With so many hair oils on the market, it may be difficult to determine which ones are best for your hair type and needs. For that reason, we asked Dr. Peter Young, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director for Keeps, to demystify hair growth oils and the best, tried-and-true ingredients to look for when shopping for one. He reiterates the previously stated point that these ingredients support healthy hair growth, giving the appearance of thicker hair, rather than growing net-new hair from nowhere. However, they can still go a long way in terms of giving you the mane of your dreams. 

 

BEST HAIR GROWTH OIL FOR DENSITY

 

 

Grow Gorgeous Original Hair Density Serum

 

This unique formula uses organic pea sprout extract, Chinese Scullcap, soy, caffeine, and wheat sprouts to stimulate hair root for increased hair density. Plus, it features another one of Dr. Gohara's favorite ingredients: Castor oil, which has long been beloved for its restorative effect on hair health. It’s a perfect product for those experiencing thinning or a receding hairline along the top of their scalp. Plus, it works well on all hair types and curl patterns, enhancing volume and making hair look fuller in just 12 weeks.

BEST CBD-INFUSED HAIR GROWTH OIL

Vegamour GRO Advanced Hair Serum

This hair growth oil is formulated with CBD, which strengthens hair follicles at the root level. Furthermore, its chemical-free makeup is crucial for long-term hair growth. Several customer reviews attest to less hair loss, increased hair growth, and thicker strands after using the formula for a few weeks. Optimal results are expected to occur after four months of daily use, and the formula is made to cater to all users: It’s 100 percent vegan, color-safe, cruelty-free, and doesn’t contain silicones, phthalates, sulfates, or parabens. Even its bergamot fragrance is synthetic-free.

BEST SILICONE-FREE HAIR GROWTH OIL

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

Dr. Gohara warns that consumers should "avoid hair oils that contain primarily silicones if you want more than just an instant fix." While scientific studies have not yet come to a consensus about whether silicones—which smooth hair in the short-term— are harmful or helpful to long-term hair health, avoiding synthetic materials in hair growth products is a good rule to live by. This silicone-free formula from The Ordinary checks this crucial box, opting for a vegan formula that employs ingredients like caffeine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf extract, Larix Europaea Wood extract, and more.
 

BEST NOURISHING HAIR GROWTH OIL

Mizani 25 Miracle Nourishing Oil
 

Dr. Gohara counts jojoba seed oil and coconut oil among her most desirable hair growth oil ingredients, and both are included in this formula. It's also silicone-free and combats hair and scalp dryness. To avoid greasiness, though, one reviewer helpfully instructs, "The best way that I have found that this works is by slightly dampening my hair first, then adding a few drops of this oil into my palm, rubbing my hands together, then running through my hair, especially the parts that seem more damaged."

BEST HEALING HAIR GROWTH OIL

Virtue Healing Oil

Beauty editor Samantha Holender swears by this oil. "I have ridiculously thin hair, so applying hair oil is a risky business. I typically end up looking like a greasy mess," she says. "But this sulfate-free, paraben-free, lightweight one is the exception to the rule. It gives my hair shine (not oil), seals my split ends (there are many), and smells delicious (think: fresh meets citrus). Over the course of a few weeks, I noticed that my hair felt stronger overall—my stands looked less fried and felt stronger."