DIY Hair Growth Oil Recipe (Essential Oil Blend That Actually Helps)
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Struggling with hair thinning or hair loss? This DIY hair growth oil uses simple essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, and lavender to support scalp health naturally. It’s an easy, affordable addition to your routine that may help encourage healthier hair over time.
When I was in college, I never thought I'd some day be writing about a DIY Essential Oils for Hair Growth Blend. Back in those days, some people referred to me as the “big hair girl.”
I think some of it had to do with how I wore my hair, and also because I was temporarily obsessed with perms.
Thankfully, that “obsession” ended about 10 years ago.
Since my “Big Hair Girl” Days, however, I've had some issues with hair loss on and off. It's hard for anyone to lose hair or have thinning hair, especially for us women.
Thankfully, there are options to help and I do feel like this blend has helped support my hair over time.
Possible Reasons for Hair Loss
Here are some of the possible reasons that you might be finding that your locks aren't quite what you would like them to be.
– thyroid issues
– iodine deficiency
– stress
– adrenal stress
– iron deficiency
Ideally, for any of these conditions, you need to get to the root cause of your hair loss and figure out what is causing it, and work on getting healthier, so that you can have a more stable condition for your hair (and your health).
However, one of the things that I have leaned on whenever I have had hair loss, is this simple DIY Essential Oils for Hair Growth Blend and I do think it has really helped me.
Initially, the recipe consisted of only 2 oils. Recently, I added another and I feel like it works better.
Hair Loss Remedies I’ve Tried
Over the years, I’ve tried a number of approaches to support hair growth, including supplements, different shampoos, and scalp massage.
While some helped a little (especially reducing stress and improving scalp care), others didn’t make much difference for me.
One of the simplest things I keep coming back to is using the targeted essential oil blend below—it’s easy, affordable, and supports overall scalp health.
Best Essential Oils for Hair Growth
Following are the best essential oils for hair that may help support hair growth based on research and traditional use.
- Rosemary oil – the most studied for supporting hair growth
- Peppermint oil – may stimulate the scalp and improve circulation
- Lavender oil – may help support hair thickness and scalp health
Why This Blend Works
There are a number of essential oils and other ingredients that can be useful for hair growth. Following are the ones that I chose and why I chose them.
Rosemary Oil helps with hair growth, and it has been proven to do so. In fact, it's been shown to be more effective than minoxidil.
Peppermint Oil has also been shown to aid hair growth in studies.
Lavender Oil has also been proven to help with hair growth.
Olive Oil seems to be great for hair health as well, as outlined in this source.
Melatonin – The topical use of melatonin has been shown to assist hair health. Studies show effectiveness at various concentrations, but you might feel a bit drowsy using higher amounts. Adding 1 capsule to 1 batch of these oils should be fine, but pay attention to how you feel when using it and consult with your physician if you have concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see results from this blend?
While scalp health may improve within as little as 2–4 weeks, hair density increase and new growth will likely take longer because they both depend on hair growth cycles.
Can essential oils thicken hair?
Yes, essential oils can cause an improvement in both hair density and the thickness (diameter) of hair strands.
Here’s how to make a simple, effective hair growth oil blend at home.
How to Make a Hair Growth Oil
Combine carrier oil and essential oils and optional ingredients as desired in a small opaque container. Store in a cool dark place.
Essential Oil Hair Growth Blend
Ingredients
Oil Blend
- 3/8 cup olive oil (or other oil as desired)
- 6 drops Rosemary Oil
- 6 drops Peppermint Oil
- 6 or 7 drops Lavender Oil
- 50 g Vitamin E (optional)
- 1 capsule melatonin (optional)
Water Blend
- 3/8 cup filtered water
- 6 drops Rosemary Oil
- 6 drops Peppermint Oil
- 6 or 7 drops Lavender Oil
- 50 g Vitamin E (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Diatomaceous Earth (bentonite clay, collagen, or gelatin are good options as well)
- 1 capsule melatonin (optional)
Instructions
Oil Blend
- Put oil in a small glass container.
- Add essential oils and melatonin, if using.
- Stir to combine. Put some of the mixture on your fingertips and massage into scalp.
Water Blend
- Put about 1 teaspoon of an emulsifier like Diatomaceous Earth, bentonite clay, collagen, or gelatin in a small glass container.
- Add essential oils to the emulsifier.
- Add the filtered water.
- Blend the emulsified mixture into the filtered water.
- Put some of the mixture into the filtered water.
- Put some of the mixture on your fingertips, and massage into scalp.
- Keep mixture in a covered container in the fridge and discard after 4 days or so.
Notes
Other Essential Oils That May Support Hair Growth
In addition to the oils in this blend, there are a few others that are have been used to support scalp health and hair growth:
You could also just add these oils to your shampoo, but since you are rinsing it out, using the DIY blend and leaving it on your scalp is more effective.
You can experiment with adding small amounts of these, but keeping your blend simple is often the most effective approach
Have you struggled with hair loss?
What have you tried and how has it worked?
Photo Credits: Naomi Huzovicova
I had read that castor oil is the best for hair loss so I use that 2-1 with coconut oil & it is much easier to wash out. I use rosemary essential oil & peppermint essential oil. There is a formula for how much EO to your carrier oil. Google it. I’m on an iPad so can’t tell you right now. I use it twice a week overnight or a couple of hours in the morning with a shower cap.
Thanks for the recommendation! The castor oil was terrible on its own!
I read somewhere that heavy oil treatments (castor oil) wash out easily when you apply a raw, whisked egg to your scalp/hair before washing. It works like a charm! I was amazed at how well it worked, and if I remember correctly, the egg also benefits the hair. It IS one more step, but it’s pretty easy.
Interesting. Thanks. Sounds a bit pricey too if you are using quality eggs, but interesting. Do you feel it has helped your hair?
I applied a castor oil and argan oil (3:1) to my scalp overnight, and then this morning massaged a whisked egg into my hair in the shower, and it all rinsed out beautifully. No gunky sticky residue.Very surprised! I followed with my usual shampoo and conditioner. Hair feels great. First time using castor oil. Only used 1/2 egg. Read elsewhere to do this couple times a week, so will give it a go.
I egg. 1 tbs. honey. 1 tbs. olive oil. Shampoo hair with that
Rinse with ACV and the coconut oil and caster oil come right out!
Do you rinse with it straight? I have this DIY rinse that I used to make often: https://wholenewmom.com/recipes/nourishing-hair-rinse-and-why-you-should-be-using-one/
I use 1/3 castor oil to2/3 organic olive oil.
I have found a company, Just Natural, that haves great hair regrowth products. The ingredients are composed of mainly essential oils. Being an oiler, they won my heart. A bit expensive. But, you use it sparingly. I have been using $250 worth of product for a year now and still have half the supply left. ?
Can I ask what company you’re using for haircare?
Me or Catina? I have some of the products that I like here: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/haircare-ingredients-to-avoid/
Hi,
I just recently purchased the Hair Support Blend from RMO. How many drops should I use of the RMO blend if I still wanted to use jojoba oil as the carrier. I am trying to figure out how I can apply your DIY blend but by using the RMO blend. Thank you for this post I have learned so much from reading it!
Best,
Emily
Hello Emily. I just did 18 drops of oil to 3/8 cup carrier oil. Hope you enjoy it and you are so welcome!
Thank you! A couple more questions came to mind…
How may times do you use the blend with oil per week versus the blend with water? And for the blend with water is it safe if I use hydrolyzed collagen as the emulsifier and is that amount of collagen safe to use on the hair daily?
Best,
Emily
I only use the water blend so I don’t need to have more than 1 of these in my bathroom and b/c I wash my hair twice weekly. I haven’t heard of collagen being a problem on the hair – have you?
I read that there is such a thing as too much protein but with only 1 tsp. that should not be overboard, I was just wondering if you had any past experience with applying collagen topically. I shower every day because of working out, etc. but only shampoo 3x a week. Would you recommend only applying the blend 2x a week? Sorry for all the questions!
Have you read that too much protein on your hair is an issue? I use this daily – twice a day. I don’t see any issues with it since it is well diluted. I haven’t ever applied collagen topically but I use it internally.
I just received rosemary and peppermint oils from RMO yesterday. I massaged a drop of each into some conditioner and let it sit while I showered. Then washed my hair last. My hair fell/rinsed out more than usual. it kinda scared me. Do you think it’s normal for this to happen the first time using the oils?
Hi Suzanne. No, that should not happen like that. I am wondering if you massaging in did that? I have noticed that sometimes I perceive hair loss when it isn’t happening. For example, typically I blog my hair out, but when I don’t, I notice hair falling later – but that’s b/c my brush didn’t catch it.
Of course, if you think the oils caused it, then by all means stop, but I can’t imagine it happening so quickly.
I leave them in overnight and all day personally for maximum benefit. Thanks for reading!
Thank you for your reply!
Can you tell me why you added the ravintsara oil to your recipe? When I research this oil it seems to be for respiratory and antibacterial benefit. Why do you find this oil helpful for hair growth? I’m new to essential oils, so forgive me if the question is something most people already know. ?
Sure thing, Suzanne.
First of all, I added it b/c it is in RMO’s hair blend and I trust them — I have found that they put a lot of thought into their blends and that they work quite well.
The function of the Ravintsara is to support the skin of the scalp, which can often be a contributor to hair loss.
Depending on your issues, you could leave it out if you like. Hope that helps :).
And no, this is not something most people would know — it’s a great question!
Have you found a book or 2 that you like? I have a few that I would recommend and am looking at a few more. Take care!!
I would love to know what books you recommend!
Yes, sure. I have a few more that I am going to be checking out but I would highly recommend the books that are at the bottom of the posts in my series….mainly the one by Neal’s Yard Remedies (it’s short but packed w/ great information), the Aromatherapy for Professionals one is more technical but great, and hmmmmm…there is one at the bottom of this post that is pretty good but a little outdated. https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/are-essential-oils-a-scam-a-skeptical-look-at-thieves-oil/ (I am considering changing things around so different books might be there later. ) I am going to be looking at a few more. Let me know if these recommendations help. I will be doing a post on EO books in the future.
Thank you so much for your help!
I have another hair question. You suggest adding 2 drops of each oil per ounce of jojoba oil (or water) to make the blend. (6 drops in 3/8cup)
Is there a reason why you chose that ratio? I read conflicting recipe ideas on websites… some seem to add strong doses of essential oils, and others not.
Hi Suzanne.
When I first started using oils I was using a lot of them undiluted and I have moved to more dilution over time. I feel it is a safer application method and it still seems to work. I hope to share more about dilutions in the future.
Thank you for answering all of my questions. I am really enjoying your blog! 🙂
You are so welcome! It’s a blessing to know that my site is a help. Working on a few new things for this week. Hope to see you around again!
Hi Adrienne! Me again. 🙂
I am using the water based recipe, only using the oils and water, putting them in a 4 ounce glass bottle with a spray pump. I shake up the water and oil right before I spray it on my hair/scalp. Do you think this is a satisfactory method?
Hi there!
I do it that way myself right now but am going to be emulsifying from now on to prevent sensitivities. Lavender shouldn’t be an issue to not emulsify, but other oils might be.
Could you please give the Latin name for the ‘ravintsara’? I have done some research on this and apparently there are TWO that are close in spelling but one of them is a bit controversial. Can’t remember why, right now, but it was a confusing day reading about all of the information.
Ravensara/ravintsara consusion
Hello there, Carol. Sure! Ravensara’s Latin name is Ravensara aromatica, which is distilled from the leaves of the tree of the same name, and Ravintsara is Cinnamomum camphora which is distilled from the leaves of the camphor tree. Hope that helps!
Dear Madam,
Is the site ‘soulflower’ good to purchase essential oils??? Can coconut oil be used as carrier oil in aromatherapy??
Never heard of them. Sorry. You could use coconut oil but fractionated works best since it has a long shelf life and won’t stain clothes. It depends what your goals are.
One of the things I have done is blend coconut oil with castor oil and 1 or 2 drops of rosemary oil.
This recipe is very effective,and easy to wash out of the hair. I find that too much rosemary oil can be very stimulating. Not great if you have it on all night.
As a result of doing this faithfully for 6 months, twice a week, hair grew back.
Sincerely,
Olga
Oh interesting. Rosemary is supposed to reduce cortisol. https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/adrenal-fatigue-essential-oils-blend-treatment/
I’m glad that worked for you!
Hi,
I cut my hair very short, almost military to get all the haircolor off so I could grow it out naturally with my gray showing, I love gray hair. So, what has worked tremendously for me is taking Biotin 10,ooh mug and Prenatal vitamins and using Avalon organic hair strengthening shampoo and being careful not too be abusive with my hair like rubber bands on it or barrettes too tight. I also brush it out at night to stimulate the follicles. Well, my hair in one year since cut is now down to my bra strap of the longest layer. People that know me have said “wow, your hair has gotten so long so quick”. So, anyway, this works for me and would encourage anyone to try this easy regimen.
So glad that worked for you! I read that that shampoo changed its formula recently – did you use it before or after that?
HI,
Thanks for your post after reading it i have decided to purchase Hair support from rocky mountain oils.Can you please suggest which shampoo should i use to rinse my hair….
Hi Sarada,
Good question! I have been working on shampoo for a long time now. I personally would look at this post and see what you think. They are my favorites right now. I’m thinking about trying more. https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/haircare-ingredients-to-avoid/
Let me know if you need more help. Shampoo is a toughy!
What base can i use to make a Non – oily spray using EO and herbal extracts ?
Also: In 4oz bottle how many drops of each EO ? rosemary / lavender / thyme / cedarwood.
I would love to make this alcohol free, and non – oily… is there a way ??
I didn’t use alcohol at all – I just put the oils in water and get it on my scalp. Does that help?
can you tell me what “X” is?? 6 drops of X- thank you
Oh no! I don’t know how that happened. Maybe when we made an edit to the post. I’m fixing it now. Sorry! Thanks for pointing that out!