Hair care trends: The effectiveness of adding oils to shampoo

While adding oils directly to shampoo is a popular social media trend for strengthening thin hair, experts note that the effectiveness depends heavily on the type of oil and the method of application.

Research indicates that coconut oil can penetrate the hair structure and reduce protein loss, which helps protect existing hair from damage. However, this does not necessarily mean it strengthens follicles or stimulates new hair growth. Other popular options, such as argan and castor oils, lack conclusive evidence regarding their ability to significantly accelerate hair growth.

Adding oils to shampoo can also disrupt the carefully balanced cosmetic formula of the product, making its effects on the hair and scalp unpredictable. Furthermore, because shampoo is only held on the scalp for a short duration during washing, it may not provide sufficient time for the oil to act as an effective treatment.