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.
It can cause damage to your scalp and follicles
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.
Coarse hair may be better able to handle an application of rosemary oil. But people with finer hair might find that using the product makes their locks look greasy or weighed down. “Everyone can use rosemary oil, but you might need to modify how often you use it depending on your hair type,” suggests Dr. Khetarpal.
According to Pucciarello, rosemary oil “helps to prevent thinning from aging or hormonal conditions.” It's safe for all hair types. Most everyone can use rosemary oil, although “If you have any allergic reactions, stop using the product and consult your dermatologist,” says Pucciarello.
Related Story. Rosemary oil can also cause allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, so be on the lookout if you're noticing anything out of the ordinary going on with your scalp or hair. If you experience any irritation, stop using it.
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.
Taking large amounts of rosemary can cause vomiting, sun sensitivity, and skin redness. When applied to the skin: Rosemary oil is possibly safe for most people. It might cause allergic reactions in some people.
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.
Leaving oil on your hair everyday for too long can cause product build-up on your scalp. It may also clog your pores, attract dirt and accumulate dandruff.
"Rosemary oil can help with nourishment and locking in the hair's moisture and it has properties that improve blood circulation to the scalp, while getting rid of any bacteria that clog hair follicles," adds a leading trichologist and Viviscal brand ambassador Hannah Gaboardi.
The former is rosemary oil in its purest form. And as we've mentioned, the latter is extracted from the leaves and mixed with a carrier oil. Because rosemary essential oil is very concentrated, it's generally used more sparingly — just a few drops of rosemary oil in water can create a relaxing aromatherapy.
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.
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.
Side Effects of Essential Oils for Hair Growth
If you're sensitive to essential oils or other ingredients used in essential oil products for treating hair loss, you may develop itchy skin, irritation, flaking and other common dermatitis symptoms during treatment.
Answer: After applying rosemary oil on the scalp, you can leave it overnight for the nutrients to get absorbed by the hair roots. However, you can also apply it for 10 to 20 minutes and massage it before rinsing.
“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 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.
No. And here's why: rosemary essential oil can be a great benefit for scalp care, but using the extract directly on your skin can cause irritation. If you're already suffering from a sensitive, irritated scalp, it's important to use a proven formula to address your symptoms.
It's also known as a natural way to grow longer, stronger hair. As Chiara notes, rosemary oil accomplishes this by stimulating blood circulation (that's the tingle you feel when you apply it) and promoting a healthy scalp.
Rosemary oil acts as a DHT blocker in 2 ways
Rosemary extract inhibits the activity of 5-alpha-reductase by up to 94.6%. By inhibiting the action of enzyme 5-alpha-reductase in hair follicles, rosemary extract reduces the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.
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?
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.
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!