Carrot oil (Daucus carota) is one of the most potent oils for strengthening hair, reversing extensive hair breakage, and promoting healthier hair growth.
Carrot isn’t just for chomping on while on a diet or a key ingredient in carrot cake. The oil from the carrot seeds also plays an important role in hair care.
Most people are used to carrots that are orange but did you know there are other varieties that produce purple, yellow, white, and red carrots?
What is Carrot Oil?
Carrot oil (aka carrot seed oil) is obtained from the dried seeds of the carrot via steam distillation. This method ensures the oil retains all of its nutrients.
Though the oil is obtained from the seeds, other parts of the plant can be used to produce oil as well.
Carrot oil can also be produced by macerating, boiling, and infusing carrots in a carrier oil.
Learn how to make carrot oil over at How to DIY Carrot Oil if you’re keen on trying it out at home.
Carrot oil contains high levels of beta-carotene. This is one of its best attributes.
Depending on which part of the plant is used, it may also contain vitamins A, C, E, K, and potassium.
Authentic carrot oil is a yellow/amber color with an earthy odor.
The nutrients in carrot oil help hair retain moisture, strengthen hair from the roots, prevent split ends, and promote shiny hair.
Is Carrot Oil Good for Hair?
Carrot oil is very good for the hair and can help eliminate damage and strengthen weak hair. It’s one of the top ingredients in Iyanu Premium Hair Growth Oil.
Even drinking carrot juice can make a difference in hair health. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A.
These are powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage and boost hair texture and volume.
Note that too much carrot juice can cause carotenemia, a condition where the skin takes on a yellow tint. 4 oz of carrot juice daily is the best amount to consume.
CARROT JUICE
What Are the Benefits of Carrot Oil for Hair?
1. Strengthens Hair
The beta-carotene content in carrot oil, a precursor for vitamin A, strengthens weak hair and encourages a healthy scalp.
A healthy dose of beta-carotene also promotes hair growth. Over time, expect carrot oil to eliminate breakage completely.
2. Prevents Split Ends
Still on the beta-carotene content of carrot oil, it prevents split ends by protecting the hair from factors that lead to split ends such as dryness and exposure to the elements.
3. Nourishes and Conditions Hair
Blended with the right natural oils, carrot oil can help nourish and condition the hair and boost scalp circulation scalp while also promoting hair growth.
4. Improves Hair Texture
Carrot oil also improves hair texture over time and makes it smoother, enhances shine, and softens hair. Carrot oil is very good for high porosity hair.
5. Full of Antioxidants
In addition to beta-carotene, carrot oil is also rich in vitamins B, C, D, E, and K. Antioxidants protect the hair and skin from damage.
6. May Have Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties
In this study, it was discovered carrot oil may also possess antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. This is a good thing for the hair and especially the scalp.
Its inclusion in your hair regimen means carrot oil can also optimize your scalp health.
Carrot Oil Recipes for Hair Growth
Conditioning and Strengthening Treatment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seed oil
- 1 teaspoon of carrot oil
- 5 drops of rosehip seed oil
Directions
Step 1 – Prepare Oil
Measure the carrot oil, rosehip seed oil, and pumpkin seed oil into a small cosmetic bowl and heat gently over a bowl of boiling water.
Step 2 – Apply To Hair
Apply to clean hair and scalp. Massage thoroughly until absorbed and you feel like your scalp is heated.
Layer any creamy moisturizing conditioner you have on hand over the oil treatment. Massage into hair again.
Step 3 – Steam Hair
When every strand is thoroughly coated, pin up your hair and sit under a hair steamer for 30 – 45 minutes.
Rinse out with lukewarm water and say hello to soft and moisturized hair. With repeated treatments, expect your hair to grow stronger, reduction in split ends, and elimination of breakage.
Hot Oil Treatment for Hair Growth
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of carrot oil
- 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seed oil
- 2 tablespoons of castor oil
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Directions
Step 1 – Prepare Oil
Mesure the carrot oil, pumpkin seed oil, castor oil, and coconut oil into a small cosmetic bowl and heat over a bowl of hot water.
Step 2 – Apply To Hair
Section your hair into smaller parts and apply the oil mix directly to your scalp. Make sure every part of your scalp area is covered.
Massage your scalp thoroughly with these tips then cover your hair with a shower cap for up to an hour. You can also sit under a hairdryer for about 15 minutes.
Step 2 – Cleanse Hair
Follow up with a mild moisturizing shampoo and deep condition afterward.
You can repeat this treatment once a week while you can massage the oil mix into your scalp every few days and leave it in.
What Oils Go With Carrot Oil?
The best oils to mix with carrot oil include:-
If you usually like to add essential oils to everything, lavender essential oil, neroli essential oil, and ylang-ylang essential oil work well with carrot oil.
Use carrot oil in moderation as too much of it can lead to greasy hair.
Can Carrot Oil Help Hair Grow?
Yes, carrot oil can help hair grow. It’s one of the oils that’s featured in the hair loss chapter in How to Grow Your Hair Healthy and Long with Natural Oils.
Use the oil mix recommended in the hot oil treatment above or mix and match with other recommended oils from the hair loss archives.
When it comes to recovering from hair loss, you should definitely include carrot oil in your hair care regimen.
Related Content
- Top Products with Carrot Oil to Help Hair Fight Breakage
- Why Beta-carotene is Essential for Resolving Hair Breakage Issues
Best Carrot Oil Brands
A great selection of carrot oil includes Fushi Wellbeing Organic Carrot Oil, Shea Terra Organics Carrot Seed Oil, Leven Rose Carrot Seed Oil, and Poppy Austin Carrot Seed Oil.
Fushi Wellbeing Organic Carrot Oil
Shea Terra Organics Egyptian Carrot Seed Oil
Leven Rose Carrot Seed Oil
Poppy Austin Carrot Seed Oil
Where To Buy Carrot Oil for Hair?
Carrot oil is a speciality oil so it’s not usually something you would find in regular grocery stores. You can buy carrot oil at the following online retailers:-
My Favourite Carrot Oil Beauty Products
- Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil in Cream
- Yes To Carrots Nourishing Shampoo
- Iyanu Premium Hair Growth Oil
- The Mane Choice Green Tea & Carrot Deep Strengthening & Restore Mask
- The Rose Tree Carrot & Mango Cleansing Butter
- Violet Leaf Hair Balm
- Yes to Carrots Rich Body Butter
More Hair Growth Resources
Carrot Oil FAQs
Can You Use Carrot Oil Daily?
It’s best to use carrot oil no more than 3 – 5 times a week. Do not saturate your hair or scalp with it and you should cleanse and deep condition every weekend if you use carrot oil every few days.
Overuse of carrot oil will cause build-up and make your hair and scalp greasy. It might also lead to dry scalp.
Does Carrot Oil Change Hair Color?
Carrot oil can’t really change hair color. It might provide a light tint to lighter hair like blonds and enhance darker hair colors but it won’t change hair color.
Overuse might also give the scalp a yellowish tint.
How To Make Homemade Carrot Oil for Hair
You only need macerated carrots, suitable carrier oils, essential oils, and a few tools for homemade carrot oil.
You can find a great recipe for this at How Do You Make Carrot Oil for Hair.
How Long Does Carrot Oil Take To Work?
As with all things you try on your hair, how long it takes to work depends on your current hair issues, giving up bad hair care practices, and consistency with use.
If you practice healthy hair care habits and remain consistent with use, you should start to see results from using carrot oil within 6 – 8 weeks.
References
Abi is a curly hair expert who delved into the world of natural oils after severe hair loss issues. Through her research, study, and testing, she was able to regrow her bald spots & a healthy head of hair. She is the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Ade Ori Hair Care, and the author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She continues to study hair science, Ayurveda, and natural and healthy solutions for hair and skin. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines…
This post contains affiliate links which means I will make a small commission if you purchase through those links. Read full disclosure HERE.