Moringa Oil for Hair: Benefits, Uses, and Alternatives

Often touted as a superfood, moringa is something you might find in smoothies and supplements. Many people also use moringa oil for hair health.

It’s no secret that natural oil treatments can support a healthy mop. Castor oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil are said to be among the best oils for hair growth. But where does moringa oil fit into the picture? What is moringa oil used for when it comes to hair?

Let’s break down the benefits of moringa oil, what it’s used for, and whether it actually helps with hair loss.

The Moringa oleifera tree (also known as the “miracle tree”) is native to parts of India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Moringa extract has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, thanks to its supposed health benefits.

Moringa oil is extracted from Moringa oleifera seeds. It’s different from moringa powder, which is typically made from the leaves of the moringa tree. 

Unlike some heavier oils, moringa seed oil has a lightweight, non-greasy texture that makes it ideal for skincare, hair care, and scalp care.

While there isn’t a ton of scientific research specifically on moringa oil for hair growth, the oil’s nutrient composition suggests it can be beneficial for scalp health and hydration.

Some guys reach for cold-pressed moringa oil because it:

• Moisturizes the hair and scalp

• Has antioxidants that might protect hair

• Supports scalp health

• Might strengthen hair

• Adds shine and improves the appearance of hair

Keep reading for details.

1. Moringa Oil Moisturizes Hair and Scalp

Moringa oil is loaded with oleic acid, a type of monounsaturated fat that helps lock in moisture. It also contains behenic acid, a hydrating natural ingredient often used in hair conditioners.

These nourishing compounds make moringa oil particularly useful for brittle or dry hair, as it can help smooth the hair cuticle and prevent moisture loss that leads to breakage.

It can also be helpful for folks with dry skin or flaky, itchy scalps. By keeping the scalp hydrated, moringa oil can keep dryness and irritation at bay.

2. Moringa Is Packed With Antioxidants That May Protect Hair

Hair faces daily environmental stressors, including pollution, UV exposure (sunlight), and oxidative damage. This can cause oxidative stress, which might contribute to early hair loss, brittle hair, or premature graying.

Antioxidants can help fight oxidative stress. According to a 2024 study, moringa oil contains a variety of antioxidants, including flavonoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much research on how moringa oil’s antioxidant properties could improve hair or scalp health. So we can’t say whether moringa oil can protect hair from the effects of oxidative stress.

3. Moringa Oil Supports Scalp Health

A healthy scalp plays an essential role in healthy hair growth. Inflammatory scalp conditions can damage hair health, as can scalp infections.

According to the 2024 study mentioned above, moringa oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This suggests it might be useful for calming a mildly inflamed scalp.

However, moringa oil could irritate your scalp if it’s sensitive, so be careful when applying it. If you suspect you have a scalp infection, or if you have a chronic scalp issue like dandruff, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice.

4. Moringa Oil Might Strengthen Hair

The amino acids in moringa oil — such as arginine, cysteine, and methionine — are some of the “building blocks” of keratin, the protein that makes up hair. 

For this reason, moringa oil might strengthen hair, possibly preventing breakage and helping you maintain smoother, healthier hair.

But very little research draws a direct connection between moringa oil and stronger, more resilient hair.

5. Moringa Adds Shine and Improves Hair’s Appearance

If your hair is looking dull or lifeless, moringa oil may help. Because of its high fat content, it smooths the outer layer of the hair shaft, reflecting more light and making hair appear shinier.

You can use moringa oil as a leave-in serum to help smooth flyaways and split ends. Since it’s a relatively lightweight hair oil, it can help add shine and reduce frizz without making your hair look greasy or weighed down.

Let’s get one thing straight: Moringa oil isn’t a scientifically proven hair growth treatment.

While moringa oil contains nutrients that support hair health, there is no clinical evidence that it directly stimulates hair follicles or regrows lost hair. Some internet rumors claim moringa oil improves scalp circulation, which might create a better environment for healthy hair growth — but again, this hasn’t been well-studied.

Our advice? If you’re experiencing the early signs of balding, don’t rely on home remedies and natural oils alone.

Hair loss is progressive, meaning it tends to get worse over time if left untreated. Though using moringa oil as a scalp moisturizer might be a worthwhile addition to your routine, it won’t replace clinically backed treatments like minoxidil or finasteride. (More on these hair loss treatments shortly.)

If you’re noticing thinning hair, a receding hairline, or excessive shedding, it’s best to speak to a healthcare provider sooner than later. 

If you’re looking to incorporate moringa oil into your hair care routine, there are a few simple ways to do it:

• Scalp massage. Massage warm moringa oil onto your scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing and shampooing your hair as usual.

• Hair mask. Add moringa seed oil to a DIY hair mask or use it alone. Apply it to the lengths of your hair and leave it on for several hours or overnight. Use a shower cap to prevent oily residue from staining your pillows.

• Smooth onto dry hair. After styling your hair, apply a small amount of moringa oil onto the tips of your hair to tame split ends and flyaways.

• Add to your usual hair care products. Mix a few drops of moringa oil into your go-to conditioner or hair mask for a hydration boost.

If you’d like, you can combine moringa oil with carrier oils like olive oil or almond oil — both of which can also be ultra-nourishing for hair. But as with all hair oils, it’s best to use moringa oil sparingly to avoid an oily buildup.

Moringa oil is generally safe for topical use. The potential side effects include:

• Scalp sensitivity. Some people may experience mild irritation when applying moringa oil to the scalp.

• Greasy hair. Applying too much can weigh hair down — especially for fine or straight hair types — or create a buildup of oil on the hair shaft or scalp.

• Allergic reactions. Moringa allergies are rare but possible. 

As with any new product, do a patch test before applying moringa oil to your scalp. 

If you’re struggling with actual hair loss, don’t depend on moringa oil or any other unproven treatments. As mentioned, hair loss can worsen over time if you don’t treat it properly, so address it ASAP.

The gold standards for hair loss treatments include:

• Minoxidil. This is an FDA-approved topical treatment that increases blood flow to hair follicles, thus stimulating hair growth. You can buy minoxidil foam and minoxidil solution over the counter — no prescription needed.

• Finasteride. Oral finasteride is another FDA-approved hair loss medication available by prescription only. It works by reducing DHT (short for dihydrotestosterone), the male sex hormone responsible for male pattern baldness (aka androgenetic alopecia).

• Combination treatments. If you have male pattern hair loss, you might benefit from using both minoxidil and finasteride. Try our topical finasteride & minoxidil spray.

You could also try:

• DHT-blocking shampoos. Certain shampoos contain DHT-inhibiting ingredients, like ketoconazole or saw palmetto. Try our thickening shampoo, which is formulated with saw palmetto.

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. A newer therapy, PRP involves a licensed professional injecting your own blood plasma into your scalp. This may help stimulate hair regrowth.

• Hair transplants. Hair restoration surgery is expensive and often used only after other approaches have been tried. But it can be a permanent solution for significant hair loss.

Learn more in our guide to natural hair growth.

Not sure where to start? Consider making an appointment with a healthcare provider. They can explain your treatment options and suggest a way forward. 

Moringa oil has nourishing properties, which can make it a great addition to your hair care routine — but it’s not a miracle hair growth solution.

Keep this in mind: 

• Moringa oil may have benefits for hair care. It could help keep your hair and scalp hydrated and moisturized. 

• But it has its limits. There’s no evidence proving moringa seed oil can regrow lost hair. 

• There are other options, though. If you’re concerned about hair loss, consider clinically proven treatments like finasteride and minoxidil.

The best approach? Use moringa oil for scalp health and hydration, but turn to research-backed treatments for hair loss.

If you’re dealing with hair loss, we can connect you with a licensed healthcare practitioner. They can help you assess your hair loss and explore your treatment options. Take our free hair quiz to kick off the process.