I have a bad habit of buying every trending hair oil and letting them collect dust on my shelf. Last year, I had three bottles lined up — batana oil, castor oil, and rosemary oil. Instead of picking one and calling it a day, I decided to actually test all three at the same time, on the same head, under the same conditions.
I divided my hair into three sections and applied a different oil to each section for 90 straight days. Same shampoo, same diet, same sleep schedule. The only variable was the oil.
What happened surprised me — especially in month two.
Here is the full breakdown.
Why I Chose These Three Oils
These are not random picks. Batana oil, castor oil, and rosemary oil are the three most searched natural oils for hair growth right now — and each one works through a completely different mechanism.
- Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which research suggests may reduce scalp inflammation and improve blood circulation around hair follicles. A 2021 review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology highlighted ricinoleic acid as a potential aid for scalp health.
- Rosemary oil has been compared directly to minoxidil (a clinical hair loss treatment) in a 2015 study published in SKINmed Journal. Participants who used rosemary oil for six months saw comparable improvements in hair count to those using 2% minoxidil.
- Batana oil comes from the American oil palm (Elaeis oleifera) and has been used for generations by the Miskito people of Honduras — a community known for naturally thick, long hair. It is dense in oleic acid, linoleic acid, and vitamin E, which support deep moisture retention and strand repair.
How I Set Up the Test
I split my hair into three even sections — left side, right side, and crown.
- Left side → Batana oil (applied as a deep conditioning mask, 30 minutes before washing, 3x per week)
- Right side → Castor oil (massaged directly into the scalp, left overnight, 3x per week)
- Crown → Rosemary oil (diluted in jojoba oil at 2%, massaged into scalp, 3x per week — never apply undiluted rosemary oil directly to skin)
I took photos under the same lighting every two weeks. I also tracked shedding by counting hairs on my brush after each wash.
Month One — Slow Start, Early Signs
Weeks 1–4
Honestly? Not much happened visually in month one. This is normal — hair growth cycles run on their own schedule, and no oil changes that overnight.
What I did notice:
- The batana oil side felt noticeably softer after the first week. My hair stopped snapping when I detangled it. Split ends looked less ragged.
- The castor oil side had the heaviest feel. It took two washes to fully remove it. My scalp did feel less itchy by week three.
- The rosemary oil side had the lightest texture. No change in appearance yet, but my scalp felt fresh and tingly after each application — a sign of increased circulation.
Shedding count stayed roughly the same across all three sections.
Month Two — The Real Differences Started Showing
Weeks 5–8
This is where things got interesting.
The batana oil section showed the most visible texture improvement. New baby hairs appeared along my hairline — fine strands I had not seen in months. The hair felt stronger between washes and had a natural shine I was not expecting from a conditioning treatment.
The castor oil section showed early thickening. Individual strands felt slightly coarser (which is actually a sign of increased cortex density). But it was still hard to tell photographically.
The rosemary oil crown showed the first real length progress. About half an inch of growth in eight weeks — which is roughly on pace with normal growth. But the density around my part line looked fuller. Less scalp showing through.
This was the moment I started taking the test seriously.
Month Three — Final Results
Weeks 9–12
By day 90, here is what I documented:
| Section | Texture | Shedding | New Growth | Overall Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batana Oil | Significantly softer, less breakage | Reduced by ~40% | Baby hairs visible | Best for damaged/dry hair |
| Castor Oil | Thicker strands, heavier | Reduced by ~25% | Moderate | Best for scalp stimulation |
| Rosemary Oil | Unchanged texture | Reduced by ~30% | Best length gain | Best for growth stimulus |
The batana oil side won for overall hair health — less breakage, better moisture, and visible new growth at the hairline. My ends looked repaired rather than just coated.
The rosemary oil section had the best length retention and scalp improvement.
The castor oil section improved thickness but required the most effort to apply and remove cleanly.
Which Oil Should You Actually Use?
Here is the honest answer: it depends on what your hair actually needs.
Choose batana oil if:
- Your hair breaks easily or feels dry and rough
- You have split ends or heat-damaged strands
- You want something that works as a full conditioning treatment, not just a scalp oil
Choose rosemary oil if:
- Your main goal is length and scalp circulation
- Your hair is not damaged but simply slow to grow
- You want something lightweight and easy to rinse
Choose castor oil if:
- Your scalp feels inflamed or flaky
- You want to thicken individual strands over time
- You are comfortable with a heavier oil and longer wash routines
And here is what I actually recommend now: use batana oil as your treatment mask and rosemary oil as your scalp oil. They target completely different things — one repairs, the other stimulates. Running both simultaneously is not redundant. It is complementary.
If you want to take it a step further, pairing a good hair growth serum alongside your oil routine can address the follicle level while the oils work on the shaft and scalp surface. That combination covers every angle.
Why Choose KoalaKits36 for Your Hair Care Needs
Finding products that are honest about what they do is harder than it sounds. At KoalaKits36, every product in the beauty and personal care range is handpicked based on real use — not inflated marketing claims.
The Pure Batana Oil Hair Mask and Growth Hair Serum are both available with worldwide shipping, clearly listed ingredients, and straightforward pricing. No hidden fees, no confusing bundles.
If you are building a proper hair care routine from scratch, the beauty and personal care collection at KoalaKits36 is a practical starting point — products that do their job without making you wade through ten pages of hype to understand what you are buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use batana oil, castor oil, and rosemary oil at the same time?
Yes, but apply them strategically. Use batana oil as a pre-wash mask on your lengths and ends. Apply diluted rosemary oil directly to your scalp. Avoid mixing them all into one application — they absorb differently and layering them can lead to buildup.
How long does it take to see results from batana oil for hair growth?
Most people notice texture and breakage improvement within three to four weeks. Visible new growth or density changes typically appear after six to twelve weeks of consistent use. Hair growth is a slow process regardless of which oil you use.
Is rosemary oil safe for direct scalp application?
Rosemary essential oil must always be diluted before applying to the skin. A safe ratio is two drops per teaspoon of carrier oil (such as jojoba or almond oil). Undiluted rosemary oil can cause irritation, especially on a sensitive scalp.
Does castor oil actually thicken hair or does it just coat it?
Castor oil can create a temporary smoothing effect by coating the hair shaft. Over time, the ricinoleic acid in castor oil may support scalp health and follicle circulation, which contributes to stronger strands. But the "thickening" effect is gradual, not instant.
Where can I buy batana oil hair mask and hair growth serum?
You can shop both products directly at KoalaKits36 — the Pure Batana Oil Hair Mask starts from $12.25, and the Growth Hair Serum is available for $29.15. Both ship worldwide with free shipping.