The Guide to Ingredients for Hair Growth (And Why Our Strands Fall Out)

If you’ve ever found yourself struggling with hair loss or just wanted to understand why your hair doesn’t grow as fast as you’d like, you’re not alone. Here, we’ll explore how hair actually grows, why it might fall out, and how you can use proven ingredients for hair growth. Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on with your strands. 

How Our Hair Grows 

Before we dive into ingredients for hair growth, it’s important to know how our strands develop. Each hair has a visible part (the shaft) and a hidden root, which sits in a pouch called a follicle. At the root’s base is the hair bulb, where new cells form, harden, and push the older ones out—that’s how your hair grows. 

Fun fact: hair on your head grows about 1 cm a month, while brows and lashes grow slower (and shorter, thankfully!). 

Hair grows in cycles. The growth phase (anagen) can last years for head hair, letting it grow long, but it’s much shorter for body or facial hair. After growing, the hair enters a transitional phase (catagen), which lasts about two to four weeks. In this phase, the hair root detaches from the hair papilla. The hair then moves into a short resting phase (telogen), where, separated from the papilla, it loses its blood supply, stops growing, and eventually falls out. Don’t worry, though—a new hair takes its place, keeping the cycle going. 

Why We Lose Our Hair 

On average, we lose 70–100 hairs a day (yes, it’s normal!). If your hair roots are damaged or too many hairs rest at once, hair fall becomes noticeable. And when new hair doesn’t replace the fallen hair, you might see thinning or bald spots (called alopecia). 

Sometimes it’s temporary, like after stress or illness, but it can also be permanent, like with male pattern baldness (ugh, genetics). Plus, as we get older, hair growth can slow down, and we may have less hair. 

On top of that, some of our habits may trigger hair fall. So, tight ponytails, braids, and buns put a lot of strain on your hair follicles and cause hair loss along your hairline. This condition is called traction alopecia. 

Hair Loss vs. Hair Breakage 

Hair loss may not be the only reason your locks are losing volume. Hair breakage is what happens when the strand snaps somewhere along its length. Hello, split ends and uneven locks! 

Unlike hair loss, which starts at the root, breakage is caused by things like too much heat styling, chemical treatments, or even rough brushing. It causes your hair to appear lackluster, fragile, and frizzy. Do you have any of these habits that might be damaging your hair? Go and check. It could be time to make some changes. 

Not sure whether you’re dealing with hair loss or breakage? Here’s a simple trick: examine the hairs you’re losing. If there’s a tiny white bulb at one end, it’s hair loss—this means the strand fell out from the root. If not, it’s likely breakage, where the strand has snapped along its length. 

The Best Fix? 

The solutions to these problems are quite different, and here’s how you can tackle each. 

For hair breakage, moisture is your BFF. Hydrating shampoos, conditioners, and masks can bring your strands back to life. At the same time, skip the heat tools and harsh treatments for a while—your hair will thank you. And don’t forget a leave-in conditioner or serum to lock in moisture and reduce frizz. 

For hair loss, focus on scalp care. A good routine includes gentle, sulfate-free shampoos, scalp peels, regular oiling (with hair-growth oils mentioned below), and eating foods rich in vitamins, omega-3s, and iron. Using hair growth ingredients (scientifically proven ones, please) can also help maintain the health of your scalp. But if the shedding doesn’t slow down, it’s worth consulting a professional to figure out the root cause (literally!). 

4 Ingredients for Hair Growth 

When hair falls out at the roots, the key is boosting blood flow to your scalp’s follicles. So if you’re looking for the best ingredients for hair growth, these science-backed solutions help promote fuller, healthier hair. OnSkin, in turn, makes it simple to find the right match—whether it’s shampoo, serum, oil, or something else. 

Ginkgo Biloba 

Such an ingredient as ginkgo biloba can help with hair growth. And science proves it. Research shows that ginkgo biloba can reduce inflammation around hair follicles, which helps hair grow back in cases like alopecia areata. 

In a study on mice with patchy hair loss, a special compound from ginkgo leaves called WGBP-A2b was used. It boosted important growth factors in the skin and reduced inflammation, making it easier for hair to grow again. 

Castor Oil 

Castor oil is one of the great natural ingredients for hair growth and thickness. It contains ricinoleic acid, an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that may reduce inflammation in the hair follicle. 

In a study on rabbits, a lotion with 35% castor oil was applied to areas with less fur. After just one month, over half the treated areas showed longer, thicker hair growth compared to untreated spots. The rabbits’ fur also became softer and shinier, with no negative side effects reported. 

Rosemary Oil 

Rosemary oil is also among the best ingredients for hair growth. It has been shown to be as effective as minoxidil 2%, a medicine used to treat common hereditary hair loss. 

In the trial, patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) were treated with either rosemary oil or minoxidil 2% for six months. By the end of the study, both of them helped hair grow (and significantly!), with similar results. On top of that, rosemary oil caused less scalp irritation than minoxidil, making it a gentler alternative. 

Peppermint Oil 

Peppermint oil is another natural and effective option for hair growth. In a study on mice, it worked even better than minoxidil, a common hair loss treatment. After four weeks, peppermint oil led to 92% hair growth, compared to 55% with minoxidil. 

The study proves it helps hair move quickly from the resting phase to the growth phase, increasing the number and depth of hair follicles. All without causing any negative effects. 

Pro tip. The good option is to use ready-made hair growth serums that contain these ingredients. 

4 Tips for Your Safety 

While natural products for hair growth can be highly beneficial, it’s important to take a few basic precautions to stay safe. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind. 

1. Patch test first. If you’re trying a new ingredient, always perform a patch test before using it all over your scalp. (This is especially important if the product contains natural hair ingredients like essential oils or botanical extracts, which can cause sensitivity in some people.) 

Apply a small amount of the product to a small patch of skin, like the inside of your arm. Wait 24 hours to check for any redness, irritation, itching, or swelling. If there are no negative side effects, it should be safe to use on your scalp. 

2. Avoid heat styling. It’s best to avoid heat styling right after applying oils or heavy serums. Oils can heat up and cause damage to your hair strands, leading to breakage or burn. Instead, let your hair naturally absorb it for the best results. 

3. Don’t overapply. Whether you’re using an oil, serum, or mist, a little goes a long way. Using too much can make your hair look greasy or weighed down. Stick to the suggested amount for the best outcomes. 

4. Consult a professional. If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or scalp conditions, it’s always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or hair care professional before introducing new products to your routine.