Best Hair Growth Oils for Men

Premature hair fall and thinning can make even the most self-assured man start to feel uncomfortable. For most of us, it’s an absolute nightmare. In our desperation to stem the tide of male pattern balding, no home remedy or magic solution is too outlandish. The far-fetched claims of hair product marketers can reel us in and leave us feeling disappointed each time. This isn’t the case with all hair oils and there are a few are actually effective at promoting or enhancing hair growth and protecting against hair fall. Here’s our list of the best hair growth oils for men, backed by research.

7 Hair Oils to Fight Balding & Thinning

1. Bhringraj

One of the most highly regarded herbs in Ayurved, bhringraj is classified as a rasayana or rejuvenative and it certainly lives up to this classification when it comes to hair care. Studies have confirmed the efficacy of bhringraj to support hair growth, as it reduces growth time considerably. Other researchers have also confirmed these findings and reveal that polyherbal formulations containing bhringraj can reduce growth time, improve regeneration rate, and increase hair follicle numbers during the anagenic phase.

2. Amla

Although amla is most popular as an immunity booster medicine because of its high vitamin C and antioxidant content, it is also one of the most widely used ingredients in Ayurvedic hair oils and medications. Aside from the fact that amla’s vitamin and antioxidant content has a protective effect on hair, it is regarded as particularly effective for hair problems related to pitta aggravation. Herbal hair oils that contain amla may be particularly helpful for men, as some research suggests that extracts from amla could inhibit 5α-reductase, an enzyme that is linked to male pattern balding. 

3. Neem

One of the most valued of all medicinal plants in India, neem is a common ingredient in a wide range of Ayurvedic medications for conditions as varied as liver disease, diabetes, and eczema. It has various therapeutic applications as is apparent from research, and one potential use is in fighting hair loss. Neem is an important ingredient in some Ayurvedic hair products as it can help fight hair loss caused by inflammatory conditions such as dandruff. This belief is supported by studies that show that neem has antifungal properties that can protect against a number of scalp conditions. 

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is the most widely used hair oil across the Indian subcontinent and there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence to support its use. We now know that there may also be scientific support for coconut oil as a hair care product. Although the oil is unlikely to increase or speed up hair growth, it can reduce balding and thinning by protecting against excess hair fall. Coconut oil is known to exhibit antifungal effects, which could help relieve or prevent certain scalp conditions like dandruff. One study found that coconut oil is also better absorbed by hair strands, which could help protect against hair damage through breakage and split ends. Another study found that coconut oil for hair can restrict protein loss from hair, reducing the risk of dry and brittle hair, which is susceptible to breakage. 

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is one of the most popular essential oils in aromatherapy, not just for its fragrance, but also for its health benefits. We’re now learning that one of those benefits may include enhanced hair growth. A clinical review reveals that daily application of rosemary oil via a scalp massage may promote hair growth, while another study found that the herb could help reduce hair loss. Just remember that essential oils need to be diluted before you use them on your hair or skin.

6. Jatamansi

Most widely used in Ayurved as a calming brain tonic to treat conditions like chronic stress, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders, jatamansi is also used in some Ayurvedic hair oils for hair growth. It is believed to reduce hair growth time and protect against premature greying of hair. Some of these benefits have been confirmed, with an animal study finding that jatamansi extract application could accelerate hair growth by up to 30%. The precise mechanism of action is not clearly understood, but some experts believe that it could be linked to the presence of nardin and jatamansic acid.

7. Peppermint oil

Peppermint or pudinha is not a herb that we normally associate with hair care, but it may be one that we should begin using. Researchers from Korea found that peppermint oil had a stronger effect of promoting hair growth as compared to other topical applications, including minoxidil, a medication that is actually prescribed in the treatment of hair loss. They found that the oil increased thickness of the scalp and also raised the number of hair follicles. The enhancements to hair growth stage may be linked to the presence of menthol in mint, which is known to cause blood vessel dilation. This effect would improve blood flow and circulation to the scalp, which is necessary for healthy hair growth. 

While all of these herbal oils should help promote hair growth and fight hair fall, each of them is unique and different oils will work for different individuals. After all, your hair type and hair problems are also unique to you. This is why herbal blends are often most effective, providing you with a wider range of therapeutic benefits. You can create your own blend of oils or use Dr. Vaidya’s Herbocool, which has been specially formulated to treat common hair problems like excess hair fall, dandruff, greying, and so on. It features some of the best herbs for hair care, including bhringraj, amla, and jatamansi, among others.

References:

• Roy, R. K., Thakur, M., & Dixit, V. K. (2007, May 22). Development and evaluation of polyherbal formulation for hair growth–promoting activity. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Retrieved March 15, 2018, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2007.00305.x/abstract
• Kumar, Naphatsorn et al. “5α-reductase inhibition and hair growth promotion of some Thai plants traditionally used for hair treatment.” Journal of ethnopharmacology vol. 139,3 (2012): 765-71. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.12.010
• Anjum, Fozia et al. “Exploration of nutraceutical potential of herbal oil formulated from parasitic plant.” African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM vol. 11,1 78-86. 2 Nov. 2013 PMCID: PMC3957245
• Rele, Aarti S, and R B Mohile. “Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage.” Journal of cosmetic science vol. 54,2 (2003): 175-92. PMID: 12715094
• Panahi, Yunes et al. “Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial.” Skinmed vol. 13,1 (2015): 15-21. PMID: 25842469
• Gottumukkala, Venkateswara Rao et al. “Phytochemical investigation and hair growth studies on the rhizomes of Nardostachys jatamansi DC.” Pharmacognosy magazine vol. 7,26 (2011): 146-50. doi:10.4103/0973-1296.80674
• Oh, Ji Young et al. “Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs.” Toxicological research vol. 30,4 (2014): 297-304. doi:10.5487/TR.2014.30.4.297