There is no evidence that rosemary can stop hair loss due to chemotherapy or other drugs or hair loss caused by chronic hair pulling. Studies do, however, show that the herb can reverse some of the most common forms of hair loss.
The short answer is yes. "Rosemary essential oil can help stimulate healthy, thick hair," affirms Dr. Graf. "The oil can speed up the process of cell turnover and growth, which can work as a natural remedy to grow thicker hair.
Rosemary oil is a powerful antioxidant and can be used to treat many skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. However it has also been known to cause damage to your scalp and follicles if used incorrectly. Rosemary oil can cause inflammation which can lead to hair loss in some cases.
So, how long does it take to work? “Because of the hair growth cycle, any effects on hair growth may take six months to show up,” says King, adding that “The 2015 study with rosemary oil showed results at six months.”
Because it's a pretty potent ingredient, for some, excess use of rosemary oil may lead to some itching and burning, says Holdsworth. “It can cause mild irritation of the scalp and should be discontinued if this is experienced,” adds Garlapati.
One of the best natural conditioners, rosemary oil will leave your hair feeling soft, lustrous, and strong! There are plenty of anti-inflammatory uses of rosemary oil. Applying rosemary oil to the hair and scalp not only soothes the inflammation but also prevents infections.
The Health and Beauty Benefits of Rosemary Extract
In addition to its medicinal and culinary uses, rosemary oil is often used to revitalise hair follicles and maximise hair growth.
Of the many nutrients and oils touted as natural DHT blockers, rosemary oil is one of the best proven.
You must use rosemary oil at least two to three times a week for great results. You can even apply it more times if your routine allows you to. Mix four to five drops of rosemary oil with other essential oils and massage it evenly on your scalp.
Rosemary oil is most effective for hair restoration when used consistently for at least 6 months. You can also use treatments a minimum of 1 to 2 times per week. While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn't monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils.
Because of their volatile oil content, large quantities of rosemary leaves can cause serious side effects, including vomiting, spasms, coma and, in some cases, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
“Rosemary essential oil can be used on any hair type because the benefits target the hair follicle, not the hair strand,” says hairstylist Matt Newman. “It is safe to use on color-treated hair, especially because its main use should be directly on the scalp.”
Yes, you can leave rosemary oil in your hair overnight to reap the benefits while getting some well-deserved rest. However, it is important not to leave directly-applied rosemary oil on the hair overnight, as this can cause irritation. Only ever use diluted rosemary oil or products infused with rosemary oil.
These foods include spinach, white mushroom, kale, etc. Foods rich in lycopene such as tomatoes, watermelons, carrots, and mangoes naturally block DHT production. Biotin-rich foods like berries, liver, legumes, oily fish, and bananas condition the skin and scalp creating an overall healthy environment for strong hair.
A comparison study between the hair-growth-boosting properties of rosemary oil and minoxidil showed that rosemary is equally as effective as minoxidil in promoting hair growth in people with androgenetic alopecia (Skinmed - Dermatology for the Clinician).
Do I apply rosemary oil to wet or dry hair? The choice is yours! You can apply the solution to wet hair when washing your locks, use it when styling towel-dried hair, or put it directly on dry hair.
Leave in for at least two hours (though leaving it between 4 to 6 hours is preferable for the most effective rosemary oil benefits).
Dilute your rosemary oil with a carrier oil first before putting it on your scalp. This is one huge mistake that many beauty fans have been making! Because essential oils can irritate the skin when used on their own, when it's not diluted they can have the opposite effect on your hair, causing hair to fall out.
For most folks, rosemary is completely safe for use on the hair. You should also never put undiluted essential oils (of any kind) on your hair or skin—so blend it with a carrier oil or product before use. Finally, if you personally have an allergy or sensitivity to rosemary then, yes, you should avoid it.
Put 4-5 drops of rosemary essential oil on your scalp with the help of a dropper and gently massage it in your scalp. Massage it in circular motions to increase the blood flow in your scalp and hence, promote hair growth. Don't apply more than 5 drops of rosemary oil as too much of it can cause your scalp to itch.
Minoxidil (Rogaine).
To be most effective, apply the product to the scalp skin once daily for women and twice daily for men. Many people prefer the foam applied when the hair is wet. Products with minoxidil help many people regrow their hair or slow the rate of hair loss or both.