First, a quick reminder to understand the biological cycle of hair, from growth to shedding:
- Anagen phase: This is the active growth of the hair, lasting 2 to 7 years.
- Catagen phase: Marks the transition between hair growth and shedding, lasting less than three weeks. The production of the hair fiber decreases and the hair follicle retracts.
- Telogen phase: This is the final phase of the hair, the resting phase. It remains attached to the follicle but is completely inactive. After 3 months, it falls out and makes way for the growth of new hair.
Age, sex, genetic factors, diet, hair care, environment, and seasonal variations are all factors that can influence your hair growth.
So, if you want to achieve long hair, it’s important to take care of it, from the scalp down to the tips. For this, vegetable and essential oils are valuable allies.
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1. Castor oil
Castor oil is by far the most well-known vegetable oil for achieving long and resilient hair. The ricinoleic acid it contains helps maintain a healthy scalp, while vitamin E activates microcirculation.
This study shows the effect of this acid contained in castor oil. With its prostaglandin D2 synthase inhibitory properties, which would block hair growth, ricinoleic acid is a potentially interesting compound for developing a safe treatment against hair loss.
Consequently, all conditions are met for good hair growth and to limit hair loss.
My advice: Be careful, it is very viscous and difficult to rinse. For more practical use, I recommend mixing it 50% with a more fluid oil, like argan, coconut, sweet almond, or jojoba oil.
2. Mustard oil
Mustard oil provides essential nutrients to the scalp, especially omega-3 and omega-6, vitamins, and minerals.
According to the results indicated in this scientific review, the oil penetrates the scalp easily and reaches the hair follicle to improve blood circulation, thanks to its compounds. Better circulation leads to improved hair growth.
My advice: Do not think of using it in your dressings, rich in erucic acid, this vegetable oil is not edible. Powerful, it needs to be diluted with another vegetable oil, like coconut oil, to avoid irritating sensitive scalps.
3. Avocado oil
This vegetable oil is very nourishing for the hair, thanks to the presence of omega-9. It contains essential fatty acids and vitamins and antioxidants (A, D, E), as this study describes.
Thanks to its composition, avocado oil provides a good base to facilitate hair growth by keeping it healthy.
My advice: I also invite you to consume it orally to benefit from its omega-9.
4. Rocket oil
Rocket oil is known to enhance the hair and bring shine. But that’s not all: rich in vitamins (A, B, C, E) and minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium), this vegetable oil provides nutrients to the scalp and boosts blood circulation.
It is therefore a good ally to promote healthy hair growth, while limiting hair loss. It is also found in some hair supplements.
My advice: Apply rocket oil as a treatment, before your shampoo, to nourish your scalp and stimulate growth.
5. Ylang-ylang essential oil
The great richness in monoterpenes (linalool), as well as sesquiterpene (Germacrene-D), is believed to be the source of the ylang-ylang’s benefits for hair.
This study also showed the great antioxidant capacity of ylang-ylang, comparable to trolox, an analog of vitamin E.
Thus, by potentially acting on stress, ylang-ylang essential oil could indirectly help combat hair loss.
As for its powerful scent, you either love it or hate it. Personally, it’s a keeper.
My advice: In a teaspoon, I mix 4 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil with one of the vegetable oils mentioned above.
6. Peppermint essential oil
Known for its effects in the digestive sphere, peppermint essential oil could contribute to hair growth by promoting blood microcirculation and toning the scalp.
I found this study (admittedly, conducted on mice!) showing an increase in the number of hair follicles and their depth after a month of topical use of this essential oil.
My advice: Be careful when using it on your hair, as peppermint essential oil is particularly irritating to the eyes.
7. Rosemary essential oil
Eucalyptol, camphor, terpenes, and phenolic compounds present in rosemary essential oil provide beneficial properties to hair.
Together, they improve blood microcirculation, promoting nutrient supply to hair follicles, while protecting them.
Beyond promoting growth, rosemary essential oil has already shown promising results in combating alopecia. It’s proof that essential oil truly has an effect, isn’t it?
My advice: Test it once a week, mixing it with another vegetable oil before massaging your scalp.
My tips for using oils to stimulate hair growth
These vegetable and essential oils aren’t miracle products. According to my research, the scientific evidence is too scant to confirm these benefits, so I invite you to test them according to your needs and form your own opinion. Remember that nutrition can also play a role in hair growth.
Here are some tips for optimal use:
- Do vegetable oil baths an hour before your shampoo. Be careful, there’s no need to use half the bottle, it won’t help. For a greater effect, add a few drops of essential oils.
- Also add a few drops of essential oils to your hair serums, shampoos, or post-wash masks.
- Warm a few drops of vegetable oil in your hands before performing a scalp massage. It’s an undisputed trick to promote blood circulation.
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