Having full and healthy hair has a way to boost your confidence, which is why I am here to show you the best natural oils for hair growth and thickness.
I still remember the times I would stand in front of my mirror, feeling frustrated with how thin and lifeless my hair looked. No matter how many expensive products I tried, nothing seemed to work. My comb was always full of hair strands, and that made me feel sad.
I decided to go back to nature. researched and experimented with natural oils to get the best natural oils for hair growth and thickness, and to my surprise, they worked wonders. With consistency and patience, my hair became stronger, healthier, and even started growing in places I thought were gone forever.
If you are struggling with hair loss, thinning, or you want thicker and shinier hair, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are natural solutions that can help. In this post, I will be sharing some of the best natural oils for hair growth and thickness that I have tried (and loved), along with how you can use them to bring life back to your hair.
Why Natural Oils Are Best for Hair Growth and Thickness
Before we go into the list of oils, let’s talk about why they work. When I first started using oils, I honestly thought it was just one of those old “grandma remedies.” However, natural oils are packed with nutrients that your hair actually needs.
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They feed your hair from the roots. Oils are rich in vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants that strengthen your hair follicles and help new strands grow.
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They improve blood flow to the scalp. Massaging oils into your scalp boosts circulation, which allows your hair to receive more of the nutrients it needs to grow.
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They protect your hair. Unlike many chemical products that strip your hair, natural oils lock in moisture, reduce dryness, and prevent breakage. Read more on how to care for your natural hair here
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They balance the scalp. Some oils control dandruff and soothe irritation, creating a healthy environment for hair growth.
Using the right oil is like giving your hair a natural multivitamin. It is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to grow thicker, healthier, and shinier hair without relying on harsh products. Natural oils are essential for overall hair treatments, be it dandruff, diy hair mask etc
Best Natural Oils for Hair Growth and Thickness (Easily Found in Nigeria)
During my research on natural hair oils, I discovered that each oil has its own “superpower.” Here are some of the best natural oils for hair growth and thickness that have truly made a difference for me
1. Coconut Oil (Ori Epo Pupa in Yoruba homes)
Coconut oil is a Nigerian favourite. You can find it in almost every market, and many people even make it at home. It deeply penetrates the hair, reduces breakage, and keeps the hair soft. Personally, when my hair feels dry and brittle, coconut oil always revives it.
2. Shea Butter (Ori)
Okay, I know this isn’t exactly an oil, but in Nigeria, no natural hair journey is complete without shea butter. It melts into an oil when warmed, and it’s amazing for sealing in moisture. I use it when I want my hair to stay soft and stretched for days. It also strengthens weak strands.
3. Castor Oil (especially Jamaican Black Castor Oil – JBCO)
This is the go-to oil for people trying to grow their edges or fill in thinning areas. It’s thick, so I usually mix it with coconut oil before applying it. Within weeks, I noticed baby hairs growing around my hairline.
4. Olive Oil
Olive oil is another one that is easy to find in Nigerian shops and supermarkets. My mom used to massage it into my scalp on wash days. It is good for softening hair, strengthening it, and keeping dandruff away.
5. Palm Kernel Oil (Local favourite)
Not to be confused with palm oil (the red one we cook with), palm kernel oil is dark, has a smoky smell, and is amazing for hair growth. Our grandmothers always knew its secret! It nourishes the scalp and helps hair grow thicker over time.
6. Amla Oil
This one is not as common in every Nigerian market, but you will often find it in Indian shops or beauty supply stores. It’s very popular among naturalist because it strengthens hair, prevents premature greying, and promotes thickness.
7. Rosemary Oil (Essential Oil, found in beauty shops)
Rosemary oil is becoming very popular in Nigeria now, especially among people on natural hair journeys. It’s known for stimulating hair growth and is usually mixed with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. Read more about Rosemary
How to Use Natural Oils To Get the Best Results
When I first started using oils, I did not use them the “right” way. Sometimes I poured too much, other times I washed it off too quickly. Over time, I learned a few simple methods that made all the difference.
Here’s how you can use natural oils to actually see results:
1. Scalp Massage Method
One of my favourite self-care routines is massaging oil into my scalp. It not only relaxes me but also boosts blood circulation, which helps hair grow faster. I usually warm a little coconut or olive oil, rub it between my palms, and gently section my hair, parting it in small lines, rub the oil on my scalp and massage my scalp for about 5–10 minutes before bedtime.
2. Hot Oil Treatment
On days when my hair feels extra dry, I treat it to a hot oil session. I slightly warm oils like olive or palm kernel oil, apply them generously, cover my hair with a shower cap, and leave it on for about 30 minutes. After rinsing, my hair always feels softer and stronger.
3. Overnight Treatment
If your hair is really struggling, try leaving oil in overnight. I normally do this with shea butter or castor oil (mixed with coconut oil so it’s not too heavy). By morning, my hair feels deeply nourished. Just make sure to cover your pillow with a scarf or towel to avoid stains.
4. Mixing Oils
Sometimes one oil is not enough, so I love creating little blends. For example, mixing castor oil (for thickness) with coconut oil (for softness) works wonders for me. Adding a few drops of rosemary oil makes it even more powerful for hair growth.
5. As a Sealant After Moisturising
After applying water or a leave-in conditioner, I seal the moisture with shea butter or olive oil. This step changed my natural hair game completely. My hair stays hydrated for much longer.
Tips for Choosing the Right Oil for Your Hair
Picking the right oil is very important, so that you can fix your hair problem at ease instead of packing all the oils together. Here are some simple tips to help you choose what works best for your hair:
1. For Dry and Weak Hair
Your hair needs deep moisture and strength.
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Best oils: Coconut oil, Olive oil, Shea butter
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Why: They penetrate the strands, reduce breakage, and keep your hair soft.
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Personal tip: use coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment whenever the hair feels like straw.
2. For Oily Scalp or Hair That Gets Greasy Fast
You will need light oils that balance your scalp without clogging pores.
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Best oils: Jojoba oil, Rosemary oil, Peppermint oil
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Why: They mimic natural scalp oils and refresh the scalp.
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Personal tip: A few drops of peppermint oil mixed with coconut oil gives me that cool, fresh feeling and reduces itching.
3. For Thin or Thinning Hair to get Thickness
Your hair needs thickness and stronger roots.
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Best oils: Castor oil, Palm kernel oil, Amla oil
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Why: They boost circulation, encourage growth, and make strands look fuller.
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Personal tip: When struggling with thinning edges, castor oil helps.
4. For Itchy or Flaky Scalp
You need soothing, healing oils that calm the scalp.
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Best oils: Olive oil, Jojoba oil, Tea tree oil (if available)
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Why: They reduce dandruff and irritation while moisturizing.
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Personal tip: Massaging olive oil into my scalp once a week helped me reduce flakes without harsh products.
5. For Overall Growth and Shine
If your goal is just healthier, shinier, stronger hair:
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Best oils: Coconut oil, Shea butter, Rosemary oil, Argan oil (if you can find it)
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Why: They lock in moisture and encourage steady growth
Precautions to Keep in Mind When Using Natural Oils
I learned that while oils are natural and safe, it’s still important to use them the right way. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Always Do a Patch Test
Even though oils are natural, some people may still react to them. Before using a new oil, apply a little on your inner arm or behind your ear and wait 24 hours to see if there’s any reaction.
2. Don’t Apply Essential Oils Directly
Oils like rosemary, peppermint, or tea tree are very strong. Always mix them with a carrier oil (like coconut, olive, or jojoba) before applying to your scalp.
3. Don’t Overuse Oils
I used to drench my hair in oil, thinking “the more, the better.” However, too much oil can clog your scalp and make your hair greasy. A few drops or teaspoons are enough, depending on your hair length.
4. Watch Out for Allergies or Sensitivities
If you notice itching, redness, or flakes after using a particular oil, stop immediately. Your scalp might not agree with it, and that’s okay, just try another one.
5. Be Patient and Consistent
Natural oils don’t work overnight. It takes weeks (sometimes months) of consistent use to see real changes. Don’t get discouraged. Slow progress is still progress
