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The Best Scalp Oils for Healthier, Fuller Hair
The magic oils that work miracles for hair loss and thinning.
Last summer, I went from waist-length hair to a bob that fell right along my jawline. I’ve loved it so much, but that itch for long, flowing locks is haunting me. Now, like the rest of the internet, I’ve been searching for ways to make my hair grow faster. Since I also deal with some thinning, especially along my temples, I’m always on the hunt for hair thickening products, too. Turns out, one of the best solutions for both of my dilemmas lies in scalp oils.
'Scalp oils help nourish and moisturise the scalp, which then promotes healthier hair growth and reduces dryness. The blend of herbs and botanical oils used contain essential nutrients that can help strengthen the hair shaft, prevent breakage, and add natural shine,' explains Nikita Mehta, Fable & Mane’s co-founder and creative director. In other words, happy scalp, happy hair. Beyond encouraging growth, oiling and massaging the scalp offers a bevy of other benefits as well; scalp oils can 'soothe scalp irritation, provide aromatherapy benefits, and contribute to a healthier, more manageable hair overall,' explains Lindsay Holdorf, a licensed esthetician and Dermstore’s resident esthetician.
There’s quite a variety of scalp oils out there, and each of them contains ingredients known for their hair growth-promoting properties like castor oil, jojoba oil, and rosemary oil. However, not all of them may be right for your needs, so I decided to conduct some much-needed research with the help of the above experts and some fellow ELLE beauty editors. Below, behold the fruits of my labour: 15 of the best scalp oils and details on what makes each of them worthy of your attention (and bathroom cabinet space).
Can all hair types use a scalp oil?
'Hair types and hair conditions differ due to climate, environment, and ethnicity, but the scalp’s needs and the techniques required for a healthy scalp and healthy roots are universal, no matter location, ethnicity, age, or sex,' explains Mehta. However, depending on the climate you live in and your hair type, the amount and type of products you need, as well as how often you need to apply them, can vary. Here’s Holdorf’s easy-to-follow guide:
Dry Hair: Those with dry hair may benefit from regular scalp oiling to provide moisture and nourishment to both the scalp and hair strands. Lightweight oils like argan oil or almond oil can be suitable for dry hair types.
Oily Hair: People with oily hair may need to be more cautious with scalp oiling to avoid exacerbating oiliness. Lighter oils such as jojoba oil or grapeseed oil can be more suitable for oily hair types, and it’s essential to avoid applying too much oil or applying it too frequently.
Normal Hair: Individuals with normal hair can generally benefit from occasional scalp oiling to maintain scalp health and promote hair strength and shine. Medium-weight oils like coconut oil or olive oil can work well for normal hair types.
Thin Hair: Those with fine or thin hair may need to use scalp oils sparingly to prevent weighing down the hair and causing limpness. Lighter oils like argan oil or avocado oil can be suitable for fine hair types.
Thick or Coarse Hair: People with thick or coarse hair may require more substantial oils to effectively moisturise and nourish both the scalp and hair strands. Richer oils like castor oil or shea butter can provide deep hydration for thick or coarse hair types.
How to apply scalp oil
'Begin by warming the oil in your hand and place it on your crown chakra, an energetic point on the top of our head that when touched, helps release stress. Massage into the scalp and use the remainder of oil to finger brush through the ends,' Mehta says.
She recommends throwing your hair into a bun or a loose braid and leaving the product in for at least five minutes or even overnight if possible. Then, both experts say to shampoo it out to remove everything. 'You may need to shampoo twice to ensure all residue is removed. Some oils are recommended to apply after washing your hair, so make sure to follow the directions on the label,' says Holdorf. At the end of the day, consistency is everything if you want to see long-term results.
The best scalp oils for 2024
Apply this scalp oil minutes or even the night before wash day to reap its hydrating and growth-encouraging benefits. A special blend of ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic root, and amla, an antioxidant-rich fruit, work in tandem to strengthen strands and prevent hair loss.
Key ingredients: Ashwagandha, amla, safflower seed oil, sesame seed oil, jojoba seed oil, castor seed oil
Size: 1.8 oz.
Sephora rating: 4.4 oz.
An ELLE editor says: 'For so long, wash day was a dreaded chore that I rushed through just so I can say my hair is clean. These days, I like to take my time to give my hair the proper TLC it deserves, and every wash session begins with this Fable & Mane pre-wash oil. Since my hair is also always under a protective style, clarifying shampoos are a must in my routine, so nourishing my hair before cleansing helps keep my strands strong and ready. This oil has all the Ayurvedic goodness to fortify my hair and keep breakage at bay.' —Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
The The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
For thinning hair, this serum is a must-try. The formula features castor oil, along with molecules that make hair look thicker and denser with consistent use.
Key ingredients: Redensyl, Procapil, Baicapil, castor oil
Size: 2 oz.
Sephora rating: 3.8/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: 'I honestly can’t recall the number of times I’ve waxed poetic about this hair serum. But whenever anyone comes to me with concerns about thinning, this is the first product that springs to mind. Because it’s so lightweight, I rarely feel like it’s weighing down my hair, even if I don’t wash my hair in between uses. The first time I tried it, I saw baby hairs sprouting all over my scalp after just a few weeks. Plus the volume it gives my hair should be studied. I have a bottle open right now, and there’s probably a backup floating around in my room.' —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
This scalp oil contains a plethora of nourishing essential oils that encourage circulation, leading to stronger, longer hair, but rosemary oil is the real star. “My mother has long told me about the benefits of rosemary oil. She has a huge bush in front of her home that allows her to make it from scratch for personal and medicinal benefits. Unfortunately, I live in NYC, so I’m nowhere near her precious plant—this rosemary oil plays a close second. I’ve used it off and on for years, and it strengthens your strands with consistent use. It’s also a scalp soother after a protective style that may have tugged at my hair a bit too hard,” says Danielle James, ELLE digital beauty director
Key ingredients: Soybean oil, castor seed oil, rosemary leaf oil, jojoba seed oil, peppermint oil
Size: 2 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: 'I grew up in a family full of strong female voices and personalities—sisters, aunties, and close family friends who were also considered aunties—each of whom helped shape me into the woman I am today. One thing I learned was oiling our scalps was a nightly ritual that none of us dared to skip. This oil, in particular, is a staple in my household. Its soothing formula feels so calming on the scalp, and this has also been key to maintaining healthy hair, especially with protective styles. I can confidently say that this oil is rarely out of stock in my beauty cabinet, and if it is, there’s another one close by.' —Tasha Nicole Smith, ELLE beauty assistant
When dehydrated, hair can be prone to split ends and breakage, making it harder to retain length. With this oil in hand, you don’t have to worry about that. The seven-oil concoction deeply hydrates the scalp and strands, making hair stronger over time.
Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, black cumin seed oil, linseed oil, castor oil, soybean oil
Size: 4.2 fl. oz.Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: 'Seven oils work together to restore and maintain hair health. I enjoy using this oil because of its nozzle applicator, which gets deep into my braids or twists without making an oily mess. My hair had a phase where it broke off, and using this oil helped me see less fallout. I will always repurchase!' —Nerisha Penrose
Like the other products in Augustinus Bader’s lineup, The Scalp Treatment employs TFC8 technology, a combination of peptides, vitamins, and lipids. The scalp oil also contains oak kernel oil, vitamin B5, and more to balance the scalp’s pH level and bolster the production of collagen and keratin—two essential proteins present in hair.
Key ingredients: Oat kernel oil, watercress, Indian cress, maca root extracts, vitamin B5
Size: 1 oz.
Excess sebum can block the pores on your scalp, which can result in thinner hair. The Act+Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox contains ingredients like moringa oil and basil leaf to break down buildup. 'It promotes scalp health by removing impurities, balancing oil production, and nourishing with antioxidants and vitamins, resulting in improved hair growth, reduced inflammation, and healthier, shinier hair,' says Holdorf. Clarify your scalp, and your hair will thank you.
Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, soybean oil, baobab seed oil, moringa seed oil, aloe extract
Size: 3 fl. oz.
As its name suggests, this scalp oil is like a supplement for your scalp; nutrient-rich botanicals like castor seed oil and pea sprout extract dominate the ingredient list. Holdorf reports that the 'unique formula supports hair growth, reduces inflammation, and enhances scalp health, resulting in thicker, healthier hair and a balanced scalp environment.'
Key ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, castor seed oil, olive oil, pea sprout extract
Size: 2 fl. oz.
Meet the Experts
Nikita Meht is Fable & Mane’s co-founder and creative director.
Lindsay Holdorf is a licensed esthetician and Dermstore’s resident esthetician.
Carol Lee is the Associate E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman. Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.
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