Can Rosemary Oil Stop Hair Loss?
Find out more about rosemary oil and hair loss.
What Is Rosemary Oil?
Used throughout history for its medicinal properties, rosemary oil is a volatile essential oil extracted from the leaves of the rosemary plant. It has a strong, herbaceous scent and is often used in perfumes, aromatherapy, and cooking. Rosemary oil contains a number of compounds that have been shown to have beneficial effects on hair growth, including:
- Carnosic acid – A powerful antioxidant that protects hair follicles from damage.
- Rosmarinic acid – A chemical that has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
- Eugenol – A compound that stimulates blood flow to the scalp, which can help to promote hair growth.
Does Rosemary Oil Work for Hair Loss?
There is some positive but limited evidence to suggest that rosemary oil may be effective in treating human hair loss.
Only one 2015 study has so far been published. The results were impressive – rosemary oil was just as effective as minoxidil (Rogaine) in promoting hair growth in people with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). The study participants used either rosemary oil or minoxidil twice daily for 6 months. At the end of the study, both groups showed significant increases in hair growth, but the rosemary oil group had slightly better results.
People have also experimented with rosemary oil and published mixed opinions on internet sites such as Reddit.
It’s important to state that these studies were small, experimental and much more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of rosemary oil for hair loss.
How To Use Rosemary Oil For Hair Loss
If you are interested in using rosemary oil for hair loss, there are a few things you should keep in mind to try and optimise your results.
- Choose a high-quality rosemary oil – Not all rosemary oils are created equal. Look for an oil that is 100% pure and organic.
- Always dilute the rosemary oil – Rosemary oil is very potent and can irritate the skin if it is not diluted. You can dilute the oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or coconut oil.
- Apply the rosemary oil to your scalp twice daily – You can massage the oil into your scalp for a few minutes before leaving it on overnight.
- Be patient – It takes time for rosemary oil to work. You may not see results for several months.
Here is a simple recipe for making a rosemary oil hair treatment:
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Ingredients:
1 ounce of 100% pure rosemary essential oil
3 ounces of jojoba oil
Instructions:
1. Combine the rosemary essential oil and carrier oil in a glass bottle with a dropper.
2. Shake the bottle well to combine the ingredients.
3. Apply the oil to your scalp twice daily.
4. Massage the oil into your scalp for a few minutes before leaving it on overnight.
5. Wash your hair as usual in the morning.
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You might also add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your regular shampoo or conditioner. This will help to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss.
Safety Precautions
Rosemary oil is generally safe for most people to use, but there are a few safety precautions to keep in mind:
Do not apply rosemary oil directly to your scalp without diluting it first. Also, If you have sensitive skin, test the diluted rosemary oil on a small area of your skin before using it on your scalp.
Females should avoid using rosemary oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If rosemary oil causes any concerning symptoms, stop using it immediately and talk to your doctor.
The Bottom Line
Rosemary oil is a promising natural treatment for hair loss. However, much more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. If you are considering using rosemary oil for hair loss, do not expect miracle results. There are several other proven hair loss treatments you can try.