You can make moringa oil at home by infusing crushed moringa seeds or dried leaves into a carrier oil over several weeks. The process is simple, requires no special equipment, and produces an oil rich in the same fatty acids and antioxidants that make moringa effective for hair growth. Here’s how to do it and how to use it.
Why Moringa Oil Works for Hair Growth
Moringa seed oil is roughly 77% oleic acid, a concentration comparable to olive oil. But what makes it particularly useful for hair is its combination of lauric acid and linoleic acid, two fatty acids with direct effects on hair follicles.
Lauric acid has a low molecular weight and high affinity for hair protein, which means it can actually penetrate the hair shaft rather than just sitting on the surface. Once inside, it nourishes the follicle and stimulates growth. Linoleic acid works differently: it increases the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, the tiny structures at the base of each follicle responsible for regenerating hair. Research published in the Pharmacognosy Journal found that linoleic acid promotes hair growth by triggering growth factors that push follicles into the active growth phase while suppressing signals that cause hair to thin and fall out.
Moringa oil also contains significantly more vitamin E (tocopherols) than most other plant oils. The alpha-tocopherol content averages about 132 mg per kilogram. Vitamin E improves blood circulation in the scalp by increasing oxygen uptake, which keeps follicles nourished and active. On top of that, the oil has antimicrobial properties that help clear dandruff, product buildup, and the kind of scalp inflammation that quietly slows hair growth over time.
The Cold Infusion Method (Best for Beginners)
This is the most reliable way to make moringa oil at home. It preserves the heat-sensitive nutrients, especially tocopherols, that degrade at high temperatures. Research on moringa oil extraction has confirmed that oleic acid and linoleic acid content remain stable regardless of temperature, but the antioxidants are another story. Low and slow is better.
What You Need
- 1 cup dried moringa seeds or leaves, crushed or ground. Seeds produce a richer oil closer to commercial moringa oil. Dried leaves work too but yield a lighter infusion.
- 2 cups carrier oil. Organic olive oil, sweet almond oil, or grapeseed oil all work well. Choose cold-pressed versions for the best nutrient retention.
- A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer for filtering.
- A dark glass bottle for storage.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by sterilizing your glass jar with boiling water and letting it dry completely. Moisture is the enemy here, as it promotes mold growth during the long infusion period.
If you’re using moringa seeds, remove the outer shells and crush the kernels with a mortar and pestle or pulse them briefly in a food processor. You want them broken open, not turned into a fine powder. If you’re using dried leaves, crumble them by hand into small pieces.
Place the crushed moringa material into the jar and pour the carrier oil over it, maintaining a 2:1 ratio of oil to moringa. The plant material should be fully submerged with at least an inch of oil above it. Any exposed material will oxidize and can develop mold.
Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark cabinet. Avoid windowsills or anywhere that gets direct sunlight, because heat and UV light break down the oil’s beneficial compounds. Shake the jar once every day for four to six weeks. This daily agitation ensures even infusion and prevents mold from forming on the surface.
After four to six weeks, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer into your dark glass storage bottle. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much oil as possible from the plant material. Discard the spent moringa. Your infused oil is ready to use.
A Faster Warm Infusion Option
If you don’t want to wait a month, you can speed up the process with gentle heat. Combine the same 2:1 ratio of carrier oil to moringa material in a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Keep the temperature low, around 100 to 120°F (38 to 49°C). Stir occasionally and let it infuse for two to three hours. Strain while warm through cheesecloth into a dark bottle.
This method extracts the fatty acids effectively but sacrifices some of the antioxidant content. It’s a reasonable trade-off if you need the oil quickly.
How to Apply It for Hair Growth
For active hair growth, apply your moringa oil two to three times per week. For general maintenance once your hair is in good shape, once a week is enough. More frequent use than that can lead to oil buildup on the scalp, which defeats the purpose.
Warm a small amount of oil between your palms (about a tablespoon for medium-length hair) and massage it directly into your scalp using your fingertips in small circular motions. Spend at least two to three minutes on the massage itself, as the physical stimulation helps increase blood flow to the follicles. Work any remaining oil through the lengths of your hair, focusing on dry or damaged ends.
For normal hair, leave the oil on for one to two hours before washing it out with a gentle shampoo. If your hair is particularly dry or damaged, leave it on overnight with a cotton scarf or old pillowcase to protect your bedding. The longer contact time allows the lauric acid to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store your homemade moringa oil in a dark glass bottle at room temperature, ideally around 86°F (30°C) or below. At this temperature, the oil stays stable and resists oxidation. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources like stovetops or sunny counters.
Homemade infused moringa oil stays good for about six months when stored properly. After that point, the fatty acids begin to break down and the oil can turn rancid. You’ll know it’s gone bad if it develops an unpleasant, sharp smell that’s noticeably different from when you first made it. Making smaller batches more frequently is better than making a large batch that sits too long.
Choosing Seeds vs. Leaves
Moringa seeds produce an oil much closer to commercial cold-pressed moringa oil. The seed kernels contain the highest concentrations of oleic acid, lauric acid, and tocopherols. If hair growth is your primary goal, seeds are the better choice.
Dried moringa leaves are easier to find (many health food stores carry moringa leaf powder) and still contain beneficial compounds, but the resulting infusion is milder. Leaf-based infusions work well as a lightweight conditioning treatment but deliver lower concentrations of the fatty acids that directly stimulate follicle activity. If leaves are all you can source, use them. Just know the results will be more gradual. Moringa seeds are available online from specialty herb suppliers and are worth seeking out if you want the strongest possible oil.