How to make hair growth oil for thick, shiny hair

When I first started my natural hair journey, one of the first things I looked for was a hair growth oil. You don’t have to look hard to find a brand or natural hair influencer promoting a magic oil that’ll grow your hair inches overnight. The truth is, the number one factor for hair growth is time. The average person’s hair grows half an inch a month. That being said, there are certain ingredients that have been shown to help stimulate hair growth and thicken hair.

Google searches for hair oil have been steadily rising and reached their highest volume ever in December of 2022. I’m sure a lot of that has to do with the viral interest in the Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil that has been flying off the shelves. If you can’t find the Mielle oil in stores, fret not: It’s actually very easy to make your own.

I was inspired to make hair oil after discovering Curly Proverbz’s YouTube channel. Curly Proverbz, real name Farida Sharma, uses Ayurvedic ingredients like henna and fenugreek in her DIYS and in her product line, the Curly Proverbz Collection. Though I started off following Sharma’s recipe, the one I do now varies a bit. And that’s the beauty of making your own hair oil — you can tailor it to your specific hair type and needs!

Here’s how to make your own hair growth oil, plus my recipe that has helped my hair flourish:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups carrier oil. I use a mix of coconut and Jamaican black castor oil.
• 3 drops essential oil. I use peppermint oil for this specific recipe. Peppermint oil can help increase blood circulation and improve hair growth. I also like the smell and tingly feeling!
• 1.5 tablespoons henna. I use the brand Nupur Henna. Henna has many AMAZING benefits for hair and can help reduce shedding, strengthen and soften hair, and reduce premature graying.
• 1/2 cup fenugreek seeds. Research shows that fenugreek can help treat hair loss by stimulating hair follicles and slow the release of the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which plays a role in hair loss.
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary. Rosemary has anti-inflammatory properties and in one study had similar effects on hair growth as minoxidil.
• 1 tablespoon lavender seeds. Lavender has a lovely smell, can help soothe an irritated scalp, and has been shown to stimulate hair growth.
• A glass jar with an airtight seal.

Steps:

1. Warm your oil on the stove on low heat for two minutes. It should be hot but not boiling.
2. In your glass jar, add your henna, fenugreek, fresh rosemary, and lavender seeds.
3. Pour in your warm oil.
4. Add drops of essential oil.
5. Stir.
6. Place jar on a sunny ledge and let it infuse for 12 hours. After that, strain out the rosemary.

I use this oil for scalp massages, hot oil treatments, and I also mix it in my deep conditioner when I need an extra boost. Using this oily consistently has helped me grow back my thinning edges and kept my hair soft and strong. I’ve always had thick hair, but I feel like this oil has made it EXTRA thick. Plus, the amount of oil this recipe yields lasts a lot longer than the small bottles you’ll find in the store and I know exactly what’s in it!

Have you tried making your own hair oil? Share your recipe in the comments!