I have been natural since 2008 and in all my years of caring for my own hair and writing about the ups and downs of natural hair care, I have never heard of anyone using Vicks vapor rub on their natural hair until now.
We have had a few strange things that women swear by for hair growth including the infamous Monistat Vaginal cream which we have debated to death; As well as a variety of hair products and creams that have claimed to give increased and fast hair growth with a number of side effects.
To add to that list, recently, I have been seeing videos on youtube with women trying Vicks Vapor rub on their hair and scalp for faster hair growth. When I did a quick search it seemed like the trend has been around for years but was recently popularised on youtube by one YouTuber who used it on her daughter’s hair to increase her hair growth.
She has 5 videos on the topic, and I will allow you to search for them yourself but here is a FAQ video she did recently where she talks about using the cough suppressant on the scalp:
Watch:
My thoughts
One of the active ingredients in Vicks Vapor rub is Camphor and when used topically increases local blood flow which might be the reason you may see some growth. Vicks also contains Menthol and Eucalyptus oil which when used topically can also increase blood flow to the areas applied and create growth acceleration.
In addition to that, you will also see warnings that state not to apply camphor to broken skin because it can enter the body quickly and reach concentrations that are high enough to cause poisoning. Vicks also contains petroleum which is still used in the natural hair community by some while others avoid it like the plague.
Now that we have that out of the way, to be fair I have never been a supporter of quick fixes for hair growth especially with products that may have some side effects because they are designed for other uses.
I truly believe that hair growth it is a very natural process driven by your overall health and genetics. Vitamins, healthy proteins, fats, exercise are all safe and natural components that are directly related to the growth of your hair.
In addition to that, there are way too many natural oils that are extracted from natural sources that can be used as part of a healthy hair growth regimen.
I personally would not use Vicks on my scalp nor would I suggest that you do, instead, make a potent hair growth oil mix for yourself and use that to help with hair growth if you are really focused on seeing results. If you need a recipe click here!
Would you use Vicks Vapor Rub on your scalp? Comment below!
no we are not
youre only supposed to leave it on for 15 minutes before washing the hair. i havent tried tho.
The hell….NO!!
No
Nope
I’ve also heard of vaginal creams like Monistat. Yeah, um. No thank you
Monistat actually works but can get a bit expensive though.
I’ve wondered, especially for someone like me who has to deal with scalp issues, if it would help me. I guess I have a hard time getting past the intended use, lol. But also with that and the Vicks, you would have to use a clarifying, detoxifying, or purifying shampoo to wash it completely out of the hair. Otherwise the buildup would become a problem
Dawn Roberts-Bryant I always mixed it with another oil like coconut or olive oil and never had problems with buildup because I used it very sparingly
Oh and I did use a clarifying shampoo once in a while while using it also it helps with stuff like dandruff and psoriasis if you suffer from that
Awesome! Thank you so much for sharing!
Lmao!! I hate using that when I’m sick. Definitely not putting it in my hair.
Wondering what’s in Vicks Vapor Rub..Hmmm Tea Tree Oil perhaps??? Opens those pores to stimulate hairgrowth perhaps? Haaaaaa!!
Exactly!
It has camphor and eucalyptus — both of which are great for blood flow — so I guess! ♀️
Hmmmm
Issa No!
If y’all don’t just go out and buy some damn eucalyptus oil that’s the active ingredient. Since the oil is so “tingly,” it opens the pores and stimulates the scalp. Y’all don’t have to use petroleum on your scalp just to get that effect (since petroleum clogs your pores anyways). Just get some coconut oil and mix some eucalyptus oil in there, apply to your scalp, and voila. Same results, but you don’t have to wash this out after a certain amount of time.
Exactly thank you, get the oil and leave that petroleum aloooooooone
Add it to ur shampoo when u do
Thanks for this comment because I won’t be be buying vapor rub
Tangala Troublefield You’re welcome! Keep in mind it’s the pure therapeutic grade eucalyptus oil. You can also use rosemary, peppermint, or frankincense oil if you’d like.
Thatpart
Grease been working for years and years. I think not.
I recently saw a natural hair post about coconut oil not being good for natural hair.
Help?
Tonya Jefferson Lynch for some women it causes an allergic reaction, for some especially those with low porosity hair — it can cause dryness. If it works for you then keep using it — because when it works it really works.
Petroleum does not clog your pores. I’m sure your mother used grease or something with petroleum on your hair when you was younger and your hair was just fine.
EmilyCottonTop Thanks!
I started back using grease on my kids hair so glad I did
Petroleum does typically clog your pores because it’s occlusive, meaning that it creates a barrier on the skin. That’s why I’d recommend using a carrier oil (olive, coconut if you’re not allergic) or even shea butter with the essential oils because those things are not occlusive.
But hey, everyone’s different, so whatever works for you. ♀️
Nope.
Tonya Jefferson Lynch coconut oil can not stand alone it needs another oil
Coconut oil can stand alone if you’re using it on your scalp, but if you’re going to use it for your actual hair, you’d want to use a sealant… maybe shea butter.
looking at these comments makes me understand even more now why cancer,alopecia etc..is out if control ♀️
NO! NO and NOOOOOO
and then will come a advertising saying use shit and poop makes your hair grow 3times faster than usual and everyone is going to use it hahaha
Arlene IPerez
Comment below:
It has camphor and eucalyptus — both of which are great for blood flow — so I guess! ♀️
Y’all do it first!!
they did. read comments above ☝️☝️
I used to grease my children’s father hair with this in the 1978. My neighbor I’d 68 and her hair natural and she uses sulfur 8 and dark brown pro style gel to grease her scalp
Issa strong no for me
Some were doing Monistat why not this
I’m not but I did see this on YouTube. Hell nawl
I just started using this for about 3 weeks now. I will say that it DOES make your hair grow fast. I only use it at night around my nape/edges. It sorta reminds me of “DR. MIRACLES”! I also use “WILD HAIR GROWTH” during the day under my cornrows. I’ve been evaluating what would grow it faster….so far the VICKS is winning.
thank you for that info
Yes; the same here. around my edges and center, Vick is winning..
Debra Ann Goidwin Your right!! I mean…don’t PACK it on…lol But it does work! I’ve been doing a little at a time and it truly works! ]
It works for me to. I love it
Kadian RobinsonThomas It smells like “MEDICATED HELL” lol But it works!
So you about to have me going to buy Vicks and rubbing those edges at night lol
LaQueya Shaneya It really does work!! Promise!! It works a lot faster..TO ME….than the wild hair growth. I’m experimenting still.
Kayla George yes wild hair growth is ok. I’ve used it for a while for my sew ins
LaQueya Shaneya I think i’m about to mix my own concoction and see how it works…and bottle it up…and sell it!!! lol #hustledreams
Let me know what you Mix up
Kayla George
Lol….I will!!! I’m going to find the true serum for hair growth!!!
Wow..will try it
Kay Bromfield Try it…but in moderation!!! A little at a time to help your scalp adjust to the “TINGLE” sensation.
I tried it once ♀️ i liked the tingly feeling lol. Left it on for like 30 minutes then washed my hair like normal.
Erin Ceesay have you heard of this?
No…..strong smell to sit by someone.
How does freakin Monistat make hair grow?!?!
It doesn’t. I guess it is useful, if you have a fungal infection on your scalp and can’t afford to see a physician.
No! Vicks Vapor Rub has been found to be toxic. Women who chemically process their hair have had autopsies that show the chemical seeping in through there scalp. Please do not put toxic chemicals this close to your brain!
If its going through your nasal passages (like it will in normal use) it’s close to ur brain. U not making sense.
I can’t laugh
Danielle Williams cause Vicks isn’t good for that either. Just cause it’s common doesn’t mean it’s good. 2 drops pure Eucalyptus oil in a basin of boil water. Towel over head. Sit till water cools. Let the Vicks go.
It actually says NOT to put it under your nose, although that’s what we all do.
Damn near everything we eat, drink and breathe is toxic.
Also you are supposed to rub Vicks on your chest.
I say do what works for u.
When I was a teen we used to mix glovers mane (dog mane) with our hair grease. It smelled bad but it did wonders.
how funny cuz we stuck it on our chest and it still goes in thru our nose. hehehe.
why are we always doing things the direction says not to?
well I can say our products of today are not like our grandparents products. they are not made with the same stuff. so yea I can see mayne switch stuff up now a days.
M Hakikah Shamsideen that wasn’t the point but ok
You put it on your chest and when you BREATHE it goes in your nose! What am I missing?
I don’t know Danielle Williams.
Whelp…the price for Vicks gone skyrocket
Better buy some Vicks stock
if you tried this let’s say back in the days. when the stuff was pure. I would say yes try it. but now a days no. but I would go to the co-op and get the oil and mix it up and use it that way.
……nah…..im not doin this!!!
Yeah right
I am tired of these slave remedies disguised as mother wit wisdom. Everything on the internet isn’t correct. Sometimes it’s just somebody typing info somewhere. A good way to grow hair? Stop obsessing over every inch, good nutrition and increased water intake. And find out how to use essential oils correctly, otherwise you will be bald!
Slave remedies got us through alot of illnesses and other obstacles though
Absolutely
Actual the medicinal uses of camphor and eucalyptus is astounding it’s very good for the skin. So those were some smart slaves
Noemí E. Martínez de Pinto oye mira edto
Nah son! Imma pass on this one.
Who comes up with this stuff tho? Who wakes up one day and just thinks “I’m gonna try to put some vicks vapor in my hair and see what happens”
So true..lolol
The thing I think people are getting confused about is it’s not supposed to be applied to your, but your scalp to open your pores. I agree with the person who said use eucalyptus oil. It’s the same effects
Cossandra Vann lol too far
Walking around smelling sick. Lol
Netra Blue What you think about this?
It’s would be like using anything with peppermint oil. Stimulating the scalp, promoting blood flow.
Netra Blue hmmm….may need to try this?
Imma just have to be bald
Uh no lol
Isn’t it nothing but eucalyptus oil and petroleum jelly? Lol
foolish or not; I started using it after reviewing a few you tube videos about 46 days ago and have seen hair growth in that short aount of time . (I am using the Kids Vicks since that is the only thing I had). I am on insulin and high blood pressure medication which has affected my hair growth, so I was a little thirsty and willing to try anything). I really began seeing results when I put the vicks on my freshly washed hair and my plastic cap overnight. I usually let the viks stay in overnight and wash out in the morning. I can’t wait to see what happens in 3 months.
If you use oil in your hair, just mix mentholated oils with it; eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint… You’ll get the same results without the toxins. I use Jamaican black castor oil and add tea tree, Rosemary and peppermint oils with it. I’ve had clients go from ear length to bra strap.
Massage the oil wherever you’re losing the hair (those battery operated scalp massagers are good) at least twice a week and try not to manipulate your hair too much.
thank you Teresa Vasquez! I have been using JBCO and Tea tree oil and saw minimal growth; but this vicks really is growing my hair out — i just don’t like the heaviness of the petrolum jelly. I’m going to order those oils today!
I just started putting it on my 6mo, ball spot, in the back of her head. Where the hair rubbed out, from being on her back.
I wouldn’t try anything tingling on a 6 month old or even a child under 12. Their skin isn’t like adult skin or scalp and they can verbalize what they feel sometimes until it’s too late.
I’ve been using Vic’s on her chest, when she gets sick and there have been no adverse affects. I’m very in tuned to if she is comfortable or not. Also, my mother is a nurse and I trust her opinion on what’s safe or not. Thank you for your concern, but things are going well.
BTW, you do know that Vic’s makes a baby rub.
Oooh sis..please don’t use this on your baby’s precious skin…They get bald spots from laying in the same position often…it will eventually grow in. This is too strong of a product… the best to you and your little one
Thanks, but no thanks for those advising me to not use it for my baby. I’m pretty comfortable with my decision. Your advice is unsolicited.
Leilani Dennis I would like to see the results. glad you found something that is working for you and your baby..
Thanks Kocco Marjani, I’d be happy to share the results on this feed. I will be sure, to come back and do so.
Cretia Mays
Ga damit I’m so done with bp and hair! uuuggghhh bat shit crazy
my great grandma ate it when she had a cold,i wonder if that is how she caught cancer……you can simply mix eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil and cold pressed coconut oil or babassu oil
Shanty Morgz Savanna Lei Jazzie Indigo
It’s truth
Petroleum jelly and essential oil of Eucalyptus ain’t growing a dam Thang!!!
#attentionseekers
I’m not gonna lie I use Vicks a lot. But I’m not putting it in my hair.
Rosalina Picolé acreditas ?
♀️♀️♀️♀️♀️ não não né ?
This is just another fad that will come and go in a few months. Then you will see some hair company will use this in their ingredients which will target black women. Which will make them money. This is one of the dumbest thing yet. I guess next time everybody will start putting gasoline on their scalp to open their pores
Do you remember the monistat phase a year or two ago?
Absolutely NiNi Campbell
Stop it!! Why not try something natural. #BuyBlack
https://www.etsy.com/listing/499701800/luxe-transformative-hairdress
Tea tree, Rosemary oil, Peppermint oil, lavender oil and eucalyptus essential oil all help stimulate blood flow which helps hair to grow…but putting vaporub on your scalp is just crazy.
Nope
DOING TOO MUCH!
Biotin vitamins or prenatal vitamins got my hair and nails growing beautifully..skin cleared too.
My mom mix her hair gease with it
L’leta van Gom?
I like Nebraska ‘s comment. Try with coconut and eucalyptus oil?!
Amber Babilove Bryan Ashley Renee Dickson
I feel it burning as we speak
Oh hell to the no!
I refuse to walk around smelling like somebody’s flu recovery regiment. So that’s a no from me.
Kashina Iam Favored ♀️
Wow!!!
i use honey mayo eggs sulfur 8 and a liitle bit of shea moisture conditioner
I don’t understand why people are quick to dismiss it. You can put it on your feet, your chest, your top lip, and your temples. But putting it on your scalp is absurd You cook your food in coconut oil and EVOO, but it’s okay to put that in your hair. I understand that Vicks has petroleum jelly, but so does hair grease and people use that. Vicks has a loud smell just as tea tree oil.
Not to say that I use it, but I’m not quick to dismiss it either. Just baffles me. To each is own.
Damn I know mama uses it for everything sick but, umm that’s ok.
NO
I’ll pass!
Side effects
Well i know it will open up your pours
Ppl laughing, but I’ve been using Vic’s on my scalp, mixed with coconut oil…..very thin layer…..I have an autoimmune disorder, my immune system attacks my hair follicles…..this, along with a few other things, keeps the pain and inflammation at bay.
When I was transitioning in 2011, almost every blog I read on natural hair talked about using either Vick’s vapor rub or Monistat 7. Instructions were to mix it in your grease and “grease your scalp” with it.
Genetics and patience i say
Bri Williams
Nelly Nell u ever heard of this!.. read the comments
Hmmm
Alexandria try this!!