Oils and Herbs For Long Healthy Natural Hair

Long hair has long been considered one of the timeless glories of womanhood—a symbol of beauty, femininity, and self-expression. But true beauty is never just about hair. Still, for many Black women, the journey to long natural hair has often felt out of reach, not due to genetics, but due to a historical lack of access to the right information, community, and tools.

Since I was a little girl, I’ve always had a love for hair. I remember playing in my mother’s wigs or draping fabric over my head just to pretend I had long, flowing strands. That early fascination has evolved into a deep commitment to understanding what it takes to grow not just long hair—but healthy, thriving, natural hair.

Over the last 10 years, I’ve grown what feels like three full heads of hair, only to cut it each time because I hadn't mastered how to maintain its health. Most recently, I cut my natural hair again—unfortunately. But this time feels different. This time, I’ve developed a consistent, sustainable routine grounded in both science and real-life experience. And through this blog, I want to share what I’ve learned with others on the same path.

If you're struggling with length retention, I highly recommend checking out my companion post on how to preserve the most length when taking down protective styles. Trust me—healthy hair isn’t just about growth, it’s about retention. There’s no point in chasing length if it breaks off as fast as it grows.

Hair growth isn’t magic—it’s method. And when you take care of your scalp, your strands, and your routine with intention, long natural hair is no longer a dream—it’s a result. Whether you choose herbs, oils, or both, the most important thing is consistency and care. And above all, remember: you can make your own. Don’t let flashy branding convince you that growth lives in someone else's bottle. It starts with knowledge, and now—you have that.

Herbs For Hair Growth

1 of 7: Rosemary

Rosemary increases blood circulation to the scalp, which helps rejuvenate hair follicles. It also combats dandruff and reduces shedding, making it a go-to herb for stimulating growth.

Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, sage helps balance scalp oils and fight buildup. It’s especially beneficial for thinning hair or early graying.

2 of 7: Sage

3 of 7: Fenugreek Seeds

Packed with protein and nicotinic acid, fenugreek strengthens hair and promotes growth. When soaked or ground into paste, it also helps with detangling and softness.

4 of 7: Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla is rich in vitamin C and known for thickening hair, strengthening roots, and preventing premature graying. It also promotes shine and scalp health.

5 of 7: Green Tea

High in EGCG (a powerful antioxidant), green tea can reduce hair fall and boost hair cell production. It’s also helpful in reducing DHT, a hormone linked to hair thinning.

6 of 7: Peppermint

With its cooling sensation and ability to stimulate blood flow, peppermint can invigorate the scalp and promote faster, healthier growth.

7 of 7: Aloe Vera

Aloe is soothing, hydrating, and naturally balances the scalp’s pH. It reduces itchiness, dandruff, and creates an optimal environment for new hair growth. You can buy these as a leaf from grocery stores.

Oils For Hair Growth

Lavender oil soothes the scalp, improves blood circulation, and reduces stress—an often-overlooked factor in hair loss.

1 of 7: Lavender Oil

Just like the herb, rosemary oil is excellent for stimulating growth and reducing shedding. It’s also antibacterial, which helps with scalp issues.

2 of 7: Rosemary Oil

Known for its thick consistency and high ricinoleic acid content, castor oil is a powerful tool for sealing moisture, boosting thickness, and protecting the hair shaft.

3 of 7: Castor Oil

This oil penetrates the hair shaft better than most, reducing protein loss and acting as a natural conditioner.

4 of 7: Coconut Oil

Thyme boosts blood flow to the scalp and has antimicrobial properties that keep follicles clear and active.

5 of 7: Thyme Oil

Great for scalp health, tea tree oil fights dandruff, bacteria, and inflammation, making it an ideal choice for clean, healthy growth.

6 of 7: Tea Tree Oil

Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, argan oil helps repair damaged strands and add shine without weighing hair down.

7 of 7: Argan Oil