A skincare routine requires many steps, and so does our hair. Many people think that a hair care regimen is only limited to the four walls of the bathroom. Shampoos and conditioners are not enough to ensure your hair's healthy growth. Even after taking a bath, you still need to take good care of your hair, which you can do with hair oils.
Hair oils are oily plant-derived substances that are made up of concentrated ingredients for extra nourishment. These essential oils are widely used because they are natural treatments. Before you know it, these products can make your tresses softer, shinier, and fuller in ways.
What are the best essential oils that will make your hair grow healthier and thicker? Check out the list of the most popular and excellent hair oils that one must know.
Oily But Surely: 9 Best Hair Oils for Growth and Thickness
1. Coconut Oil
The coconut tree is known as the "Tree of Life" because of the countless products that can be produced from its parts. Well, this tree definitely lives up to its name; even its fruit is an abundant source of a popular product that can enliven hair growth and thickness – the coconut oil. Also known as copra oil, this edible substance is extracted from the copra or coconut meat. Many people from tropical countries use coconut oil not just for cooking, but also for therapeutic purposes. They usually slather copra oil onto their hair to soften the strands and increase the hair density.
Coconut oil is sufficient in lauric acid, linoleic acid, myristic acid, and caprylic acid. These fatty acids can penetrate your hair shafts, restore their moisture, and even protect them against heat and pollutant damage. In turn, your strands become softer and smoother, thanks to coconut oil's instant moisture restoration.
Since it is also loaded with vitamin E, coconut oil's antioxidant properties can also safeguard your hair follicles against free radicals. As a result, more strands can thrive and elongate, giving your hair a voluminous look.
2. Argan Oil
If coconut oil is the "oil of life," argan oil is the "liquid gold" of essential oils. This Moroccan oil, an extract from the argan tree's nuts, is touted as one of the most effective hair growth ingredients. People use argan oil for being a rich source of vitamin E and phenolic compounds, which can fight off oxidative stress and curb scalp inflammations. With these two powerful nutrients, hair becomes more robust against strand breakage and extreme heat.
Argan oil's fatty content is due to high linoleic and oleic acid levels, giving the substance its viscous state. Linoleic acid promotes follicle growth, while oleic acid regulates water retention. With these fatty acids, your hair follicles remain hydrated, thereby keeping your mane moisturized and frizz-free.
3. Jojoba Oil
If you're looking for a vitamin-enriched ingredient, jojoba oil is the perfect essential oil for your hair. This vegetable oil is extracted from the Simmondsia Chinensis plant's seeds, abundant in Arizona, Southern California, and Mexico. Its raw form appears as a crystal-clear golden liquid, and it smells like fresh nuts.
Why do people rave about having this essential oil in their beauty care regimens? First of all, studies show that jojoba oil is an effective treatment for male-pattern baldness. Second, it is loaded with vitamin C, a vital nutrient for follicle protection. Third, this super vitamin can also stimulate collagen production, which keeps your locks durable and elastic at the same time. Lastly, its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties can alleviate itchy scalp while reducing dandruff formation.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Having dandruff does not directly cause hair to fall. However, the flakes can be itchy, which can push you to scratch your scalp. As a result, you may irritate your follicles and trigger their inflammations, thereby slowing down hair growth. But don't worry, for tea tree oil is an effective remedy against your dandruff problems.
Tea tree oil is a pale yellowish liquid derived from Melaleuca Alternifolia tree leaves, growing copiously in some Australian regions. This essential oil has a camphoraceous scent that can relieve stress and anxiety. However, tea tree oil is best known to prevent dirt and oil build-up on the scalp, preventing dandruff formation and scalp acne. It's also an effective moisturizer, making it a total package for hair rehydration and restoration.
5. Olive Oil
Olives are not only used as pizza toppings. These green or black-colored fruits are needed in making olive oil for hair growth. This vegetable oil is commonly used as a kitchen staple. However, studies have shown its hair-boosting benefits.
Besides being antioxidant-loaded, olive oil is also said to augment thicker hair growth because of its high monounsaturated fat content. It is enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which guarantee your follicles' nutrient absorption by boosting the blood circulation. For that reason, your hair follicles produce thicker and healthier hair shafts, giving your mane a denser look.
6. Peppermint Oil
Another notable feature of essential oils is their intoxicating aroma. For instance, peppermint oil is extracted from peppermint leaves, a hybrid of water mint and spearmint herbs. Luckily, it inherited the minty fragrance, which has become a prominent essence for reducing stress levels and promoting hair growth.
But what makes peppermint extract an essential oil? The answer: its ability to inhibit DHT production. Dihydrotestosterone, usually known as DHT, is a potent form of androgen. It binds and constricts your hair follicles, thereby shrinking them along in the process. Thus, peppermint oil works by preventing the 5-alpha reductase enzyme responsible for forming DHT. As a result, your hair follicles become DHT-proof, which makes it easier for them to thrive and grow healthy strands.
7. Almond Oil
Are you going nuts because of your thinning hair problem? Ease your worries because almond oil can be your ultimate hair growth solution. Using the almond tree's nuts, you can extract almond oil, which is loaded with vitamin E, fatty acids, and proteins, all of which are vital to thicker and faster hair growth.
Using almond oil for hair growth allows vitamin E to coat your hair cuticles and safeguard them against friction and tension. This protective barrier also locks in enough moisture, which is the reason why your hair becomes softer and smoother after an almond oil treatment. And of course, its nutty smell gives you another reason to whiff and slather it on your mane.
8. Lavender Oil
Nuts and leaves are not your only sources of essential oils; even flowers can satisfy your hair growth needs. For instance, lavender petals can be used to create lavender oil, a widely used ingredient for making perfumes and beauty products. Not only does lavender oil work best for aromatherapy, but it does increase hair density as well.
First, lavender oil's antimicrobial properties prevent bacteria from infiltrating and damaging your hair follicles. Second, its calming scent makes it harder for stress hormones to disrupt your hair growth cycle. Most importantly, lavender oil promotes good blood circulation, allowing more nutrients and oxygen to reach your follicles. As a result, your strands become plumper and healthier.
9. Lemongrass Oil
If you're not into sweet-scented essential oils, lemongrass oil might be the one for you. Since this essential oil is extracted from the leaves and stalks of Cymbopogon or lemongrass shrubs, it has a potent citrus scent that can awaken your senses. Its hair growth benefits are also as powerful as its strong fragrance.
Lemongrass oil's astringent properties can aid your favorite shampoo in cleansing your scalp. It can remove any sebum accumulation, thereby preventing clogged pores and scalp issues. It can also fight off unwanted radicals, thanks to its antioxidants. Aside from eradicating radicals, lemongrass oil is also a powerful deterrent against scalp inflammations, leaving your pate safe from hair loss problems.
Why You Must Use Essential Oils for Hair Growth
Your shampoo might cleanse your scalp, and your conditioner might soften your strands, but you need hair oils for nourishment and protection. Below is a summary of the benefits that all essential oils can offer for your hair.
1. They protect your hair follicles against free radicals.
2. They keep your tresses soft, smooth and lustrous.
3. Their fragrances can prevent stress-induced hair loss.
4. They stimulate thicker and longer hair growth.
Choose What's Best for Your Locks. Use Hair Oils.
Shampoos and conditioners are not enough to satisfy your hair growth needs. Your hair also demands ample nourishment to make it through your everyday habits, such as shampooing, combing, blow-drying, hairstyling and sleeping. Therefore, do not forget to use the best essential oils that will surely fulfill your "thick hair" goals.
Keep Your Hair Satisfied.
Increasing your hair count is never a problem anymore. Use the best hair growth products such as hair oils to stimulate follicle growth and thicken your hair strands. Don't forget to check out the best hair growth shampoos and conditioners that will help you make your dreams come true.