Whether you just want to add length to your hair or you want to put an end to hair loss and receding hairline problems, neem oil can be a catalyst to speed up your results.
So if you are looking for a natural way to boost hair growth and improve scalp health, continue reading below:
Known for its powerful anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, neem oil is a time-tested remedy in Ayurvedic hair care. It helps reduce dandruff, unclog hair follicles, soothe scalp irritation, and create a healthy environment for hair to grow.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to use neem oil for hair growth, the benefits it offers, and the best ways to add it to your hair care routine for visible results.
Why Neem Oil Is Good for Hair Growth
Neem oil is a special type of oil that’s obtained from the leaves, fruits, or seeds of the neem tree which is a large evergreen tree native to India and Southeast Asia.
For many decades, parts of this tree have been used in traditional medicine. In particular, its leaves are thought to possess significant antibacterial effects.
In fact, according to Kama Ayurveda, It is often referred to as the “village pharmacy” as each part of the neem tree is used to improve well-being and treat ailments.
Nowadays, however, neem oil is more commonly known for its beneficial beauty properties. This is due to the fact that the oil possesses the following:
- Vitamin E
- Essential fatty acids
- Antioxidants
- Calcium
- Triglycerides
- Limonoids
These properties helps stimulate hair follicles, reduce breakage, and protect against damage caused by environmental stressors. The oil’s anti-fungal properties also make it effective at treating dandruff and keeping the scalp clean—two key factors that encourage consistent hair growth.
Benefits of Neem Oil for Hair Growth
Neem oil is one of the most powerful natural remedies for maintaining a healthy scalp and promoting stronger, fuller hair. Its unique blend of bioactive compounds, including nimbidin, azadirachtin, fatty acids, and vitamin E, work together to address the root causes of hair loss and scalp issues. Here’s a closer look at how neem oil supports hair growth:
1. Stimulates Hair Follicles and Encourages Growth
Neem oil helps increase blood circulation to the scalp, delivering essential nutrients to hair follicles. This stimulation can help reactivate dormant follicles and support the natural hair growth cycle, particularly in individuals experiencing thinning or shedding due to poor scalp health or inflammation.
2. Fights Dandruff and Fungal Infections
One of the most common causes of hair loss is dandruff, which is often the result of an overgrowth of fungus like Malassezia. Neem oil’s anti-fungal properties help eliminate this overgrowth, reducing flakes, itchiness, and buildup that can clog follicles and stunt growth.
3. Soothes Scalp Irritation and Inflammation
Conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and general scalp inflammation can create an unhealthy environment for hair growth. Neem oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds that calm the skin, reduce redness, and relieve itching—allowing the scalp to heal and function optimally.
4. Prevents Premature Hair Thinning
The antioxidants and fatty acids in neem oil protect hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stress. This helps slow down the thinning process and keeps hair looking fuller for longer, especially as we age.
5. Strengthens and Nourishes Hair Strands
Neem oil is rich in essential fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid, which penetrate the hair shaft to moisturize and strengthen it from within. This helps reduce breakage, prevent split ends, and improve overall hair texture and shine.
6. Balances Scalp Oil Production
An overly oily or overly dry scalp can both lead to hair issues. Neem oil helps normalize sebum production, making it beneficial for people with oily scalps prone to acne, as well as those with dry scalps experiencing flakiness and brittleness.
7. Helps Detangle and Manage Frizz
While not its primary use, neem oil can help soften hair and make it more manageable. When used consistently, it improves elasticity, reduces frizz, and leaves the hair looking smoother and more polished.
How to Use Neem Oil for Hair Growth: Step-by-Step
If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to do a patch test before applying it to any part of your body.
How to Do the Patch Test
Apply a small drop of neem oil to the inside of your forearm. You may want to have this oil diluted using a base oil e.g. coconut oil.
Cover the section with the oil with a bandage and leave it for 24 hours.
Once you remove the bandage if you notice any hives, redness, or symptoms of irritation avoid using the oil. Chances are that you’re among the few people in the world who are sensitive to it.
Otherwise, if your skin seems tolerant after this test, you are free to continue with the full application of the oil.
You’ll need:
- Neem Oil,
- Carrier Oil (e.g. olive oil or coconut oil),
- And Essential Oil (e.g. lavender, but this is optional as it’s only meant to mask the smell.
Note that you may use tea tree oil in place of lavender if you have lice.
How To Get Started:
Step One: In a small jar, mix 1/2 teaspoon of pure neem oil with 3 tablespoons of your preferred carrier oil. Mix until evenly blended.
Step Two: To mask the strange smell of organic neem oil, you may want to add 20 drops of lavender essential or tea tree oil if dealing with lice.
Step Three: If you didn’t complete the patch test we recommended earlier, this is the time to get it done. It is important just to be sure your skin isn’t sensitive to the oil.
Step Four: Apply the oil to your hair and massage it into the scalp. Work your way as if from the hair roots to the tips of your hair also.
Step Five: Once properly applied, leave it on for 2 hours before washing it out using a mild shampoo. Done!
Important Points to Note
It is important to note that some people recommend leaving the oil on the scalp overnight. However, some dermatologists caution against that.
Leaving the oil to sit on your scalp for too long might increase the likelihood of your scalp getting irritated. For that reason, we strictly recommend washing it off using a mild shampoo after 2 hours.
For the best results, be sure to repeat this process twice or thrice a week.
BONUS: How To Make Your Own Neem Oil
Watch The Video Below:
Written Instructions below
If you live in an area where it’s difficult to find neem oil (or quality oil), you might want to prepare some using organic neem leaves. This is by far the most effective way to use neem oil for hair growth if you’re on a budget.
You’ll need Organic Neem Leaves (fresh or dried), Water (a few drops), Carrier oil (e.g. extra virgin oil), Blender, Bowl, and Sieve.
Step One: Put 3 pinches of neem leaves in a bowl and clean them with some water before straining.
Step Two: Separately, put half a cup of extra-virgin oil in a bowl and use the double boiler method to heat it on low heat.
Step Three: Take the neem oil you prepared in step one and put inside a blender jar. You may add a few drops of water to it. Blend it to create a paste.
Step Four: Mix the paste with the extra-virgin oil still on low heat. Stir gently for at least 4 minutes or at least until the oil gets a nice, thick green color.
Step Five: Leave the mixture to cool down before finally straining the oil. At this point, the oil is ready to use. Take a few drops of it and store the rest of it in a cool, dark place (this oil can be stored for up to 8 months).
As usual, you may use this oil 2 to 3 times per week. Or as directed by your dermatologist.
Conclusion
If hair loss has been frustrating you, neem oil might provide you with an extra tool in your arsenal to combat it and regain your happiness.
And as we’ve shown you in this article, you don’t need to make a trip to the East to take advantage of this therapy. You can easily prepare and apply this oil from the comfort of your home.
