This homemade hair serum is one of our most-saved recipes on Pinterest — and it’s easy to see why. It takes two minutes to make, uses ingredients you can find in any pharmacy or supermarket, and leaves dry hair softer and shinier.
We’ve updated the article to be honest about what to expect. No oil or serum can make hair grow dramatically faster — hair grows about 1 cm a month, and that rate is mostly set by genetics, hormones and overall health. What a good serum can do is moisturize your scalp, protect your hair from breaking, and help it look healthier while it grows.
Ingredients and What Each One Does
- Aloe vera gel: soothing and hydrating for a dry or itchy scalp.
- Coconut oil: one of the few oils shown to penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss, which helps prevent breakage.
- Castor oil: thick and very moisturizing; it coats the hair and adds shine. It’s popular for hair growth, but there’s no solid scientific proof that it speeds growth.
- Almond oil: light, softening, and makes hair easier to comb without breaking.
- Olive oil: adds moisture and softness, especially for dry ends.
- Vitamin E: an antioxidant that helps protect the oils from going rancid and adds extra conditioning.
Homemade Hair Serum Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted if solid)
- 6–7 drops castor oil
- 6–7 drops almond oil
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 vitamin E capsule
Instructions
- Add the aloe vera gel and melted coconut oil to a small bowl.
- Add the castor, almond and olive oil.
- Pierce the vitamin E capsule and squeeze in the contents.
- Mix well with a spoon until smooth.
Make it fresh: this recipe makes enough for one use. Because aloe vera gel is water-based and the mix has no preservative, mix a fresh batch each time, use it the same day and throw away any leftovers rather than storing them.
How to Use It
- Do a patch test first: apply a little behind your ear and wait 24 hours to make sure your skin doesn’t react.
- Apply the serum to your scalp and lengths in the evening.
- Massage your scalp gently for 4–5 minutes — massage is relaxing and helps spread the oil evenly.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap or old towel and leave it overnight (or at least 1 hour).
- Wash it out with shampoo — you may need to shampoo twice.
Use it once a week. If you have an oily scalp, apply it only to the lengths and ends.
What Results Can You Expect?
Realistic: softer, shinier hair, less dryness and frizz, fewer split ends and less breakage over time — which can make hair look longer and fuller as it grows.
Not realistic: “miracle” or “rapid” hair growth, regrowing bald patches, or stopping hair loss caused by hormones or health conditions.
A note from Dr. Angela
Hair loss in women is very common and often has a cause that can be treated — such as low iron, thyroid problems, hormonal changes (after pregnancy, with PCOS or in menopause), or stress. If you’re losing more hair than usual, notice thinning patches, or your hair loss started suddenly, please see your doctor and ask about blood tests before spending money on oils and serums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave it in without washing?
We don’t recommend it — the oils are heavy and can make your hair look greasy and clog your scalp. Always wash it out.
Can I add essential oils like rosemary?
Yes, 2–3 drops of rosemary oil are a popular addition. Essential oils can irritate the skin, so never use them undiluted and always do a patch test.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
The base oils and aloe vera are generally considered safe on the skin. Skip essential oils during pregnancy unless your doctor says they’re fine.
More Natural Hair Care
Save this recipe to your Pinterest hair care board so you can try it this weekend!
Too many people are oblivious to the fact that fast hair growth amino scalp therapy shampoos (obviously with no sulfates, no parabens or DEA) exist. We now may enjoy longer hair and enjoy more alternatives. Undoubtedly worth searching.
Whether you’re assessing alopecia, hair damage, preventing scalp disorders, hair growth, hair and scalp care in general, the same ideas apply.
In general, you should try to stay away from hair treatments and products that contain chemicals such as parabens, DEA and sulfates.
What’s good for your hair is healthy for your skin all the same.
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