The 13 Best Natural Hair Growth Remedies

Hair loss can happen to anyone — but that doesn’t make it any less stressful. Even more stressful? The sheer number of products that promise to stop hair loss in its tracks and get you a healthy head of hair.

Whether you’re dealing with actual hair loss or just want your hair to grow faster, natural hair growth remedies might help.

Ahead, we’ll wade through the science and round up the 13 best ways to promote natural hair growth.

The best natural hair growth remedies to try include:

• Scalp massage

• Saw palmetto

• Red ginseng extract

• Pumpkin seed oil

• Biotin supplements

• Peppermint oil

• Zinc supplements

• Rosemary oil

• Geranium oil

• Fish oil supplements

• Aloe vera

• Castor oil

• Garlic chive extract

Read on for how these hair loss home remedies and treatments could help improve the overall health of your hair, slow hair loss, and promote new hair growth.

1. Scalp Massage for Hair Growth

If there’s ever an excuse to give yourself a scalp massage, this is it. Scalp massages may improve blood circulation to the scalp and promote natural hair growth.

You can do a scalp massage with your fingertips or a special scalp massage device.

What Does the Research Say?

A 2016 study looked at how a daily four-minute scalp massage using a massage device over 24 weeks would affect hair. The results showed that scalp massage led to an increase in hair thickness.

But the study was small — only nine men! — and they didn’t have hair loss.

Another part of the same study looked at how stretching human dermal papilla cells (cells at the base of hair follicles) could affect hair growth. It found that stretching these cells caused changes in gene expression, which may play a role in the hair growth cycle and reduce hair fall.

But this experiment wasn’t done on human heads, so more research is needed.

People report scalp massage working for them, though, so it might be worth a try.

A 2019 survey with over 300 men with androgenetic alopecia — also known as male pattern baldness — explored the effects of seven and a half months of daily scalp massage for 11 to 20 minutes. Almost 70 percent of participants reported less hair loss and more hair regrowth at the end.

2. Saw Palmetto for Hair Growth

Another natural hair growth product is saw palmetto, a plant extract that may inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase (5AR). This enzyme converts testosterone into the hair-hating hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

DHT binds to hair follicles and can cause hair follicle miniaturization and hair loss. So, saw palmetto may help reduce hair loss — and the research is promising so far.

What Does the Research Say?

A 2020 systematic review looked at five randomized clinical trials and two studies. It found that saw palmetto can be beneficial for hair loss for those with androgenetic alopecia, as well as telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss usually triggered by an event like an illness or surgery.

Across the studies, these results were noted:

• 28 percent saw an improvement in total hair count

• More than 83 percent saw increased hair density

• 52 percent saw their hair loss stabilize

• 60 percent saw their hair quality improve

You can get saw palmetto in oil form, as an oral supplement, in hair care products like our hair-thickening shampoo.

3. Red Ginseng Extract for Hair Growth

You can find red ginseng extract as an oral supplement, hair oil, or ingredient in natural hair care products.

There haven’t been any large-scale human studies on it yet to see whether it can help regrow hair naturally. But there are in-vitro studies (those done in a test tube or petri dish, not living organisms).

What Does the Research Say?

A 2021 in-vitro study looked into how red ginseng extract affected human dermal papilla cells. The results suggest that red ginseng extract can cause hair follicles to go into the anagen phase — the growth stage of the hair cycle — sooner.

Red ginseng might also boost the production of dermal papilla cells and growth factors, possibly stimulating natural hair growth.

The study’s conclusion? Red ginseng extract may help prevent or treat hair loss.

4. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair Growth

Like saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil may help with hair growth by targeting the 5AR enzyme. It may also have fewer side effects than the FDA-approved hair loss treatments, minoxidil and finasteride.

What Does the Research Say?

Results from a 2014 study on the potential of pumpkin seed oil were promising. The study included 76 men with androgenetic alopecia. They used either 400 milligrams (mg) of pumpkin seed oil a day or a placebo.

After 24 weeks of treatment, the group using pumpkin seed oil had a 40 percent increase in average hair count. The placebo group saw an increase in hair count, too, but only by 10 percent.

Check out our guide to pumpkin seed oil for hair growth to learn more.

5. Biotin Supplements for Hair Growth

Biotin is a popular hair growth supplement for a reason. Also known as vitamin B7, it plays a role in hair, skin, and nail health. In fact, biotin deficiency may lead to hair shedding and hair loss (though this is rare in the U.S.).

You can get biotin from foods like eggs, bananas, milk, nuts, and seeds. In supplement form, it might give your hair an added boost.

What Does the Research Say?

A 2017 review looked into studies on biotin and found that supplements could promote hair regrowth in a variety of cases.

Check out our biotin gummies, which — along with biotin, of course — contain vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin D, and folic acid (folate) to help your hair look its best.

6. Peppermint Oil for Hair Growth

Aside from smelling great, peppermint oil may promote natural hair growth by increasing blood flow to hair cells. But the jury’s still out.

What Does the Research Say?

A 2014 study on mice compared peppermint oil, jojoba oil, the FDA-approved hair loss treatment minoxidil, and saline solution. After four weeks, the mice treated with peppermint oil had the most hair growth out of the four treatments.

But, crucially, this is mice we’re talking about. Human studies are needed.

Beyond hair growth, peppermint oil may promote a healthy scalp (think less dandruff), which could help your hair look its best. A 2016 study found that peppermint oil helped to reduce itchiness in people with chronic pruritus — itchy skin.

We’ve covered peppermint oil for hair growth in more detail if you’re interested in learning more about this herbal elixir.

7. Zinc Supplements for Hair Growth

You can find zinc in meat, shellfish, nuts, seeds, and eggs. Some believe eating more zinc-rich foods or supplementing with the mineral could promote hair growth.

What Does the Research Say?

Research suggests that zinc deficiency may be a cause of hair loss, and zinc supplements may help to reverse hair loss. But more studies are needed for confirmation.

The research we have so far looks good, though.

For instance, a small study from 2009 found that zinc supplements helped improve hair loss in some patients with low zinc levels and alopecia areata — when the immune system attacks hair follicles.

It’s unclear if zinc could help hair loss for those who don’t have a deficiency, though.

You might be more at risk for a zinc deficiency if:

• You eat a vegan or vegetarian diet

• You’ve had gastric bypass surgery

• You have certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or alcoholism

Connect with a healthcare professional to find out if you have a zinc deficiency, and go from there.

8. Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth

Rosemary oil may have antifungal, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, which could help improve scalp health and, therefore, hair health. Plus, it can inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, reducing DHT.

Once again, more research is needed, but we do have a few studies to go off of.

What Does the Research Say?

A 2012 study found that 2 milligrams of rosemary leaf extract a day improved hair regrowth in mice.

And there are human studies to back it up. A 2015 study on 100 people with androgenetic alopecia compared rosemary oil to topical minoxidil 2%. Six months of treatment led to a significant increase in hair count for both treatments.

One difference? Those who used minoxidil reported more scalp itching than participants who used rosemary oil.

9. Geranium Oil for Hair Growth

Geranium oil is derived from the leaves of geranium flowers.

There aren’t many human studies on this natural hair growth remedy. However, animal and in-vitro studies have shown that geranium oil may promote hair growth.

What Does the Research Say?

A 2017 study found that applying geranium extract for three weeks led to significantly more hair growth in mice and human hair cells than a minoxidil 5% treatment.

Other hair oils — like jojoba oil and coconut oil — might also help regrow hair naturally and even provide added moisture to minimize hair breakage and split ends.

10. Fish Oil Supplements for Hair Growth

Fish oil — made from fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel — is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Some believe that supplementing with omega-3s can support healthy hair growth.

What Does the Research Say?

A 2018 in-vivo study found that mackerel-derived fermented fish oil increased the length of hair fibers and prompted hair follicles to enter the anagen phase (when active growth happens).

You can get fish oil in oral supplement form or as a topical treatment.

Fish oil may help more than just your hair. Check out our guide to fish oil benefits for men to learn what else it can do.

11. Aloe Vera for Hair Growth

Known for treating burns and calming inflammation, aloe vera is a popular natural hair growth remedy. Unfortunately, there isn’t much evidence to back it up.

What Does the Research Say?

Some research suggests that aloe vera may encourage hair follicles to stay in the growth phase of the hair growth cycle. So, theoretically, it could help hair grow for a longer period.

A 2022 study looked at the effects of a serum containing aloe vera and topical finasteride — a popular FDA-approved hair loss medication. It concluded that aloe vera might help finasteride penetrate the skin and work more effectively.

Beyond that, aloe vera has hydrating properties, which could be great for treating a dry scalp or dry, damaged hair. Research suggests it reduces scalp irritation, too.

12. Castor Oil for Hair Growth

Often used as a natural laxative, castor oil is another widely touted solution to grow hair naturally.

What Does the Research Say?

There isn’t much research to support the use of castor oil to stimulate hair growth. Anecdotally, many claim it boosts hair growth, including eyelash growth.

The logic behind castor oil as a natural hair treatment is largely down to ricinoleic acid. Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which might stimulate blood circulation in the scalp. Healthy blood circulation is important for hair growth.

Research also suggests that hair oils like castor oil could prevent breakage by moisturizing the hair shaft. It’s also a good source of vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. This might protect against oxidative stress, which can slow down hair loss.

13. Garlic Chive Extract for Hair Growth

Garlic chive extract has been used to treat everything from diarrhea to asthma. And it may have a place in your hair care routine, too.

Once again, we don’t have much human research to go off. But animal studies show promise.

What Does the Research Say?

A 2015 study found that garlic chive extract significantly increased hair growth and the number of hair follicles in mice. More specifically, it was found to stimulate the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a hormone that manages the effects of growth hormone in the body.

If you’ve noticed hair thinning or a receding hairline, natural remedies or certain home ingredients for hair growth could help. But they’re not a magic potion to make your hair grow faster — despite what some product labels might lead you to believe.

Here’s what to keep in mind about natural hair growth remedies:

• Some natural hair growth treatments may be effective. More research is needed, but scalp massage, saw palmetto, and pumpkin seed oil (among others) could promote hair regrowth for men naturally.

• Most natural treatments are harmless. While unproven, most natural treatments probably won’t harm your hair. So, you could try adding an essential oil or a scalp massage into your routine. Still, speak to a healthcare professional before trying new supplements.

• FDA-approved hair loss treatments are more effective. Minoxidil (generic Rogaine^®) and finasteride (Propecia^®) are scientifically proven to be safe and effective at treating hair loss. Our topical finasteride & minoxidil spray combines them into one powerful treatment. You can use these with or without natural hair growth products and treatments.

Want a more science-backed approach to healthy hair growth? We’ve got you.

Connect with a healthcare provider online to get medical advice and guidance on hair loss treatments that can get your hair — and confidence — back on track.