Hair problems are common in men. Statistics show that about 85% of men suffer from some sort of hair and scalp disorders.
Some of the common hair problems of men include hair thinning, excessive hair loss, pattern balding, early graying of hair, dry or oily hair, split end, breakage, etc. [1]
Male-pattern baldness or Androgenetic alopecia is the most prevalent hair problems. Hair experts say that it’s normal to lose about 100 strands a day if there’s a normal cycle of hair regrowth. [2]
With time various factors may prevent the process of regrowth, and you may start noticing thin hair and baldness. The causes vary from genetics, androgen hormone, autoimmune disease, anemia, thyroid problems, scalp infections, nutrient deficiency in food, stress, hair styling methods, to side effects of certain medications and hair care products, etc. [2]
Shampoo and other hair care products are not enough for a head full of healthy and strong hair.
Natural hair oils are a good source of nutrients and therapeutic properties beneficial for hair. Some of these oils can ensure strong lock and scalp in men. The oils can prevent numerous scalp and hair diseases as well.
Below we have come up with a list of 7 best hair oils for men, backed by evidence.
7 Best Natural Hair Oils for Men
1. Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil is cold pressed from pumpkin seeds or Cucurbita pepo L. The oil has both cooking and cosmetic uses.
Pumpkin seed oil is a potent source of essential vitamins, nutrients, unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, linoleic, oleic acid, and anti-inflammatory properties.
A 2014 clinical research published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM) shows the potential of pumpkin seed oil as an alternative treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia or baldness in men. [3]
The trial among 76 Androgenetic Alopecia male patients with 400 mg of pumpkin seed oil per day for 24 weeks showed a 40% increase in the hair count. The hair treatment did not show any adverse side effects. More research is necessary to confirm the positive mechanisms of pumpkin seed oil for hair growth. [3
2. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil or Lavandula officinalis is one of the most popular aromatic oils. The oil comes from the leaves and flowers of the lavender plant. The oil is known more for its potent sedative properties in promoting sleep, calming stress and anxiety.
Lavender oil may be an important addition to your hair care regimen. Recent clinical studies investigated the hair growth effects of lavender oil.
3-5% of lavender oil application once per day for 4 weeks showed a significantly increased amount of hair follicles in the rats. [4] The researchers conclude that lavender oil has fast hair growth effects. However, we need more research to confirm the efficacy of lavender oil for hair treatment in humans.
3. Red Ginseng Oil
Ginseng or Panax ginseng Meyer is an important herbal ingredient in Chinese folk medicine. The potent herb and its fleshy roots have immense therapeutic benefits. Red ginseng oil comes from red ginseng roots — the other types of ginseng are fresh and white ginseng. Red ginseng is dried and steamed. Various clinical research show numerous biological activities of red ginseng chemical components. [5]
Preclinical studies found that linoleic acid and β-sitosterol in red ginseng oil can reverse testosterone-related hair loss. [6]
Red ginseng oil may be an effective hair growth remedy for men as well. There is numerous commercial red ginseng hair oil available in the market. Apart from making the hair healthy and strong, the hair oil can deeply nourish and give a glossy, soft feel to dry hair.
4. Fermented Fish Oil
A Korean study states Dermal papilla cells (DPC) can promote hair growth in human by interacting with cells within hair follicles. [7]
Mekeral derived fermented fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and saturated fatty acids.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is omega-3 fatty acid that constitutes the 7.4% of fermented fish oil. [8]
A 2018 research in Jeju National University investigated the efficacy of DHA in mekeral derived fermented fish oil to promote hair growth. The study lasted 14 days, and the researchers concluded that DHA in fermented fish oil could increase the number of dermal papilla cells and increase the length of hair fibers by 175.1%. [9]
Fermented fish oil may be an effective hair oil to boost DPC and hair regrowth in men.
5. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil or Persea gratissima is especially beneficial for dry, brittle, and flaky hair. Hair experts often suggest the oil for men suffering from damaged hair, hair breakage, and split ends.
Avocado oil is a potent source of vitamins A, B, D, E, antioxidants, amino and folic acids, and monounsaturated fats.
The light hair oil can moisturize, strengthen and repair your hair inside out. The antioxidants in the oil can treat and prevent dandruff. In a 2015 study published in the International Journal of Trichology, it is reported that avocado oil can lock in the moisture of the scalp and treat hair breakage. [10]
6. Olive Oil
Olive oil or Olea europaea has immense health benefits when used as cooking oil. The essential nutrients and vitamins in olive oil have cosmetic benefits for skin and hair as well. The monounsaturated fatty acids in the oil are well absorbed by the hair follicles in the scalp.
In 2015 study researchers state that the main component of olive leaves and virgin olive oil oleuropein has hair growth promoting effects. A topical application of olive oil may be an effective treatment to prevent hair damage and hair regrowth. [11]
7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the superfoods with a complex constitution of essential fatty acids. It is one of the most popular oils for cooking, skin and hair care.
The medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) namely lauric acid in coconut oil is especially beneficial for preventing hair protein loss [12].
Numerous clinical research confirms the efficacy of coconut oil for moisture retention of the scalp, treating damaged hair, dandruff, and dry scalp. [13, 14,15]
Bottom Line
Hair loss and related problems can cause serious psychological stress in men. Statistics show that two-thirds of American men experience some degree of hair loss by the age of 35. Genetical factor, harsh chemicals in hair care products, hormonal issues, side effects of certain medicines all contribute to the thinning hair and other hair or scalp disorders in men.
Natural hair oils are a rich source of nutrients and therapeutic components for healthy scalp and hair. A regular application of the hair oils for men described above may solve and prevent many of the hair and scalp problems. Seek the guidance of a hair expert to learn the best method of using the oils.
