You might have heard of argan oil and be familiar with rosemary oil, but how much do you know about batana oil? The latest hair oil to know about is a nutrient-packed oil that’s extracted from the nuts of the palm tree. Native to Honduras and other Central and South American countries, it is rich in fatty acids and has been used for centuries to encourage thicker, shinier strands and a healthier scalp.

To help you understand all about batana oil and why you might want to add it to your haircare routine, we enlisted the help of trichologist Hannah Gaboardi who answers all your burning questions. Read on to discover more.

Does it promote hair growth?

“Although batana oil is rich in nourishing ingredients like fatty acids and antioxidants, it does not promote hair growth in the same way clinical treatments do,” says Gabpardi. “It is known to nourish and improve the overall appearance of the hair shaft, helping to reduce frizz and brittleness. However, there is no scientific evidence to support batana oil as a treatment for stimulating follicle growth. While it can help create a healthier scalp environment, actual hair regrowth is typically achieved through anti-androgenic medications or clinically proven treatments designed specifically for hair loss.”

How is it different from other oils such as rosemary oil?

“Batana oil differs from other oils in both texture and function,” explains Gaboardi. “It can be applied directly to the hair and scalp and acts more like a deep-conditioning hair mask, delivering rich moisture to the hair shaft and scalp. In contrast, oils like rosemary are essential oils that must be diluted and are typically used on the scalp only. Rosemary oil is intended to stimulate hair growth and reduce inflammation by increasing blood flow to the follicles.”

What hair type is batana oil good for?

“Batana oil is best for those with dry, brittle, or chemically damaged hair, as it helps restore elasticity and softness,” Gaboardi adds. “Due to its thick, buttery consistency, it’s ideal for thick, curly, or coily hair types, which absorb heavier oils more easily. It can also benefit individuals with flaky or dry scalps, as the vitamin E and fatty acids in batana oil help reduce dandruff when used correctly.”

Who shouldn’t use it?

“Batana oil is not recommended for people with fine or oily hair, as its heavy texture can weigh the hair down and make it greasy,” says Gaboardi. “Those with sensitive scalps should also use caution—if not washed out properly, batana oil can clog pores, disrupt the natural hair cycle, and in some cases contribute to sebum buildup or seborrheic dermatitis. If your hair is thin or damaged, it’s best to avoid applying it to the scalp and instead use it only on the mid-lengths and ends.”

Will it make my hair greasy?

“Yes, batana oil has a thick, butter-like texture, which can leave the hair feeling greasy or heavy, particularly on fine or straight hair,” says Gabordi. “However, curly, coily, or thicker textures tend to absorb the oil more easily, making it less likely to leave a greasy residue when used properly.”

How long does it take to see results?

“While batana oil is not proven to stimulate hair growth, many users report noticeable improvement in hair texture and strength after 4 to 6 weeks of consistent use,” says Gaboardi. “When applied weekly as a deep conditioning treatment, it helps reduce frizz and will also reduce breakage and chemical damage. Batana oil will help nourish and strengthen the hair shaft, however, hair density and hair growth can only be achieved using the correct medication which would be prescribed by a professional or clinical treatments.”