Hair oils are everywhere, and they’ve come a long way from being a DIY treatment. They’re one of the easiest and most effective ways to nourish, strengthen, and bring natural shine back to your hair, all without synthetic fillers or heavy silicones.
But with so many options out there and types of oils, how do you know which natural hair oils will actually work for you? Keep in mind that not all oils work in the same way, or for the same concerns. Whether you’re chasing glossy lengths, tackling dryness, or encouraging new growth, there’s a hair oil out there ready to help.
What do hair oils do?
Hair oils aren’t just surface-level, giving your hair that glossy look – they work on a deeper level to protect, hydrate, and strengthen your locks.
- Seals in moisture: Natural oils work to create a lightweight barrier to lock hydration inside the hair shaft. This helps to keep dryness and frizz at bay.
- Smooth hair: By coating the cuticle (the outer layer of your hair), oils add softness and shine while reducing breakage and the amount of split ends.
- Nourishes the scalp: We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again – healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Oils rich in fatty acids and vitamins hydrate the skin at the root, balancing dryness or excess oil production.
- Protects from damage: Pollution, UV rays, and (for many, the big one) heat styling, all weaken your hair’s natural defences. Natural hair oils work to form a protective layer to minimize the impact of that stress.
From a smoother texture to stronger strands or greater shine, a well-chosen oil can transform both how your hair looks and how it feels – which is equally important.
Best natural oils that promote hair growth
Before we talk about hair oils and hair growth, it’s important to recognize that no hair oil, natural or otherwise, is going to completely transform your hair overnight and give you thick, long, flowing locks.
When it comes to growing stronger, thicker, healthier hair, consistency is key. These natural oils help to promote hair growth by supporting the overall health of your hair. They don’t just make your hair look shiny; they nourish your scalp, strengthen your strands from root to tip, and help prevent the kind of breakage that keeps growth from showing.
Castor oil to strengthen strands
Castor oil has long been a go-to as a hair oil for many people. Rich in ricinoleic acid, this natural oil helps boost scalp health. It also helps to increase circulation and lock in moisture, making hair feel thicker and more resilient over time.
Our Scalp + Hair Oil is formulated with castor oil to help deliver hydrated, nourished strands.
Rosemary oil to stimulate follicles
If you’ve spent any time on haircare or beauty TikTok, you’ve probably seen rosemary oil making waves – and for good reason. Studies show it can stimulate circulation in the scalp and even perform comparably to some clinical hair loss treatments, such as Minoxidil, over time.
Rosemary oil works by increasing blood circulation to the scalp and nourishing hair follicles, promoting thicker regrowth while helping to reduce dandruff and inflammation. Just be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut before applying it directly to your scalp. Alternatively, use a hair oil formulated with several natural oils so you don’t have to worry about diluting it.
We’ve dedicated an entire blog to rosemary oil for hair, so have a read for more information. You’ll find rosemary oil in our Haircare Duo, as well as our Scalp + Hair Oil.
Baobab oil for added vitamins
This natural oil is a true multitasker. Baobab oil is packed with many vitamins, including vitamin A, D, E, and F, which are all essential for strong, elastic hair. It sinks in easily without feeling heavy, leaving your hair soft, smooth, and protected from dryness.
It’s lightweight enough not to weigh hair down, yet still rich enough to smooth split ends and soften coarse textures. Baobab oil works well on dull, dry, or damaged hair that needs a dose of shine and softness.
Find out more about baobab oil and what it can do for your hair on our dedicated blog. Our Natural Hair Serum is formulated using sustainably-sourced baobab oil.
Finding your match
Every hair type has its sweet spot when it comes to oils – and a combination may suit you best. Here’s a quick guide to finding your match:
- Fine hair: Choose lightweight options like argan or non-comedogenic jojoba oil. They hydrate without leaving a heavy residue.
- Thick or curly hair: Go for richer oils like castor, shea, or baobab. They help define curls and seal in moisture.
- Color-treated or damaged hair: Coconut or avocado oil can help rebuild the strength of your strands and restore shine.
Using natural oils for hair
There are no hard and fast rules or one ‘right’ way to use natural oils on your hair, it all depends on your routine, hair type, and goals. Here are a few easy options:
- As a pre-wash treatment: Massage the oil into your scalp and lengths 30 minutes before shampooing for a deep moisture boost.
- As a leave-in: Warm a few drops between your palms and smooth through the ends of damp hair to tame any frizz and add shine.
- As an overnight mask: Apply generously, braid or wrap your hair, and rinse in the morning.
UpCircle top tip: A gentle scalp massage not only feels great, but can also help to improve scalp circulation.
Our Natural Pre-Wash Scalp + Hair Oil
We’ve expanded our haircare range to include a Scalp + Hair Oil, brimming with natural oils to nourish your locks and your scalp.
This natural pre-wash hair and scalp oil treatment deeply nourishes the scalp and strands, promoting healthy hair growth, strong locks, and easier-to-manage hair. Targeting dryness and damage, this product is made using sustainably sourced, upcycled ingredients.
Bacuri butter in the formulation is rich in amino and fatty acids that help restore and repair damaged hair, boosting natural shine and softness. It’s infused alongside rosemary essential oil to invigorate the scalp and promote new hair growth, and sweet almond oil, which enhances softness and shine. With consistent use, this oil works to improve hair texture and smooth frizz and flyaways.
How to use
- Apply a generous amount of the Scalp + Hair Oil directly onto hair, focusing on the scalp, roots and ends.
- Gently massage with your fingertips for two to five minutes to stimulate microcirculation and nourish the scalp.
- Leave the oil on for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes, or overnight for an intensive treatment.
- Wash and style as usual. Use once or twice a week.
For an extra boost, lightly mist your hair with water before applying the oil. This helps the oil form a protective barrier around each hair strand, locking in moisture and supporting elasticity. This ensures hair stays nourished, resilient, and beautifully soft.
Discover our full range of natural haircare.