8 Essential Oils That Will Regrow Thinning Hair — and How to Use Them

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil has been used to treat hair loss and even prevent premature graying and dandruff. Rosemary is an anti-inflammatory, and it also encourages circulation and nerve growth. When used on the scalp, the increase in circulation stimulates hair follicles and promotes the growth of thicker, healthier locks. In one study, rosemary oil showed to be just as effective in reducing hair loss as minoxidil, the active ingredient in hair growth products like Rogain. . 

For a rosemary essential oil we love, try this one from Healing Solutions ($6.99, Amazon). 

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin seed oil is said to both prevent hair loss and promote hair regrowth by taming inflammation, decreasing the constriction of blood vessels in the scalp, and replacing the elements necessary for hair regrowth. It's also believed to block DHT — a hormone responsible for hair loss, especially in menopausal and postmenopausal women. You can topically apply pumpkin seed oil to the scalp, but taking it internally has also shown promise for hair loss!

For a pumpkin seed oil we love, try this one from Leven Rose ($13.97, Amazon).

Peppermint Oil

Not only does peppermint oil smell amazing, but it’s also great for helping your hair grow. It will feel a bit tingly when you put it on, but that might be because it also increases circulation to the surface of the skin. One animal study found that topical application of peppermint oil increased the number of follicles, follicle depth, and overall hair growth. 

For a peppermint oil we love, try this one from Cliganic ($6.95, Amazon).

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil contains chemical compounds which work to ease inflammation and stimulate cell growth. One animal study found that topical application of lavender oil resulted in a significant increase in number of hair follicles, deepened hair follicle depth, and thickened hair shaft. Dilute a few drops of lavender oil as you would any of the oils above, and massage into your scalp. Bonus points if you do this at night as lavender oil can promote sleep!

For a lavender oil we love, try this one from Sky Organics ($9.50, Amazon).

Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage oil is similar to lavender because it contains the same chemical compound, linalyl acetate, that makes lavender so successful at increasing hair growth. This compound makes hair stronger, grow faster, and makes the hair shaft more difficult to break. 

For a clary sage oil we love, try this one from Gya Labs ($9.89, Amazon).

Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood Oil a potent antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and an antifungal — all properties which make it a great addition to any beauty regimen. You may have noticed it as an ingredient in products that claim to thicken hair because it fights bacterial build-up on the scalp from conditions like dandruff and eczema. Less itching and flaking means your hair follicles remain undamaged, and hair can grow normally again! 

One study even showed that a daily scalp massage with a mixture of cedarwood, thyme, rosemary, and lavender oils resulted in significant improvement in hair growth among subjects with alopecia areata — a condition which causes the immune system to attack hair follicles on the head.

For a cedarwood oil we love, try this one from Now Foods ($8.92, Amazon).

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another great oil for reducing buildup of dead skin cells on the scalp which can cause hair loss, and it’s often used to treat scalp conditions like dandruff. It’s a potent antibacterial and antimicrobial, and when used topically, it can help unplug and stimulate hair follicles, increasing hair growth. In fact, one study found that topical application of a mixture of minoxidil and tea tree oil resulted in more hair growth than the use of minoxidil alone! Keep in mind, tea tree oil can be very concentrated, so be sure you’re diluting it and doing a test patch before using this one on your scalp!

For a tea tree oil we love, try this one from Natural Craft ($7.99, Amazon).

Thyme Oil

As mentioned, thyme was tested with cedarwood and showed to improve hair growth in subjects with alopecia. Thyme oil is believed to be beneficial for hair growth because it’s a powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial which helps eliminate the bacterial build-up on the scalp that clogs hair follicles. Like tea tree, it tends to be on the stronger side, so stick to two drops diluted in a carrier oil when using this one. And of course, feel free to mix it with other oils like cedarwood and lavender for maximum effectiveness!

For a thyme oil we love, try this one from Gya Labs ($9.99, Amazon).