A 2015 study compared rosemary oil to minoxidil, a popular hair regrowth treatment. People with DHT-related hair loss received either rosemary oil or minoxidil for 6 months. At 3 months, neither group had more hair. By 6 months, both groups saw significant increases in hair growth.
“You can start by using rosemary essential oil one to two times per week and titrate use upwards to daily as tolerated,” says Dr. Nussbaum. “Only use five drops of it, add it to a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil and massage into the scalp for five to ten minutes, and rinse.”
The answer appears to be yes — and there's scientific proof behind it. Researchers found rosemary oil to be as effective at encouraging hair regrowth as minoxidil, a medication better known as Rogaine®, says Dr. Khetarpal.
Refreshing, lightweight conditioner for greasy hair or dry, irritated scalp. Remember: consistency is key. In the study we referenced, participants didn't see any results until they had been using rosemary oil for six months. So stick with it if it's only been a few weeks and you don't see any results!
Rosemary oil can cause inflammation which can lead to hair loss in some cases.
"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. Since it is an anti-inflammatory, it is used for [preventing hair loss], as well as regrowth."
While it's not harmful to leave rosemary oil in your hair overnight, it may cause irritation to your scalp if you have sensitive skin. Adding a few drops of rosemary oil to a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, can help to dilute it. How often should I put rosemary oil in my hair?
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.
You can leave it for more days only if you dilute it with some other carrier oil. Before applying any essential oil, you have to make sure that you dilute it otherwise it can be harmful.
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.”
The major consensus seems to be, in terms of hair growth, a vial of regular old rosemary oil is more likely to give you results than rosemary water or tea. Just prepare to be patient—nothing grows overnight, and most of our cited professional studies took place over several months.
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.
If you experience any irritation, stop using it. Even if you're not seeing any negative side effects, be wary of how often you're using it. “When used in excess, rosemary oil can make thinner hair look greasy and feel weighted,” Dr. Camp notes.
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.
How to apply rosemary oil to hair. We recommend leaving rosemary oil in your hair (diluted) from 30 minutes to an hour before washing your hair as usual (though leaving it in your hair from 2 hours all the way up to 6 hours is the most effective). You can repeat this process up to twice a week for best results.
A 2015 study compared rosemary oil to minoxidil, a popular hair regrowth treatment. People with DHT-related hair loss received either rosemary oil or minoxidil for 6 months. At 3 months, neither group had more hair. By 6 months, both groups saw significant increases in hair growth.
Rosemary oil can be applied directly to your hair strands (it won't cause damage), but it should be massaged into your scalp if you're looking for the potential hair-growth benefits.
Does Rosemary Oil Thicken Hair? The short answer is yes. There is some scientific evidence that rubbing rosemary oil into the scalp can help hair growth. One study showed that rosemary oil was as effective as minoxidil at stimulating hair growth.
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. Rosemary oil can be used in a variety of ways depending on your hair's needs.
What are the side effects of rosemary oil on hair? 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.
Rosemary oil acts as a DHT blocker in 2 ways
Rosemary extract inhibits the activity of 5-alpha-reductase by up to 94.6%.
Rosemary oil is known to have antibacterial properties, helping to eliminate the buildup of bacteria on the scalp. This in turn removes the bacteria that could potentially clog the hair follicles.
In addition to the study published in 2015 that Niomi referenced, which found rosemary oil to be just as effective as 2 percent minoxidil after six months of use, a small study published in 2013 supported rosemary leaf extract's ability to promote hair regrowth in participants with androgenetic alopecia.
It may not be safe for pregnant and nursing women to use rosemary oil for hair growth. Those with epilepsy or high blood pressure are advised against using rosemary oil for hair. Taking rosemary oil in huge quantities can cause sun sensitivity, skin redness, and vomiting. It can cause allergic reactions.