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Best Oils For African American Hair

by Inbound Pursuit

The Rennora Beauty hair growth serum for black women features all the best oils for African American hair. 39, to be exact. But we’d be here all day if we made the case for each of them as the best oil for black hair - so we just want to highlight the top 10 in this guide.

Learn all about the best hair oil for black hair below, including why each specific oil was chosen and what you should look for in a hair oil for your specific hair type.

What to Look For in the Best Oil For Black Hair 

It goes without saying that not all oils are made equal. You already know that if you’re here searching for the best oil for black hair. The common theme across all the best oils for African American hair is that they have real evidence supporting their use in a hair care routine. Here’s what you should look for in the best hair oil for black hair:

  • Penetration vs sealing: Some oils work deep into the hair shaft to deliver much-needed nourishment. Others coat the exterior to lock in moisture and shield against damage. You need both in your regimen.
  • Calming inflammation: Free radicals can wreak havoc on hair follicles, and they’ll run rampant at the scalp after years of braids, weaves, and relaxers. The best oil for black hair brings a claming presence so blood and nutrients actually get to the root.
  • Hormonal support: DHT shrinks hair follicles and slowly but surely causes hair to thin. Some ingredients can block the enzyme responsible for making it (5-alpha-reductase).1

Think About Your Hair Density and Porosity, Too 

Your specific hair type will dictate which oils are best for African American hair growth.  

Hair Porosity 

Low porosity hair resists moisture, meaning water just sits on the surface but won’t soak in. Lighter oils are best here as they won’t leave behind build-up. On the other hand, high porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast. Heavier oils can seal the cuticle to slow that loss down.

You can quickly figure out what your hair classifies as by dropping a strand into a glass of water. It’ll sink if it’s high porosity; it’ll float if it’s low porosity. 

Hair Density 

Fine hair (thin individual strands) saturates faster and can get weighed down by heavier oils. Lighter formulas are your best bet if you have fine hair - which you don’t if you’re here looking for the best oils for African American hair. You likely have coarse, coiled hair that can handle heavier products without going limp. 

10 of the Best Oils For African American Hair Growth 

You could make the case for any of these as the best oil for black hair: 

  • Rosemary oil: Prescription-grade results from a plant extract. It was found to be as effective as minoxidil 2% over a six-month trial without all the scalp itching.2 
  • Peppermint oil: A 2014 study found that it produced thicker dermal tissue and deeper follicles than minoxidil.3 It brings more blood to the scalp on contact and has a wonderful tingle.
  • Castor oil: 90% of castor oil consists of ricinoleic acid, which has been shown to minimize inflammation - a common culprit behind hair loss.4 That’s powerful for hair that has been through decades of tight braids. 
  • Saw palmetto: 60% of participants using saw palmetto in a double-blind study saw improvements compared to just 11% on the placebo.5 It blocks DHT to safeguard your follicles.
  • Bhringraj: It’s called the “King of Herbs” in Ayurvedic hair medicine for a reason. A 2009 study showed it could push resting follicles back into their active growth phase.6
  • Onion seed: Topical onion extract showed visible hair growth improvements in 87% of alopecia patients within six weeks, likely thanks to its sulfur content feeding keratin.7 
  • Grape seed oil: These seeds have procyanidin B-2, which was able to boost hair cell proliferation by 300%, activating dormant follicles.8 It’s one of the best oils for African American hair that has low porosity. 
  • Stinging nettle: Inhibits the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT (5-alpha-reductase). 1
  • Ginseng: Compounds called ginsenosides work through the same mechanism as minoxidil.9 A separate study found that red ginseng stimulates the dermal papilla cells at the base of every follicle, which control when hair grows and rests. 10
  • Tea tree oil: 5% tea tree oil managed to reduce dandruff severity by 41%, creating the ideal conditions for healthy hair growth to occur. 11

The best part is you don’t have to choose any one of these. The best hair oil for black hair brings all of them together alongside dozens of others. Shop Rennora Beauty today and learn about the other 29 ingredients that all work in synergy to support healthier hair growth. 

What Oils Should You Avoid Putting on Your Natural Hair? 

There are a few oils you should absolutely steer clear of if you’re trying to support healthy hair growth, including: 

  • Mineral oil: These just coat the strand, but not in a good way. Whatever is underneath gets trapped, including dryness.
  • Silicone-based oils: These also coat the strand, only they must be stripped away with sulfate-based shampoos - that costs you more moisture. 
  • Filler oils: These serve zero purpose. They’re there because a brand is cutting corners. 

How to Use the Best Hair Oil For Black Hair 

Your hair should be dry prior to applying the best oils for African American hair. You might even consider dermarolling your scalp prior to application to maximize absorption - if so, do this just twice a week. 

Wet your fingertips with the oil and massage the scalp in circular motions. Focus on your problem areas. This is your nightly routine. No nights off. Give the oil at least 30 minutes to dry before letting your head hit the pillow. Better yet, lock in the oil with a satin bonnet!

More Powerful Products For Afro Hair Growth 

The best hair oil for black hair is just one piece of the puzzle. There are so many other ways you can support better hair growth, including:

Good Growth Capsules

Internal support to round out your topical regimen. The daily vitamin brings you the perfect amount of marine collagen, saw palmetto, biotin, and ashwagandha to feed your hair follicles from the inside while your nourish them from the outside.

Miracle Chebe Butter

A staple for hydration. It consists of chebe powder, shea butter, rosemary, and bhringraj. A great remedy for dry, brittle locks that need some love.

Regrowth Shampoo and Conditioner

The perfect dynamic duo for keeping your scalp clean and hydrated. No sulfates or other nasty stuff - just plant-based ingredients that make detangling less of a fight. 

Frequently asked questions

What oils make Black hair grow faster?

There are actually quite a few, but the best oil for black hair growth as far as direct stimulation goes is either rosemary or peppermint oil. You could make the case ofr saw palmetto as well. Rennora Beauty brings together 39 proven oils so you don’t have to choose. 

Do I use black hair oil every day? 

Yes, consistency is everything. Our customer success stories show you what’s possible if you stick with the best hair oil for black hair nightly. 

How else can I moisturize my tight, coiled strands?

LOC method: liquid (water or leave-in), oil, cream. Layering in that order gives your strands moisture and then seals it.

Get Everything Your Afro Hair Needs at Rennora Beauty Today 

Your search for the best oil for black hair ends here. Explore the full collection and choose between the Original or Extra-Strength formula. Round out your regimen with everything else you need while you’re at it. All backed by a 120-day money-back guarantee.

Related Resources 

Olive oil vs coconut oil for hair | Jojoba vs grapeseed oil | Peppermint oil vs tea tree oil

References 

  1. Nahata A, Dixit VK. "Evaluation of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitory activity of certain herbs useful as antiandrogens." Andrologia. 2014;46(6):592-601. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23710567/
  2. Panahi Y, et al. "Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial." Skinmed. 2015;13(1):15-21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/
  3. Oh JY, et al. "Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs." Toxicol Res. 2014;30(4):297-304. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25584150/
  4. Vieira C, et al. "Pro- and anti-inflammatory actions of ricinoleic acid: similarities and differences with capsaicin." Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2001;364(2):87-95. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11534859/
  5. Prager N, et al. "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia." J Altern Complement Med. 2002;8(2):143-52. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12006122/
  6. Datta K, et al. "Eclipta alba extract with potential for hair growth promoting activity." J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;124(3):450-6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19481595/
  7. Sharquie KE, Al-Obaidi HK. "Onion juice (Allium cepa L.), a new topical treatment for alopecia areata." J Dermatol. 2002;29(6):343-6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12126069/
  8. Takahashi T, et al. "Procyanidin oligomers selectively and intensively promote proliferation of mouse hair epithelial cells in vitro and activate hair follicle growth in vivo." J Invest Dermatol. 1999;112(3):310-6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10084307/
  9. Kim SN, et al. "The ginsenosides of Panax ginseng promote hair growth via similar mechanism of minoxidil." J Dermatol Sci. 2015;77(2):132-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25617238/
  10. Park GH, et al. "Red ginseng extract promotes the hair growth in cultured human hair follicles." J Med Food. 2015;18(3):354-62. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25396716/
  11. Satchell AC, et al. "Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo." J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002;47(6):852-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12451368/
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