hair mask on dry hair before washing

DIY HAIR GROWTH OIL FOR RAPIDLY ACHIEVING LONGER, THICKER, AND LUSCIOUS HAIR

Looking to quickly achieve longer, thicker hair? While there’s no miracle solution for instant growth, this homemade hair growth oil can help accelerate the process. Packed with herbs and essential oils, this all-natural recipe is the result of years spent experimenting with effective methods for fast hair growth. It’s simple to make and highly effective.

There are plenty of so-called “fast hair growth secrets” out there—some work, while others don’t, and I’ve likely tried most of them! My journey into natural beauty began with a desire for longer, thicker hair. Like all my DIY beauty recipes, this hair growth oil stems from my personal experiences.

As a teen, I would spend hours hunting for herbs and supplements in specialty stores, diligently reading Long Hair Care Community forums, and testing various tips and remedies to grow my hair to hip length. In retrospect, I wish I’d focused less on superficial goals, but this quest provided valuable insights into the beauty industry, helping me cultivate discernment.

Whether you’re looking to combat hair loss, encourage regrowth after stress, or simply boost your hair growth, I hope this hair oil recipe helps you reach your goals.

CAN OILS REALLY HELP GROW YOUR HAIR FASTER?

The hair growth industry is booming, with countless new, exotic “fast hair growth oils” and magic serums promising to deliver your dream of long, mermaid-like locks.

However, the reality is that most carrier oils lack any truly magical properties for hair growth. In fact, using excessive amounts of the wrong oil can lead to issues like yeast overgrowth, exacerbating hair loss and scalp problems.

Take argan oil, for example. It was once hailed as the miracle hair growth oil, but its fatty acid profile is quite ordinary, resembling that of sesame or sunflower oil—neither of which have been shown to promote hair growth. (And I say this as someone who once relied on argan oil!)

That said, a few oils do genuinely support hair growth and thickness. When combined with certain herbs and essential oils—like rosemary and peppermint—you can create a more effective homemade hair growth oil.

DIY HAIR GROWTH OIL BENEFITS + HOW IT WORKS

This homemade hair oil promotes natural hair growth in several effective ways:

  • Stimulates Scalp Blood Flow: Infused with powerful herbs and essential oils, this recipe enhances blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles.
  • Modulates Hair Growth Phase: Castor oil activates prostaglandin pathways linked to the growth phase, accelerating hair growth.
  • Reduces Scalp Buildup: Massaging the oil into your scalp before washing helps loosen buildup that can clog hair follicles, similar to how cleansing oils keep facial pores clear.
  • Antioxidant Activity: The antioxidants in this DIY hair oil protect hair follicles and shafts from oxidative stress, supporting faster growth.
  • Antimicrobial Activity: Excess bacteria and yeast can cause issues like dandruff and scalp acne, hindering growth. The antibacterial herbs and essential oils in this recipe, such as rosemary oil, help maintain a balanced scalp environment.

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s dive into how to make your own hair growth oil.

KEY HERBS FOR HAIR GROWTH

PEPPERMINT

Known for its cooling and soothing effects, peppermint oil is great for irritated scalps. Research suggests it may promote hair growth even more effectively than rosemary. Peppermint oil accelerates the hair growth phase and increases hair follicles, contributing to longer, thicker hair. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties also support scalp health.

WHITE WILLOW BARK

If you face scalp issues like dandruff or acne, white willow bark can be beneficial. It contains salicin, a natural anti-inflammatory and gentle exfoliant. While it doesn’t directly stimulate hair growth, it promotes a healthy scalp by soothing irritation, unclogging pores, and reducing buildup.

ROSEMARY

Rosemary-infused oil is a popular remedy for hair growth. Studies show it can be as effective as minoxidil without side effects. Rosemary stimulates blood flow to the scalp, nourishing hair follicles and encouraging both new and existing hair growth. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties help maintain a healthy scalp, while its antioxidants protect against oxidative stress, which can lead to hair loss.

GREEN TEA

Adding green tea leaves to your hair oil infuses it with antioxidants that support hair follicle health. Although caffeine and ECEG—key components for hair growth—are water-soluble and won’t transfer to oil, the antioxidants in green tea still provide benefits. Note that it can impart a deep green color to the oil, but it generally doesn’t stain hair.

These herbs are effective allies in your quest for longer, thicker hair, and incorporating them into your hair oil can enhance its benefits.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HAIR GROWTH

To enhance your herbal hair growth oil, consider adding essential oils for concentrated benefits. 

Peppermint and rosemary essential oils are particularly effective for promoting hair growth, and using both can provide optimal results. You can also create a blend with cedarwood, lavender, thyme, frankincense, myrrh, palmarosa, and nettle, all known for supporting hair growth and scalp health. 

Additionally, incorporating an essential oil blend like Beauty Within can further boost scalp health with its antifungal properties, making it a great addition to your scalp treatments and hair masks.

FAST HAIR GROWTH OIL INGREDIENTS

You’ll need just a few ingredients for this DIY hair growth oil:

  • Heat-stable carrier oil for herbal infusion
  • Cold-pressed castor oil
  • Dried, organic hair growth herbs
  • Growth-boosting essential oils
  • Vitamin E oil

You can choose to make this oil with essential oils, herbal infusion, or both. I prefer using both to maximize the plant’s benefits. If you’re short on time, simply mix the carrier oils with the recommended essential oils.

INGREDIENTS

  • J MAC BOTANICALS Organic Cold-Pressed Castor Oil
  • Starwest Botanicals Organic Rosemary Leaf
  • Simply Earth Rosemary Essential Oil
  • Vitamin E Oil from Forefront Health

CARRIER OIL OPTIONS

  • MCT oil
  • Fractionated coconut oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Jojoba oil
  • Olive oil

Using a stable carrier oil is crucial. Many common oils, like sweet almond and sunflower oil, contain unstable polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that break down with heat and light, losing their beneficial properties. Instead, opt for monounsaturated or saturated oils, which are more stable. I recommend MCT or fractionated coconut oil, especially if you have issues with yeast overgrowth, as MCT oil won’t feed Malassezia yeast.

Once you prepare the herbal-infused oil, dilute it with castor oil. Castor oil is well-regarded for hair growth due to its unique properties:

  • It mimics prostaglandins, extending the active hair growth phase and delaying the resting phase.
  • It conditions and prevents hair follicles from drying out.
  • It moisturizes and protects existing hair from breakage.
  • It has antibacterial and antifungal properties to maintain a healthy scalp.
  • It’s rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, which protect hair follicles from oxidative damage.

DIY HAIR GROWTH OIL RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

  • 47g herbal infused oil (see below for instructions)
  • 47g castor oil
  • 3.5ml peppermint essential oil
  • 3.5ml rosemary essential oil

HERBAL INFUSED OIL

  • 1 cup (200g) carrier oil (e.g., MCT, olive, or avocado oil)
  • ~3/4 cup dry herbs (e.g., rosemary, willow bark, peppermint, green tea)
  • 5ml (1 tsp) vitamin E oil

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Prepare Herbal Infused Oil:
    • Place dry herbs in a clean, heat-proof mason jar. Pour carrier oil over the herbs and add vitamin E oil. Stir gently to ensure herbs are fully submerged.
    • Seal the jar with a one-piece metal lid.
  • Infuse Oil:
    • In a slow cooker, place a hand towel at the bottom and fill with water to submerge the jar without leaking. Set to low and infuse for 8-12 hours, keeping water temperature between 50°C-71°C (120-160°F). Monitor closely to avoid overheating.
  • Strain Oil:
    • Once infused, let the oil cool. Strain out the herbs using cheesecloth or a sieve, pressing gently to extract all the oil. Be cautious of sharp herb pieces.
  • Combine Oils:
    • Mix equal parts of the herbal infused oil and castor oil. Add peppermint and rosemary essential oils, stirring well.
  • Store:
    • Transfer the final mixture to a glass dropper bottle for easy application.

Enjoy your homemade hair growth oil!

HOW TO MAKE HAIR OIL WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

Combine castor oil and a low-PUFA carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil) in equal parts. Add vitamin E and a hair growth essential oil blend to the mixture. Then, transfer it to a glass dropper bottle.

HOW TO USE HOMEMADE HAIR GROWTH OIL

To use the hair growth oil, apply it directly to your scalp using the dropper applicator, section by section, to ensure even coverage. After saturating your scalp, gently massage the oil in with your fingers or a jade gua sha comb to boost blood circulation to the follicles, promoting faster growth. If safe for you, you can also massage your scalp with your head upside down.

Leave the oil on for at least an hour or overnight, depending on your hair washing routine. When ready to wash it out, use conditioner first to help remove the castor oil, then follow with your regular shampoo. For added benefits, consider using a rosemary hair rinse or a pH-balancing vinegar rinse afterward.

CONCLUSION

DIY hair growth oil offers a natural and cost-effective solution for promoting hair growth and improving hair health. By combining essential oils known for their hair-nourishing properties with carrier oils that provide moisture and penetration, you can create a personalized hair treatment that addresses your specific needs. Remember to patch test the oil before applying it to your scalp to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions. Consistent use and proper application are key to achieving optimal results.

THE 14 BEST DRUGSTORE HAIR PRODUCTS

Keeping your strands healthy and happy all year round might be difficult. Although there are several treatments available for every hair concern on the planet, the best drugstore hair products are your best chance to keep your hair looking beautiful and shining. The quality of these products has greatly increased over time as a result of ongoing research and innovation. This post will help you find the best drugstore hair care products. Keep scrolling!

Here, we’ve compiled a list of the 14 most trustworthy and reliable drugstore hair products on the market. It is worth noting that we curated the products after doing thorough research on their reviews. Take a peek.

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Fortifying Shampoo

When it comes to budget hair shampoos, Garnier, a renowned brand, is an absolute classic. Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Fortifying Shampoo is one of the best options for frizzy hair. It contains a strengthening blend of healthy components such as aloe extracts, citric acid, and vitamins E, B3, and B6. It also contains active components including salicylic acid as well as extracts from fruits and plants. It’s free of parabens and silicone. The recipe is mild enough to thoroughly wash the scalp for maximum results. It may be used every day and does not weigh down the tresses, thus it is perfect for individuals with fine hair. It is a vegan formulation that is free of chemicals such as paraben, and silicone. 

Climaplex Moisture & Repair Shampoo

This sudser may be new to the scene, but it has taken up prime space in our shower since we first got our paws (er, strands) on it. It claims to use bond-building technology, similar to that found in many more expensive products, to help repair hair damage where it begins, namely broken disulfide bonds at the hair’s core. It also contains sunflower extract to protect against UV pollution, is extremely moisturizing, and sulfate-free, and comes in a convenient pump bottle. The only disadvantage is that it must be thoroughly cleaned before use.

Bain de Terre Coconut Papaya Ultra Hydrating Shampoo

The Bain de Terre Coconut Papaya Ultra Hydrating Shampoo contains argan oil, which strengthens and shines your hair. The product also contains highly nourishing monoi oils, which leave the hair silky, smooth, and buttery soft. Because of the good formula, its primary goal is to damage hair. The shampoo is free of parabens and color-safe. Furthermore, the lovely coconut and mango aroma of this shampoo refreshes your senses while nourishing your scalp. Furthermore, this shampoo is color-safe, so your hair’s color will last a long time. 

Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo

A classic oldie, but goodie. There’s a reason this masterpiece has endured the test of time. It lathers well and leaves our hair feeling cleaner than ever (and silky, even before conditioner). It doesn’t weigh down fine hair, and the clean, fresh aroma is irresistible. This shampoo is ideal for all hair types. However, it contains sulfates, which can be a major issue for those with sensitive scalps, so keep this in mind if you have an adverse reaction to this chemical. It is also not cruelty-free.

Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask

The Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask is vegan. This hydrating hair mask moisturizes and nourishes dry, damaged hair. The formula offers a rich blend of natural components, including creamy shea butter, 100% pure aloe juice, rich coconut milk, and pure macadamia oil. It hydrates and nourishes your dry scalp and strands while treating split ends.

You can apply this mask if your hair is dry. It is a leave-in conditioning treatment for hair. This product also contains no parabens, silicones, mineral oils, or synthetic dyes. 

Herbal Essences Smoothing Conditioner

You may say this is the best conditioner for straight hair. This conditioner is suitable for all hair types, particularly straight hair, and helps to prevent hair breakage. It’s also a lighter option for individuals who prefer not to use hefty hair treatments. If you have regular, uncolored hair, this is a beautiful conditioner that is also reasonably priced. It has a delightful smell that will entice everyone in just one minute. It also leaves the hair thick, lustrous, and moisturized.

We appreciate that it contains jojoba, which is proven to promote hair suppleness and protect against breakage. It’s also cruelty-free, pH-balanced, and color-safe.

Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisture Conditioner

Silicones certainly make your hair appear smooth and shiny, but they can also build up on it, creating an undesirable residue and weighing it down. Enter this silicone-free conditioner formulation: “It restores lost nutrients and is an excellent solution for dry hair,” remarked a customer. However, sulfates are present in the ingredients; keep this in mind if you are allergic to them. If you don’t mind that, this is worth a try. This conditioner is quite large, and it comes in a giant container that lasts forever. 

Keo Karpin Hair Oil 

The Keo Karpin Hair Oil is the ultimate multitasker. This hair oil is suitable for any hair type. It contains mineral oil, arachis oil, scent, olive oil, and wheat germ oil. The oil strengthens your hair shaft from root to tip. The mixture is non-sticky and will keep your hair looking gorgeous and shining all day. The smell is relaxing. The mixture contains olive oil, which has proven to be effective in protecting your hair from external contaminants and stress. The oil is suitable for dry, oily, and regular hair types.

Herbal Essences BioRenew Hydrate Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner

Herbal Essences products, which contain coconut extract and aloe, are suitable for all hair types. Coconut Milk Shampoo infuses moisture into hair, making it more manageable and less prone to breakage. This product is unique in that it smoothes and repairs hair for a more beautiful appearance. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has endorsed the botanicals used in these recipes. There are complex scents of vivid coconut, white florals, and vanilla. Consumer testers also praised these infusions: “My dry hair was much more moisturized,” one tester exclaimed.

Aussie 3-Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner

To be fair, this is more of a cross between a typical conditioner and a mask—it works swiftly like a conditioner but provides the same amount of deep hydration as a mask. The combination of jojoba and avocado oils provides lots of deep hydration. It works extremely well on the hair, and we can notice the results immediately after finishing the washing session. We also enjoy that it works in only three minutes and costs less than three bucks. However, finer hair types may find it too heavy to use daily.

Mane Club Wavy Baby Wave Texture Spray

It is fair to claim that this is one of the greatest hair products for waves. Not only does Mane Club’s formula smell fantastic, but it’s one of the few wave sprays that doesn’t leave hair crunchy or stiff.

The rose and cactus water-infused recipe provides the hair with the ideal amount of body and structure, and we appreciate that this selection does not feel gritty like some other beach wave texture sprays. Another advantage: Wavy Baby is lightweight and won’t weigh your hair down, so you can spritz it on clean hair and skip washing it for days.

Moroccanoil All-In-One Leave-in Conditioner

Moroccanoil All In One Leave-in Conditioner is a quick way to detangle and hydrate your hair. This drugstore conditioner features a lightweight composition that provides long-lasting suppleness. It is a multi-purpose spray suitable for practically all hair types. It acts as a shield to protect your hair from breakage and thermal damage.

The product works better than a typical conditioner since it contains antioxidant-rich argan oil and pure amino acids, which boost hair strength and aid in damage healing. It also contains vital fatty acids, vitamins, and naturally occurring carbohydrates that protect hair from dryness. This product is cruelty-free. Several reviewers praise how this shampoo leaves their hair feeling silky and nourished.

INFINITI PRO BY CONAIR 1875W Hair Dryer

The INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR 1875W Hair Dryer uses ceramic technology and frizz-fighting conditioning ions to reduce heat damage and add shine to hair strands. The ergonomic hair dryer distributes heat evenly on your hair for a speedier drying experience.

It also includes a cold shot button to lock in the style, as well as three heat and two-speed options for individual styling. This styling device includes a concentrator nozzle for targeted styling and a professional diffuser for styling various textured hair types.

Flawless by Gabrielle Union Hydrating Curl Refresher Hair Spray 

The Gabrielle Union Flawless Hydrating Curl Refresher Hair Spray enhances your curls, coils, and beachy waves like a professional. This hair spray/heat protectant contains nutritious nutrients such as passion fruit seed oil, rice oil complex, acai palm oil, Brazilian bacuri butter, moringa seed oil, coconut oil, and lilac leaf extract. Lilac restores luster to your curls.

The product does not include sulfates, parabens, or silicones. It complements natural, color-treated, or relaxed hair.

Conclusion

The top drugstore hair products transformed the business. They were both affordable and accessible, and they produced outstanding results for people with different hair types. From reviving shampoos to nourishing conditioners and inventive styling products, drugstore brands outperformed expectations. Celebrities and influencers embraced these items, removing the stigma attached to them. Everyone can now easily keep great hair thanks to online buying. The route to beautiful, healthy hair no longer needed a large expenditure; it became a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity, demonstrating that beauty has no price tag.