This $12, Inflammation-Fighting ‘Growth Oil’ Hydrated My Scalp and Made My Hair a Full Inch Longer

As a commerce writer, I’ve reviewed many hair products over the years, but few have come as highly recommended—from both beauty lovers and my own hairstylist—as Mane Choice Growth Oil. It’s one of the brand’s consistent bestsellers, with shoppers praising its ability to stop breakage and strengthen their strands from root to tip. After hearing so much about the product, I had to know: What makes it so magical, and does it really live up to the hype? To find out, I took it for a months-long test drive.

Despite the name, the product is not a growth solution, nor does it claim to be one. Rather, it’s a potent nourishing oil that focuses on improving the condition of your scalp. It hydrates it, removes build-up, and gives your scalp a significant boost of nutrients so that your hair has the best chance to thrive in every way. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, that’s the secret of most hair oils: They don’t cause hair growth directly, but they can replenish your hair’s moisture levels and help create the right conditions to make it happen. 

“Nourishing oils can soothe the scalp to create a moisturized environment that encourages hair growth,” says Dr. Zeichner. “The oils can also hydrate and soften the hair itself to minimize frizz and breakage.”

TIP

With the Well+Good SHOP, you can now add products to your cart right from this article page. Just click on the product below and more details will pop up in a new window. Hit “add to cart” and voila! That’s it! As you read more SHOP articles, you can keep adding products to your cart and check out when you’re ready (look for the cart icon on the right side of your screen).

The Mane Choice The Alpha Multi-Vitamin Scalp Nourishing Growth Oil — $12.00

What makes the formula so special is the inclusion of vitamins C and D. Vitamin C, especially, can play a huge role in helping to maintain the health of your hair. First, it helps neutralize the free radicals and oxidative stress that weaken and damage your hair. And second, it helps to reduce inflammation. 

“Inflammation is not your skin’s friend,” says Dr. Zeichner. “In the scalp, it interferes with optimal follicle activity, which means slower hair growth or even shedding in some cases. Prevention of inflammation with antioxidants can help encourage the hair follicles to function to the best of their ability.” 

First Impressions

The formula is pretty flawless, and its consistency is neither too thick nor too thin.  It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly into your scalp, so you don’t have to worry about the oil running down your face.  The key is to use a small amount of product and massage it into your scalp—just two to three drops should be enough to treat your edges, though you may want to add more if you’re looking to cover your entire head. Thankfully, the bottle comes equipped with a handy applicator nozzle that allows you to continuously pour the oil directly onto your scalp. 

Over the past three months, I used the oil religiously day and night to moisturize my scalp. I wear my hair in braids most of the year, so it’s crucial that I hydrate my scalp as much as possible—otherwise, I run the risk of my hair becoming super dry and breaking off when I get it re-braided. I also have a kinkier curl pattern, which is naturally prone to dryness and breakage. Because of my hair’s texture, I was able to apply ample product without worrying that it would make my scalp greasy. 

Results

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised at what a little hydration each day could do for the health of my hair. When I switched my style from braids to an afro after using the oil for three months, I noticed that my hair was less parched and brittle than it had been originally. The dry and rough texture that I usually see when I expose my natural hair was now soft and smooth, especially around my edges, where I applied the most oil. Also, my hair had gotten visibly longer, and there was about an inch of healthy growth.

I’m not the only one who experienced noticeable changes after integrating the oil into my regular routine. One five-star reviewer at Target, for example, raved about how well the oil helped thicken their curly hair.

“Great oil!” they wrote. “My scalp doesn’t feel oily or clogged up when I use it. I put it on right after I shower and massage it in. Basically everyday use since it’s very lightweight. I have been using it for a couple of months to lengthen my hair to my waist and thicken the amount of hair I have. I will definitely buy again. (I have curly hair btw and to give my hair some rest from other products, I like to use this oil once a week all over my hair like a leave-in, and it feels great) Overall, it definitely made my scalp and hair healthier.”

And while some Target shoppers called out the oil’s greasiness, this didn’t appear to be a major dealbreaker for most (it certainly wasn’t for me). One reviewer noted the product helped improve their hair length.

“I’ve been using this product for about a year now,” they wrote. “I use a combination of this oil with a little bit of castor oil and apply it to my scalp and massage for 5-10 minutes after I come out of the shower. I then braid my hair in 2 braids to lock in the oil and sleep in them. I apply the oil about twice a week and my hair has grown sooo much !! I definitely recommend trying this product.”

Shop it above to experience these same noticeable differences for yourself.

Want to be the first to hear about the latest (and greatest) SHOP product drops, custom collections, discounts, and more? Sign up to have the intel delivered straight to your inbox.