Batana Oil for Hair Growth

Written by Ana Gascón
Medically Reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD on September 15, 2025
6 min read

Batana oil is a natural oil that’s made from the nuts of the American palm tree (Elaeis oleifera). You can find American palm trees in tropical areas of Latin America from Mexico to Peru and along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. 

Batana oil contains nutrients, such as antioxidants (carotenoids and vitamin E compounds) and fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acids). These nutrients may be good for your hair and skin. Indigenous people have used batana oil for centuries to nourish their hair and skin.

In manufactured products, batana oil comes as a liquid or as a soft solid that melts in your hands.

People all over the world have used oils on their hair and scalp for hundreds of years. Users believe that oils can prevent hair loss, add volume, and slow graying. In some cases, such as with rosemary oil and essential oils, there’s science to support the claims. But there isn’t much research on batana oil.

That doesn’t mean batana oil isn’t good for hair. It just means researchers have not studied batana oil for hair in clinical trials.

Batana oil contains many nutrients that may benefit human health. These include:

  • Carotenoids (an antioxidant)
  • Linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid)
  • Oleic acid (a fatty acid)
  • Tocochromanols (vitamin E compounds)

Studies show that these nutrients, when applied to skin and scalp, may reverse signs of aging or boost hair growth. For example, topical carotenoids have been shown to reverse the signs of aging caused by sun exposure. But bear in mind that these nutrients were studied using other plant sources, not batana oil.

Can batana oil help hair regrow?

Social media influencers claim that batana oil promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss. But there’s not enough research to support the hype.

However, experts believe there might still be some value to batana oil for hair:

  • Batana oil may work like other plant-based oils by moisturizing the scalp and conditioning the hair. This creates a healthier environment for hair to grow.
  • People who use batana oil often massage it into their scalp. Massaging boosts blood flow to hair follicles, which may promote hair growth.
  • Batana oil, or any hair oil, can protect hair from breaking, giving the impression of fuller, faster growth.

Batana oil is rich in linoleic acid. Studies show that linoleic acid may work against an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme may cause male and female pattern hair loss.

“So, there could be a theoretical improvement from batana oil if the type of hair loss is female or male pattern hair loss,” says Megan Couvillion, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston who specializes in hair loss.

Can batana oil reverse balding?

There are also claims on social media that batana oil can reverse balding. But the research just isn’t there.

“While there’s no evidence that batana oil can reverse balding, there are drugs and other treatments that do have good data,” says Ronda Farah, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Alluma Dermatology, a clinic in Minneapolis that specializes in hair loss. “Just because batana oil doesn’t have evidence, people with hair loss should not lose hope.”

Most people don’t have a problem using batana oil. The most common side effect is scalp irritation, but it’s rare.

If you’re allergic to nuts or palm oil, you may want to do a patch test before using batana oil on your scalp. Apply a small amount to your skin. If you notice any redness or irritation, don’t use it.

Farah also warns that oil use could create greasy buildup on the scalp. This can lead to folliculitis, an inflammation of the hair follicles.

Rosemary oil is backed by science as a natural treatment for hair loss. Studies show that rosemary oil can be used to treat male or female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). Researchers found that rosemary is as effective as the popular hair loss medication, minoxidil.

Rosemary contains nutrients that offer antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Scientists believe rosemary works by:

  • Improving blood flow and circulation in the scalp
  • Boosting hair follicle regrowth

More research is needed before we can accurately compare the effects of batana and rosemary oil on hair loss.

You can add batana oil to your hair care routine by:

  • Applying a small amount to your fingertips and massaging it onto your scalp before bed
  • Applying it to wet, clean hair along with leave-in conditioner or other styling products
  • Applying it to dry hair to add shine and lock in moisture
  • Adding a few drops to a deep conditioning mask
  • Adding a few drops to dry ends between washes

How long should you leave batana oil in your hair?

It depends on how you use it. Some people use it as a mask and leave it on overnight. Others leave it on for a few minutes and wash it out. Remember to do a patch test first before applying batana oil to your scalp.

Can you use batana oil on skin?

You can use batana oil on your skin. However, there’s no scientific proof that it promotes healthier skin. What we do know is that it contains both antioxidants and vitamin E, which can moisturize dry skin.

People who have severe hair loss should not use batana oil. There’s no proof that it can help regrow hair or reverse balding.

“It’s important that if hair loss is continuing, that person needs to be evaluated by a dermatologist to make sure we know what diagnosis is driving the hair loss and recommend the best treatment,” says Couvillion.

The best way to prevent hair loss is to identify and treat the cause with a dermatologist’s help. 

“Hair loss is an internal scalp disease that requires medical treatment,” says Farah. “They will likely require oral or topical medications to stimulate hair follicles.”

Common causes of hair loss include:

  • Vitamin deficiency
  • Hormone imbalances
  • Infection
  • Postpartum hair loss
  • A recent major illness or surgery
  • Cancer treatment
  • Significant weight loss
  • Diseases, such as alopecia areata

Depending on the cause, your hair may grow back on its own. If hair loss continues, a dermatologist may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

  • Minoxidil (Rogaine), applied once or twice a day
  • Oral dutasteride, finasteride, and minoxidil prescriptions
  • Laser caps and combs (which show promising results in early studies)
  • Microneedling combined with minoxidil
  • Steroid shots, injected into bald or thin areas
  • Hair transplant
  • Laser therapy
  • Platelet-rich plasma
  • Batana oil comes from the nuts of American palm trees. Influencers on social media claim it can promote hair regrowth and reverse balding.
  • While batana oil does contain nutrients linked to scalp and hair health, there’s no scientific evidence supporting its use for hair loss.
  • Batana oil may work like other hair oils to moisturize the scalp and hair and protect against breakage.
  • Dermatologists consider hair loss a medical disease that requires medical treatment.
  • If you’re concerned about hair loss, talk to a dermatologist. They can diagnose the cause of your hair loss and recommend the best treatment for you.

What is raw batana oil?

The term “raw” or “unrefined” means a product has had little processing. But these products aren’t regulated by the FDA. This allows manufacturers to make claims like “100% raw,” “100% pure,” or “natural and unrefined” without any scientific proof.

How to tell if your batana oil is real

There’s no way to know if your batana oil is real unless you have it tested in a lab. Make sure you read reviews, check ingredient lists, and research the maker of the oil.

Can batana oil reverse gray hair?

Batana oil has not been studied for gray hair reversal. Several things, such as genetics, oxidative stress, and autoimmune disorders, play a role in graying hair. Talk to a dermatologist to better understand what’s causing your gray hair. A dermatologist can recommend treatment to slow or reverse the process.