Is Carrot Oil Good for Your Hair?

A popular treatment said to nourish and grow hair

Carrot oil is a widely used hair remedy available in several varieties and applied in different ways. It’s reputed to nourish hair, although this is largely based on personal reports. Users often say it softens hair, speeds growth, shields hair from damage, and more. Carrot oil is found in multiple forms:

• essential oil extracted from carrot seeds
• oil pressed from the carrot root
• a range of commercial products and treatments

Carrot oil is rich in vitamin A, vitamin E, and beta-carotene — nutrients considered important for hair health.

What are the benefits?

Drawing on anecdotal accounts, carrot oil may encourage hair to grow faster and appear thicker. Those who wish to maintain length and minimize split ends might find carrot oil helpful. Conditioning hair with carrot oil is also said to enhance texture, giving hair more shine, smoothness, and a softer feel.

Others using carrot oil report it helps reduce hair shedding by strengthening follicles at the scalp. Its vitamin content could offer some protection against environmental damage, including UV exposure and pollution. By improving blood flow to the scalp, carrot oil might also support healthier hair from root to tip.

Advocates describe carrot oil as mild and restorative. Its slightly sweet scent makes it easy to blend with other essential oils for a personalized rinse or treatment.

shows that carrot oil has antibacterial properties against a variety of bacteria and fungus. People experiencing dandruff and dry scalp may find relief from their symptoms when they treat their hair periodically with carrot oil. Using naturally occurring oils on your scalp, particularly if it’s dry, can stimulate the production of your own body’s oil, or sebum.

What are the risks?

There’s limited research on the risks and benefits of carrot oil. Given the anecdotal nature of most reports, it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider before starting regular use of carrot oil.

As with any topical preparation, carrot oil can cause allergic reactions. Before applying it to your hair, perform a patch test on a small skin area, such as the inside of your forearm or behind your neck. Always mix carrot essential oil with a carrier oil like grapeseed or coconut oil before skin application. Leave the diluted mixture on for at least 24 hours to check for a reaction. If none appears, it’s generally safe to proceed with a hair treatment. If you notice an allergic response, discontinue use and seek medical advice.

Although carrot oil doesn’t seem to tint dark hair orange, excessive use could discolor the scalp. Overapplication on blonde or light-colored hair may produce a similar effect. Some people use carrot juice as a natural dye for hair.

Traditionally, carrot oil has been used both topically and internally in folk remedies. The main health concern from internal use is the potential for psychoactive effects due to a compound called myristicin. Such effects would occur only if carrot oil were ingested in large amounts.

Researchers who studied the effects of myristicin in nutmeg reported the compound to be of low toxicity for humans. They noted that substantial doses — around 6 or 7 milligrams — could cause intoxication. Given the tiny quantities present in carrot oil, one would need to ingest very large amounts to experience such effects. Nonetheless, further study is warranted.

The carotol component of carrot oil has been shown in one study to exhibit moderate cytotoxicity depending on its source. While exact risks aren’t specified, those seeking gentle, non-toxic hair-care options may prefer alternative treatments.

Excessive internal consumption of carrot oil can induce nausea and vomiting. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid ingesting carrot oil. People with asthma or epilepsy should also refrain from internal use.

How to use carrot oil for hair

You can apply carrot oil to your hair about twice weekly. Buy a ready-made product or mix your own treatment at home.

Create a hair mask, rinse, or deep conditioner using carrot essential oil. For a straightforward oil treatment, dilute 3–4 drops of carrot essential oil in 2–4 tablespoons of coconut oil (or another carrier like grapeseed). Massage it into your scalp and work it through the lengths with your fingers. Then comb it, cover with a plastic cap, and leave it on for an hour or two before shampooing out.

Alternatively, make a rinse by combining 3–4 drops of carrot oil with 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. After shampooing, shake the mixture and pour it over your hair as a final rinse. Let it sit for five minutes before rinsing again.

Many commercial carrot-oil products are formulated to be left in between washes and come as oils, serums, or creams. Only the essential oil needs dilution. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for any prepared carrot-oil products.

Does it work?

Based on user reports, carrot oil:

• restores moisture to hair and scalp
• reduces frizz
• softens and smooths hair texture
• may speed up hair growth
• helps shield hair from damage

Some people with fine or thin hair report that it adds volume. Many users notice effects quickly — sometimes after the first one or two applications.

Considering anecdotal feedback and the limited studies available, carrot oil may be useful for occasional to regular application on hair and scalp.