Home remedies for hair growth have an enduring appeal. They’re inexpensive, natural, and come with the kind of DIY charm that makes you feel like you’re outsmarting the beauty industry. Slathering your scalp with coconut oil, onion juice, or an egg yolk-mayo concoction might sound like a kitchen experiment gone rogue, but hey, people swear by these techniques.
But let’s not confuse popularity with proven results. While some ingredients like aloe vera or castor oil have modest scientific backing, others are riding the coattails of internet trends with little to no evidence to show for it. The appeal lies in their accessibility, but the effectiveness? That’s where things get murky.
Here’s the thing: home remedies for hair growth don’t work the same for everyone. Genetics, scalp health, and the underlying cause of hair thinning all play a part in determining whether you’re looking at a hair miracle or just greasy strands.
So, do home remedies really help hair growth and thickness?
7 Popular Home Remedies for Hair Growth
Some natural remedies for hair growth have achieved cult status, not just for their affordability, but also because they’ve been passed down through generations. Whether these remedies work universally is up for debate, but they’ve certainly earned their place in discussions about scalp care and hair health.
It should be noted that none of the natural treatments mentioned below are proven to regrow hair or stop hair loss. Although, what they may do is help support a healthy scalp, which can subsequently improve results when combined with clinically proven treatments like low-level laser therapy (LLLT), minoxidil (Rogaine®), or finasteride (Propecia®)—the only three methods scientifically shown to promote hair regrowth.
Here are a few popular contenders and see what they bring to the follicular table.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is the multitasker of natural remedies for hair growth. Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, it can help maintain a balanced scalp by reducing irritation and excessive oil buildup. Its enzymes clear out sebum that clogs follicles, which may create a more favorable environment for hair to grow. To try it for yourself, you can apply pure aloe vera gel directly to your scalp several times a week.
That said, while aloe vera is a solid ally for overall scalp health, it is not a proven treatment for hair regrowth or hair loss prevention. Moreover, current scientific backing is limited—A 2022 review found that most of the existing studies were conducted on animals, and so there’s a lack of research in humans.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is the Beyoncé of DIY hair care—always trending and undeniably effective. Its medium-chain fatty acids allow it to penetrate hair shafts better than most oils, reducing protein loss and strengthening strands. While it’s better at preventing damage than directly stimulating growth, healthier, damage-free hair often appears thicker and stronger, especially with consistent use.
Depending on your hair type and needs, it either works as a pre-wash treatment, left on for a few hours or even overnight, or as part of a post-wash routine to add softness and shine.
A 2021 study suggested that coconut oil might improve the scalp’s microbiome, creating a better environment for hair follicles and therefore proven treatments. However, the study’s primary focus was on dandruff, not hair growth.
3. Castor Oil
Castor oil’s thick, sticky consistency might not win any popularity contests, but it’s surprisingly effective. It contains ricinoleic acid, which some believe increases blood flow to hair follicles, possibly supporting growth. Its occlusive nature also locks in moisture, leaving hair looking fuller. However, don’t expect castor oil to work miracles—it’s more of a scalp support act than a headliner.
4. Onion Juice
Yes, onion juice smells as bad as it sounds, but it’s rich in sulfur, a key ingredient in keratin production. Some believe it may help strengthen hair and promote regrowth in cases of alopecia areata, particularly when applied regularly. However, the evidence is limited, and its pungent aroma might make you think twice about this remedy.
To try it, blend a few onions and extract the juice. Apply it directly to your scalp and leave it on for at least 15 minutes before rinsing. Proceed with caution (and maybe a nose plug).
A 2015 animal study found that onion juice may increase levels of keratinocyte growth factor, a protein involved in the fostering of a healthy scalp environment. Although, scientific evidence regarding its use for female or male pattern baldness is scarce. As such, while it may help support scalp health, it won’t have any real benefits for hair regrowth, and more research on humans is needed to confirm its general effectiveness.
5. Egg Masks
Egg masks are protein-packed and can temporarily fortify hair strands, improving shine and texture. While there’s little evidence to suggest they stimulate new growth, eggs provide a boost to the overall health of your existing hair. Think of them as a quick protein fix rather than a long-term growth strategy.
6. Red Ginseng
Red ginseng has gained attention as a potential natural aid for promoting scalp health. Available in supplement form, it contains ginsenosides, which are believed to play a key role in enhancing circulation.
Some researchers suggest that red ginseng may create a healthier scalp environment by influencing it at a cellular level. Despite this, there is no clinical proof that it regrows hair or prevents hair loss, and the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood
As with any supplement, it's vital to consult a healthcare provider before adding red ginseng to your routine, especially if you’re taking medication or managing an existing condition.
7. Scalp Massage
Scalp massage is a practice that might offer a real advantage for your hair and scalp. A 2019 study found that regular scalp massages can improve blood flow to the area, which may, in turn, facilitate healthier hair growth.
To try it yourself, use the pads of your fingers to gently work across your scalp in small, circular motions. Apply light to moderate pressure, and aim for about five minutes a day.
Some like to pair their massage routine with essential oils, which are thought to further nurture the scalp. While these oils are popular in natural hair care, scientific evidence as to their ability to regrow hair remains nonexistent.
Also Read: How to massage your scalp for healthy hair growth?
What Not to Expect from Home Remedies for Hair Growth?
Rapid Hair Growth
Let’s get this out of the way: home treatments for thinning hair are not magic potions. The internet might love a good "ovxernight results" headline, but the truth is hair growth is a slow and steady race. The average human hair grows about half an inch per month, and no amount of herbal treatments for hair loss is going to turn you into a record-breaker.
Natural remedies like coconut oil or scalp massages can improve hair health incrementally, but expecting them to give you salon-ready thickness overnight is setting yourself up for disappointment. Hair growth takes time, patience, and sometimes a little help from scientifically-proven treatments.
100% Result? Not Exactly.
Home remedies for hair growth aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Factors like genetics, hormonal imbalances, and scalp health play a big role in whether a remedy will work for you. For instance, if hair thinning is linked to androgenetic alopecia (a genetic condition), slathering on onion juice or castor oil likely won’t make a dent.
Interestingly, there’s also a placebo effect at play for some individuals. When people commit to home remedies, they often become more mindful of their overall hair care routine. They might wash less aggressively, use heat tools sparingly, and invest more effort into scalp health. As a result, hair may stop shedding or even grow—not because of the serums or oils themselves, but because of these newfound gentle habits. The remedy gets the credit, but it’s the care routine that does the heavy lifting.
This isn’t to discredit home remedies—they can complement other treatments and improve overall scalp health—but pinning all your hopes on them guarantees frustration. Sometimes, finding the right solution means consulting with a professional for tailored advice that goes beyond surface-level fixes.
Home Treatments for Hair Growth: The Bottom Line
Home remedies for hair growth and thickness offer some benefits, particularly in improving scalp health and hair texture. While they may contribute to gradual improvements, they’re not miracle workers. For those seeking reliable results, blending natural treatments with proven methods often provides the best outcomes. Always consult a professional for tailored advice.
Beside home treatments lacking solid scientific backing, laser phototherapy (LPT)—also known as LLLT—stands out as an exception. Alongside minoxidil and finasteride, it’s the only treatment that is FDA-cleared specifically for promoting hair growth. LPT uses red laser light to stimulate hair follicles at the cellular level. This process can encourage regrowth, improve hair density, and slow down thinning.
Theradome: An At-Home Alternative to Natural Remedies for Hair Growth
Among the most well-known LPT devices is the Theradome helmet, which is recommended by professionals and boasts a reported 98% user satisfaction rate. Supported by clinical studies, LPT offers a science-backed alternative for those seeking effective hair restoration.
Theradome offers two advanced laser hair therapy devices to suit different needs and budgets, the Theradome PRO LH80 and the Theradome EVO LH40. Both helmets utilize LLLT to increase blood flow to the scalp and energize hair follicles. With consistent use, users will see reduced hair shedding and visible regrowth over time.
Lightweight, cordless, and easy to use, Theradome devices are a smart and accessible option for anyone seeking a reliable approach to hair health right at home.
