Nut, Seed & Essential Oils for Healthy Hair Growth: Nature’s Answer for Men and Women

Hair loss, thinning, dryness and scalp irritation are concerns that affect both men and women at different stages of life. Whether it's hormonal hair fall, stress, or simply dullness, your scalp often just needs a bit of natural support. Nut and seed oils, along with select essential oils, offer a gentle but effective alternative to harsh commercial treatments.

Let’s take a look at the best oils for supporting healthy hair and how to use them.

The Foundation: Nut and Seed Oils for Hair Health

Nut and seed oils serve as both nourishing treatments and carriers for essential oils. They're rich in fatty acids and plant sterols that moisturise, repair, and strengthen the scalp and hair.

Pumpkin Seed Oil (Cucurbita pepo)
Pumpkin seed oil contains phytosterols, which help reduce the activity of 5-alpha reductase—an enzyme that plays a key role in pattern hair loss. It’s also rich in zinc, omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants, which support a healthy scalp environment. It’s particularly useful in supporting hormonal balance and maintaining strong hair follicles.

Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)
Technically a liquid wax, jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, helping to rebalance oil production whether your scalp is too dry or too oily. It’s lightweight and non-comedogenic, which makes it ideal for daily use on the scalp without clogging follicles.

Castor Oil (Ricinus communis)
A rich, thick oil high in ricinoleic acid, castor oil has been used for generations to stimulate hair growth, especially on thinning areas like the hairline or eyebrows. It’s deeply moisturising, supports circulation, and may help strengthen hair at the root.

The Stimulators: Essential Oils for Growth

Essential oils are potent botanicals that need to be diluted in a carrier oil before use. When used correctly, certain essential oils can stimulate circulation in the scalp, reduce inflammation, and even promote thicker hair by extending the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
In a controlled study, peppermint essential oil at a 3% dilution significantly outperformed minoxidil (a medication that increases new hair growth in cases of hereditary hair losss) in promoting new hair growth. It increased follicle depth, dermal thickness, and expression of IGF-1, a marker associated with hair follicle development. Peppermint works in part by activating cold-sensitive receptors, improving blood flow to the scalp and stimulating follicle activity.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
A clinical study comparing rosemary oil to 2% minoxidil found both were effective in increasing hair count after six months of use, with rosemary showing fewer side effects such as itching and dryness. Rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and circulatory-enhancing properties, making it ideal for diffused thinning and scalp support.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Known for its calming scent, lavender also has antimicrobial properties that may help soothe an irritated scalp and reduce dandruff. Early research suggests it may also support hair growth by encouraging follicle cell health.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
Traditionally used for its grounding aroma, cedarwood has shown potential for improving scalp circulation and balancing sebum production. It’s often included in blends targeting alopecia and dry scalp conditions.

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
High in linalyl acetate, clary sage can help regulate sebum production and soothe inflammation. It’s particularly useful in blends for hormonal hair loss and balancing oily or congested scalps.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
A deeply floral oil, ylang ylang is great for dry hair types as it encourages natural shine, improves texture, and may help with breakage or brittleness. It also supports emotional wellbeing, which is an added bonus if stress is contributing to hair concerns.

These oils can be blended into carrier oils like pumpkin seed, jojoba, or castor oil to target your specific hair and scalp needs. Choose two or three that resonate with you and your hair’s current state, and use them consistently for a few months to see their full effects.

How to Know if Your Hair Needs Treatment

Your hair may be asking for support if:
You notice increased shedding or see more scalp
It feels dry, brittle, or breaks easily
The scalp is itchy, flaky, oily or inflamed
Hair feels thinner at the crown or temples

How Often Should You Treat Your Hair?

Use frequency depends on your hair and scalp needs:
Dry or damaged hair: 2–3 times per week
Normal to oily scalp: Once a week or every 10 days
Targeted scalp therapy (e.g. for thinning or patchy spots): Short, frequent treatments may help

DIY Hair Growth & Scalp Oil Recipe

Stimulating Scalp Oil (100 ml)
This blend supports healthy follicles, circulation and hydration.

Ingredients
30 ml pumpkin seed oil
20 ml jojoba oil
20 ml castor oil
20 ml sweet almond or argan oil
10 drops rosemary essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil

Optional additions: 5 drops cedarwood, 5 drops lavender, or 5 drops clary sage

How to Use
Combine all ingredients in a dark glass bottle. Shake gently before each use. Apply 1–2 dropperfuls directly to the scalp, parting the hair as you go. Massage in for 3–5 minutes, then leave on for 30 minutes to overnight. Wash out with a gentle, natural shampoo. Use 2–3 times weekly for at least 8–12 weeks for best results.

Deep Nourishment for Dull or Coloured Hair

Dry, brittle or chemically processed hair often needs more than just scalp stimulation. Coloured or heat-styled hair can lose its natural oils and elasticity, leading to frizz, split ends, and dullness. This deeply moisturising mask is made for you.

Restorative Botanical Hair Mask (100 ml)
A rich, softening treatment that repairs and replenishes.

Ingredients
40 ml macadamia nut oil
30 ml argan oil
15 ml coconut oil (unrefined, melted)
10 ml avocado oil
5 ml shea butter (melted)
5–6 drops ylang ylang essential oil (for shine and scent)
5–6 drops lavender essential oil (for soothing dry scalps)

How to Use
Gently melt the shea butter and coconut oil using a double boiler or hot water bath. Combine with the remaining oils and essential oils, then store in a jar. Warm a small amount in your hands and apply from mid-length to ends, and to the scalp if needed. Leave on for at least 30 minutes (or overnight wrapped in a warm towel). Shampoo and condition as usual.

Use weekly, or more often if hair is coloured, bleached or frequently styled with heat.

Summary

When it comes to restoring and maintaining hair vitality, you don’t always need pharmaceutical intervention. Nature offers effective and well-tolerated options like pumpkin seed oil, rosemary, and peppermint—each with evidence for promoting healthy growth. Pair them with nutrient-rich carriers like jojoba, castor and avocado oil, and you have a gentle yet powerful remedy that supports both hair and scalp.

Whether you're dealing with thinning roots or thirsty, frizz-prone strands, these treatments are a nourishing act of care you can give your hair at home. Mā te taiao koe e āwhina—let nature help you.