pros and cons of short hair

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.

30 BEST SUN KISSED HAIR BRUNETTE IDEAS 

Sun-kissed brown hair is a timeless look that adds dimension, warmth, and a touch of summer glow to brunette locks. Whether you crave a subtle kiss of sunshine or a more dramatic bronzed effect, there are endless possibilities to achieve the perfect sun-kissed hair for your unique style.

This collection dives into 30 of the most stunning sun-kissed brunette hair inspirations, showcasing a variety of highlighting techniques, shades, and styles. From balayage and ombre to classic highlights and babylights, prepare to be dazzled by the range of sun-kissed looks that flatter all skin tones and hair textures.

BEST SUN KISSED HAIR BRUNETTE

BEACHY HIGHLIGHTS

Beachy highlights are the epitome of sun-kissed hair, mimicking the natural lightening effect of spending days by the ocean. This technique uses a hand-painted approach, often with balayage or ombre methods, to create subtle, dimensional highlights that are lighter towards the ends and frame the face. Unlike traditional highlights with stark lines, beachy highlights are blended seamlessly, creating a natural, sun-kissed look that flatters a wide range of brunette shades, from cool espresso to warm chocolate. For those seeking inspiration, hair color ideas for brunettes, beachy highlights offer a carefree, effortless vibe that evokes the feeling of summer days spent basking in the sun.

DIRTY BLONDE SOMBRÉ

Achieve a natural, sun-kissed look by adding cascading blonde highlights to your brown-blonde hair. This creates the effect of sun-kissed, “sun kissed brown hair,” with lighter pieces framing the face for a brightening effect and on the ends for a dimensional finish. Scatter random blonde strokes throughout the mid-lengths for a seamless blend. This subtle transition creates a flattering ombré effect that beautifully complements your existing brown-blonde base.

DARK BROWN WITH BABYLIGHTS

For a touch of subtle dimension and natural-looking highlights, consider adding babylights to your dark brown hair. These ultra-fine, ultra-delicate blonde highlights mimic the way sunlight naturally lightens hair, adding a subtle sparkle and multi-tonal depth to your dark base. This technique doesn’t involve stark contrast or harsh lines, but rather creates a seamless blend that adds a touch of brightness and warmth to dark brown locks, without drastically changing your overall color. The result is a gorgeous, sun-kissed effect that enhances your natural hair color with a touch of understated glamour.

SUNLIT HONEY BLONDE

Sunlit honey blonde hair, with its captivating warmth reminiscent of a sun-kissed glow, captures the essence of summer effortlessly. This stunning shade blends warm golden tones with subtle amber accents, evoking the rich color of honey. Imagine the sun’s golden rays gently kissing your hair, leaving behind a luminous, sun-kissed masterpiece. This dimensional blonde, akin to warm caramel balayage honey, flatters a wide range of skin tones, particularly those with lighter complexions. Sunlit honey blonde adds a touch of brightness and warmth to natural brunette hair, creating a multi-tonal effect that enhances its natural beauty. This hair color radiates a natural, effortless beauty, perfect for those seeking a touch of summer sunshine year-round.

CARAMEL LOWLIGHTS

Brunette hair with caramel highlights adds a touch of warmth and dimension to any brunette base. The rich, golden tones of caramel perfectly complement the darker hues, creating a multi-tonal effect that mimics the natural way sunlight plays on hair. This combination adds a touch of brightness and richness, offering a sophisticated and dimensional look that flatters a wide range of skin tones. Whether incorporated through subtle balayage or bolder highlights, caramel lowlights add a touch of sun-kissed magic to brunette hair.

SANDY BROWN

Soft blended blonde perfectly complements this rich warm brown, and we’re loving the bright pop of color it gives, especially around the face. If you want a sandier finish, start with a lighter brown base. For those seeking more depth and dimension, incorporating highlights and lowlights into brunette hair can enhance the overall look, adding subtle variation and interest to the color palette.

VERSATILE HIGHLIGHTS

The versatility of the illuminated brunette technique makes it an excellent choice for individuals with naturally dark hair. In this method, highlights dynamically shift in visibility depending on the wearer’s head movements, adding a captivating dimension to their look.

BALAYAGE BRUNETTE HAIR

Brunette balayage is a stunning technique that adds natural-looking dimension and sun-kissed highlights to brunette hair. The hand-painted application creates seamless transitions, often starting with darker tones at the roots and gradually lightening towards the ends. This creates a beautiful play of light and shadow, mimicking the way the sun naturally lightens hair. Brunette balayage offers endless customization, allowing you to choose from subtle, barely-there highlights to bolder, contrasting tones. Whether you have light, medium, or dark brown hair, balayage can add a touch of warmth, brightness, and effortless beauty to your locks.

BLONDE MONEY PIECE

If you’re looking to add a touch of brightness to your ash brunette hair dye, consider requesting blonde face-framing pieces. These highlights are expertly blended primarily into the frontside of your mane, providing just enough lift to enhance your overall look without requiring high maintenance.

ILLUMINATED BRUNETTE

Morenas iluminadas” translates to “lightened brunettes” in English, and it’s designed to delicately enhance your hair without completely departing from your natural color. This technique entails applying gentle, warm bronde balayage highlights to a naturally dark base, resulting in a subtle, sun-kissed transition of color.

FACE-FRAMING HONEY

For a low-maintenance summer hair color for brunettes, maintain your natural brown roots and most of your hair. Introduce significant face-framing highlights in a matching blonde tone. For instance, a warm honey blonde beautifully complements a warm medium brown base.

TONS OF HIGHLIGHTS

The auburn hair trend has become incredibly popular throughout Brazil, and its widespread appeal is clear. With Instagram serving as a reliable barometer for hair trends, it’s evident that salons around the world are adopting the style as well, even incorporating variations like brunette hair with blonde highlights. This further demonstrates the versatility of the auburn trend, showcasing its ability to be adapted and personalized to suit individual preferences.

BALAYAGE BRUNETTE

Another suitable name for this color could be “brunette balayage,” as it entails highlighting the hair with hand-painted strokes of color that ascend from the ends up to the mid-lengths of the hair. While balayage is often linked with blonde hair transformations, this trend demonstrates its suitability for brunettes as well.

SUN-KISSED WAVES

Sun-kissed waves evoke the carefree feeling of beach days and summer sunshine. This hairstyle features loose, textured waves that mimic the natural bend hair gets after a day spent by the ocean. They are effortlessly chic, with a touch of tousled texture that adds volume and movement. Sun-kissed waves pair perfectly with sun-kissed hair color, whether it’s natural highlights, a touch of balayage or ombre, or even caramel brunette hair color. The combination creates a cohesive, beachy look that radiates a relaxed and sun-kissed vibe. Whether you have long, flowing locks or shorter, layered hair, sun-kissed waves offer a universally flattering and effortlessly stylish option.

ROSE BROWN BALAYAGE

Move over rose gold, there’s a new brunette trend taking the spotlight: rose brown. This stunning shade infuses classic brown hair with warm, rosy tones, creating a rich, almost metallic dimension. It’s the perfect update for brunettes seeking a touch of trendy warmth and undeniable glamour.

RICH ESPRESSO

The light brown hair color trends encompasses various shades. Whether you have naturally light chestnut hair, dark coffee locks, or even exceptionally blue eyes, it works great. Blue eyes with brunette hair, why not?

BUTTERY BLONDE ON CARAMEL CURLS

Buttery blonde highlights dancing across caramel curls create a dimensional and warm hair look. The buttery blonde adds a touch of brightness and richness, while the caramel base provides a deeper, luxurious feel. This combination is perfect for those who want to add light and interest to their curls without going full-on blonde. The contrast between the two shades emphasizes the texture of the curls, making them appear even more voluminous and defined. It’s a sun-kissed, beachy look that flatters many skin tones and adds a touch of glamour to any hairstyle.

BRUNETTE HAIR PURPLE HIGHLIGHTS

Brunette hair with purple highlights and sun-kissed brunette strands creates a dimensional and playful look. The sun-kissed highlights, often in shades of caramel or honey, add warmth and natural dimension to the overall brunette base. The purple highlights, strategically placed throughout the hair, inject a pop of unexpected color. This combination can range from subtle and whimsical, with just a few purple strands peeking through, to bolder and more dramatic, with a stronger presence of the purple. 

DIRTY BLONDE BOB

This beachy bob is the epitome of sun-kissed hair. Warm blonde highlights are expertly blended throughout, creating a natural, sun-kissed look that only gets more radiant with time spent under the sun.

CHOCOLATE BROWN

This technique can be applied subtly to add dimension and shine to brunette hair. The result is a head of hair that appears full and lustrous, just like the stunning example shown here.

SHADOW ROOT BLONDE

Even for those who prefer cool hair tones, the beachy look is achievable! This technique uses cool blonde balayage to refresh a cool brown base, creating a dimensional and sun-kissed effect without sacrificing the overall cool color palette.

CARAMEL BRUNETTE

Caramel brunette hair color is a stunning blend of warm brown and golden blonde tones, reminiscent of the rich sweetness of its namesake.  It flatters a wide range of skin tones, adding a touch of sun-kissed dimension and vibrancy to brunette locks.  Caramel brunette hair can be achieved through all-over coloring, highlights, or balayage, creating a look that’s both sophisticated and universally flattering.

CARAMEL PIECES ON CHESTNUT BROWN

Forget salon-perfect precision, this chestnut brown bob embraces effortless summer vibes with the subtlest touch of caramel balayage. Delicate, almost invisible highlights dance throughout the rich base, adding a touch of sun-kissed dimension without screaming “professionally done.” It’s the perfect balance of natural beauty and summery flair.

BLONDE OMBRÉ

Blonde ombre hair is a stunning color technique that creates a gradual transition from darker roots to lighter blonde ends. This creates a beautiful, dimensional effect that mimics the sun naturally lightening hair. The shades of blonde used can vary greatly, from warm honey tones to cool platinum hues, allowing for customization to suit individual preferences and skin tones. Ombre is a versatile style that can be worn on any hair length, adding depth and brightness to natural or colored hair.

GOLDEN BRUNETTE HAIR

It features a rich, chocolatey base infused with subtle golden highlights, creating a luminous and dimensional effect. This hair color flatters a wide range of skin tones, adding warmth and brightness without appearing too light. Golden brunette can be achieved through all-over coloring, balayage, or highlights, offering versatility and a natural, sun-kissed look that’s both sophisticated and universally flattering.

COFFEE BRUNETTE

Coffee brunette hair is a rich, sophisticated shade that evokes the warmth and depth of a freshly brewed cup. It’s a deep brown color with subtle red undertones, adding a touch of dimension and richness to the overall look. This shade flatters a wide range of skin tones, particularly those with warm or neutral undertones. Coffee brunette hair can be worn solid for a classic, timeless look, or enhanced with subtle highlights in caramel or golden tones for added dimension and a touch of sun-kissed warmth.

HONEY CARAMEL

It evokes the sweetness of its namesake, adding a touch of sun-kissed dimension and vibrancy to any hair color. This versatile shade can be achieved through all-over coloring, highlights, or balayage, creating a natural, multi-dimensional look. Honey caramel hair flatters a wide range of skin tones, particularly those with warm undertones, and offers a touch of brightness without venturing into full-on blonde territory. For a stunningly dimensional effect, brunette hair with caramel balayage highlights is a perfect choice, adding warmth, sun-kissed glow, and effortless style.

LOADS OF SHINE

Loads of shine isn’t just a hair trend, it’s a statement. Healthy, glossy hair reflects light beautifully, creating a luxurious and eye-catching effect. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, from using hair masks and specialized shampoos to incorporating shine-enhancing styling products like glosses or serums. Hair with loads of shine isn’t just aesthetically pleasing, it also signifies healthy, well-cared-for locks, adding a touch of glamour and polish to any hairstyle.

DIRTY BLONDE COLOR MELT

A dirty blonde color melt is a stunning hair coloring technique that creates a seamless transition between darker, natural-looking roots and lighter blonde ends. It achieves a beautiful, dimensional effect that mimics how hair naturally lightens in the sun. Unlike harsh lines or blocky highlights, the color melt blends seamlessly, creating a soft, natural look. This technique often incorporates various shades of dirty blonde, a mix of light and dark blonde tones with subtle ash or golden undertones, adding depth and richness to the overall look. 

MAHOGANY BRUNETTE

It evokes the deep, luxurious color of its namesake wood, adding warmth and depth to natural brunette locks. Unlike a straight red hair color, mahogany brunette retains a dominant brown base, with the red highlights adding vibrancy and dimension. This versatile shade flatters a wide range of skin tones, particularly those with warm or olive undertones. Mahogany brunette can be achieved through all-over coloring, highlights, or balayage, offering a range of intensities and variations, from subtle red accents to a more dramatic, auburn-like effect.

CONCLUSION 

Discover lots of ideas to color your brown hair like the sun kissed it. Find the perfect shade that looks great on you and feels like summer. You can choose soft highlights or a bold balayage. There are so many options! To get that sunny look, make sure the colors blend well together and look natural. Also, take care of your hair by using good products and massaging your scalp to help your hair grow. Try out these ideas and see how beautiful your brown hair looks in the sun!