7 DIY Hair Oil Recipes for Rapid Hair Growth
200 mlHead Cooling Oil
Let's be real, the haircare aisle can feel overwhelming with endless products promising miraculous growth. But what if the secret to luscious locks was sitting right in your kitchen? DIY hair oils are having a major moment, and for good reason. These natural hair growth remedies let you customise your blend based on your hair's unique needs while keeping things budget-friendly. Plus, you know exactly what's going on your scalp—no mystery ingredients or harsh chemicals. We're about to share seven tried-and-tested recipes that might just transform your hair game. From quick fixes to overnight treatments, these homemade concoctions could become your new haircare obsession.
Before we dive into those gorgeous recipes, it's worth understanding why hair oils actually work their magic. Your hair follows a natural growth cycle, and the right ingredients can support this process while creating the perfect environment for healthy strands.
Your hair goes through three main phases: the active growth phase (anagen), the transition phase (catagen), and the resting phase (telogen). Most of your hair is in the growth phase at any given time, which can last several years. Factors like genetics, hormones, diet, and scalp health all play a role in how fast and thick your hair grows. Stress, poor nutrition, and harsh treatments can disrupt this cycle, potentially leading to slower growth or hair loss.
Natural ingredients are gentle yet effective at supporting hair follicles and nourishing your scalp. Unlike commercial products with synthetic additives, DIY blends let you target specific concerns—whether that's dryness, thinning, or slow growth. You can adjust concentrations, swap ingredients based on what you have at home, and create fresh batches whenever you need them.
The magic happens when you combine the right carrier oils, essential oils, and herbal ingredients. Think of carrier oils as your base—they're the foundation that delivers nutrients deep into your hair shaft and scalp.
These oils form the backbone of your DIY blends: • **Coconut oil**: Penetrates the hair shaft beautifully and has antimicrobial properties • **Jojoba oil**: Mimics your scalp's natural sebum, making it brilliant for all hair types • **Argan oil**: Packed with vitamin E and essential fatty acids for shine and strength • **Castor oil**: Known for promoting hair thickness and supporting growth • **Sweet almond oil**: Lightweight and rich in proteins that strengthen hair
These potent oils pack a punch in small doses and are brilliant at supporting hair follicles: • **Rosemary oil**: Known for its potential growth-supporting properties • **Peppermint oil**: Creates a cooling sensation that may boost blood circulation • **Lavender oil**: Soothes the scalp while supporting healthy growth • **Tea tree oil**: Helps keep your scalp clean and free from buildup • **Cedarwood oil**: May help balance oil production and support follicles
These traditional ingredients have been used for centuries in nourishing scalp treatments: • **Amla**: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that may strengthen hair • **Bhringraj**: Known as the "king of herbs" for hair in Ayurveda • **Fenugreek**: Contains proteins and nicotinic acid traditionally used for hair care • **Curry leaves**: Packed with nutrients that may promote hair thickness • **Hibiscus**: Natural conditioner that adds shine and may support hair health
This time-tested blend combines the wisdom of Ayurveda with ingredients you can easily find. It's ideal for those who want to try something that's been used for generations.
• 100ml coconut oil • 2 tbsp dried amla powder • 1 tbsp bhringraj powder • 5-6 curry leaves • 1 tsp fenugreek seeds Heat the coconut oil gently in a pan. Add fenugreek seeds and curry leaves, letting them splutter. Mix in the amla and bhringraj powders, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it cool completely. Strain the oil through a fine mesh or cheesecloth into a clean bottle.
100 mlOlive Oil for Hair
Massage this oil into your scalp using circular motions, working it through to the ends. Leave it on for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper nourishment. Use this twice a week for best results. The earthy scent might take some getting used to, but many users find the results worth it.
This recipe uses essential oils known for their potential to support circulation and hair follicles. It's your kind of pick if you want something that feels spa-like.
• 50ml jojoba oil • 50ml sweet almond oil • 8 drops rosemary essential oil • 5 drops peppermint essential oil • 3 drops lavender essential oil Simply combine all the carrier oils in a dark glass bottle. Add the essential oils drop by drop, then cap and shake gently to blend. Store in a cool, dark place. This blend stays fresh for up to 6 months.
Use this oil 2-3 times a week, focusing on your scalp and massaging for 5-10 minutes. The peppermint creates a lovely tingling sensation. You'll only need a small amount—about a tablespoon for medium-length hair.
This recipe takes a bit more time but creates an incredibly nourishing blend that's brilliant for supporting hair thickness. The slow infusion process extracts maximum goodness from the herbs.
• 200ml castor oil • 2 tbsp dried hibiscus petals • 1 tbsp dried rosemary • 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds • 5-6 curry leaves (fresh or dried) Combine all ingredients in a glass jar and seal tightly. Place the jar in a sunny spot for 2 weeks, shaking it gently every few days. After the infusion period, strain the oil through cheesecloth. The resulting oil will be beautifully fragrant and deeply nourishing.
This concentrated blend works best when used once or twice a week. Warm it slightly before application and massage into your scalp for maximum absorption. Because castor oil is quite thick, you might want to mix it with a lighter oil if you have fine hair.
This recipe focuses specifically on scalp health because healthy hair starts with a healthy foundation. It's brilliant for anyone dealing with dry, flaky, or irritated scalp conditions.
• 80ml argan oil • 20ml tea tree oil (already diluted carrier oil blend) • 6 drops cedarwood essential oil • 4 drops lavender essential oil • 1 tbsp aloe vera gel Mix the argan oil with the tea tree blend in a small bowl. Add the essential oils and whisk in the aloe vera gel until well combined. Transfer to a pump bottle for easy application. This treatment is best used fresh, so make small batches.
100 mlHair Growth Tonic
Apply this treatment to clean, damp hair, focusing on the scalp. Massage gently and leave for 30 minutes before washing. Use once a week as a deep treatment. The aloe vera adds extra soothing properties, making this brilliant for sensitive scalps.
This intensive overnight treatment is designed to work while you sleep, giving your hair maximum time to absorb all the good stuff. It's ideal for busy schedules when you want to multitask your beauty routine.
• 60ml coconut oil (melted) • 40ml castor oil • 1 tbsp honey • 5 drops rosemary essential oil • 3 drops peppermint essential oil • 1 egg yolk (optional, for extra protein) Gently warm the coconut oil until liquid, then mix with castor oil. Stir in honey until dissolved, then add essential oils. If using egg yolk, whisk it in last. This creates a rich, nourishing treatment that's worth the extra prep time.
Apply this treatment to dry hair before bed, covering with a silk scarf or shower cap to protect your pillowcase. Wash out in the morning with a gentle shampoo. Use once a week for intensive nourishment. The honey adds natural humectant properties that help lock in moisture.
Sometimes you need something simple that works fast. This lightweight serum absorbs quickly and won't weigh your hair down, making it ideal for daily use.
• 30ml jojoba oil • 10ml argan oil • 5 drops rosemary essential oil • 2 drops peppermint essential oil • 1 vitamin E capsule (pierced and squeezed) Mix all ingredients in a small dropper bottle. Shake well before each use. This serum is light enough for daily application and won't leave your hair feeling greasy.
Use 3-4 drops on your scalp and massage in gently. You can apply this to damp or dry hair, making it super versatile. Because it's so lightweight, you can use it daily without washing your hair every time. Focus on areas where you want to see more nourishment.
This modern take on traditional Ayurvedic wisdom combines time-tested ingredients with contemporary hair oil application techniques. It's designed to give your hair the support it needs while respecting ancient wisdom.
• 100ml sesame oil • 1 tbsp amla juice (fresh or from powder mixed with water) • 1 tsp black seed oil • 5 drops frankincense essential oil • 3 drops sandalwood essential oil Warm the sesame oil gently and mix in the amla juice, stirring well. Add black seed oil and essential oils, then let the mixture cool. Store in a dark glass bottle. This blend combines traditional ingredients with modern essential oils for the best of both worlds.
Use this oil 2-3 times a week, applying to both scalp and hair lengths. The sesame oil base is particularly nourishing and has been used in Ayurveda for centuries. Massage for 10-15 minutes to really stimulate circulation and help your scalp absorb the nutrients.
Getting the most out of your homemade blends isn't just about the recipe—it's about how you use them. Proper application and timing can make all the difference in your results.
The way you apply your oil matters just as much as what's in it. Start by sectioning your hair into manageable parts, then apply oil directly to your scalp using your fingertips or a dropper bottle. Massage in circular motions for 5-10 minutes to boost circulation and help the oil penetrate. Work any remaining oil through your hair lengths, focusing on the ends which tend to be driest. For overnight treatments, braid your hair loosely to prevent tangling.
Consistency is key when it comes to hair care. Most people see best results using hair oils 2-3 times per week rather than daily. Apply oils to clean, slightly damp hair for better absorption. Evening applications work well because you can leave the oil on longer without worrying about your hairstyle. If you're short on time, even 30 minutes can provide benefits.
DIY oils work best as part of a holistic approach to hair health. Gentle scalp massage, even without oil, supports blood flow and can support hair health. A diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals provides the building blocks your hair needs. Stay hydrated and manage stress levels, as both directly impact hair health. Avoid harsh treatments and excessive heat styling while you're focusing on hair care.
Most people notice improvements in hair texture and scalp health within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. Visible length changes typically become apparent after 6-8 weeks, as hair typically grows at a steady rate each month. Remember that results vary based on your starting point, genetics, and how consistently you use the treatments.
Absolutely! These recipes are meant to be starting points that you can customise based on your hair's needs and what you have available. Just be mindful of essential oil concentrations—they should never exceed 3% of your total blend. When trying new combinations, do a patch test first to check for any sensitivity.
Most of these recipes work well for different hair types, but you might need to adjust the carrier oils. Fine hair does better with lighter oils like jojoba or argan, while thick or coarse hair can handle heavier oils like castor or coconut. If you have very oily hair, use these treatments less frequently or focus mainly on the lengths rather than the scalp.
Store your DIY oils in dark glass bottles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Most blends stay fresh for 3-6 months, but those with fresh ingredients like aloe vera or egg should be used within a week. Label your bottles with the date and ingredients so you can track what works best for your hair.
DIY hair oils offer a brilliant way to nourish your hair naturally while keeping your routine budget-friendly and chemical-free. The beauty of these recipes lies in their flexibility—you can adjust ingredients based on what your hair needs and what you have at home. From quick daily treatments to intensive overnight masks, there's a blend for every lifestyle and hair type. Consistency is your best friend when it comes to seeing real results. Pick one or two recipes that appeal to you and stick with them for at least 6-8 weeks. Your hair will thank you for the patience and natural care. While these DIY recipes offer excellent natural hair care options, sometimes you might want to explore professional products too. Smytten, India's largest product discovery and trial platform, offers a unique way to try out various haircare products before committing to full-size purchases. With over 1,500 trusted brands and the ability to try up to 8 minis for just ₹249, Smytten makes it easy and affordable to find the perfect products for your needs. Whether you're sticking to homemade solutions or looking to complement your routine with professional treatments, remember that great hair is a journey, not a destination.
