Advertisement

Enhancing Hair with Rosemary Oil

rosemary for hair

As a mother of six, I’ve become quite familiar with postpartum hair loss! Many others experience this too. By the time they reach 50, around 25% of women and 50% of men deal with hair loss. Here’s a guide on how to address it and how rosemary oil can support hair growth!

Rosemary Oil for Hair

I’ve shared various hair regrowth methods before, but rosemary has become a standout favorite. Pure rosemary oil is beneficial for overall hair health and has gained popularity on platforms like TikTok. While I don’t partake in TikTok dances, I’m happy to share how rosemary oil can foster hair growth.

Rosemary was integral to the hair growth spray I used post-pregnancy. There is substantial research supporting this simple herb. But first, let’s understand the core issue.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Understanding the root cause of hair loss is essential. Typically, people shed about 50-100 hairs daily. Although it sounds significant, new hairs are continually replacing the old ones.

According to the Mayo Clinic, common hair loss triggers include:

  • Stress and emotional or physical upheaval
  • Traction alopecia from tight hairstyles like cornrows or ponytails
  • Certain medications, including cancer treatments and antibiotics
  • Hormonal fluctuations
  • Elevated DHT hormone levels (frequent in men)
  • Pregnancy-induced hormonal changes
  • Genetics (predominant in men)
  • Nutritional shortages
  • Chronic illnesses like diabetes and lupus
  • Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease causing patchy hair loss

I always emphasize addressing the underlying causes. A diet rich in whole foods, combined with the right supplements and holistic health practices, can greatly enhance hair health.

Benefits of Rosemary for Hair

Having identified the problem, what’s next? A healthy scalp is foundational to healthy hair. Rosemary acts by inhibiting the impact of DHT, a testosterone that reduces hair follicle size, resulting in hair loss. It also acts as a vasodilator, enhancing blood circulation to the scalp and promoting hair growth. Increased blood flow revitalizes hair follicles and can prevent excess hair shedding and breakage.

While other essential oils like tea tree and peppermint also encourage hair growth, rosemary directly targets hair follicles. A 2022 review found significant evidence that saw palmetto, rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil, and CBD oil are beneficial for male hair loss.

Another 2015 study compared rosemary oil with the hair loss medication minoxidil. Although both groups experienced scalp itchiness, the group using rosemary oil reported less irritation. Hair growth results were similar for both, but rosemary oil had fewer side effects.

Additional studies have evaluated the combined effect of rosemary with other essential oils. A blend of tea tree and rosemary oil was found to reinforce damaged hair and stimulate hair follicles.

Rosemary for Scalp Health

By boosting circulation and exhibiting anti-fungal properties, rosemary can also mitigate dandruff. Its anti-inflammatory nature soothes the scalp, and its antibacterial and antioxidant qualities further contribute to improved scalp health. Those with dry scalps might experience better hydration.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

The aforementioned 2015 research observed no noticeable difference until reaching the 6-month point, though some may experience results sooner. Patience is key when using rosemary for hair restoration.

Rather Buy it?

The following recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. However, if you’re short on time or lack ingredients, consider some pre-made products with rosemary as the active component and other scalp-nourishing constituents.

Rosemary Hair Care

Much of the research specifically highlights rosemary essential oil, though some studies utilized rosemary extract. You can also create your own hair growth oil by infusing rosemary leaves in a carrier oil such as avocado or coconut oil. If you’re interested in doing a solar infusion, follow these guidelines.

Combine your rosemary-infused oil with other beneficial scalp oils. Applying oil to the hair shaft helps in smoothing, strengthening, and softening hair through the action of sebum. Some effective hair-strengthening carrier oils include:

You can also use these same carrier oils to dilute rosemary essential oil. Diluting essential oils is a general practice, particularly with skincare, due to their potency. Aromatherapy guidelines suggest a 2% dilution for the face and general body care, though those with sensitive skin might need further dilution.

Practically, this means combining 5 drops of rosemary oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. If using an oil infused with rosemary herb, you can apply it without dilution. For the DIY mix, use 20 drops of rosemary oil for a 1% dilution or 40 drops for 2%.

How to Add it to Your Hair Care Routine

Be mindful that certain oils, like coconut, can obstruct hair follicles if left on for too long, potentially making hair appear greasy. People with finer hair may face these challenges more frequently. It might be beneficial to apply rosemary oil before shampooing and allow it to stay for at least 20 minutes before washing.

Alternatively, apply it before bedtime, protect your pillow with a towel, and rinse it out during your morning shower.

Rosemary Oil Hair Serum

This simple DIY rosemary oil for hair fortifies hair and nourishes the scalp.

Yield: 4 ounces

Author: Katie Wells

  1. Mix all the ingredients within a glass dropper bottle.
  2. Shake thoroughly to combine.
  3. Store the mixture in a cool, dark locale, away from direct light and heat.

How to Apply: Section the hair and distribute a few drops onto the scalp, continuing this method across the scalp. Massage gently using fingertips, and let it settle for at least 20 minutes before rinsing. It’s suitable for frequent use, multiple times a week, or even daily.

Who Can Use Rosemary Oil?

Rosemary herbal infusions are typically safe for most people. Always conduct a patch test first to ensure no irritation occurs. If the oil seems too strong, further dilution may be necessary.

The safety of rosemary essential oil is less clear. Aromatherapists suggest keeping it away from young children’s faces due to potential breathing issues related to the 1,8 cineole content. Nevertheless, children typically wouldn’t require hair regrowth solutions.

Experts Tisserand and Young indicate no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women, but certain rosemary chemotypes, high in toxic camphor, should not be ingested. Although topical use differs from ingestion, some recommend avoiding rosemary essential oil altogether during pregnancy.

For breastfeeding mothers, there’s no definitive evidence to suggest that diluted rosemary essential oil, used as a scalp rinse, poses harm. Nonetheless, some sources advocate cautious avoidance of essential oils during breastfeeding.

Bottom line: If expecting or nursing, consult with an aromatherapist or natural healthcare professional before using rosemary on the scalp.

Have you ever used rosemary or other herbs in your hair care routine? Share your experiences in the comments!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *