Long, Fairytale Hair Is My Goal—9 Scalp Oils I Swear Are Magic Potions for Healthy Growth

Pros: Easy-to-apply nozzle, instantly soothing and reduces flakes over time

Cons: Some reviewers note a strong cologne smell

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, castor oil

Size: 3 ounces

Hair type: Any

If dandruff is your main gripe, you can't go wrong with this dermatologist-tested serum. You can use it on damp, freshly washed hair or on dry strands in between washes; either way, it's a godsend for reducing itchy flakes—both immediately and long-term. "I also like that this product has castor oil, which also helps to hydrate and strengthen hair, promotes hair growth, and treats dandruff," notes Okereke.

Customer review: "This product has saved my scalp. I can finally walk around without dandruff. So easy to apply, has a nice scent and doesn't make your hair look like it is dirty. Must have for anyone with dandruff."

Pros: Easy-to-use applicator, helps with hair growth, gentle enough to leave on overnight

Cons: Better as a pre-shampoo treatment, as it leaves hair a little greasy

Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, castor oil, tea tree oil

Size: 3.4 ounces

Hair type: Better for thicker hair (might make fine hair look oily)

Rosemary oil is frequently lauded for its hair growth abilities, so if you're looking to stimulate those follicles, this pre-shampoo oil is a fabulous one to try. It's my personal go-to for slicked-back styles, as it gives my strands a nice slip (plus, it's a pretty generous size, so I don't feel bad globbing it all over). The only thing I will say is that it leaves a bit of a greasy residue. If you have finer hair, you might want to use it only at night or on days you know you're going to wash your hair. My perpetually thirsty curls, however, drink it right up.

Customer review: "I love this stuff. I’m in grad school and the stress has been real, and this has helped the baby hairs grow back in full force. Have already repurchased. I use it about once a week and use a clarifying shampoo to get it out."

Pros: Super moisturizing and calming, elevated scent

Cons: Pricey for a smaller size

Key ingredients: Rosemary extract, turmeric oil, hemisqualane

Size: 1.7 ounces

Hair type: Any

In addition to nourishing sunflower seed oil and hemisqualane (a silicone-free ingredient that gives the hair tons of slip), this formula features turmeric oil to instantly soothe inflammation. Turmeric has long been used for its skin-calming properties, so it's an absolute game-changer for itchy, tender scalps. Don't let the small bottle fool you into a precise application; I'd recommend giving your entire scalp some love, as Okereke also considers it a hero for dryness.

Customer review: "I have self diagnosed scalp psoriasis. I was looking for something to relieve itchiness, flaking and smell. Before this oil I would need to wash every other day/every day if I’m going to the gym. I typically shampoo twice so no issue with build up. I used this 2-4 times a month and it’s helped tremendously. The only downside is the amount of uses per bottle as I need a good amount to cover my entire scalp."

Pros: Great for those with sensitive scalps, a little goes a long way

Cons: Can be difficult to get product out of the applicator

Key ingredients: Baobab oil, sunflower oil, basil leaf blend

Size: 3 ounces

Hair type: Any

No, this Detox Oil doesn't feature any exfoliants to dissolve scalp buildup, but it does have a potent 1.28% baobab oil, which breaks down impurities while infusing the skin with moisture. Translation? It's a fabulous pre-shampoo treatment for a soothed, supple scalp. In addition to the liquid gold, it includes sunflower oil and a basil leaf blend to protect and balance the scalp microbiome. I also love the precise applicator; although, for those with thick, long hair like mine, it might take some effort to get enough product out of the bottle.

Customer review: "This scalp product has really helped my dry scalp. It’s less flaky even after one use. My scalp feels less dry and more healthy. It not only feels better, but it looks better too! And it’s not just my scalp, the oil ran down the lengths of my hair when I washed it out, my hair looked much more shiny in a good way, not the greasy shiny way! Definitely recommend!"

Pros: Won't make hair look greasy, great fragrance

Cons: Smaller size

Key ingredients: Pomegranate seed oil, sesame seed oil, sunflower oil

Size: 1 ounce

Hair type: Better for fine hair (super lightweight)

"I adore [the] Hair Renew Scalp Oil by Innersense Organic Beauty," notes Marcus. "Featuring omega fatty acid rich sesame and sunflower oils, this lightweight oil is ideal for supporting the scalp’s skin barrier, moisturizing, and soothing the scalp without weighing hair down." It also features pomegranate seed oil, which has impressive antioxidant properties that keep the scalp healthy and balanced. As for the texture? Marcus says it's "light enough for daily use on dry scalps, smells divine, and feels like a luxurious treat in your self-care routine." Sold!

Customer review: "This is great for scalp care, it contains a variety of different oils, including argon, sesame, bergamot, and ginger. It has a mild fragrance and is super easy to apply using the pump top. It is lightweight, so it doesn't build up or weigh down the hair. I especially like that it is made with certified organic ingredients."

Pros: Soaks in quickly and doesn't leave hair oily, gently exfoliates without overwhelming the scalp

Cons: Pricey for a smaller size

Key ingredients: Lactic acid, tea tree oil, rosemary leaf extract, pumpkin seed extract

Size: 1.7 ounces

Hair type: Any

An overnight exfoliating scalp serum might sound like a recipe for irritation, but believe me, Nutrire's T.2 Night Serum is an absolute dream. It features lactic acid, tea tree oil, rosemary leaf extract, pumpkin seed extract, and a bouquet of other potent actives to purify the scalp, but it has a high-tech slow-release system that perfectly doses out these ingredients throughout the night. The result? A refreshed, soothed, resilient scalp in the a.m. I've been using it for over six weeks and have convinced multiple friends to give it a try. Not for nothing, it's a serum (so much lighter than an oil), which means you won't have to worry about waking up with a greasy mane.

Customer review: "I love everything about this product. I have scalp issues and ever since I started using this they have not been a problem. My itching and flaking are almost entirely gone!"

Pros: Can be used on scalp and strands, smells amazing

Cons: Can leave a greasy residue

Key ingredients: Ashwagandha, amla, castor oil, jojoba oil, safflower seed oil

Size: 1.8 ounces

Hair type: Any (although castor oil can weigh down finer strands)

It's TikTok-viral for a reason! This pre-wash oil is basically liquid gold for dry scalps and brittle, damaged strands. "After using this for a few weeks, my hair is all the better for it," Who What Wear beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock writes in a review. "I'm seeing fewer split ends and less fall-out every time I brush my hair. Plus, my hair looks shinier than it did before using it. That's why I used every last drop until the bottle was totally empty. That might not sound that special, but as a picky beauty editor who regularly cycles through products, it is."

Customer review: "I have gone through 4 bottles of this hair oil and it has changed my life! I always had really thin hair growing up that I only made worse with bleach. I’ve put all my friends and family on this hair oil because I get compliments on my hair now! People literally stop to tell me I have nice hair! Any thin haired girl knows this is amazing."

Pros: Smells amazing, leaves you with salon-grade hair

Cons: Can be difficult to shake a lot of product out of the bottle

Key ingredients: Kukui nut oil, jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil

Size: 2 ounces

Hair type: Any

If you've ever tried celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak's ultra-nourishing treatment oil, congrats—you've experienced salon-grade magic. With kukui nut oil, jojoba oil, and macadamia nut oil, its main gig is moisture and hair strength (as opposed to essential oil-infused potions, which can be irritating on sensitive skin). A little goes a long way, so it's great for a tension-relieving scalp massage. Simply apply a little on your fingertips and go to town on your crown and temples. Trust me, it's heaven.

Customer review: "The Roz Nourishing Hair Oil is everything I’ve ever wanted in a hair oil. It’s lightweight yet deeply hydrating, giving my hair the perfect amount of moisture without weighing it down. I have been using it after styling, and it leaves my hair looking so glossy, smooth, and healthy. A little goes a long way, and it absorbs beautifully without feeling greasy or heavy.

"Ever since incorporating this oil into my routine, my hair feels stronger, softer, and more manageable. The scent is just as incredible as the shampoo and conditioner—a fresh, clean fragrance that lingers in the best way. My husband keeps complimenting how good my hair smells! I’ve also noticed way fewer flyaways and frizz, even on more humid days. This is definitely the best hair oil I’ve tried, and I don’t think I can go without it now. Roz haircare has completely changed my hair, and I’m officially obsessed!"

Pros: Contains patented exosome technology, fragrance-free and well-suited for sensitive skin

Cons: Pricier than other options

Key ingredients: NX35 technology, rosemary leaf extract, biotin, hyaluronic acid

Size: 2 ounces

Hair type: Any

Ready to nerd out on haircare? This high-tech serum uses biotech-derived exosomes from wheat and garlic stems (called NX35) to target specific cells in your scalp that prompt hair follicles to grow. This is essentially a very scientific way to say that it promotes hair growth at the molecular level. And unlike traditional exosomes (which are typically extracted from human stem cells), the ones in this serum are 100% vegan. Neat, right? Hair growth starts with a healthy scalp, and this serum is certainly one of the most innovative I've ever tried.

Customer review: "I’ve been using PowerCycle for about 3 months now & am noticing remarkably thicker hair especially in the crown area of my head. I just had my hair cut, my hair dresser said I’ve got new growth all over my head. I’m 75 years old & my hair is looking better than it has in 10 years. I will keep using this product and highly recommend to anyone with fine thinning hair."