Rosemary is a staple herb in Italian cuisine known for its peppery and fragrant flavour. Native to the Mediterranean, it’s also known for its healing powers. Pure rosemary essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils. Many people claim it helps them clear their minds, increase mental awareness and improve memory. This scented and refreshing oil is helpful as an expectorant to clear sinuses and treat different respiratory infections.
Lately, courtesy of Tik Tok and Instagram, rosemary oil has been claimed to be great for hair. Many people claim that it can even stimulate hair growth. Are these claims true? Shortly, yes. There’s clear scientific evidence that shows how beneficial is quality pure rosemary essential oil for hair.
Amazing Benefits of Pure Rosemary Oil for Hair
How is pure rosemary oil good for hair? The idea that pure rosemary can help with hair loss and growth likely comes from the rosemary’s primary health benefits. Rosemary oil is well-known for its:
- Anti-inflammatory properties;
- Nerve growth promotion;
- Ability to improve circulation.
How do these apply to hair?
1. Improves Scalp Irritation
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, rosemary oil contains carnosic acid. one study has shown that this active ingredient helps heal tissue and nerve damage, meaning it may rejuvenate scalp nerves too. This helps improve irritation and overall scalp health, creating a positive scalp environment vital for preventing hair loss and encouraging hair growth.
2. Improves Circulation
Pure rosemary acts as a vasodilator: it can open and dilate the blood vessels. This helps blood flow more easily through the vessels, which leads to increased blood flow to the hair. As circulation in the scalp improves, it helps hair follicles thrive, especially if they’re being cut from their blood supply for some time. This provides a load of hair and scalp benefits.
3. Strengthens Hair
Rosemary oil protects the hair from damage and breakage. Regular use of it on the scalp leads to stronger, thicker, brighter and shinier hair, which can positively impact hair loss.
4. Prevents Hair Loss
The ability of rosemary oil to fight hair loss comes from all 3 previously mentioned benefits combined. How effective is rosemary for hair loss?
A trial study from 2015 has revealed that rosemary directly and very efficiently helps protect against hair loss. It was a comparative study of rosemary essential oil and minoxidil, the leading active ingredient in hair loss treatments like Rogaine. The study has shown that rosemary oil was just as effective as minoxidil, with no significant difference found between the study groups. Rosemary helped the itchy scalp as a side effect even more successfully.
5. Promotes Hair Growth
Similarly to minoxidil, not only does rosemary help with hair loss, but it also encourages hair growth. It can help stimulate healthy, thick hair, speeding up the process of cell turnover and growth. This can be a natural remedy to grow thicker hair or regrow it completely.
How Should You Use Rosemary Oil for Hair?
Although you can apply the oil to the ends of your hair, it’s best to apply it to the scalp. For potential hair growth benefits, you must use it regular and intentional. Experts recommend nightly application every day for at least 6 months. If you can’t keep up, try applying it at least 2-3 times per week. How can you incorporate this popular essential oil into your daily beauty routine?
Massage It Into Your Scalp
Massaging rosemary oil directly into your scalp is the most effective way to stimulate hair growth and reap all the additional benefits. However, know that pure essential oils are very concentrated, meaning they can easily irritate your skin. That’s why it’s recommended to use it diluted in a carrier oil. It goes well with any carrier oil, especially with other ingredients that support hair growth, such as pumpkin seed oil.
Mix 5 drops of pure rosemary oil with a carrier oil of choice and apply it directly to your scalp. Take care to do it evenly using your finger pads. You can leave it on for 4-6 hours or rinse it afterwards. if you choose to rinse, let it sit at least 10-15 minutes before you do so.
Add It to Your Shampoo or Conditioner
Although not as effective as direct application, adding a few drops into your shampoo, conditioner or hair mask can still allow you to receive some of rosemary oil’s benefits. Don’t add too much, as it may irritate your scalp. If you don’t want to add it to a whole bottle of shampoo, you can add 2-3 drops to a dollop of shampoo on your palm before use.
Make Your Homemade Shampoo with It
You can find many recipes for a shampoo base online. They’re perfect for adding your preferred oil to them for the health and beauty benefits you want to achieve. Although there’s a variety of recipes, most of them generally include ingredients like baking soda, coconut oil and other oils.
Use Rosemary Oil Hair Products
Many existing hair care lines contain rosemary oil. Most of them also contain other hair growth-promoting ingredients. Incorporating such products into your hair care routine can be a great way to benefit from rosemary oil.
Who Can Use Rosemary Oil?
Anyone who deals with hair breakage or shedding can benefit from rosemary oil. It’s beneficial for every hair type. Although there aren’t any known side-effect, you should be careful if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
The Bottom Line
Science and personal experience have confirmed the excellent benefits of pure rosemary essential oil for hair. It’s very effective for treating hair loss and stimulating hair growth, especially for those related to male or female pattern baldness, as well as alopecia. It’s simple and safe to use, with almost no side effects. This scented herb can do miracles for your hair too, as long as you use it regularly.