleached hair in need of a drink (literally), this certified natural product will stimulate the scalp as it sits lightly on the roots, getting rid of greasy hair residue.
Customer review: "My hair feels thicker and healthier at the root after using this product from Weleda. It smells lovely and you can use it on damp or dry hair and in-between washes. You only need a small amount too, so this should last a while. Happy with this product for sure."
Pros
- Post-wash leave-on tonic
- Aids growth and strengthens the shaft of strands, helps fight dandruff
- Ideal for bleached hair
- Doesn't leave hair greasy
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive scalps
Best hair growth water
erbology.co
Our final option is something a little lighter than everything above - hair growth water. Erbology sells a collection of amazing natural waters, including Rose Water, Lavender Water, and of course, Rosemary Water. You can use it as a post-hair-wash-day rinse, and the concentrated rosemary essence will begin to work on your scalp straight away. It's back to basics, in the best way possible. Plus - you can drink it- yes! Add 1-2 tsp to a glass of sparkling water for a creativity-boosting drink.
Pros
- Pure rosemary essence
- Can be used as a rinse, or added to hair products such as a mask for a growth boost
- Non-GMO, vegan
Cons
- No reviews on the site currently
Hair growth FAQs
We spoke to Tyler Moore, Expert Stylist at Live True London, on the magical subject of ✨hair growth✨. He answered the most pressing questions we had about growing your hair faster and the products that'll aid you the most on that journey. Here are his insightful hair care tips and tricks below.
Do hair growth oils work?
Hair growth oils don’t technically make your hair grow faster, but they do work to improve your overall scalp and hair health which can in turn lead to hair growth. They can provide vital ingredients to your hair and scalp that aid in the prevention of hair loss, making your hair appear to grow more, and the massaging application of most oils to the scalp will increase blood flow and provide benefits for hair growth.
When to apply hair growth oil?
We love to use hair oil before every hair wash - apply evenly across the scalp and use a scalp massager or your fingers to gently work the oil into your skin. Leave for at least 15 minutes, depending on how fine and oil-prone your hair is, then wash out with shampoo. If your hair is thicker and can withstand oil, leave it on overnight.
How often do you use rosemary oil for hair growth?
Rosemary oil, like peppermint oil, has the same great benefits for maintaining scalp health and improving blood flow to the hair follicles, helping to prevent hair loss and greying. Use at least once a week as a treatment, or apply a few hours before every hair wash and allow to sit. If you have thicker or coarser hair, you can leave it overnight or use it as part of your styling routine.
FAQs
Why does rosemary oil help hair growth?
Rosemary oil can increase blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles, which can prevent hair loss and in turn make your hair appear to grow faster. Without proper blood supply, your hair follicles cannot get the nutrients they need to grow healthy hair, which can make it appear more sparse and thin. Rosemary oil is also anti-inflammatory, which can help irritated scalps and dandruff, which in turn provides more optimal conditions for healthy hair growth.
Does hair growth cause an itchy scalp?
Hair growth does not cause an itchy scalp. Itchy and irritated scalps are usually caused by hair product allergies, congested scalps, dry and flaky skin, dandruff, or more serious medical problems. Consult your doctor if you have an itchy scalp that does not go away.
Does hair growth slow down with age?
Hair growth does slow down with age.
Does hair growth slow down as it gets longer?
Not necessarily - long hair is more prone to breakage which can slow growth. Shorter hair growing is also more noticeable than longer hair growing. Your hair also has a certain lifespan (determined by genetics) before it will fall out - usually about six years - meaning it will unlikely get longer after this point.
Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for heat, specialising in fashion and beauty. The team has nicknamed her "dupe queen", as there's not a product in the world she can't find a cheaper alternative for.