Is Rosemary Oil the Secret to Thicker, Healthier Hair? What Science Says

But can an evergreen shrub bring hair back from the dead? One study says that rosemary oil can stimulate hair growth in mice who had hair loss due to testosterone treatment, while another found that the effectiveness of the oil for regrowing hair in men with male pattern hair loss became obvious after half a year :

“A standardized professional microphotographic assessment of each volunteer was taken at the initial interview and after 3 and 6 months of the trial. No significant change in the rosemary group was observed in the mean hair count at the 3-month endpoint. In contrast, the group experienced a significant increase in hair count at the 6-month endpoint compared with the baseline and 3-month endpoint.”

There is also a third study that investigated the antimicrobial effects of rosemary oil:

“Rosmarinus officinalis L. extract effectively contributed to in vitro control of important species of microorganisms that are responsible for several infections in the oral cavity as in other regions of the body. It promoted cell viability above 50% and excellent anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, this extract may be a promising therapeutic agent that can be added in some medical and dental formulations such as toothpastes, mouthwashes, irrigating root canals, ointments, soaps, in order to control pathogenic microorganisms.”

What does this mean for those who have not lost hope of walking with thick hair, and not a wig from Amazon or AliExpress? On the one hand, if the problem is caused by a bacterial scalp infection, this oil may be rather effective in removing microorganisms from the head and, as a result, regrowing hair. On the other hand, no studies have tested the validity of this theory. 

It is impossible not to take into account the indisputable fact that hair loss can happen for various reasons – hormonal shifts, stress, genetics, infection, age, cancer treatment, and alopecia. Therefore, you should not perceive rosemary oil as a remedy that will help everyone all the time.

Dermatologists and trichologists all over the world, however, know in practice why rosemary oil is wonderful. No doubt, it is rich in vitamins (A, C, B6, B9, B1), and minerals (calcium, magnesium iron), as well as several antioxidant components, which mainly fall into the classes of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and diterpenoids, including carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid.

These substances help protect cells from free radical damage and slow down the aging process.They also appear to be effective against breast, prostate, ovarian and colorectal cancers. Some rosemary extracts may even boost the effectiveness of chemo and radiation therapies, according to the 2020 report. Therefore, it is not surprising that the antioxidant properties aid in protecting hair from UV radiation and pollution, as well as conditioning and reducing its damage and breakage.

But that’s not all. Some evidence from a 2021 study of 80 nurses, who worked rotating shifts, suggests aromatherapy in rosemary oil may help activate the part of the brain that regulates alertness. Only A drop of rosemary oil using a mask helped decrease sleepiness and improved alertness compared to a control treatment.

And there is a 2022 Frontiers in Neuroscience report which reviews data on the neuroprotective effects of rosemary oil, finding vast potential benefits on cognitive function and neurological disease prevention. Inhaling rosemary oil may improve the process of thinking and remembering, and even reduce the risk of  Alzheimer’s disease. 

So maybe the ancient students were right when they wore their rosemary wreaths?

What some cosmetologists see every day was scientifically confirmed in 2016: rosemary oil activates blood circulation and skin health in rats. Moreover, since there are studies indicating the potential of the oil, it has been stupid to rule out the possibility of using it if you have consulted a doctor and at least it is not contraindicated for you.

Following the professionals, we warn: 

1. If you are pregnant, do not use rosemary oil under any circumstances. 
2. If you are breastfeeding your baby, it is better to avoid using the oil too.
3. Buy rosemary oil only from reputable brands you know.

Don’t neglect the last piece of advice: the bottle should not contain any impurities, additives or flavorings. High-quality essential oil cannot be cheap.

Rosemary extract and essential oil side effects are rare but you should take into account that they are highly concentrated and can lead to allergic reactions and toxic effects even in small doses, affecting kidney function and causing vomiting or uterine bleeding. Using too much of them may damage the hair follicles, causing hair loss instead of hair growth.

Rosemary oil can be left on the scalp and hair from a few hours to overnight, just follow the directions on the bottle. It can also be mixed into your shampoo or hair mask as a part of your hair care routine. When using rosemary on its own, it’s important to dilute it with a carrier oil such as olive, avocado, jojoba, coconut, argan, or even sunflower oil before application. They might also help to hydrate your skin. And you’re unlikely to see improvements right away – it usually takes several months for it to become clear whether the product helps.

Here are some more specific tips we’ve put together for you.

1. Mix rosemary oil into shampoo or conditioner

Add no more than 2–3 drops of rosemary oil to 2 full teaspoons of your shampoo at a time, and wash the hair daily. It is important not to over-concentrate the oil into the shampoo, so be careful. 

2. Massage directly into the scalp

It is important to dilute it first: to make a rosemary oil solution, you can add 4–5 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil and then massage into the scalp. Rinsing the oil out afterward is optional. 

The study found the effectiveness of applying rosemary oil twice daily for about six months. People who underwent this procedure almost stopped complaining of itchy scalp.

3.Aromatherapy

Add rosemary essential oil to an aromatherapy diffuser, or simply inhale it by opening the bottle. Don’t do it too often to avoid toxic side effects, and remember: a few minutes at a time are enough. 

4.Mask against hair loss and dandruff

Rosemary oil shows high effectiveness in the fight against fungi, including those that lead to dandruff. A mask prepared according to this recipe effectively cleanses the scalp of pathogens and soothes irritated skin.

Ingredients:

Base oils: black cumin and amaranth – 2 ml each, avocado – 6 ml;

Essential oils: 2 drops each of lemon and lavender, 3 drops each of sandalwood and rosemary;

Extracts: 1 g each of rosemary and coltsfoot;

Medium chain triglycerides – 10 g

How to prepare and use it?

Mix thoroughly, leave for several hours to infuse. Treat the scalp with the mixture heated to 40°C 1–2 hours before washing.

Some plants can have a good therapeutic effect. Turmeric, for example, is as effective as rosemary oil in combating certain ailments.

Research shows rosemary oil may prevent hair loss, stimulate hair growth, improve circulation, boost mood and cognition, and relieve pain. But still, all these depend on the cause of hair loss and the individual. You should speak with a professional before using it, especially if you have skin sensitivities. When used correctly, side effects are rare. Just follow the product’s labeling. 

You are unlikely to stop hair loss if you do not have a balanced amount of minerals and vitamins in your diet. Rosemary oil alone will not be enough here.