The term rosemary oil for hair loss is having its moment in the spotlight. Dermatologists, hair stylists, influencers and everyone in between, is touting this natural beauty product for boosting hair growth and giving them fuller, more robust tresses.
Where Does Rosemary Oil Come From?
Rosemary is an aromatic, minty, evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves. The leaves of salvia rosmarinus, its scientific name, are commonly used as a cooking herb in a number of dishes including roasted vegetables, chicken and lamb, just to name a few.
Rosemary oil is made by taking a few rosemary sprigs or the leaves themselves, and cooking them or letting them sit in any number of oils, one kind being extra virgin olive oil. You’ll also find a huge selection of premade, ready-to-use rosemary oils available for purchase from a variety of brands at different retailers.
What Are the Benefits of Rosemary Oil?
Rosemary oil has tons of beneficial properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, thereby making it useful in a number of different ways.
As an aromatherapy treatment, it can help reduce stress levels, relieve fatigue, improve mood and alertness and boost concentration. When applied to the skin, it can help treat dryness and flakiness, as well as help balance and tone the skin, decongest acne, reduce scars and lighten dark spots.
Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth
Rosemary oil’s benefits go way beyond improving mental well-being and skin health. Several studies have shown strong evidence suggesting that it can aid those suffering from hair loss, particularly both male pattern baldness as well as women’s hair loss, by encouraging hair growth on a number of levels. In other studies, carnosic acid, an active ingredient found in rosemary oil, can help restore hair growth when applied to the scalp since it has been shown to heal and rejuvenate nerves.
Below are some other ways that rosemary oil can help those suffering from hair loss by stimulating hair growth:
- Improves circulation and blood flow on the scalp
- Heals nerve tissue and encourages nerve growth
- Helps strengthen and thicken hair
- Improves scalp health by reducing irritation, dryness, itchiness and dandruff
- Reduces hair damage and breakage
- Protects hair from UV radiation and pollution
How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Loss
There are a number of ways to apply rosemary oil to both the hair and scalp. It all depends on what is more feasible for you. Some users leave it on for several hours, even overnight, while others prefer massaging it into the scalp for a few minutes prior to shampooing. Another option is to apply a few drops to your shampoo before cleansing, or alternatively, you can massage it into the scalp after washing your hair.
If you’re using a store-bought product, be sure to read and follow the directions on the label.
Keep in mind that pure rosemary oil is very potent, so prior to use it must be diluted with a carrier oil like argan, coconut or jojoba oil to help lessen any irritation.
