What is the best hair growth oil for black people?

We updated this article in September 2022 to add additional expert commentary and six new product picks based on recommendations from Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists and dermatologists.

Much to everyone's dismay, long, full hair doesn't appear overnight — as much as you might wish it would. According to Philip B., celebrity haircare specialist, "hair grows half an inch a month," so it takes time and care to grow hair long. Which is why there are so many oils and serums on the market created to help hair grow faster.

But do hair growth oils actually work? Most hair growth oils you can buy won't actually make hair grow faster, but rather promote growth by minimizing breakage and damage. "Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved ingredient for hair growth in the U.S.," says Birnur Aral, Ph.D., the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab. If the product does not contain minoxidil, adjust your expectations accordingly. "Most hair oils work as lubricants on hair mid-lengths and ends that help prevent breakage," Aral explains, therefore resulting in longer hair.

Below, find the best hair growth oils you can use at home for healthier, longer strands. While the GH Beauty Lab hasn't formally tested hair growth oils, these picks are based on Beauty Lab scientists' categorical expertise and testing, hair expert and dermatologist recommendations, and vetted consumer reviews.

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1

Best Overall Hair Growth Treatment

2

Best Overall Hair Growth Oil

3

Best Natural Hair Growth Oil

4

Best Hair Growth Oil with Rosemary

5

Best Hair Growth Oil for Hair Density

6

Best Hair Growth Oil for Fullness

7

Best Hair Growth Oil for Curly Hair

8

Best Hair Growth Oil for Thinning Hair

9

Best Hair Growth Oil with Baobab

10

Best Lightweight Hair Growth Oil

11

Best Hair Growth Oil for Exfoliation

12

Best Hair Growth Oil for Sensitive Scalp

13

Best Hair Growth Castor Oil

14

Best Hair Growth Oil for Damage

15

Best Hydrating Hair Growth Oil

What to look for when shopping for the best hair growth oil

"Most topicals that are formulated with active ingredients are made to leave on the scalp for optimum efficacy," Hill says. She suggests seeking out a formula that's "light enough to penetrate the scalp without leaving a residue on the hair fiber and that's formulated to increase cellular turnover, reduce inflammation, respect the natural balance of the scalp’s microbiome and can be shampooed out." She recommends products that contain:

• Citrus oils
• Rosemary oil
• Castor oil
• Jojoba oil
• Shea
• Thyme

In addition to hair growth treatments made with minoxidil, the FDA-approved hair growth ingredient, and rosemary oil, Aral also suggests products infused with coffeeberry extract to promote healthy hair growth.

Dr. Graf recommends hair growth oils containing biotin, which "promotes hair growth by supporting the hair’s natural keratin." She is another proponent of rosemary oil, which, she says along with tea tree and peppermint oils, "can stimulate the scalp and its hair follicles."

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab executive director Birnur Aral, Ph.D., has led clinical and consumer testing in the Beauty Lab for over 15 years. She has R&D experience through her seven-year stint at Unilever U.S. and contributes her expertise across beauty categories, including haircare products. For this piece, she worked with beauty writer Katie Berohn to curate the best hair growth oils based on her haircare ingredient evaluations.

Most recently, this story was updated by GH beauty director April Franzino, who has over a decade of experience working with the GH Beauty Lab on pieces covering all beauty categories including haircare. She collaborated with Aral to add newly evaluated product picks and commentary to this piece in addition to interviewing dermatology and trichology experts.

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