Like many of us, I also grew up thinking if I grease my hair until I’m able to fry chicken on it, it would grow and be healthy. I had a friend in elementary school who even put baby lotion in her hair because she convinced herself it would make her hair grow(convinced me maybe 10%…I thought she was was being extra). The natural hair movement was popping when I got to college and that’s when I started learning about natural and essential oils that contribute to hair growth and length retention. I was broke but I did what I could with what I had and I swear my hair grew. You couldn’t tell me anything when my ends hit my clavicle!

Here are 4 oils for healthy hair growth:

1. Jojoba Oil

The Jojoba plant is found in the southwestern part of the country and Mexico. It’s been used for centuries to moisturize and grow hair. When used on a consistent basis, jojoba oil makes the hair shiny and prevents frizz, dandruff, and hair shedding. The oil can either be applied directly to your hair or added to your favorite conditioner for an extra boost.

2. Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is used as a base oil in numerous Ayurvedic recipes for hair growth. Since it’s anti-microbial, it can treat a lot of scalp and fungal infections. It’s best used as a hot oil treatment because it conditions the hair, nourishes the scalp, erases dandruff, and stimulates hair growth from the vitamin E in it.

3. Lavender Oil

For centuries, lavender has been used to prevent baldness and stimulate hair growth because of it’s anti-bacterial agents. It soothes and heals scalp infections plus gets rid of dandruff. A few pieces of lavender flower can be placed in a glass container with EVOO(extra virgin olive oil) and covered tightly and put in a cool spot for 3-4 weeks and use it as a daily scalp massage. In the morning, wash and style hair as usual.

4. Bhringraj Oil

Bhringraj oil is made from mixing Eclipta alba, aka “False Daisy”, with sesame oil. According to ayurvedic principles, the oil can treat the dosha pitta(controls digestion, metabolism, and energy transformation) imbalances, which can lead to problems with the hair. The oil is the solution for reducing shedding, preventing premature greying, increasing thickness and faster hair growth.