Oil for Hair Loss: Do Hair Growth Oils Work?

The science of hair loss is complex, and the FDA has approved only a select few medications to help people slow the process of thinning or balding.

Like with all aspects of health and wellness, however, there has been some pushback from the public about the safety of synthetic products that aim to manipulate hormones or other processes of the body. In response, more people are looking for natural ways to heal their hair, and oils are at the top of the list for holistic solutions.

The big question is whether hair oils actually do what they claim and if it’s worth investing in these products if someone is experiencing significant hair loss already. Here’s what we know so far about hair oil and whether it truly helps damaged or lost hair.

Hair Loss Factors to Consider

Before anyone stocks up on hair oil with the hope of reversing thinning or balding, they first need to figure out the reason behind the negative trend.

For the majority of people who suffer hair loss, the cause is purely genetic. Depending on the traits inherited via DNA, an individual will simply start to lose their hair at a certain stage of their life, regardless of preventive measures they take or how healthy their lifestyle may be.

However, many people suggest that using oils can slow down this process and save hair from thinning and falling out, which is why they’ve grown so popular in recent years.

First and foremost, those concerned about hair loss should focus on health and lifestyle fundamentals to ensure they live with low-stress, optimal nutrition, and exposure to elements like sunlight and fresh air to give hair the best chance of staying strong through the years.

Plant Oils and Emollients

Substances that soak and soften the scalp are thought to help moisturize hair and strengthen the roots with frequent treatments. This is why many salons will offer services that focus on oils to reverse the damage done to the hair over time.

While these treatments are more popular with women who maintain long hair, there’s no reason why the same principles cannot apply to men who want to keep their scalp and hair healthy as well.

Plant oils have varying levels of fat that help users determine the type of product best suited for their needs. For those with dry or coarse hair, deep-penetrating oils with high fat content will offer a richer and nourishing nutrient source for the scalp and follicle roots. Many people have reported stronger, softer, and overall healthier hair with the use of these products.

Products like coconut oil, castor oil, and ucuuba butter (extracted from a tropical seed) all do a great job of sinking deep into the scalp and enriching the skin around the follicles with quality fatty acids and protective properties.

Plus, the process of warm oil hair treatments is enjoyable and easy to perform at home, making them a nice addition to the daily routine. This provides the dual advantage of a stress-relieving experience and a powerful replenishing process for damaged hair.

Popular Essential Oils for Hair

There are so many essential oils available online and on store shelves, and they all make specific claims for hair. Some aim to increase the anagen (growth) phase of the hair life cycle, while others aim to shorten the telogen (rest) phase to boost growth.

Knowing what each oil does – or claims to do – can help people experiment safely and successfully and track their results over time to greater effect.

The first oil worth trying is lavender, an essential oil derived from the plant with properties that supposedly increase hair growth rate on the scalp. While clinical trials have not yet been conducted for lavender’s effect on hair, it has been shown to speed up hair growth in mice, which shouldn’t be ignored.

Peppermint, thyme, and rosemary are said to stimulate blood flow in the scalp and have been shown in multiple studies to improve cellular generation in key areas such as the hairline and crown. Some believers even claim that this combination rivals the capabilities of Minoxidil, and treatment is only necessary twice a week.

Cedarwood, along with tea tree oil, has powerful antimicrobial properties as well. For those who wear protective headgear for work or are exposed to unwanted chemicals, such treatments can be powerful protectants against infections and bacterial buildup on the scalp.

Essential oils are best used with a carrier oil like coconut or castor, and it’s important to read up on exactly how much oil is necessary for the desired outcome.

Effectiveness and Expectations

How can someone determine whether hair oils are doing the job or not? Some people choose to go by “feel” and gauge the health of their hair day to day based on visual or tactile assessment.

Many people choose to take daily photos of their hair to figure out whether they are on a positive or negative trend in terms of hair health.

When dealing with any type of oil or extract from plants, there is a bit of experimentation involved, and it’s important to keep a close watch on how somebody feels and responds to these unique ingredients.

Rather than loading up the scalp with a huge mix of different oils, it’s wiser to move slowly and try individual products one by one to see what yields the best results. While it’s rare for massive turnarounds in hair restoration to occur from essential oils alone, these are certainly worth trying at least once.

Better yet, people should seek out the guidance of a dedicated hair restoration professional who can recommend optimal treatments and offer a long-term game plan for hair health with oils and other cutting-edge therapies and procedures.

How Dr. Jae Pak Can Help

You have so many questions about long-term hair restoration and maintenance: What kind of results can I expect? Are my expectations realistic? Hair restoration is not a common topic of discussion. So, who do you turn to? 

A successful hair restoration process starts with a consultation with an expert who truly wants to understand your personal goals. Dr. Jae Pak of Jae Pak, M.D. Medical is a board-certified physician and a hair transplant artist. With a complementary background in engineering, Dr. Pak uses precision-like skill to bring his patients a natural and balanced hair line they can be proud of. He has dedicated his career to helping his patients restore and maintain a healthy head of hair using a personalized plan for success.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Pak today and discover what hair restoration can do for you.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-for-hair-growth

https://thehairlust.co.uk/blogs/blog/how-to-use-hair-oil

http://science-yhairblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/oils-which-ones-soak-in-vs-coat-hair.html