Skip to Content

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

23 Hair Growth Oils That Will Totally Transform Your Tresses

Rapunzel, is that you?

By Nerisha Penrose and Tatjana Freund
hair growth
Rosdiana Ciaravolo//Getty Images

Pretty much every woman has wished for long, luscious locks at some point in her life. We love bobs and pixie cuts just as much as the next person, but there’s something about long, mermaid-esque hair that makes our hearts sing. Naomi Campbell, behold your impact.

The only issue is actually growing those long strands. Everything from heat damage, bleach, hair type, stress, and general wear and tear can affect how our hair grows. But that doesn’t mean we can’t achieve our desired length. Healthy growth starts with getting into the routine of putting your hair first. That looks like less heat, more frequent trims, saying no to dry shampoo, and, most importantly, investing in quality hair growth oils can transform your tresses in-between styles.

“Hair oils can have many potential benefits for your scalp and hair. They aim to keep the scalp and hair follicles healthy and free of inflammation. They also aim to strengthen the hair shafts and help the hair itself to grow. Look for products that are pure, without too many additives that can cause potential irritation,” says NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi.

Top picks for the best hair growth oils in 2023

  • 1
    B. Well Organic ColdPressed 100 Castor Oil

    Best Multipurpose

    Briogeo B. Well Organic ColdPressed 100 Castor Oil

    $26 at Dermstore
    Read more
  • 2
    Initialiste Scalp & Hair Serum

    Best For Quick Results

    Kerastase Initialiste Scalp & Hair Serum

    Read more
  • 3
    Healing Oil

    Best For Thinning Hair

    Virtue Healing Oil

    Read more
  • 4
    Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil

    Best Packaging

    Squigs Beauty Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil

    Read more
  • 5
    The Hair Oil

    Best For Lightweight Hydration

    Crown Affair The Hair Oil

    Read more

Whether you’re experiencing some minor shedding or are having a bit of haircut regret, these hair oils will help your strands grow long and strong. So if you want to experience hair miracles firsthand, keep reading to shop 24 of the best growth oils and serums for every hair type.

1
Best Multipurpose

Briogeo B. Well Organic ColdPressed 100 Castor Oil

B. Well Organic ColdPressed 100 Castor Oil
1
Best Multipurpose

Briogeo B. Well Organic ColdPressed 100 Castor Oil

$26 at Dermstore$26 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Pros
  • Can be used for hair, eyelashes and eyebrows
Cons
  • Small bottle for price

Castor oil has been a common name in the hair growth conversation, primarily due to its nutrient-packed formula that works wonders for your hair, skin, and any other problem areas. This oil is packed with vitamins and fatty acids to give your hair the TLC it deserves.

Dermstore star rating: 4.5/5 stars

“This cold-pressed castor oil contains humectants, vitamin E, and omega fatty acids, which work together to keep the hair healthy and hydrated. It can be used on the hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes.” — Dr. Marisa Garshick

Size1.5 fl oz
2
Best For Quick Results

Kerastase Initialiste Scalp & Hair Serum

Best Seller
Initialiste Scalp & Hair Serum
2
Best For Quick Results

Kerastase Initialiste Scalp & Hair Serum

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Repairs damage
Cons
  • Pricey

If you want to see noticeable growth in a short amount of time, grab a bottle of Kerastase’s serum. Meant to transform your hair in just seven days, amino acids work overtime to rebuild damaged areas of the hair, while Ressurection Sap, a plant known to come back to life after 10 years on the brink of death, works to preserve the structure of the fiber.

Kerastase star rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Kerastase reviewer said: “This serum has done wonders in restoring the softness and silkiness of my hair following some damage from over-highlighting.”

Size2.2 fl oz
3
Best For Thinning Hair

Virtue Healing Oil

Healing Oil
3
Best For Thinning Hair

Virtue Healing Oil

Pros
  • Provides shine
  • Promotes repair
Cons
  • Pricey for a small bottle

Virtue has made a name for itself when it comes to providing solutions for hair loss and products that actually promote regrowth. All of its products are developed with alpha keratin, which mimics the keratin already in our skin, hair, and nails to promote healthy strand growth.

Sephora star rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “The virtue healing oil left my hair looking soft, smooth, hydrated, and healthy! I love the smell of the product; it is strong. The oil is light, more like a serum, and a little product goes a long way!”

Size1.7 fl oz
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Best Packaging

Squigs Beauty Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil

Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil
4
Best Packaging

Squigs Beauty Gooseberry Delight Hair Oil

Pros
  • Strengthening ingredients
Cons
  • Spout can make application little messy

Squigs Beauty’s best-selling oil marries alma oil and gooseberry plant extracts to form a nourishing blend that hydrates and softens the hair from root to tip.

Squigs Beauty star rating: 5/5 stars

A Squigs Beauty reviewer said: “I love this hair oil so much! The day after my first use, my roommate told me, ‘Ooo, your hair is so shiny today!’ Of course, I shared it with her, and it’s now our household hero!!”

Size4.4 fl oz
5
Best For Lightweight Hydration

Crown Affair The Hair Oil

The Hair Oil
5
Best For Lightweight Hydration

Crown Affair The Hair Oil

Pros
  • Lightweight texture won’t cause greasy-looking hair
Cons
  • Pricey

The key to promoting growth is ensuring your hair is extra healthy, which is where moisture comes in. By keeping your hair nice and hydrated, your strands will be nourished, and ready to grow long and strong. Apply this oil from mid-lengths to ends daily (wet or dry) for best results.

Sephora star rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “The crème de la crème of all hair oils. This oil leaves your hair looking hydrated, alive, and shiny, all without being oily. This stuff is a magic potion and amazing for locking in my coarse curls!”

Size1 fl oz
6
Best For Balancing Your Scalp

Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Pre-Shampoo Scalp & Hair Oil

Aceite de Moska Pre-Shampoo Scalp & Hair Oil
6
Best For Balancing Your Scalp

Ceremonia Aceite de Moska Pre-Shampoo Scalp & Hair Oil

Pros
  • Natural and earthy scent
Cons
  • May run out quickly

Healthy hair that grows quickly and looks full begins with a healthy scalp. Refresh your roots by applying this pre-shampoo treatment oil. Try massaging it in with Ceremonia’s scalp massager for the ultimate hair detox.

Sephora star rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “I’m so glad I got to try this. Literally no oil makes my very dry hair smooth and shiny! Thanks to Ceremonia, I now can enjoy having a healthy-looking hair. I put it one hour or overnight then I wash my hair. Little goes a long way. Give it a try if you want to have a smooth and shiny hair.”

Size2 fl oz
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Best For Broken Hair

JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil

Editor’s Choice
Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil
7
Best For Broken Hair

JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil

Pros
  • No buildup
Cons
  • Takes commitment to see results

With squalane and hemi-squalane, this scalp oil is hydrating but washes out easily, never leaving buildup behind. Not only does it help detox the scalp, but the strengthening ingredients reduce breakage in compromised strands. Try leaving it on overnight for a deep scalp refresh.

Sephora star rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “After one use I was sold!! My scalp tends to be on the dry side; this didn’t overdo it; it just left my hair like princess hair. Which I appreciate because I’m in the process of growing my hair out.”

Size1.7 fl oz
8
Best Heat Protectant

Surface Hair Protective Oil

Protective Oil
8
Best Heat Protectant

Surface Hair Protective Oil

Pros
  • Tames frizz
Cons
  • Small bottle

When trying to promote hair growth, it’s important to protect against heat. This babassu oil-packed treatment from Surface Hair does it all by providing hydration, heat protection, and shine. Reviewers noted their hair felt softer and appeared less frizzy after using.

Surface star rating: 5/5 stars

A Surface Hair reviewer said: “I use it after every shower before drying my hair and I love the way my hair looks afterwards! Less frizzy and more shiny.”

Size2 fl oz
9
Best Density Booster

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
9
Best Density Booster

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

Pros
  • Easy leave-in treatment
Cons
  • Small bottle

If your hair looks a bit thin or you just want to boost your growth, try this treatment from The Ordinary. Apply each night before bed and massage your scalp for the best results. No need to wash out!

Sephora star rating: 3.9/5 stars

“In addition to peptides, this contains antioxidants, vitamins, humectants, and conditioners to nourish the hair and promote overall scalp and hair health. This serum also contains castor oil, which may help to promote healthier and stronger hair as it uses ricinoleic acid, a type of fatty acid, to boost circulation in the scalp. Caffeine, also included, has been shown to help with hair growth in laboratory settings, but is likely helping by supporting healthy hair through antioxidant benefits.” — Dr. Garshick

Size2 fl oz
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Best For Breakage

Augustinus Bader The Scalp Treatment

The Scalp Treatment
10
Best For Breakage

Augustinus Bader The Scalp Treatment

Pros
  • Easy-to-use dropper
Cons
  • Pricey

Dip your strands into the luxury haircare pool with this scalp treatment from Augustinus Bader. It is packed with the brand’s proprietary TFC8 complex, which helps reverse damaged hair back to a healthy state and promote overall density.

Sephora star rating: 4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “I love, love, love this serum! I can actually see little baby hairs filling in my thinning hair! Before starting to use this serum, you could actually see fairly far up on my scalp in between my hair. But no more!”

Size1 fl oz
11
Best For Overall Hair Follicle Health

Grande Cosmetics GrandeHAIR Enhancing Serum

GrandeHAIR Enhancing Serum
11
Best For Overall Hair Follicle Health

Grande Cosmetics GrandeHAIR Enhancing Serum

Pros
  • Promotes density and length
Cons
  • Takes eight weeks to see results

When it comes to growing lashes, Grande Cosmetics is the expert. So it should come as no surprise that their hair-enhancing serum has a similar effect...just for your scalp instead of your lashes. Packed with peptides and amino acids, you will have fuller and longer hair after using it nightly for about eight weeks.

Ulta star rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “Lasted me about 90 days and worked great! I would buy it again and recommend it to anyone!”

Size1.3 fl oz
12
Best For Dull Hair

Kiehl’s Magic Elixir

Best Seller
Magic Elixir
12
Best For Dull Hair

Kiehl’s Magic Elixir

Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Can feel too thick for some

The secret behind this magic hair treatment? A powerful blend of rosemary, avocado, and safflower oils. Packed with Vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids, this formula helps tame flyaways and repair damaged ends. Apply it to your scalp directly using the easy dispensing tip.

Kiehl’s star rating: 4.4/5 stars

“The Kiehl’s Magic Exilir contains a blend of avocado oil and rosemary oil and can be used prior to shampooing to nourish the scalp and hair and improve the overall health.” - Dr. Garshick

Size4.2 fl oz
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
Best For Protective Styles

Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

Best Seller
Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
13
Best For Protective Styles

Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Smell may be strong for some

Mielle Organics scalp treatment is packed with biotin and essential oils to encourage hair growth, perfect for those with protective styles like braids and weaves. The oil also combats pesky split ends that prevent your locks from reaching their full potential.

Target star rating: 4.6/5 stars

“The combination of rosemary and mint essential oils help to boost circulation and stimulate hair follicles to help with hair growth and thickening.” — Dr. Garshick

Size 2 fl oz
14
Best For Extreme Length

Wild Growth Hair Oil

Best Seller
Hair Oil
14
Best For Extreme Length

Wild Growth Hair Oil

Now 11% Off
Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Can feel too thick for some

With over 13,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, you know this oil does what it says. Not only does it make styling a breeze, but it encourages your hair to grow as long as possible.

Amazon star rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I love this stuff!! I use it on my hair once a week & have been using it for a month & see great results! 10/10 would recommend.”

Size4 fl oz
15
Best For Frizzy Hair

Hair Thickness Maximizer Hair Growth Oil

Best Seller
Hair Growth Oil
15
Best For Frizzy Hair

Hair Thickness Maximizer Hair Growth Oil

Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Takes commitment to see results

Give your hair follicles a nudge with this stimulating organic oil. It has a blend of all the best oils for your hair—think, argan, jojoba, rosehip, and black castor oil—for frizz-free and ever-growing locks.

Amazon star rating: 3.9/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I love the feel of it and the help that it gives to my hair and even my nails. The smell is not the best, but it is not horrible.”

Size1 fl oz
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16
Best For Itchy Scalps

Curls Blueberry & Mint Tea Hair Growth & Scalp Treatment

Blueberry & Mint Tea Hair Growth & Scalp Treatment
16
Best For Itchy Scalps

Curls Blueberry & Mint Tea Hair Growth & Scalp Treatment

Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Takes commitment to see results

Curly girls know that maintaining healthy spirals and having an enviable length can seem like an impossible dream. This oil stimulates the scalp so that hair follicles can grow healthier and stronger.

Ulta star rating: 4.9/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “I bought this oil in hopes it would help with my scalp, which gets crazy dry during the winter. I have naturally curly hair, but I lost most of the curls since growing my hair out. Surprisingly, it has helped my curls re-emerge! I couldn’t be happier. I put it on before bed and rinse it out sometime the next day.”

Size4 fl oz
17
Best For No Mess Application

Camille Rose Cocoa Nibs & Honey Ultimate Growth Serum

Cocoa Nibs & Honey Ultimate Growth Serum
17
Best For No Mess Application

Camille Rose Cocoa Nibs & Honey Ultimate Growth Serum

Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Smell may be strong for some

This hair and scalp serum blends healthy oils to encourage thicker, longer, healthier hair. The pointed tip makes it super easy to apply on your scalp, so say goodbye to messy hands.

Ulta star rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “My hair was coming out in globs in the shower. I used this once and saw a tremendous/beautiful difference. I will make sure to repeatedly repurchase this product!”

Size8 fl oz
18
Best For Color-Treated Hair

Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

Best Seller
Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil
18
Best For Color-Treated Hair

Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

Now 32% Off
Pros
  • Hydrating
Cons
  • Pricey

A cult favorite for a good reason, this lightweight oil uses a combination of edelweiss flower, bergamot, and argan extracts to penetrate strands for silky smooth hair. It also provides UV and thermal protection and works for color-treated hair.

Nordstrom star rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer said: “Lightweight and nourishing hair oil. This does not weigh my hair down, but provides additional moisture, softness, and shine. Highly recommend.”

Size3.3 fl oz
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
Best Investment

Hair Rituel by Sisley-Paris Precious Hair Care Oil

Precious Hair Care Oil
19
Best Investment

Hair Rituel by Sisley-Paris Precious Hair Care Oil

Pros
  • Hydrating
Cons
  • Pricey

You won’t waste a drop of Sisley’s nourishing formula, made with passion fruit, shea, cotton, and moringa oils. Only a small amount is needed for application, so it’s a worthy investment.

Bloomingdale’s star rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Bloomingdale's reviewer said: “My hair after using this oil is soft, well-groomed and [has an] incredibly delicious aroma. Highly recommend.”

Size3.3 fl oz
20
Best For Shedding

The Mane Choice The Alpha Multi-Vitamin Scalp Growth Oil

The Alpha Multi-Vitamin Scalp Growth Oil
20
Best For Shedding

The Mane Choice The Alpha Multi-Vitamin Scalp Growth Oil

Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Can leave buildup behind

Perfect for natural hair types, this oil is made exclusively for the scalp to revitalize and rejuvenate dry or damaged hair. It also helps to reduce shedding and supports hair growth and retention.

Ulta star rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “Best growth oil ever!! I just purchased it about a month ago, and I already see results! I have a ton of new growth. I think this oil is great for thicker/curly hair. Thinner hair would definitely come out oily, so I would definitely recommend it for my 2c/3c/4c friends!”

Size4.0 fl oz
Headshot of Nerisha Penrose
Nerisha Penrose
Beauty Commerce Editor

Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.

Headshot of Tatjana Freund
Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor

Tatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made. 

Watch Next
 
preview for Elle US Section: Beauty

Hairstyles & Haircuts 2023

daniel mora ayala hair

17 Balayage Designs to Refresh Your Hair

currentbody

Can Red Light Therapy Devices Reduce Hair Loss?

This is an image

12 Best Hair Serums for Frizzy Hair

80s hair inspiration

The Hottest Hair Looks of the '80s

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
twitter icon
youtube icon
facebook icon
instagram icon
pinterest icon
Hearst Fashion and Luxury Collection - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite Map
Cookies Choices