How to Make a DIY Oil for Hair Growth at Home

Whether you're stressed juggling between your professional and family life or someone experiencing the natural changes that come with aging, hair issues can be a source of more anxiety and self-consciousness. If you're among the millions on the lookout for a natural solution to hair loss and thinning, the answer might just lie in a bottle of DIY oil for hair growth you can easily make at home.

This comprehensive guide will take you through the ingredients and methods for making your own hair growth oil and some practical advice on how to use it.

How to Make Homemade Oil for Thicker and Healthier Hair

Making a homemade oil for hair growth is all about selecting the right combination of base and essential oils. When blending these oils, it's essential to keep proportions in mind. A general guideline is to have 90-95% of your mixture be your base oils, with the remaining 5-10% comprising essential oils.

Picking Carrier Oils for Your Hair Type

Here's a list of the best carrier oils for promoting hair growth [source]:

Castor Oil

For those struggling with thinning hair, castor oil is a godsend. Its high fatty acid content, especially ricinoleic acid, promotes blood circulation to the scalp, encouraging hair growth and thickness. However, castor oil is pretty thick and could be a pain to wash out. So, be prepared to shampoo your hair three or four times after the oil treatment. Otherwise, the thick oil may collect in the pores and around hair follicles, causing more shedding in the future.

Coconut Oil

A staple in many hair care regimens, coconut oil is revered for its deep moisturizing properties. It works wonders in preventing protein loss - a common culprit behind weak and brittle hair [source]. It's a great choice if you have dry hair and scalp.

Argan Oil

Often hailed as 'liquid gold,' argan oil is packed with antioxidants and Vitamin E, making it ideal not just for stimulating hair growth but also for adding a healthy shine. This one is a favorite among those with thick, frizzy hair.

Jojoba Oil

If your scalp's natural oil balance is out of whack, jojoba oil can be a great addition. It closely mimics the natural oils of the scalp, boosting a healthier environment for hair growth. For the same reason, it's perfect for those whose hair is on the oilier side.

Almond Oil

Almond oil is a rich source of vitamin E and essential fatty acids. It's highly emollient, softening and moisturizing dry hair, but it's also lightweight, making it suitable for oily hair as well. Plus, it improves the hair's elasticity as it can fill gaps between cuticle cells.

Virgin Olive Oil

The main component of olive oil is olein, which has emollient and moisturizing properties, similar to coconut oil. It also contains other compounds, like flavonoids, with antioxidant and antifungal effects, helping with scalp inflammation and dandruff, common causes of hair loss.

Amla Oil

Amla oil, also known as the Indian gooseberry, is the one that stands out from this list – it's the most vitamin C-rich oil. Thanks to this vitamin, amla oil has potent antimicrobial properties, helping eliminate bacteria that cause hair shedding. On top of that, amla oil can also help with graying of the hair.

Sesame Oil

This oil is highly nourishing, healing, and lubricating, making it excellent for scalp health. Sesame oil is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins that strengthen the hair from the roots and deeply nourish it.

Mustard Oil

Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, mustard oil is known to stimulate hair growth. Its high beta-carotene content, which converts to vitamin A, is a great growth stimulant, and it also contains iron, fatty acids, calcium, and magnesium, all of which promote hair growth.

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin seed oil is a powerhouse for hair growth, thanks to its rich content of nutrients like zinc, magnesium, iron, and vitamins A, E, and K. These elements work together to strengthen hair follicles and promote healthy blood circulation in the scalp, creating an ideal environment for hair growth. Additionally, its natural DHT-blocking properties make it especially effective in combatting hair thinning and loss, often associated with hormonal imbalances.

Essential Oils for Hair Growth

When it comes to promoting hair growth and improving the health of your hair, certain essential oils stand out due to their unique properties. Here are some of the best essential oils for hair growth and the reasons why they are effective:

Rosemary Oil

This nature's miracle is one of the most widely acclaimed essential oils for hair growth. It's known for its ability to improve cellular generation, which means it helps stimulate hair follicles to grow. Additionally, rosemary oil, as well as rosemary water, has been shown to improve blood flow to the scalp, promoting hair growth. Some studies found that rosemary oil is similar to minoxidil, a common hair growth treatment, but doesn't cause irritation and scalp itching as a side effect.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is another excellent choice for hair growth. It has a cooling effect that invigorates the scalp, promote blood flow, and improve hair growth. A 2014 study showed that peppermint oil when applied to the skin, increased the number of follicles, follicle depth, and overall hair growth.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is well-known for its soothing and stress-reducing properties, but it's also beneficial for hair growth. It comprises components that can generate cell growth and strengthen hair follicles. Moreover, lavender oil has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which can improve scalp health.

Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood essential oil can promote hair growth and reduce hair loss by balancing the oil production on your scalp. On top of that, it possesses antifungal properties, treating dandruff and other conditions that may contribute to hair loss.

Thyme Oil

Thyme oil is known for its potent hair growth-promoting properties. It's particularly beneficial in promoting hair growth by both stimulating the scalp and actively preventing hair loss. Like cedarwood oil, thyme oil is also thought effective in treating alopecia areata.

Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage oil contains the same linalyl acetate that helps make lavender oil so effective in increasing hair growth. It can improve hair strength, in addition to increasing hair growth, making hair more difficult to break.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has powerful cleansing and antimicrobial properties. When used on the scalp, it can help unclog hair follicles and nourish the roots. However, it should be used with care as it can irritate some people's skin.

How to Apply Your DIY Hair Growth Oil

Applying oil to your scalp and hair will, naturally, leave your hair quite a bit greasy. So, use your DIY hair growth oil treatment before washing your hair and follow these steps:

Step 1. Section your hair. This step isn't necessary, but it will help you apply the oil evenly across your scalp, especially if you have dense hair.

Step 2. Apply the oil. With a dropper, apply the oil to your scalp between each section, starting from the front or your hairline, and going all the way back. Remember that little goes a long way, and you don't want the oil dripping down your face.

Step 3. Massage. Using gentle circular motions, massage the oil into your scalp with your fingertips to improve blood circulation.

Step 4. Spread to the lengths. Don't forget the length of your hair, especially if it is dry or damaged. You can use a wide-tooth wooden comb to gently spread the oil evenly and reduce tangles.

Step 5. Leave it on. For best results, leave the oil on for at least two hours or overnight if possible. If leaving it overnight, tie your hair in a loose bun and protect your pillowcase with a towel. Alternatively, you can wrap your hair in a shower cap or whatever you have available. In addition to protecting your bedding, a shower cap will trap the heat and help the oil penetrate deeper into your scalp and hair.

Step 6. Wash off. The next morning, use a gentle shampoo to remove the oil. You might need to shampoo it twice or three times if your hair still feels oily.

Step 7. Condition and dry. Follow up with a conditioner, even if your hair feels soft, to ensure that your hair retains moisture. Avoid using heat-styling tools immediately after an oil treatment. Instead, let your hair air dry if possible.

Depending on your hair type, an overnight oil treatment can be done once a week or even bi-weekly. Over-oiling can lead to scalp issues, so it's important to find a balance.

Takeaway...

Keep in mind that patience and consistency are the key to healthy hair. So use your DIY oil for hair growth regularly, and remember to have fun while doing so – stressing over hair thinning can only make things worse. Therefore, make sure to treat your body with love and care, and your hair, as well as your overall well-being, will flourish.

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