This post showed you 10 Best Plant Based Oils for Natural Hair Growth And How to Use Them for Maximum Growth.
If you are on a natural hair journey, then you already know this truth; moisture is everything. And when it comes to sealing in moisture, promoting growth, reducing breakage, and keeping your curls healthy, plant based oils are absolute game changers.But here’s the thing, not all oils are created equal.
Some oils sit on the hair and feel heavy. Others penetrate deeply and actually nourish your strands from the inside out. And if you’ve ever asked questions like “Which oil is best for my natural hair?” or “Why does this oil work for others but not for me?”, you’re not alone.
In this guide, we’re breaking down 10 Best Plant Based Oils for Natural Hair Growth, what each one does, and how to use them correctly so your hair can truly thrive.
Even if you have a 4C hair, low porosity hair, relaxed ends, or protective styles, there’s an oil here that will work beautifully for you.
What Are Plant Based Oils?
Plant based oils are oils extracted from seeds, nuts, fruits, and plants. Unlike mineral oils or petroleum based products, these oils are rich in vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants that naturally support hair health.
They help to:
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Lock in moisture
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Reduce dryness and breakage
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Strengthen hair strands
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Improve scalp health
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Support length retention
For natural hair especially, plant based oils are gentle, nourishing, and effective when used properly.
10 Best Plant Based Oils for Natural Hair Growth
1. Coconut Oil – Best for Deep Penetration & Protein protection
Coconut oil is one of the most popular oils in the natural hair community, and for good reason.
Why Coconut Oil Is Great for Natural Hair
Coconut oil has a unique molecular structure that allows it to penetrate deep into the hair shaft. This helps reduce protein loss, making it especially beneficial for weak, damaged, or color treated hair.
Benefits
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Penetrates the hair shaft deeply
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Reduces protein loss
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Strengthens hair strands
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Adds shine and softness
Best For
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High porosity hair
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Dry or damaged natural hair
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Pre poo treatments
How to Use It
Use coconut oil as a pre shampoo treatment. Apply it to dry hair, let it sit for 30–60 minutes, then shampoo as usual.
Tip: If coconut oil makes your hair feel hard or brittle, your hair may be protein sensitive. In that case, reduce usage or switch to lighter oils.
2. Olive Oil – Best for Softness and Scalp Health
Olive oil isn’t just for cooking, it’s a powerhouse for natural hair.
Why Olive Oil Works
Olive oil is rich in oleic acid and antioxidants, which help soften hair, reduce dryness, and calm scalp irritation.
Benefits
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Softens dry hair
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Adds elasticity
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Nourishes the scalp
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Helps reduce dandruff
Best For
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Thick, coarse natural hair
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Dry scalp
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Hot oil treatments
How to Use It
Warm olive oil slightly and massage it into your scalp and hair. Cover with a shower cap for 20–30 minutes, then rinse or shampoo.
3. Castor Oil – Best for Hair Growth & Thickness
Castor oil is thick, sticky, and powerful. It’s especially loved for its reputation in hair growth and edge care.
Why Castor Oil Is Effective
Castor oil improves blood circulation to the scalp, helping hair follicles receive more nutrients. This can support healthier and fuller growth over time.
Benefits
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Promotes hair growth
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Strengthens edges
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Thickens thinning hair
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Helps reduce scalp dryness
Best For
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Edges and hairline
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Protective styles
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Sparse or thinning areas
How to Use It
Because it’s thick, mix castor oil with a lighter oil (like coconut or olive oil) before applying to your scalp. Use 2–3 times a week.
4. Jojoba oil – Best For Low Porosity Hail
Jojoba oil is one of the closest oils to your scalp’s natural sebum.
Why Jojoba Oil Is Special
Unlike heavy oils, jojoba oil absorbs easily without clogging pores or sitting on the hair.
Benefits
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Lightweight and non greasy
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Moisturizes without buildup
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Balances scalp oil production
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Great for sensitive scalps
Best For
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Low porosity hair
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Fine natural hair
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Oily scalp
How to Use It
Apply a small amount to damp hair to seal in moisture, or massage into the scalp as a light oil treatment.
5. Argan Oil – Best for Shine and Frizz Control
Often called “liquid gold,” argan oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids.
Why Argan Oil Is Loved
It smooths the hair cuticle, reduces frizz, and adds a beautiful natural shine without weighing hair down.
Benefits
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Adds shine
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Reduces frizz
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Protects hair from heat damage
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Softens curls
Best For
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Twist outs and braid outs
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Heat styled natural hair
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Dry, dull hair
How to Use It
Apply a few drops to styled hair to finish and add shine, or mix into your leave in conditioner.
6. Sweet Almond Oil – Best for Strength and Length Retention
Sweet almond oil is lightweight yet nourishing, making it perfect for everyday use.
Why Sweet Almond Oil Works
It’s rich in magnesium, which helps reduce hair breakage and shedding.
Benefits
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Strengthens hair
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Reduces breakage
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Softens curls
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Lightweight and easy to use
Best For
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Length retention
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Daily sealing
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Fragile natural hair
How to Use It
Apply after moisturizing your hair to seal in hydration, especially on the ends.
7. Avocado Oil – Best for Deep Moisture
Avocado oil is rich, creamy, and deeply nourishing.
Why Avocado Oil Is Amazing
It penetrates the hair shaft easily and is packed with vitamins A, D, and E.
Benefits
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Deeply moisturizes
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Strengthens hair
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Improves elasticity
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Helps prevent breakage
Best For
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Very dry natural hair
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High porosity hair
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Deep conditioning treatments
How to Use It
Add avocado oil to your deep conditioner or use it as a hot oil treatment.
8. Grape seed Oil – Best for Lightweight Moisture and Shine
Grape seed oil is a lightweight oil that works beautifully for natural hair, especially if you dislike heavy buildup.
Why Grape seed Oil Is Effective
Grape seed oil is rich in linoleic acid and antioxidants, which help moisturize the hair without weighing it down. It also smooths the cuticle, making hair look shinier and healthier.
Benefits
- Lightweight and non greasy
- Adds natural shine
- Helps reduce breakage
- Seals in moisture without buildup
Best For
- Fine natural hair
- Low porosity hair
- Oily scalp
- Daily sealing
How to Use It
Apply a small amount to damp hair after moisturizing, focusing on the ends. You can also use it as a light scalp oil if your scalp gets oily easily.
9. Black Seed Oil – Best for Scalp Health & Hair Growth
Black seed oil, also known as nigella sativa oil, is a powerful oil known for its scalp healing properties.
Why Black Seed Oil Works
Black seed oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help calm irritated scalps and support healthy hair growth. It also strengthens hair strands over time.
Benefits
- Supports hair growth
- Soothes itchy or inflamed scalp
- Strengthens weak hair
- Helps reduce shedding
Best For
- Dry or itchy scalp
- Hair thinning or shedding
- Protective styles
- Scalp treatments
How to Use It
Massage a few drops into your scalp 2–3 times a week. You can also mix it with a carrier oil like olive or almond oil for easier application.
10. Flaxseed Oil – Best for Curl Definition and Elasticity
Flaxseed oil is a curl friendly oil that helps improve moisture retention and hair flexibility.
Why Flaxseed Oil Is Beneficial
Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help strengthen hair, improve elasticity, and enhance curl definition without stiffness.
Benefits
- Improves curl definition
- Boosts hair elasticity
- Reduces dryness
- Adds softness and shine
Best For
- Curly and oily natural hair
- Twist outs and wash and go styles
- Dry, brittle hair
- Hair prone to breakage
How to Use It
Apply a small amount to damp hair after your leave in conditioner. You can also mix it into styling creams or use it to lightly seal moisture.
How to Choose the Best Oil for Your Natural Hair
The “best” oil depends on your hair type and needs.
- Dry hair: Avocado oil, olive oil
- Low porosity hair: Jojoba oil, sweet almond oil
- Hair growth focus: Castor oil
- Shine & frizz control: Argan oil
- Protein protection: Coconut oil
You can also mix oils to create your own custom blend.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Oils
- Using oil alone without moisturizing first
- Applying too much oil
- Using heavy oils on low porosity hair
- Skipping scalp care
Remember: Oil seals moisture, it doesn’t create it. Always moisturize with water or a leave in first.
Plant based oils are one of the best things you can give your natural hair. When chosen correctly and used properly, they can transform your hair from dry and brittle to soft, strong, and thriving.The key is listening to your hair, understanding its needs, and staying consistent.
Healthy natural hair isn’t about using every oil, it’s about using the right oil for you.Your curls deserve it.
This post showed you 10 Best Plant Based Oils for Natural Hair Growth.
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