What is rosemary oil?
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an evergreen shrub from the Lamiaceae family. Known for its fragrant, needle-like leaves, rosemary is widely used both as a culinary herb and for its medicinal properties. The plant's essential oil, rich in volatile compounds, has been historically valued for its therapeutic benefits. Recent research has sparked interest in developing new drugs from rosemary oil, supporting some traditional uses and exploring new potential applications.
Can rosemary oil treat hair loss?
Rosemary oil may help with certain types of hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). A 2015 study published by the NCBI found that using rosemary oil for several months led to hair growth similar to that achieved with minoxidil, a common hair growth medication. Rosemary oil may also help treat hair loss caused by bacterial scalp infections. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before combining rosemary oil with other hair loss treatments, as its safety and effectiveness in combination with conventional treatments have not been fully studied.
Benefits of Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth
Rosemary essential oil may improve circulation, potentially preventing hair loss by keeping hair follicles healthy. It’s also used to prevent dandruff and soothe dry or itchy scalp.
1. Promotes Hair Growth:
Rosemary oil may support hair growth by stimulating hair roots, making it a useful addition to existing treatments for hair loss.
2. Nourishes the Scalp:
The oil has medicinal properties which promote a healthy scalp, helping reduce dandruff and other issues that hinder hair growth.
3. Fights Hair Loss:
Rosemary oil's anti-inflammatory properties may help combat hair loss caused by inflammation of the scalp and hair follicles through environmental factors or poor diet, aiding in the preservation of hair.
How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth
You can use rosemary essential oil to promote hair growth and thickness in several ways:
1. Massage into Scalp:
Mix five drops of rosemary oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil) and massage it into your scalp after a shower. Rinsing is optional, but if you choose to rinse, let the oil sit for 5 to 10 minutes first. Always dilute rosemary oil before applying it directly to the scalp.
2. Mix with Hair Products:
Add about five drops of rosemary oil per ounce of shampoo, conditioner, or hair mask, and use these products as usual.
3. Add to Homemade Shampoo:
Incorporate rosemary oil into DIY shampoo recipes that use ingredients like reetha, amla, shikakai, baking soda and coconut oil. Adjust the amount of rosemary oil based on desired benefits.
Rosemary oil may take time to show results, so tracking progress by counting hair in a small area can help gauge its effectiveness.
What to know Before Using Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth
Rosemary is generally safe when consumed in foods or used topically, but there are precautions:
1. Oral Consumption:
Rosemary leaf is possibly safe for medicinal purposes under the supervision of a healthcare professional but large amounts of undiluted rosemary oil can be unsafe, causing nausea, vomiting, and skin redness.
2. Topical Use:
Rosemary oil is generally safe for most people but may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
3. Inhalation:
Safe for most as aromatherapy, but caution is advised during pregnancy.
4. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
Rosemary oil may be unsafe during pregnancy, potentially causing miscarriage. Its safety during breastfeeding is unclear, so it's best to avoid medicinal quantities as well.
5. Aspirin Allergy:
Rosemary contains a compound similar to aspirin, which may trigger reactions in those allergic to aspirin.
6. Children:
Essential oils, including rosemary, may be too concentrated for children and should be diluted or avoided. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.
What are the side effects of Rosemary Oil for hair growth?
Rosemary is generally safe when consumed in foods, applied to the skin, or used in aromatherapy:
1. Topical Use:
It is generally safe but may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
2. Inhalation:
Safe for most people when used as aromatherapy. However, it should be discontinued if one develops an allergic response.
3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
Not recommended due to potential risks, including effects on the foetus and risk of miscarriage.
Rosemary oil for hair loss may help stimulate hair growth, but its effectiveness varies depending on the cause of hair loss and the individual. It's not suitable for everyone, so consulting a healthcare professional is advised, especially for those who are nursing, have skin sensitivities, or are allergic to rosemary oil. While rosemary oil might offer some benefits, especially for early hair loss, expectations should be realistic, as results are variable and there are no guarantees of dramatic improvement.
FAQs:
Q1. Can rosemary oil be applied directly to my hair?
Ans: Rosemary oil should not be applied directly to the hair without dilution. It should be mixed with a carrier oil to prevent irritation.
Q2. Can one leave rosemary oil in their hair?
Ans: Yes, it's generally okay to leave diluted rosemary oil in your hair. However, if you experience any allergic response or irritation, you should rinse it out. If you choose to leave it in, ensure it's well-diluted with a carrier oil to avoid potential irritation.
Q3. Can one apply rosemary oil on the hair every day?
Ans: When diluted with a carrier oil or haircare product, rosemary essential oil can be applied daily or as needed between washes. However, using too much may cause irritation or result in oily hair if applied too frequently.
Q4. Can rosemary oil reverse grey hair?
Ans: There is no strong evidence that rosemary oil can reverse grey hair. While it may support hair health and growth, reversing greying is not well-supported by research.
Q5. How long does rosemary oil take to grow hair?
Ans: Rosemary oil typically takes several months to show noticeable effects on hair growth. Studies often suggest a timeframe of around 6 to 12 months for seeing results, depending on individual factors and consistency of use.
