Scalp oil for hair growth is a hot topic in beauty. Although many of us strive to keep our scalps oil-free, endless videos of long, strong manes on social media have raised the question of whether oiling your scalp is something that's actually worth trying.
In the world of hair care, scalp health is booming, with brands turning their focus to the root and introducing some of the best scalp treatments. I know what you're thinking - the words oil and scalp don’t sit nicely together. For years we have relied on our best dry shampoo to keep hair a grease-free zone, but have we been missing a trick?
It's possible – scalp health is often overlooked. Admittedly, it's not a sexy topic, but it is essential to healthy hair growth. I spoke to A-list stylist Adam Reed, trichologist Mark Blake and dermatology specialist Dr Hasia Al Khubra to learn whether introducing oils to this area could be the key to unlocking your best-ever hair.
Scalp oil for hair growth, explained by the experts
Can scalp oil help with hair growth?
There is no magic potion that'll make your hair grow faster overnight. But if you are looking to boost your hair's overall health, Dr Khubra confirms that "Oiling can improve scalp health by providing much-needed hydration, vitamins, and minerals for nourishment, which then help your scalp lock in moisture.’’ Blake adds that, "oils bring lipids to the scalp, which are fatty acids that, along with keratin, make up the foundation of our hair structure." So, like at-home keratin treatments nourish the hair, scalp oils, such as mustard oil for hair, will feed your scalp with the ingredients it needs to thrive.
Reed agrees, "Oiling your scalp gives intense moisturization, which helps to combat any scalp dryness. A good solid foundation will encourage healthy hair growth." That said, Reed doesn’t think scalp oiling alone will help with hair growth. Supplements like biotin for hair and a good diet are the best ways to encourage your hair to grow. Blake agrees, adding that one should address, "health, genetics, stress, nutrition, medication and hormones" in order to boost your hair's overall health.
How does scalp health link to hair growth?
Blake explains that "scalp health is directly linked to hair health, so keeping your scalp in optimal condition is the perfect way to keep your hair looking and feeling great’’. He notes, ‘’scalp health has been overlooked for years. People spend on expensive creams and exfoliants for their face, but they seem to have an invisible line on their foreheads and don’t bother with the skin above it." Just as your skin needs the best cleansers and best facial exfoliator, your scalp needs love with products, and perhaps the odd scalp facial, too.
Dr Al Khubra agrees, “the condition of your scalp and rate of hair growth are very closely linked. Think of your scalp as the field for your follicles, much like how poor soil would result in poor plant growth. If your scalp is dry or inflamed, this can impact the health of your follicles and limit growth’.’ She notes that common scalp concerns are dandruff and dry scalps but discloses that ‘’both cause flaking and itchy skin but are two different things.’’ So if you are wondering how to get rid of dandruff, scalp oiling might not be your best option.
What happened when we tried scalp oil for hair growth
Woman & Home's beauty assistant, Darcy Brown, tests scalp oil for growth
I'm hair-obsessed, and anything that will encourage my hair to grow a few inches is enough to spark my interest. Just check my search history, and you'll be sure to find how to make your hair grow faster at the top. Scalp health is something I have, until now, neglected. My current scalp routine extends only as far as using the best shampoo for colored hair. But since discovering the importance of scalp health, I was interested to try scalp oil for hair growth myself. Here's how I got on.
THE PROCESS
w&h beauty assistant Darcy applying scalp oil
Blake recommends oiling your scalp once a week and gave me a simple process to follow:
- STEP 1: Apply the oil before bed to a dry scalp.
- STEP 2: Massage in and then leave overnight. I particularly liked the massage step; it helped turn this into a lovely pampering routine. Plus, Blake explains that scalp massage will also help increase blood supply - win, win.
- STEP 3: In the morning, apply neat shampoo to your hair and scalp (without wetting the scalp as oil and water don't mix) and massage to loosen the oil.
- STEP 4: Rinse with water, apply more shampoo and massage in. The double shampoo is essential to ensure no oils remain on the scalp, which can cause congestion.
- STEP 5: Rinse with water, and then apply your regular conditioner, followed by your best hair thickening products, to give locks a boost of body.
THE RESULT
The results were pretty much instant in terms of the moisture levels of my hair. I have to be honest, I was worried that the excess oil would make my hair feel greasy, but it really didn't. I was surprised to hear from Reed that scalp oil for hair growth can, in fact, be really helpful in gently removing oils through the emulsification process. Who knew?
But what's the verdict on scalp oil for hair growth, specifically? Blake does explain that any growth results could take up to six months, so maybe lower any expectations of lioness locks within days. I now use scalp serums and oils regularly, and in just five months, I have seen new growth throughout my hair, especially around my hairline. My hair also feels so much healthier and honestly, I now couldn't encourage caring for your scalp more. These are some great products that I've tried in my scalp oil for hair growth journey.
Which oil is best for hair growth?
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