The Best Natural Oils and Extracts to Look for In Hair Products

The Best Natural Oils and Extracts to Look for In Hair Products

11 February 2026

 

Struggling with dry, brittle ends? Wish there was a natural way to combat hair loss or support natural growth? While there isn't a magic solution to solve these problems, you can make meaningful changes to your approach to hair care to meet the needs of your hair. 

 

One of the best ways to do this is to incorporate nutrient-rich, natural oils, and extracts into your routine. These natural oils contain vitamins, minerals, and good-for-your-hair nutrients that help you maintain your hair's integrity, grow it to new lengths, and provide a next-level shine you won't get from other ingredients. 

 

However, if you've ever tried to search for natural oils online - you may feel overwhelmed by the number of recommendations. You can try tons of essential and carrier oils, and each oil contains a potent blend of nutrients different hair types and textures can benefit from. To find the best solution for your hair - you must know the best natural oils, their benefits, and how to use them.

 

We're here to walk you through how to incorporate natural oils into your routine and how to choose which is the best for your unique hair type. 

 

Here's everything you need to know:

 

 

What are Natural Oils for Hair?

 

Seeds, fruits, and nuts yield oils and extracts that find widespread usage in the beauty industry. These ingredients play a crucial role in repairing, replenishing, and enhancing the appearance and texture of hair, skin, and nails.

 

There exist two primary categories of oils: essential oils and carrier oils.

 

Essential oils offer numerous aromatic advantages and are commonly employed in aromatherapy. Due to their high concentration, these oils require dilution before application to the skin, hair, or scalp to prevent potential irritation.

 

On the other hand, carrier oils are rich in fatty acids, lipids, and various nutrients. They are extensively utilized in the beauty industry and serve as dilution agents for essential oils. Each oil boasts unique benefits, making it suitable for individual hair treatments or as an ingredient in shampoos, conditioners, and supplementary hair treatments.

 

How to Use Oils in Hair

 

You can incorporate natural oils into your hair care routine in many ways. When deciding which oil is best and how to use it, you'll want to consider your unique hair goals. Are you looking to grow your hair or improve manageability? Are you trying to optimize your scalp health or enhance your natural shine? 

 

Once you set your goals, you can find a natural oil and discover the perfect way to use it in your routine.

 

Improve Manageability 

 

If you feel like you're constantly fighting split ends, frizz, and tangled ends, use a hydrating oil and focus mainly on the ends of your hair. Natural oil like argan or castor seed oil can help lock in moisture and improve the overall texture.

 

To do this, apply a pea-sized amount of oil in your hands and run it through the ends of your hair. This will help conceal split ends, eliminate frizz, and give you that more put-together look before you style your hair.

 

Enhance Shine

 

Does your hair look and feel dull or dry? You can use a natural oil or a serum to help you rehydrate dry, damaged ends and enhance your hair's natural shine. With an oil like jojoba oil, you can eliminate dandruff, reduce frizz, and get that natural luster you're after. 

 

Here are a few ways to use jojoba oil to enhance your shine:

 

● Use it as a sealant by applying it to your hair before you shampoo and condition

 

● Add a few drops to your favorite conditioner 

 

● Apply it as a hair mask and leave it in your hair for 20 minutes before washing it out and continuing with your routine

 

  

Optimize Scalp Health 

 

If you're struggling with dandruff or an itchy scalp, use essential oil, like peppermint oil, to help soothe the scalp and reduce inflammation. Peppermint oil can help balance the pH levels on your scalp and the natural oils present. 

Here's how to use it on your scalp:

● Start by diluting peppermint oil with a carrier oil, like jojoba or coconut oil

 

● Apply the mixture to your scalp

 

● Massage into your scalp 

 

● Wash your hair with shampoo and continue your routine

You'll want to avoid applying peppermint oil directly to your scalp, which will help reduce the risk of irritation and inflammation. You can also consider using almond, tea tree, or chamomile oil.

If you don't want to dilute the peppermint oil, use an oil like The Scalp Treatment. Our innovative serum contains a potent blend of Peppermint, B5, Maca Root, Hazel Leaf, and Watercress - five ingredients that can help you improve your scalp health, stimulate regrowth, and reduce shedding.

 

Hair Growth

 

There are two hair oils that are great for hair growth: Rosemary and castor oil. People that struggle with hair loss often use castor oil for hair growth. While this oil won’t make your hair grow, it can help strengthen individual hair follicles and improve your scalp health. Using rosemary oil for hair allows you to take a more targeted approach to hair growth. This oil helps speed up cell turnover, prevents hair loss, and improves circulation.

 

To experience the benefits of either oil, massage it into your scalp and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Once the time is up, wash the oil out of your hair and continue with your regular hair care routine.

 

 

 

Benefits to Different Hair Types

 

Every hair type is different and requires a slightly different approach. When finding the best hair oil for your routine, consider your unique hair type, texture, and the problems you want to solve with natural oils. 

 

Curly Hair 

 

Whether you have gorgeous coils or loose spirals, your hair requires extra TLC to keep your curls revived and beautiful. Curly hair has a more well-defined curl pattern that needs extra hydration. This hair type is often dryer than straight or wavy hair because it takes longer for the natural oils on your scalp to travel down each strand. 

 

To improve your routine, you need an ultra-hydrating oil that helps lock in moisture and adds life to your gorgeous curls. You'll also want to eliminate unwanted frizz, tame flyaways, and avoid breakage.

● Coconut oil

 

● Almond oil 

 

● Argan oil

 

● Jojoba oil

 

Straight or Wavy Hair 

 

If you have straight hair, you may struggle with an oily scalp, split ends, and dryness. You'll want to optimize your scalp health to neutralize the natural oils on your scalp. You'll also want to avoid oils that will weigh down your hair or make your hair look or feel oily.

 

● Castor oil 

 

● Olive oil

 

● Tea tree oil

 

● Avocado oil

 

Damaged Hair 

 

If you have split ends, dryness, or unwanted damage, find nutrient-rich oils that help you improve, restore, and repair your hair. These oils often contain antioxidants, fatty acids, lipids, and other nutrients that help visually improve damage and prevent more from forming. 

 

● Sweet almond oil 

 

● Castor oil

 

● Jojoba oil 

 

● Macadamia nut oil

 

 

Which Oils to Look For 

 

You can use many different natural oils in your hair care routine. Once you know your goals, concerns, and hair type - you can start building a routine with natural oils and nutrient-rich hair care products. Here are seven natural oils you can start using today:

 

Argan Oil

 

Argan oil is commonly found in shampoos and conditioners. It's a great source of fatty acids, oleic, and linoleic acids. It's an ultra-hydrating oil that can help enhance shine and repair your hair and works well on brittle, dry, or damaged hair. 

 

Sunflower Seed Oil 

 

This oil is filled with oleic fatty acid and vitamin E. The ultra-hydrating components can help reduce frizz, revive dry strands, and improve scalp health. This lightweight oil won't leave a greasy residue and can be applied directly to hair for the best results, which is why we use it in The Hair Oil.

The Hair Oil is our ultra-restorative elixir formulated for long-term nourishment and protection and contains over five different natural oils. During our 12-week clinical trials, The Hair Oil increased hair smoothness by 278% and increased hair hydration by 87%.

 

  

Avocado Oil 

 

Avocado oil is packed with vitamin E, biotin, and monounsaturated fatty acids - three hair-loving nutrients. It has ultra-hydrating properties that can help treat damage, improve scalp health and help prevent hair loss. Avocado is a great natural oil for anyone with overly damaged hair, trying to revive their hair strands and restore their integrity. 

 

Tea Tree Oil

 

Tea tree oil is a soothing essential oil with anti-inflammation and anti-bacterial properties. When using tea tree oil for hair, you'll find the best results when applying it directly to the scalp. This essential oil is great for combating dandruff and helping you achieve a healthy, balanced scalp. For the best results, you'll want to mix tea tree oil for hair with a carrier oil and then massage it directly into your scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes and continue with your hair care routine. 

 

Rosemary Oil 

 

Struggling with hair loss or slow hair growth? Consider rosemary oil for hair. While rosemary oil can't exactly make your hair grow faster, it can help improve the normal bodily functions needed. When you apply rosemary oil for hair to your scalp, it can help improve circulation. With better circulation, you can ensure your blood supply gets the nutrients it needs to grow. 

 

Oat Kernel Oil

 

This oil contains a potent blend of omega fatty acid and antioxidants, two hair care must-haves. It's the perfect oil to help soothe and support your hair cuticle's elasticity. It works as a barrier to help prevent unwanted moisture loss and lock in all-day hydration.

At Augustinus Bader, we use oat kernel oil in The Leave In Hair Treatment. This treatment helps to decrease breakage, reduce visually noticeable damage, and achieve a healthy bounce to your hair. You’ll also get your weekly dose of castor seed and argan oil for hair.

 

Coconut Oil

 

This oil is a potent source of saturated fatty acids. It's commonly used throughout the beauty industry to help deliver superior moisture to the skin and hair to improve elasticity, increase shine, and reduce frizz.

If you're looking for coconut oil for hair, it's best to look for formulas that contain this natural oil, like our The Conditioner. This clean breakthrough formula helps hydrate, detangle, and de-frizz your hair. It features good-for-your-hair ingredients that protect your hair from environmental stressors, supports natural growth, and boost hydration. For the best results, we recommend pairing it with another one of our products, The Shampoo.

 

How Often Should You Use Natural Oils?

 

To fully harness the benefits of natural oils, incorporating hair care products that contain them in their formulas is a top recommendation. This ensures a consistent supply of nourishing nutrients for your hair on a daily basis. However, it's important to note that not all oils are suitable for daily use.

Take rosemary oil, for instance, which is renowned for supporting hair growth. Utilizing it around 3-4 times a week is ample to reap its full advantages. Similar guidelines apply to many other essential oils. Conversely, carrier oils are generally considered safe for daily use, making them a reliable option for regular application.

 

 

Upgrade Your Hair Care Routine With Augustinus Bader

 

Whether you use rosemary oil, castor seed oil, or argan oil for hair, you can’t go wrong with incorporating clean, natural ingredients into your routine. However, even if you incorporate the finest natural oils into your hair care routine daily or weekly, the absence of suitable hair care essentials could hinder your ability to witness noticeable results.

A trusted shampoo and conditioner is essential to maintaining your hair's natural look and feel. At Augustinus Bader, we specialize in creating formulas packed with superior ingredients, much-needed natural oils, and TFC8®.

All our hair care products are backed by over 30 years of research and clinical trials so that you can feel good and confident you'll see results when you pair your favorite AB products with natural oils.

Start exploring our hair care today to learn more.

 

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