The Truth About Hair Oils: What TikTok Won’t Tell You (But the Professionals Will)
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In this blog, I was inspired by Anastasia from our HCC Instagram. We spoke and it helped me to understand why everyone is confused about what to use on their hair! There is so much noise out there!
ALOT of opinions coming from all different angles. So I wanted to take a deep dive into it and talk about the rise of hair oil trends on platforms like TikTok & Instagram. While some natural oils, like rosemary oil, have been used for centuries, it's important to separate anecdotal evidence from scientifically backed information and proper application techniques. If your also confused and looking for answers lets dive into a breakdown of some popular trends and recommendations from professionals...
Side note: (I feel like even "professionals" are getting a bad rep these days, A lot of hairdressers' knowledge is outdated and so many people are turning to social media for answers and tending to trust influencers- who btw, are paid to promote brands and make very convincing testimonial videos about the products they are getting paid to promote to their audience and sometimes even told exactly what to say! Not necessarily because they are good products or that they even use or have had their own results using these specific products!) but I digress and I wish to shed a little light on this seemingly grey zone...
The topic is "What oils should I use on my hair to make it GROW!"
If your hair seems like it's not growing, the issue could be coming from one of two areas—or even both. Either your hair isn’t growing properly from the roots, or it's breaking at the ends, which can make it feel like it's stuck at the same length.
I can help you figure out exactly where the problem is. By understanding whether it's your scalp that's not producing new growth or if breakage is causing your hair to thin or shorten, we can address the issue and get your hair back on track.
“The Hair Oil Hype: Myths, Facts, and Pro Tips You Need to Know”
Hair oils are having their moment. Scroll through TikTok or Instagram, and you’ll find an endless stream of DIY hair oil treatments claiming to transform your locks—promising everything from rapid hair growth to frizz-free curls and miraculously healed split ends. Whether it's rosemary, castor, or coconut oil, it seems like there’s an oil for every hair woe. But how much of this trend is rooted in reality, and how much is just social media buzz?
Before you start slathering your scalp with the latest oil fad, it’s important to know that not all hair oils are created equal, and their effectiveness varies depending on how—and where—they're applied. Spoiler alert: not every oil out there will make your hair grow like Rapunzel’s.
In this guide, we’re here to separate fact from fiction, debunk some of the biggest myths circulating the web, and break down the real science behind these oils. We’ll also reveal the professional hair oils that hairstylists and experts swear by—products that are actually backed by positive reviews and proven results. Whether you're looking to improve hair health, combat dryness, or just get that enviable shine, we've got you covered.
Rosemary Oil: Miracle Growth or Overhyped?
One of the most popular oils making waves online is rosemary oil, often dubbed a "miracle" hair growth solution. It’s said to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, encouraging hair to grow faster and thicker. But does it live up to the hype?
The Trend: Rosemary oil is widely touted for stimulating hair growth, often used in scalp massages.
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The Facts: There is some scientific evidence to suggest that rosemary oil may help improve circulation to the scalp, potentially promoting hair growth at the roots. A study compared it to minoxidil (a common hair growth treatment) and found it effective in some cases. While rosemary oil does have some scientific backing—studies show it can improve circulation and may support hair growth—don’t expect overnight results. Consistent application over months, not weeks, is key. And, it’s not a magic solution for everyone.
Pro Tip & How to Use: Rosemary oil should be diluted with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) before being applied to the scalp. Applying it directly can lead to irritation. Massage it gently into the scalp to stimulate blood flow, which may encourage hair growth over time. It's important to note that results can take months, and it won’t work for everyone. Apply it to the scalp in small, circular motions to stimulate blood flow and nourish your roots.
Debunk: Using too much or expecting fast results can lead to frustration. Patience and consistency are essential when using rosemary oil. Just slathering it on won't guarantee overnight growth, and it's not a cure-all for hair loss. Infact you need to also be careful not to clog up your scalp, a blocked scalp and hair folicles not being able to breath can be a breading ground for scalp bacteria and also lead to hair loss. Thats why we highly recommend a scalp consultation with our microscope so we can have a look at the skin and scalp surface to make sure its all clean and clear.
Castor Oil: Thick Hair in a Bottle?
Another oil that’s been in the spotlight is castor oil. Fans claim it can thicken hair and even make it grow faster. But let’s break it down.
The Facts: Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which can help improve scalp health by balancing pH levels and enhancing circulation. It's also deeply moisturizing, which helps protect hair from breakage. But, there's no strong evidence that it will speed up hair growth significantly.
Pro Tip: Use castor oil on your scalp and massage it in to improve hydration and scalp health. Because of its thickness, use it sparingly or mix it with lighter oils. A small amount on the ends can help prevent split ends.
Debunk: Castor oil won't instantly give you thicker hair, and its heavy consistency can clog pores if not washed out thoroughly. Moderation is key.
Coconut Oil: The Deep Conditioner You’ve Been Looking For?
Coconut oil has long been a favorite for locking in moisture and deeply conditioning hair. But is it really the cure-all for damaged hair?
The Facts: Coconut oil is one of the few oils that can penetrate the hair shaft, helping to reduce protein loss and strengthen hair. It’s excellent for dry, damaged, or curly hair, but it can be too heavy for fine hair and cause buildup if overused.
Pro Tip: Apply coconut oil to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair for intense moisture and to help prevent split ends. Use it as a pre-shampoo treatment or a leave-in conditioner for curly or coarse hair.
Debunk: While coconut oil can improve the appearance and strength of your hair, it won’t reverse damage or fix split ends— you will need professional hair care oils to do that.
Argan Oil: Shine and Frizz Control in a Bottle
Argan oil, often referred to as "liquid gold," is praised for its ability to smooth and shine hair. But does it live up to its luxurious reputation?
The Facts: Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants like vitamin E, argan oil is fantastic for reducing frizz, adding shine, and improving the elasticity of hair. It’s a lightweight oil that works well for most hair types, particularly those struggling with dryness or frizz.
Pro Tip: Use a few drops of argan oil as a finishing touch on damp or dry hair to lock in moisture and add a healthy shine. It’s perfect for those with dry, frizzy, or color-treated hair. Apply to mid lengths and ends.
Debunk: Argan oil won't repair deeply damaged hair, but it can make it look smoother and healthier by sealing the hair cuticle and reducing frizz.
Tea Tree Oil for Scalp Health
The Trend: Tea tree oil is used to treat dandruff and maintain scalp health.
The Facts: Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it useful for treating scalp issues like dandruff and itching. However, it needs to be diluted as it can be very strong and cause irritation.
How to Use: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil or into your shampoo to treat dandruff or scalp irritation.
Debunk: It won’t necessarily boost hair growth, but it can improve scalp health, which is essential for healthy hair growth.
Professional Hair Oils That Truly Deliver
When it comes to professional hair oils, there’s a lot more science behind the scenes than people might realize. Brands like Kerastase, Olaplex, and Moroccanoil don’t just mix up a few ingredients and call it a day. Before launching a product, these companies invest heavily in research, working with expert chemists to create formulas that really deliver results. They test their products on real people with a variety of hair types to ensure the marketing claims are backed by real-world results.
There’s often a misconception that products from professional brands are “full of chemicals,” which is why some people prefer to use organic oils, thinking they’re better or safer. But here’s the truth: professional hair products are designed to penetrate deeper into the hair, reaching the inner layers to nourish and repair from the inside out. This is because their molecules are specially formulated to be small enough to get inside the hair shaft.
On the other hand, many natural oils—while they can be great for adding moisture and shine—often have larger molecules. This means they mostly sit on the surface of the hair rather than actually working deep inside. Plus, some natural oils aren’t water-soluble, making them harder to wash out and leading to buildup over time.
So, while organic oils may sound appealing, professional products are often far more effective because they’re scientifically formulated to truly repair, protect, and enhance your hair at a deeper level.
The best hair oils from professional hair care brands to promote fast hair growth, according to popular demand and positive reviews, typically feature key ingredients like argan oil, castor oil, or rosemary oil. Here are some of the top-rated products:
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil: Known for its lightweight feel and reparative properties, this oil is a go-to for anyone with damaged or color-treated hair. It provides heat protection and boosts shine without weighing down your strands.Â
- Why it's loved: Known for repairing damaged hair and improving overall hair strength, Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil also provides heat protection while supporting healthy hair growth.Â
- Key Ingredients: Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate (Olaplex's patented ingredient) for repairing hair bonds, along with grapeseed oil and sunflower seed oil.Â
- Benefits: Lightweight, repairs damage, boosts shine, and provides heat protection.Â
- Reviews: Widely praised for its reparative properties and as part of the Olaplex system.Â
- Best For: Damaged, color-treated, or brittle hair.
- Why it's loved: This cult-favorite is well-known for smoothing hair, adding shine, and deeply nourishing hair, which in turn promotes healthy growth.
- Key Ingredients: Argan oil and linseed (flaxseed) extract.
- Benefits: This argan oil-based treatment is a staple for adding shine, reducing frizz, and protecting hair from environmental damage.Â
- Reviews: One of the most popular oils, loved for its lightweight feel and ability to smooth hair without weighing it down.Â
- Best For: All hair types, especially those needing frizz control and moisture
- Why it's loved: This luxurious oil nourishes hair, adds shine, and strengthens the hair fiber. Many users report faster growth due to the improved health of the scalp and strands.
- Key Ingredients: Argan oil, camellia oil, and marula oil.
- Best For:Â European and Finer hair types. Frizzy, dry, or dull hair.
- Benefits: A luxurious multi-use oil that adds shine, softness, and heat protection.
- Reviews: Highly rated for its ability to leave hair silky smooth without any greasiness.
- Why it's loved: This oil detangles, softens, and adds shine, with many users seeing improvements in hair growth as the health of the scalp and strands is boosted.
- Key Ingredients: Roucou oil, which is rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants.
- Best for: Thick, coarse hair.
L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Absolut Repair Oil
- Why it's loved: This lightweight oil nourishes and repairs damaged hair, encouraging healthier and faster growth.
- Key Ingredients: Wheat germ oil and gold quinoa extract.
- Best for: Damaged and chemically treated hair.
All these products are highly rated for promoting hair growth due to their ability to improve scalp health and strengthen hair fibers. The effectiveness of a particular oil can also depend on your specific hair type and concerns.
Final Tips on Using Oils:
- Scalp: Oils like rosemary, castor, or tea tree are typically best for the scalp to help with circulation, dandruff, or other scalp issues. Also, professional brands now differentiate and make oils and serums specifically designed for the scalp application to treat hair loss/ dandruff / oily scalp etcÂ
- Lengths and Ends: Oils like argan, coconut, and lighter blends are better for hydrating and protecting the mid-lengths and ends from breakage and split ends.
- Moderation: Too much oil can lead to buildup or clogged follicles, so it’s important to use the right amount for your hair type. My recommendation is stick to the professional brands to avoid adverse effects.
The Bottom Line
Not every oil that works for one person will work for another. Your hair type, texture, and concerns will determine which oils you should use and how you should apply them. While some oils can promote scalp health and hair strength, others are better for hydration and shine. The key is using the right oil in the right way—and keeping your expectations realistic. Remember, no oil will replace a balanced diet, regular trims to keep the ends of your hair strong, and good hair care habits, which include your daily hair care routine (go easy on the heat styling with hairdryers and irons, insure your using heat protection) including all other products you use on your hair like shampoo's and leave in treatments.Â
Please let me know if you have any questions or would like any help choosing which products will suit your hair type best. By clicking the link below you can see our wide range of hair oils.... all our love and happy hair days!Â