Curly hair is gorgeous, fierce, and full of attitude—but it also needs a little more TLC than other types do. Curly hair has the potential to be drier, have more breakage, and be more prone to shrinkage, and full curls need products that will moisturize the scalp and help create definition without weighing any curls down. Enter: hair growth oils—the natural remedy for stronger curls, longer curls, and defined curls.
This guide will break down the best hair growth oils for curly hair, how hair growth oils work, expert recommendations, and how to use hair growth oils for curly hair.
Why Does Curly Hair Need Special Oils
Because curly hair is drier and fragile due to its spiral shape
natural oils have trouble getting down the hair shaft. Curls that are not properly hydrated and nourished get frizzy, dry, and break.
A good hair growth oil should search for the following:
Moisturize the hair shaft
Stimulate the scalp for faster hair growth
Strengthening the hair shaft to reduce breakage
Improve curl definition without oily buildup
Top 10 Oils for Hair Growth (Curly Hair Edition)
1. Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Best for: Helping to strengthen and repair damaged curls
Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) is a super potent oil for curly hair. It is full of omega-9 fatty acids and vitamin E; it promotes hair growth, seals moisture, and improves blood circulation to the scalp.
Pros:
Encourages hair growth
Provides shine and thickness
Excellent for dry or heat-damaged curls
How to use it: Slightly warm the oil and massage it into the scalp 2-3 times per week. Use on the ends of the hair for repairing split ends.
2. Argan Oil
Best for: Softening curls and combating frizz
Argan oil is known as “liquid gold” because it is full of antioxidants, vitamin E, and fatty acids that nourish areas of your hair while providing definition to your curls all at once.
Pros:
Lightweight, feels drier than greasy
Helps tame frizz
Provides instant shine
How To Use It: A few drops on damp hair pre-styling or as a finish serum.
3. Rosemary Oil
Best for: Stimulating hair follicles and minimizing hair fall
Rosemary oil is research-backed and proven to boost circulation to the scalp and assist in stimulating hair growth, so if you have curly hair and are dealing with thinning or slow growth, use rosemary oil.
Pros:
Increases blood circulation
May reduce dandruff and itch
Scientifically researched and proven to support hair growth
How to use: Combine a few drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil (e.g., jojoba or coconut) and apply it to your scalp.
4. Coconut Oil
Best for: Deep hydration, as well as preventing corrective protein loss
Coconut oil is an important product for moisturizing curly hair. Because it penetrates the hair shaft better than most oils, coconut oil is a great option for preventing protein loss, important for low porosity or generally difficult hair.
Pros:
Deeply hydrating
Prevents protein loss
Cheap
How to use: Use once a week as a pre-wash treatment or an overnight mask.
5. Peppermint Oil
Best for: Stimulating the scalp and alleviating itch
Peppermint oil increases blood circulation to the hair, which may contribute to better thickness and overall hair growth. In addition, it provides a cool sensation on the scalp, which helps to alleviate inflamed or itchy scalps.
Pros:
Invigorates scalp
Fights bacteria and fungi
Helps promote hair regrowth
How to use: Mix equal parts peppermint oil with a carrier oil and apply it section by section on your scalp. Do not apply undiluted peppermint oil.
6. Olive Oil
Good for: Coarse or very thick curly hair
Olive oil is high in fatty acids and antioxidants that can help to smooth out rough cuticles and help to prevent split ends as well. Olive oil is the heaviest of the oils, so it’s best for Type 3C and 4 hair.
Pros:
Builds strength in hair
Natural conditioner
It can add elasticity
How to use: Can be warmed up slightly to be used as a hot oil treatment or included in DIY masks.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Good for: Dandruff-prone scalps and thinning hair
Tea tree oil is antimicrobial and contains anti-inflammatory properties; thus, it is great for cleaning and refreshing the scalp while promoting a healthy follicle and hair growth.
Pros:
It can help to clear scalp buildup
Helps to prevent fungal infections
Promotes a healthy scalp
How to use: Mix with coconut oil or jojoba oil and massage into the scalp.
8. Amla Oil
Good for: Strengthening curls and preventing premature graying
Amla (Indian gooseberry) is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. It strengthens the roots, helps with the elasticity of curls, and promotes the prevention of hair graying at an early age.
Pros:
Strengthens the follicles
Helps with the bounce of curls
Loaded with nutrients
How to use: Can be used as a scalp massage treatment once a week or mixed into hair masks.
9. Baobab Oil
Recommended for: Fine curls that need a lighter product
Baobab oil is lightweight, packed with nutrients, and a great choice for low-density or fine curls. It gives hydration without weighing the hair down and helps to repair damage caused by environmental factors.
Pros:
Lightweight hydration
Fast-absorbing
High in vitamins A, D, E, & F
How to use it: Put a few drops on damp or dry curls to seal in moisture.
10. Jojoba Oil
Recommended for: Balancing scalp sebum and replicating natural oils
If you’re looking for a product that most closely resembles the scalp’s natural oil production (sebum), Jojoba oil is the best choice! It makes a great base oil for essential oil blends. Jojoba oil prevents the scalp from producing excessive oils while ensuring a healthy scalp.
Pros:
Non-comedogenic
Promotes scalp balancing
Softens and defines curls.
How to use it: Massage it into the scalp, or you can add some to the conditioner for a boost.
Expert Tips for Getting the Most Out of Hair Growth for Curly Hair
1. Pre-Poo Oils
Use any oils as a pre-shampoo treatment to minimize breaking of hair strands when washing and also retain moisture. Coconut oil (5.72) and olive oil (5.73) are the best oils for this.
2. Scalp Massage
Massage your scalp with growth oils (rosemary, peppermint, tea tree; (see our essential oil for hair loss post if you’d like to read about that) for 5-10 minutes while wearing it (or do it a few times a week to nourish the folli) this will improve circulation and nourish the follicles.
3. Use the Inversion Method
When applying your oil, tilt your head downwards to increase blood flow to the scalp. It is believed this will encourage growth.
4. Protective Styles + Oils
Use a lighter oil to seal in moisture and minimize manipulation damage before your braids or twists.
5. Be Consistent
You will not see hair growing overnight. Use your oil consistently, 2-3 times a week if possible, and allow 8-12 weeks for noticeable results.
DIY Hair Growth Oil Blend for Curls:
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp Jamaican Black Castor Oil
- 1 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 5 drops Rosemary Oil
- 3 drops Peppermint Oil
- 1 tbsp Jojoba Oil
Instructions:
Mix all the oils in a dark glass bottle.
Shake before every use.
Heat the oil slightly (if desired). Massage into your scalp 2-3 times a week.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Using too much oil: You do not need a lot of oil, especially if it is a thicker oil.
Not taking care of your scalp: Make sure you are focusing on your roots- healthy curls come from a healthy scalp.
Not washing it out properly: Buildup can clog your follicles and lead to even more problems with growth. Always be sure to clarify with aloe or something when needed.
In Conclusion, Grow, Shine, & Define
Using the right hair growth oil for your curly hair can change your whole routine—from controlling frizz and defining curls to supporting length and fullness. There is an oil (or blend) that works for you, regardless of whether you are a Type 2A wavy to a 4C queen. Find one that works for your texture, porosity, and growth preference.
Take it slow, commit to consistency, and get ready to watch your curls thrive…because growth looks good on you.
FAQs
Q1. How often should I apply hair oil for curly hair growth?
2-3 times per week works best for most.
Q2. Can I leave hair oil in overnight?
Yes! Just be sure to have a silk scarf or bonnet to cover your hair when you sleep to prevent it from staining your pillow.
Q3. Will hair oil weigh my curls down?
Not if you choose lightweight oils such as jojoba or argan oil. This is especially important for curls that are fine.
Q4. Should I oil my scalp or just the ends?
Do both! You should massage the scalp to promote growth and coat the ends to prevent breakage.
