5 hair oils to stop thinning of hair

Hair thinning is something most of us don’t notice until one day, we tie our hair and realise our ponytail feels… smaller. Between stress, pollution, chemical-laden shampoos, and poor diet, hair fall has become almost unavoidable. But the good news is, you can reverse some of that damage with consistent care and the right oils.

Oiling isn’t just an old-school Indian ritual your nani swore by, it’s scientifically proven to improve scalp health, reduce hair fall, and promote thicker growth. Here are five powerful hair oils that can help stop hair thinning and bring back volume, shine, and strength.

If your hair has started thinning around the temples or crown, bhringraj oil deserves a permanent spot in your beauty cabinet. This ancient Ayurvedic oil is derived from the bhringraj plant (Eclipta alba), known for stimulating dormant hair follicles and boosting blood circulation to the scalp.

Regular use can reduce breakage, strengthen roots, and promote new hair growth. In Ayurveda, bhringraj is also considered a “cooling” herb, which helps soothe the scalp and reduce stress-induced hair loss, something almost all of us deal with nowadays.

How to use it:

Warm a few tablespoons of bhringraj oil and massage it into your scalp using circular motions. Leave it overnight for deep nourishment. Wash it off with a mild herbal shampoo the next morning. Doing this twice a week can make your hair noticeably thicker in a month or two.

Pro tip: Try mixing bhringraj oil with equal parts of coconut oil to reduce its strong herbal scent and enhance absorption.

While bhringraj has ruled Indian households for centuries, rosemary oil is the new global superstar for reversing hair thinning. Backed by actual studies, rosemary oil has been shown to work almost as effectively as minoxidil (a popular hair-growth medicine) when used consistently.

It improves blood flow to hair follicles, strengthens strands, and prevents premature greying. Plus, its refreshing scent makes it perfect for anyone who dislikes heavy, traditional oils.

How to use it:

Since rosemary essential oil is potent, you should dilute it before applying. Add 3–4 drops of rosemary oil to 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil like coconut or castor oil. Massage it into the scalp and leave for 30–60 minutes before washing off.

Pro tip: Use it twice a week. If you have an oily scalp, apply only to your roots and avoid the lengths.

If your hair has lost volume and you’re looking for something truly nourishing, castor oil is unbeatable. It’s rich in ricinoleic acid, which boosts scalp circulation and helps strengthen the roots. Castor oil also seals in moisture, reducing split ends and dryness, two major reasons for hair breakage.

Yes, it’s thick and sticky, but that’s exactly what makes it powerful. It coats every strand, protecting it from environmental damage. Many Indian women even use it as a lash and brow growth treatment, that’s how potent it is!

How to use it:

Because castor oil is very dense, mix one tablespoon of it with equal parts coconut or almond oil to make it easier to apply. Massage it gently into your scalp, then wrap your head in a warm towel for 20 minutes to help the oil penetrate deeper. Wash it off after 2–3 hours (or overnight if your scalp isn’t too oily).

Pro tip: Be patient. It takes around 6–8 weeks of regular use to see visible results, but it’s worth it.

Every Indian household has at least one story about “Amla tel” and for good reason. Made from Indian gooseberry, amla oil is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, both of which strengthen hair follicles and prevent premature greying.

Amla also has antibacterial properties that keep your scalp clean, reducing dandruff, one of the hidden causes of hair thinning. It’s cooling, nourishing, and perfect for summer months when your scalp tends to get sweaty or irritated.

How to use it:

Massage warm amla oil into your scalp and let it sit for 45 minutes. You can also mix it with a few drops of rosemary oil for an extra growth boost. Rinse thoroughly with a sulphate-free shampoo.

Pro tip: Drinking fresh amla juice regularly can complement the external application, giving you results both inside and out.

It might smell strong, but onion oil has become a cult favourite for one reason, it actually works. Onions are rich in sulphur, a vital mineral that helps produce collagen and keratin, both essential for strong, healthy hair.

Several studies have shown that onion juice helps regrow hair in people with patchy hair loss or thinning. The oil form is gentler on the scalp and easier to use regularly.

How to use it:

Warm onion oil slightly and apply it to your scalp. Massage gently and leave it on for at least 1 hour before washing. If the smell bothers you, mix a few drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil.

Pro tip: Use onion oil twice a week, too much can irritate sensitive scalps.

For those who love DIY, you can combine these powerhouse oils into your own anti-thinning blend. Mix:

2 tbsp coconut oil (base)

1 tbsp castor oil

1 tbsp bhringraj oil

5 drops rosemary essential oil

1 tsp amla oil

Warm slightly and apply before bed once or twice a week. It’s like a mini spa session for your scalp, and with regular use, you’ll notice lesser hair fall, fewer split ends, and healthier strands overall.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

Oiling helps immensely, but if your diet or routine isn’t aligned, the effects won’t last. A few small tweaks can make a big difference:

Eat protein-rich foods: Include lentils, eggs, paneer, nuts, and seeds.

Manage stress: Meditation and proper sleep help control cortisol, a hormone linked to hair loss.

Stay hydrated: A dry scalp = weak follicles.

Avoid harsh shampoos: Go for sulphate- and paraben-free options.

There’s no miracle oil that will make your hair grow overnight. But what works is consistency and patience. Whether it’s the Ayurvedic strength of bhringraj, the science-backed benefits of rosemary, or the age-old nourishment of amla and castor, these oils are tried, tested, and trusted across generations.

So, turn your Sunday nights into a ritual - warm oil, a slow scalp massage, maybe your favourite playlist in the background. Because sometimes, the secret to thicker hair isn’t in fancy serums or salon treatments, it’s in going back to our roots, quite literally.