Rosemary is an herb that is used to treat hair loss. It has strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that help in healing the scalp, and keeping it clean and healthy, thus promoting hair growth.
Rosemary oil improves hair growth in various types of alopecia such as alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, and psoriatic alopecia. (1)
A study comparing rosemary oil and minoxidil on hair growth concluded that there was no significant difference between the study groups. At the six-month point, both groups showed comparable growth, with the rosemary oil group having less scalp itching than the minoxidil group. (2)
Article Contents
Benefits of Using Rosemary Oil for Hair
Here are the benefits of using rosemary oil on the scalp and hair:
1. Stimulates hair growth
In one study, regular usage of rosemary oil improved hair regrowth in mice that experienced hair loss and in mice that had their hair shaved.
Using rosemary essential oil and coconut oil or olive oil can help the hair regrow and keep the scalp clean and healthy. (1)
2. Increases blood circulation
A study showed that applying rosemary oil and carrier oil to the scalp helped stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles and bring more nutrients to them, resulting in thick and strong hair. (2)
3. Helps improve scalp conditions
Applying rosemary oil to the scalp helps keep it clean and free of bacteria and fungus as it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. (3)
4. Fights oxidative and aging stress
Rosemary oil is full of potent antioxidants that help get rid of free radicals and oxidative stress (4) on the hair follicles and may prevent premature graying and breakage of the hair. (5)
5. Restores tissue damage in the scalp and body
Rosemary oil is rich in carnosic acid, which helps heal any nerve damage and restore scalp tissues. (6)
How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair
You can use rosemary oil along with carrier oils and various other ingredients in hair masks and oils to help in hair growth.
1. Hair growth oil – rosemary oil + peppermint oil + coconut oil
Coconut oil nourishes and softens dry and frizzy hair, (7) and when mixed with rosemary (1) and peppermint oil, (8) it can help in hair regrowth.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 3 drops of peppermint oil
- 3 drops of rosemary oil
Method:
- Mix all the oils and apply the oil blend to your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on your hair for 30–40 minutes.
- Wash it off with a natural shampoo and conditioner.
- Use this oil twice a week for best results.
2. Hair loss oil – rosemary oil + olive oil
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and neutralizes free radicals that cause hair loss and aging to the scalp and hair. (9)
Use rosemary oil to increase blood circulation to the scalp and get thick and healthy hair. (2)
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 5–6 drops of rosemary oil
Method:
- Mix the oils and apply the oil blend to your scalp and hair.
- Keep it on your hair for 30–40 minutes.
- Wash it off with a natural shampoo and conditioner.
- Use the oil twice a week for best results.
3. Hair conditioner – rosemary oil + aloe vera
Aloe vera increases scalp elasticity and helps the hair to grow well. (10) Rosemary oil also promotes good hair growth and makes the hair soft and nourished. (2)
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
- 10 drops of rosemary
Method:
- Mix both ingredients well and apply the mixture to your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on for 30–40 minutes.
- Wash it off with a natural shampoo and conditioner.
- Use this mask twice a week for best results.
4. Hair oil for dandruff – rosemary oil + castor oil + coconut oil
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which helps in healing wounds on the scalp and also encourages hair growth. (11)
Coconut oil helps treat dandruff and other scalp infections and makes the hair soft and robust. (12) Rosemary oil nourishes the hair and makes it smooth. (1)
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of castor oil
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 10 drops of rosemary oil
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients to form a mixture.
- Apply it to your scalp and hair and keep it on for 30–40 minutes.
- Wash it off with a natural shampoo and conditioner.
- Use it twice a week to achieve best results.
Precautions to Take While Applying Rosemary Oil on Hair
Because rosemary essential oil is highly concentrated, you cannot use it directly on your hair or scalp.
You must mix a few drops of rosemary oil with carrier oils such as almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, and coconut oil to lessen its concentration.
General Queries Related to Rosemary Oil for Hair
Can I apply rosemary oil daily?
No. You should use it twice weekly only for 4–5 months to see good results.
Who should not use rosemary oil?
Avoid applying rosemary and other essential oils if your scalp is sensitive and has sores.
Is rosemary oil suitable for thinning hair?
Rosemary essential oil can stimulate the scalp to produce healthy, thick hair and is a natural remedy for hair growth.
Final Word
Rosemary oil is a natural treatment for hair growth and loss, as scientifically proven in research studies. Using it regularly for six months can help you achieve the hair you’ve always wanted.
However, do not apply it directly to the scalp as it is highly concentrated and can cause harm to the skin.
References
- JC; ENKMH. The use of natural ingredients in the treatment of alopecias with an emphasis on central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia: A systematic review. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33178378/.
- A; PYTMMETS. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A randomized comparative trial. Skinmed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/.
- LM; JSAPN. Essential oils as potential source of anti-dandruff agents: A Review. Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34254910/.
- Nieto G, Ros G, Castillo J. Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis, L.): A Review. Medicines (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165352/. Published September 4, 2018.
- de Macedo LM, Santos ÉMD, Militão L, et al. Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis L., syn salvia rosmarinus spenn.) and its topical applications: A Review. Plants (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7284349/. Published May 21, 2020.
- de Oliveira JR, Camargo SEA, de Oliveira LD. Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) as therapeutic and prophylactic agent. Journal of biomedical science. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6325740/. Published January 9, 2019.
- RB; RASM. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Journal of cosmetic science. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/.
- Oh JY, Park MA, Kim YC. Peppermint oil promotes hair growth without toxic signs. Toxicological research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/. Published December 2014.
- Gorzynik-Debicka M, Przychodzen P, Cappello F, et al. Potential health benefits of olive oil and plant polyphenols. International journal of molecular sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877547/. Published February 28, 2018.
- Sbhatu DB, Berhe GG, Hndeya AG, et al. Formulation and physicochemical evaluation of lab-based aloe adigratana reynolds shampoos. International journal of analytical chemistry. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7160718/. Published April 4, 2020.
- Nada AA, Arul MR, Ramos DM, et al. Bioactive polymeric formulations for wound healing. Polymers for advanced technologies. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6435308/. Published June 2018.
- Saxena R, Mittal P, Clavaud C, et al. Longitudinal Study of the scalp microbiome suggests coconut oil to enrich healthy scalp commensals. Scientific reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8012655/. Published March 31, 2021.