Beauty Editors and Trichologists Agree—These 15 Oils Actually Work for Unreal Hair Growth

Throughout my career as a beauty editor, I've come across products that remind me of how important it is to build a reliable self-care and beauty lineup. It's easy to stick with the routines that worked once upon a time without ever taking a second look, since, well, it made sense for you when you discovered a beauty eureka. But what's stopping us from taking a closer look at the most basic self-care steps we don't think too much about? Lately, I've been reevaluating every step of my daily haircare routine, focusing especially on the oils that may or may not serve my most recent hair goals.

When I first pieced together my post-chop hair routine after transitioning from relaxed strands to my natural 4c curls, my lineup consisted of heavy oils that could slather my scalp with hydration. Since then, however, I've begun wearing my hair in protective styles more frequently (and in the next couple of months, it will be all about the silk presses). Length is my biggest hair goal, but it also happens to pose quite the challenge since my hair's not big on length retention. In true beauty editor fashion, I set out on a mission to find the hair oils that can add my desired inches, starting with reaching out to a hair expert and my fellow beauty editors.

Below, I'm taking a deep dive into the world of hair oils, answering what they are, why they matter, and which ones are the best for kick-starting some growth. Keep reading to hear straight from a trichologist/celebrity hairstylist/brand founder on what to be on the lookout for, then shop the best length-boosting hair oil recommendations below.

How Do Hair Oils Work?

While it's easy to know by referencing this product's category alone, that they have something to do with oil and hair (or, oil for hair), understanding their use isn't as straightforward. To get to the root of it all, I tapped Jay Small, co-founder of Arey, certified trichologist, and celebrity stylist, for the ins and outs of one of the most important steps of a well-rounded haircare routine. "Hair oils are products that combine nourishing, strengthening, and/or stimulating ingredients that help scalps function better [while also] repairing and protecting hair strands," explains Small.

Which Hair Oil Is Right For me?

Knowing which hair oil is right for your hair needs can be as easy as taking the time to reintroduce yourself to your strands and setting yourself up for success with the most helpful products. Small tells us that hair oils can be used on a variety of textures, and as a hairstylist, typically recommends specific ingredients based on the hair's specific needs. "For those with finer hair or prone to breakage I would suggest using the oils as a pre-shampoo treatment, this way you get the benefits and nourishment with having hair that looks and feels greasy. Same goes for those trying to be proactive with hair growth," he says.

The smart use of hair oil in your routine can also transform your strands from root to tip. For adding the product to a nighttime haircare ritual, Small suggests scalp oiling and a massage from 30 minutes up to three hours before giving it a wash. "With scalp oiling, there is a point where your scalp is no longer absorbing the ingredients, and it is advised to rinse the remaining product off the scalp," Small continues. There are even some hair oils designed to work as a pre-wash treatment, like one of his favorites, the Fable Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil ($38).

Put simply, selecting the right hair oil for the job at hand should come down to the ingredients they're formulated with, as they can be used for a variety of purposes. If your goals is to improve the strength of their hair strands, Small advises using a hair oil with argan, coconut, and olive oil for all your essential leave-on products. "The combination of fatty acids and vitamin rich properties found in each will penetrate the hair strand and improve the hair's ability to stretch and prevent breakage," Small tells us.

Alternately, for split ends, consider picking up jojoba or sunflower oil since they not only seal moisture into the cuticle, but also create a further barrier against heat styling. For best results, Small also advises choosing hair oils with relaxing scents like lavender, sage, or chamomile. "One thing we can all relate to is stress and believe it or not stress, poor sleep health can have a profound effect on hair long term hair health. Our hair strands are only as healthy as they are from the start of their growth journey," he continues.

What Oil Is the Best for Hair Growth?

For anyone with the goal of adding some length to their strands, there are a number of oils that can do the trick. However, Small flags that rosemary might be the best for quick, long-lasting results. "Rosemary Oil may be as effective as minoxidil in promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss, with some studies even showing better results in terms of scalp itching," he says. According to Small, rosemary oil contains compounds like carnosic acid and 1,8-cineole which stimulates hair follicles, improves blood circulation and combats DHT (a testosterone by-product which can shrink and suffocate follicles).

Amla oil is also helpful for hair growth, as its rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and phytonutrients that strengthen hair follicles for hair growth. "Beyond its benefits for the scalp it can also have a positive effect on the hair strands," Small explains. "Amla oil penetrates deep into the hair shaft, providing moisture and strengthening hair strands, making them less prone to breakage and damage." Other options that stimulate hair growth are fractionated coconut, jojoba and chia seed oils.

The Best Hair Oils, Listed

• Best for Enhancing Hair Elasticity: Virtue Healing Oil
• Best for Quick and Easy Styling: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
• Best for Stimulating Growth: Allpa Botanicals Rosemary Hair Oil
• Best for Multipurpose Use: Josie Maran The 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil
• Best for UV Protection: Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

For Small, an easy-to-follow rule of thumb is to look for hair oils touting formulas with niacinamide. As a form of B3, it offers several benefits for the scalp and promotes a healthy environment for hair growth with increased blood circulation and keratin production. Small describes the latter as, "the backbone of strong, thick hair strands that can grow longer." He shares that the growth cycle can last between 2-7 years, and that well-supported follicles extend the growth cycle.

Beyond oils and serums, Small finds scalp stimulation to be the best thing one can do to support long-term hair and scalp health. With that in mind, the Arey Scalp Brush ($36) was created. "Our scalps are one of the most complex parts of our bodies, creating thousands of hair follicles which need to be specially cared for daily. Optimally caring for our scalps requires more than just washing and rinsing," says Small.

Now that you know how to shop for hair oils (and which ingredients to keep an eye out for), keep scrolling to discover the 15 best hair oils for growth beauty editors and trichologists recommend from best-selling brands like Virtue, Olaplex, Briogeo, and Josie Maran.

Best for Enhancing Hair Elasticity: Verb Ghost Oil

Best for Repairing Damage: Virtue Healing Oil

Best for a Smooth Finish: Briogeo Style + Treat 4-in-1 Weightless Hair Oil

Best for Quick and Easy Styling: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil

Best for Color-Treated Tresses: Ouai Hair Oil

Best for Stimulating Growth: Allpa Botanicals Rosemary Hair Oil

Best for a Pre-Wash Treatment: Fable Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil

Best for Building Hair Bonds: R+Co On a Cloud Bond Building Repair + Styling Oil

Best for Multipurpose Use: Josie Maran The 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil

Best for UV Protection: Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

Best for Restoring Edges: Cécred Restoring Hair Edge Drops

Best for Boosting Moisture: Davines Oi Oil

Best for Softening Strands: Sachajuan Intensive Hair Oil

Best for Heat Protection: Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil

Best for Promoting Radiance: Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Previous Hair Care Oil

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