Does Hazelnut Oil Grow Hair? Unpacking the Myths and Benefits

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

With its rich nutrient profile, hazelnut oil is celebrated for its hydrating and nourishing properties. So, does hazelnut oil grow hair? While not a direct growth accelerator, its true power lies in fostering a healthy environment for robust, natural hair growth.

Quick Summary

Hazelnut oil enriches the hair and scalp with essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. It promotes overall hair vitality by moisturizing, strengthening, and protecting the follicles, creating optimal conditions for healthy hair growth.

Key Points

Supports Healthy Growth: Hazelnut oil creates an optimal scalp environment for robust, natural hair growth, rather than forcing faster growth directly.
Rich in Nutrients: It is packed with fatty acids, proteins, and Vitamin E, which nourish both the hair strands and the scalp.
Versatile for All Hair Types: Its sebum-regulating properties make it effective for both dry, brittle hair and oily scalps.
Fights Frizz and Enhances Shine: The oil's moisturizing effects smooth the hair cuticle, leading to reduced frizz and increased shine.
Strengthens and Protects: It strengthens hair fibers, preventing split ends and breakage while offering a natural barrier against UV damage.
Easy to Incorporate: Can be used in multiple ways, including as a pre-shampoo treatment, an overnight mask, or a leave-in conditioner.

The Verdict: How Hazelnut Oil Impacts Hair Growth

Contrary to myths of rapid hair growth elixirs, hazelnut oil does not contain a compound that forces hair follicles into overdrive. Its benefits are foundational, creating a healthy, balanced scalp which supports robust hair growth. Just as fertile soil helps plants flourish, a well-nourished scalp provides optimal conditions for hair to grow naturally strong and healthy.

The Nutrients Behind Hazelnut Oil's Hair Benefits

Hazelnut oil's effectiveness comes from its blend of vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants.

Vitamin E: This antioxidant protects hair and scalp cells from oxidative stress, maintaining scalp health.
Omega-9 Fatty Acids (Oleic Acid): The dominant fatty acid provides intense moisture, combating dryness and preventing breakage.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids (Linoleic Acid): This essential fatty acid helps regulate the scalp's moisture barrier, keeping it hydrated and preventing flakes.

Comprehensive Benefits for Hair and Scalp

Beyond promoting healthy growth, hazelnut oil improves hair appearance and strength.

Intense Moisturization: It deeply hydrates dry, brittle hair, leaving it soft and supple without grease.
Fights Frizz and Adds Shine: It smooths the hair cuticle and locks in moisture, taming frizz and enhancing shine.
Strengthens and Protects: Fatty acids repair hair structure, reducing split ends and breakage.
Scalp Health Regulation: Its astringent, sebum-regulating properties treat both dry, itchy scalps and those prone to oiliness and dandruff.
Natural UV Barrier: High tannin content offers some natural protection against UV radiation.

How to Use Hazelnut Oil for Best Results

Incorporate hazelnut oil easily into your routine. Use a small amount to avoid weighing hair down.

Pre-Shampoo Treatment: Apply generously to dry hair and scalp at least an hour before washing.
Deep Conditioning Mask: Massage into scalp and strands, cover with a warm towel for 30–45 minutes, then rinse.
Overnight Mask: Massage into a dry, itchy scalp before bed and shampoo in the morning.
Leave-In Treatment: Warm a few drops in hands and apply lightly to the ends of damp hair for shine and frizz control.

Hazelnut Oil vs. Other Popular Hair Oils: A Comparison


Feature	Hazelnut Oil	Argan Oil	Coconut Oil
Weight	Lightweight, absorbs quickly.	Lightweight to medium, absorbs quickly.	Heavy, can feel greasy on some hair types.
Moisture	Excellent emollient, great for sealing in moisture.	Offers great moisture and repair benefits.	Deeply conditions and moisturizes.
Best For	Dry/brittle hair, oily or dry scalp due to sebum regulation.	Damaged hair, general moisture, and protection.	Dry, thick, or coarse hair needing deep conditioning.
Special Benefit	Sebum-regulating and UV protective qualities.	High antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.	Penetrates the hair shaft for deep nourishment.

Application Guide for Different Hair Types

Hazelnut oil is versatile and adaptable to various hair needs.

For Dry or Damaged Hair: Its rich oleic acid content provides deep hydration. Focus on mid-lengths and ends to repair split ends.
For Oily Scalp and Hair: Astringent, sebum-regulating qualities help balance an overactive scalp. A pre-shampoo scalp massage can reduce excess oil.
For Color-Treated Hair: It restores moisture lost from chemical treatments and protects color from fading due to UV properties.

What to Look for When Buying Hazelnut Oil

Choose cold-pressed, unrefined hazelnut oil to preserve its nutrients. This retains vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids essential for healthy hair. Store in a dark, cool place to prevent oxidation.

Potential Downsides and Precautions

Perform a patch test before full application, especially with sensitive skin. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm and check for reactions after 24 hours. Individuals with a nut allergy should be cautious and consult a doctor before use, although it's generally considered safe.

Conclusion: Is Hazelnut Oil Worth It?

Hazelnut oil isn't a quick fix for hair growth, but its nourishing properties support healthy, resilient hair. By improving scalp health, providing moisture, and protecting against damage, it helps hair reach its full natural potential. It helps hair flourish rather than magically grow it. For a lightweight, versatile oil addressing various hair and scalp issues, hazelnut oil is worth considering. For more on hair oils, see Healthline's guide on Argan Oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, hazelnut oil is beneficial for hair due to its high content of vitamins and fatty acids. It provides deep moisture, strengthens strands, and promotes a healthy scalp environment.

There is no scientific evidence to suggest hazelnut oil reverses hair loss directly. However, by strengthening hair roots and improving scalp circulation, it may help reduce breakage and prevent hair from falling out prematurely.

Hazelnut oil is generally considered a lightweight, non-greasy oil that is easily absorbed by the hair and scalp, making it suitable for most hair types.

For best results, you can use hazelnut oil as a scalp massage or mask two to three times a week. For a daily leave-in treatment, a few drops on the ends of your hair are sufficient.

Yes, hazelnut oil has sebum-regulating properties that can help balance an oily scalp. Massaging it into the scalp before shampooing can help cleanse the area and reduce excess oil.

Some experts suggest that hazelnut oil's high tannin content, which is rich in antioxidants, provides a natural barrier that helps protect the scalp and hair from UV damage.

It depends on your hair type. Hazelnut oil is lighter and better for a wider range of hair types, particularly those prone to oiliness, than heavy coconut or olive oil. It is also significantly richer in Vitamin E than olive oil.