How to Make Hair Oil

Co-authored by Renee Hughes

Last Updated: September 10, 2022 References

Hair oils are great for moisturizing and conditioning all types of hair while promoting hair growth. Although there are plenty of commercial products available, making your own hair oil at home is natural, quick, easy, and inexpensive. Hair oils commonly include a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil, alongside essential oils or plant material. Whether you want your hair to grow faster or thicker or prevent hair loss or graying hair, you can quickly make a homemade, herbal oil to treat your specific needs.

Ingredients

Using Essential Oils for Faster Hair Growth

2 fl oz (59 ml) of coconut oil
1 fl oz (30 ml) of castor oil
1 fl oz (30 ml) of apricot kernel oil
12 drops of rosemary essential oil
6 drops of lavender essential oil
6 drops of peppermint essential oil
6 drops of clary sage essential oil

Creating Oil to Thicken Hair

1 US tbsp (15 ml) of Jamaican black castor oil
1 US tbsp (15 ml) of cold-pressed coconut oil
6 drops of lavender essential oil
6 drops of rosemary essential oil

Using Natural Oil to Limit Hair Loss

5 hibiscus flowers
5 hibiscus leaves
3.38 fl oz (100 ml) of coconut oil

Preventing Graying Hair with Herbal Oil

1 handful of curry leaves
4 US tbsp (59 ml) of coconut oil

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Essential Oils for Faster Hair Growth

1
Get coconut oil, castor oil, and apricot kernel oil to make a carrier oil. You can find these oils at either health product stores or online. Use a measuring cup to measure out 2 fl oz (59 ml) of coconut oil, 1 fl oz (30 ml) of castor oil, and 1 fl oz (30 ml) of apricot kernel oil into a bowl.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- The coconut oil will help to moisturize your hair, soothe your scalp, and prevent dandruff. Alternatively, jojoba oil makes a good substitute as it helps to seal in moisture.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
- Try to get cold-pressed apricot oil if possible.
- Castor oil may have hair regrowth properties.
2
Gather rosemary, lavender, peppermint, and clary sage essential oils. You can find essential oils from health product stores or online. Measure out 12 drops of rosemary and 6 drops each of the lavender, peppermint, and clary sage essential oils into the bowl.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Rosemary and clary sage oils increase scalp circulation, lavender oil deep conditions hair, and peppermint oil improves hair growth.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
- There are many different essential oils that work well in hair oils. You don’t need to include all of the essential oils if you can’t find them and you can substitute oils if you prefer.
- Other essential oils to try for making a hair oil include cedarwood oil which moisturizes the scalp, almond oil which soothes the scalp, and sandalwood oil which helps to strengthen hair.
- Never place essential oils directly onto your scalp as they can irritate your skin. Always dilute the essential oils with a carrier such as coconut oil, specially when using it daily.
Advertisement
3
Pour all of the ingredients into a glass jar and shake it well. Use a glass jar that is approximately 5 fl oz (150 ml) and which has a lid that seals well. Place each measured ingredient directly into the jar and then screw the lid back on. Shake the jar vigorously to combine all of the ingredients.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- The hair oil mixture will have a thick consistency due to the castor oil.
- You can either use an eyedropper to remove the oil from the glass jar or pour a smaller amount into an empty essential oil bottle so that you can use it directly.
4
Massage the oil onto your scalp 30 minutes before you wash your hair. Place a few drops of the hair oil onto your fingertips. Rub your fingertips over your scalp to work in the hair oil. Wait for 30 minutes and then wash the hair oil out as you shampoo your hair.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Alternatively, you can use the hair oil to moisturize your hair after you have showered. Place a few drops of the hair oil onto your palms and run your hands through the ends of your hair.
- Hair oils can sometimes take 2-3 washes to rinse out fully. If the residue bothers you, simply wash your hair again.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Creating Oil to Thicken Hair

1
Combine Jamaican black castor, coconut, lavender, and rosemary oils. Pour 1 US tbsp (15 ml) of Jamaican black castor oil, 1 US tbsp (15 ml) of cold-pressed coconut oil, 6 drops of lavender essential oil, and 6 drops of rosemary essential oil into a small bowl. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients until they are combined.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Jamaican black castor oil helps to repair weak or damaged hair.
- Lavender oil helps to make hair shiny and rosemary oil helps to stimulate roots and growth.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
2
Massage the oil through your scalp for 15 minutes. Place a few drops of the natural oil mixture onto your fingertips. Rub your fingers over your scalp and down through your hair so that the oil reaches the ends.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Take your time while massaging your hair to ensure that the oil reaches from the roots to the tips.
3
Wash the oil out of your hair after 30 minutes. After massaging your hair, wait for 30 minutes before washing your hair as you normally would. Use a towel to gently squeeze out the excess water and then let your hair air-dry.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo if possible to help protect your hair from frizziness.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Natural Oil to Limit Hair Loss

1
Grind 5 hibiscus flowers and 5 hibiscus leaves into a pulp. Place the hibiscus flowers and leaves into a mortar and pestle. Crush the flowers and leaves until the consistency resembles a fine pulp.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Hibiscus contains vitamins and nutrients that may decrease the amount of hair you lose, leading to thicker, stronger hair.
2
Heat the crushed material with coconut oil for approximately 10 minutes. Pour 3.38 fl oz (100 ml) of coconut oil into a saucepan and add the crushed hibiscus flowers and leaves. Adjust the temperature to a medium setting and heat the ingredients until the oil begins to fume slightly, which should take approximately 10 minutes.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Remove the saucepan from the heat once the oil has started fuming.
- Alternatively, you can use olive oil as a carrier oil instead of coconut. Coconut oil works to soften hair and olive oil is a suitable alternative as it helps to moisturize hair.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
3
Strain your homemade oil into a glass jar. Use a sieve to remove the crushed hibiscus flowers and leaves from the oil. Discard the crushed hibiscus flowers and leaves, and keep the oil in an airtight glass jar to use.^{[15]
X
Research source}
4
Rub the oil into your scalp for 15 minutes and wash it out after 45 minutes. Then wash the homemade oil out of your hair using a sulfate-free shampoo and let your hair air-dry naturally.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- Use this hair oil 2-3 times per week for the best results.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Preventing Graying Hair with Herbal Oil

1
Gather 1 handful of curry leaves and 4 US tbsp (59 ml) of coconut oil. Purchase fresh curry leaves either from a market, an Indian grocery store, or online. Choose cold-pressed coconut oil if possible.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- Always use fresh curry leaves rather than dried when you are making hair oil, as the leaves are more fragrant when fresh.
- Curry leaves may help with preventing gray hairs and enhancing hair growth. This is because the curry leaves are rich in vitamin B and can help to restore melanin.
2
Heat the curry leaves and coconut oil for approximately 10 minutes. Place the curry leaves and coconut oil directly into a saucepan. Adjust the temperature to a medium setting. Keep the ingredients on the heat until a black residue forms, which should take around 10 minutes.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- Made sure that the temperature doesn’t rise above 350 °F (177 °C).
3
Let the hair oil cool for approximately 30 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat once the black residue forms. Wait for the oil to cool before you apply it to your hair.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- You can store the hair oil in a glass jar with a tightly sealed lid if you aren't going to use it all at once.
4
Massage the herbal hair oil into your scalp and then wash it out after 1 hour. Place some of the cool hair oil onto your fingertips. Rub it into your scalp thoroughly and then wait for 1 hour. After 1 hour, rinse the hair oil out of your hair and wash your hair as normal.^{[20]
X
Research source}
- It’s recommended to apply the hair oil twice per week.
- Keep the homemade hair oil in a warm place to ensure that the coconut oil stays in a liquid form. It can be helpful to store the hair oil in a jar and to keep the jar in a sunny spot.^{[21]
  X
  Research source}