Apply Ayurvedic Hair Oils for Hair Growth: Best Oils, Benefits & How to Use Them for Best Results

"Just like a facial helps in blood circulation, hair oiling also rejuvenates the blood in your scalp which helps in hair growth. You just need to be gentle on your scalp and use your fingertips to help penetrate the oil. Otherwise, hair fall and damage is inevitable." - Dr. Rinky Kapoor 

Hair oils have been a long-trusted part of the beauty and self-care routine of humans for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece and India utilized natural plant-based oils for nourishing and protecting their hair from damage by the environment and for adding shine and luster to their hair. As a result, the history of hair oils is closely tied with the evolution of culture, botanical knowledge, as well as current cosmetic science.

Ayurveda has provided one of the most advanced approaches to herbal hair care through the establishment of hair care rituals that combine herb, flower and seed oils to create products that restore balance and promote health to both the hair and scalp.

Modern day research has provided a basis to support why many of the traditional practices of hair oiling continue to be followed today. Certain oils contain a large amount of beneficial fatty acids, antioxidants and bioactive compounds that help reduce damage done to the hair, making it softer and protecting the hair shaft.

If you want to know how different cultures have used oils and how modern science explains those practices, research about the science and history of hair oils will provide you with a deeper understanding of these age-old beauty traditions.

While selecting the best oil is only part of an effective hair care routine, it’s equally important to know what types of Ayurvedic hair oils work with your hair type, understand their uses, and apply them correctly to help you achieve healthy looking hair.

The Science Behind Hair Fall

The two components of healthy hair are actually the hair follicle and the hair shaft. Genetics are a huge contributor for hair growth, however, the hair's health and appearance will also depend heavily on daily habits, environment, and styling practices of the individual.

Hair Loss vs. Hair Breakage

When there is a change in the normal process of growing hair or when more than the normal amount of hair follicles enter the telogen (resting) phase at one time, that is referred to as hair loss. Many things including genetics, hormones, stress, nutritional deficiencies, sickness and medications can cause more hair to fall out than normal.

In addition to the loss of hair from the follicle; hair breakage can also occur. Hair breakage occurs when the shaft of the hair has become weak and damaged. There are many potential causes of hair breakage, but most commonly, over-brushing, chemical treatments, heat styling, and environmental factors can all compromise the cuticle and increase the likelihood of split ends and broken hair.

Heat Styling and Hair Straightening 

Using hair styling tools such as hair straighteners, curling irons, blow dryers, and chemically straightening products can change the structure of the hair. When hair is exposed to high temperatures from styling tools, moisture is stripped from hair and protein sources in the hair, like keratin, are damaged, which limits the strength and elasticity of the hair.

Continually exposing hair to high temperatures with styling tools can also cause lifting and weakening of the cuticle layer, which can cause the hair to become dry, frizzy, split ends, and break easier. There are several ways to minimize damage to hair from heat including using heated tools with heat protectants, limiting how often heated tools are used, and maintaining a healthy hair care routine.

Premature Graying of Hair 

Melanin is the pigment that gives hair its natural colour, and it is produced by a certain type of cell called a melanocyte. When melanocytes gradually decrease their ability to produce melanin, this causes hair to turn grey before its normal time.

Genetics is the largest contributor to premature graying, but oxidative stress, smoking, nutrient deficiencies, some health problems, and environmental influences may all have an effect on premature greys or faster than anticipated growth of grey hair. While there is no single type of hair oil that will stop grey hair from occurring, a healthy scalp and protection against environmental damage can contribute to better overall health of the hair and therefore its quality and appearance.

By understanding these various factors, it becomes easier to appreciate why a holistic approach encompassing proper nutritional intake, healthy hair by reducing stress, gentle care for the hair, and regular nourishment of the scalp is essential in order to maintain healthy hair for a long period of time.

How to Manage and Reduce Hair Fall 

While experiencing hair loss can be frustrating, it is important to remember that hair loss is a normal part of the growth cycle, but excessive hair loss (shedding) can often be only managed by addressing the underlying issue. The health of your hair depends on how well you are taking care of your body- proper nutrition, the scalp, hormone levels, genes, and behaviors in relation to your lifestyle.

Eating a balanced diet that contains adequate amounts of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids will help support healthy hair growth while limiting the use of heat styling tools, chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles will help reduce breakage. You can maintain healthy hair by reducing daily stress, sleeping well, and taking care for your scalp.

A few examples of ayurvedic oils include amla oil, coconut oil, bhringraj oil, fenugreek oil, and rosemary oil. These oils not only provide nourishment to the scalp, but they condition the hair and can help to reduce hair breakage. When you apply these oils to your scalp, you provide nourishment, which contributes to a strong/healthy-looking head of hair.

Science behind Hair Oils 

Hair oils protect your hair by providing additional nutrients to your hair, while also protecting your hair's cuticle layer. Hair washing, UV exposure, air pollution, heat from styling and chemicals that can strip the natural lipids from the cuticle layer can make hair dryer and more likely to experience friction and breakage.

Hair oils often contain fatty acids which provide lubrication for the hair strand itself and can help minimize friction between hair strands. Some oils, like coconut oil, have the ability to penetrate the hair strand and minimize protein loss from the hair strand. Other oils primarily coat the surface of the strand and provide greater softness, and shine, and manageability to your hair.

Hair oils can assist in reducing hygral fatigue, by preventing excessive water uptake by hair and making it easier for water to exit from the strand as well as bridging the protective barrier and ultimately helping to maintain a healthier appearance over time.

Why Ayurvedic Hair Oils Are Important for Hair Health 

Ayurvedic oils for hair provide lubrication to the hair shaft, which helps to keep the hair healthy by reducing friction, maintaining the hair's natural lipid layer, as well as improving the softness, smoothness, and shine. The oils provide essential fats which can also help to decrease protein loss from your hair, as well as providing a barrier against damage from your daily routine (washing, heat styling, pollution, chemical treatments).

Oil may help protect your hair from hygral fatigue caused by constantly expanding and contracting hair fibres due to wetting and drying. Hygral fatigue can weaken your hair and cause hair to break.

“If vata is high, the hair will be thin, frizzy, and dry and will need regular oiling,” says Ayurveda health coach Dr. Varalakshmi Yanamandra. 

Traditional Ayurvedic oiling often includes a gentle massage of the scalp, which helps to relax you, promote the even distribution of the oil, and support overall comfort of the scalp. However, there are many factors that affect hair growth including genetics, hormones, nutrition, and lifestyle; therefore, to achieve the best results with Ayurvedic oil, it should be used regularly and in association with other healthy practices for hair care rather than being used as a standalone solution.

Types of Ayurvedic Hair Oils

An survey conducted on Indian oil options for the Karnal region produced results indicating that the leading preferences of the general public include: Olive Oils (Keo Karpen, Brahmi-Amla); Coconut Oils; Almond Oils; and Argan Oils (Vatika Hair Oil), Coconut Oil for Hair Growth.

Coconut Oil for Hair Growth

Coconut oil is one of the most popular oils found in ancient Ayurvedic haircare practices, as well as being among the most studied oils in modern haircare science. It contains medium-chain fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, in addition to tocopherol and natural antioxidants.

As a result of the low molecular structure of coconut oil, it is able to penetrate the hair shaft and help prevent hair from losing protein from both damaged and healthy hair. Additionally, it forms a protective barrier on the surface of the hair that reduces moisture loss, friction, and damage from hair breakage while improving the softness and shine of the hair.

Best For: Dry Hair, Damaged hair, Frizzy hair & Hair that is prone to breakage 

Almond Oil for Hair Health

Almond oil has traditionally been valued for its nourishing and softening qualities. Almond oil contains oleic acid, linoleic acid, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E which all provide moisturizing and antioxidants benefits to the hair.

Almond oil will typically work as an emollient, providing a smoothing effect on the surface of the hair cuticle and aiding in the elasticity of hair while reducing the amount of dryness present. Almond oil has also been known to provide some protection against environmental elements such as UV damage, which can cause damage to the hair.

Best For: Dry hair, Coarse hair, Dull hair, Brittle hair

Argan Oil for the Health of Hair

Argan oil is often referred to as liquid gold, obtained from the kernels of Argania spinose found in the desert regions of Morocco. Argan oil is full of oleic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin E, polyphenols, and sterols; it has been used for centuries in Morocco to care for hair but has also made its way into many hair care products worldwide.

Argan oil's antioxidant and hydrating qualities help improve the softness, elasticity, and shine of hair, as well as protect against environmental and heat damage.

Best For: Frizzy hair, dry hair, and chemically and heat-damaged hair.

Fenugreek Oil for Hair Health

Fenugreek (methi in India) has a long history of use in Ayurvedic hair-care rituals, and is rich in diosgenin, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins and lecithin. These ingredients may offer moisturizing as well as antioxidant properties, and help keep your scalp healthy. Historically, fenugreek has also been associated with helping reduce hair loss and improve the condition of one's hair; additional scientific investigation is needed to confirm the efficacy of fenugreek in stimulating hair growth.

Best For: Weakened hair, dry, dandruff-prone hair and traditional strengthening of hair.

Sesame Oil for Hair Health

Sesame oil, known in Ayurveda as til oil, is a common ingredient in traditional scalp massage and hair nourishment. Like fenugreek, sesame contains both oleic acid and linoleic acid, as well as sesamein, sesamol and other antioxidant lignans.

Sesame oil's moisturizing properties will help to protect your hair from dryness and damage from the environment. Sesame oil also has properties to promote comfort for the scalp and maintain the hair's natural barrier.

Best For: Dry scalp, rough hair, or for regular scalp massage.

Flax Oil (Linseed Oil) - Great for Hair!

Flaxseed oil (or linseed) is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Omega 3 fatty acids nourish your hair while improving shine, lubricating your hair, removing dryness from your hair, making it soft to the touch, etc.

Its nourishing fatty acids help improve hair lubrication, reduce dryness, and enhance softness and shine. 

Best for: For dry, frizzy, and non-smooth hair.

Mustard Oil for Healthy Hair

The use of Mustard Oil has historically been part of the hair care routine in South Asia for centuries and contains both omega-3 (including omega-6) as well as vitamins E, carotenoids, and antioxidants. Because of this, mustard oil has a thick texture and can help to condition your hair (making it softer, less prone to breakage), provide moisture to your hair, as well as acting as a protective barrier from the environment.

I do not have any scientific evidence to show that mustard oil stimulates hair growth; however, it may help to create a soothing environment on your scalp that may lead to a more healthy head of hair.

Best for: For dry, coarse hair, and traditional oiling only.

Rosemary Oil for Hair Health 

Rosemary oil is a well-known botanical oil that has been used throughout history for hair and scalp care. The oil contains various active constituents including carnosic and rosmarinic acid which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; there are also several antioxidants in rosemary oil that will help create an environment in which your scalp can be healthy.

Some studies show that rosemary oil works positively on hair growth in some forms of hair thinning including androgenetic alopecia; however there needs to be additional research conducted to see how effective rosemary oil will be in the long-term. Since it's an essential oil, whenever you use this product it should always be diluted with a carrier oil prior to application.

Best for: Hair thinning (and other related issues), overall scalp health, and supporting normal hair growth.

Looking for Ayurvedic Hair Oils?

If you’re looking to incorporate Ayurvedic hair oils into your routine, consider exploring our range of Briganantadi Ayurvedic Hair Oils formulated to support hair growth, control dandruff, and address common hair concerns. Crafted with potent herbs, these herbal oils help nourish the scalp, strengthen roots, and improve overall hair health naturally.

Summary Table: Best Ayurvedic Oils for Different Hair Concerns

How to Apply Ayurvedic Hair Oils for Best Results 

Using Ayurvedic hair oils properly can maximize the conditioning and scalp support benefits. When selecting an oil for your hair type, look for one that specifically addresses your concerns. For example, if your hair is dry, use coconut oil; for concerns regarding hair loss, amla oil; and for thinning hair, rosemary-infused oil.

Take a small amount of oil in your palms and warm it. Using circular motions, massage the oil into your scalp for a few minutes. Distribute the remaining oil through the length of your hair, focusing on areas that are dry or damaged.

Most types of hair benefit from leaving the oil in from 30 minutes to 2 hours before washing. If your hair is very dry, occasionally leave the oil in overnight, but you may want to apply it for shorter times if you have an oily scalp or have dandruff.

To get the best results from using Ayurvedic hair oils, use them once or twice per week as part of your regular hair care routine. Oiling your hair consistently can lead to softer hair, reduced friction and breakage, healthier scalp, and improved overall appearance.

Tip: Essential oils such as rosemary oil should always be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut, almond, or sesame oil before applying them to the scalp. 

FAQs

1. Is it common to experience seasonal hair loss?

Yes, seasonal hair loss is a temporary increase in hair shedding that happens to some due to seasonal changes such as late summer and fall. When there are more hair follicles than usual in the resting state of your hair growth cycle, it leads to seasonal hair loss. Seasonal hair loss usually resolves on its own over a few months.

2. When should I visit a doctor if I am experiencing hair loss?

If you experience sudden or severe amounts of hair loss, thinning of hair in visible areas, bald patches, scalp pain, itching, swelling or inflammation from your scalp, patches of skin offered by the hair shaft will have been coming out for 6 months or longer. These symptoms could be signs of an underlying medical, hormonal, or nutritional problem that needs to be further examined by your healthcare provider.

3. Do Ayurvedic hair oils work on chemically-treated or dyed hair?

Ayurvedic hair oils are safe for the majority of color-treated or chemically-treated hair; they can also help to reduce dry, frizzy, and damaged hair from processing. It is always wise to do a patch test when using a new product and avoid the use of undiluted highly concentrated essential oils on your scalp before application.

4. Can Ayurvedic Hair Oils Regrow Hair?

Ayurvedic hair oils can improve hair health, but they can’t guarantee hair regrowth or cure baldness. Using ayurvedic oils can help keep the scalp environment healthy, reduce hair breakage, and boost the quality of hair overall when used along with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

5. When Will I Begin To Notice Results From Ayurvedic Hair Oiling?

It may take just a few times of using Ayurvedic hair oil products before you start seeing improvements in softening, shine, and ease of maintaining your hair. To see visible improvements in hair condition and reduce hair breakage, you will need to consistently use the ayurvedic oil for an extended period of time (several weeks to months).

Conclusion

Ayurvedic hair oils combine the ancient knowledge of plants with the most recent scientific information about hair care. These oils contain essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that all help maintain a healthy-looking head of hair by protecting the hair's outer coating or cuticle layer from damage while providing moisture and nourishment to improve its texture and make it easier to manage.

No oil will provide an instant remedy for each type of hair loss or suddenly increase your hair's rate of growth. There are many factors that affect your ability to have healthy hair; the condition of your hair is influenced by your genetics, hormones, nutrition, lifestyle choices, or hair care routines.

Related Products:

Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth and Hair Fall Control (9 Herbs)

Bhringraj Hair Fall Control Oil for Healthy Scalp for Men & Women (10 Herbs)

Batana & Almond Hair Oil for Thicker, Fuller & Stronger Hair (12 Herbs)

Related Articles:

Choosing the Right Hair Oil for Your Hair and Scalp Type

How to Apply Hair Oil the Right Way: Massage, Timing & Post-Wash Tips

Choosing the Right Hair Oil for Your Hair and Scalp Type

References: 

https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article/191/Supplement_1/i72/7698756

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12369009/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10750333/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6290285/

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/what-to-know-fenugreek-hair-growth

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12831005/