Since ancient times, rosemary oil has been celebrated for its health benefits and medicinal qualities. However, myths about this enduring elixir abound in the sea of information. It’s important to discern the factual properties of rosemary oil from the myths to truly appreciate its capabilities.
In this blog post, we aim to debunk common misconceptions, offering clarity on how rosemary oil genuinely benefits hair health. We’ll examine the efficacy of various ingredients often mentioned in online recipes and whether they hold any truth.
What is Rosemary Oil?
Rosemary oil is derived from the herb, Rosemary, which has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It’s a volatile oil, meaning that when heated or exposed to air, its molecules evaporate.
Rosemary oil contains a variety of compounds that have beneficial properties, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and antibacterial compounds. This combination of active ingredients makes rosemary oil a popular choice for those looking to improve their hair health.
Research has shown that using rosemary oil can promote blood circulation to the hair follicles, improve moisture levels in hair, and reduce hair breakage.
Does Rosemary Oil Promote Hair Growth?
The answer is yes! Research has shown that using rosemary oil regularly has a positive effect on hair growth.
In 2015, a study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of rosemary oil and minoxidil in treating hair loss caused by DHT. Participants were randomly given either rosemary oil or minoxidil for 6 months.
The patients underwent evaluations for efficacy and safety every 3 months. The results showed that there was no significant change in the hair count at the 3-month endpoint in either group.
At the 6-month mark, both groups showed a noteworthy increase in the number of hairs, in contrast to their count at the starting point and the 3-month mark.
The result implies that the usage of rosemary oil may stimulate hair growth, but it may take a significant amount of time to notice the effects.
Overall, it seems that there is more research available on minoxidil as compared to natural products. This may be due to the lack of incentive to study natural remedies that cannot be patented. It would be great to increase funding for exploring the potential medicinal benefits of plants.
How Long Does it Take for Rosemary Oil to Work on Hair?
Research has shown that significant hair growth results can be achieved after six months of consistent use. However, it’s important to note that the level of success may vary for each person.
Consistency is key when it comes to using rosemary oil for hair growth. It’s important to be patient with your results and give the product time to work.
What are the Benefits of Using Rosemary Oil for Hair?
Aside from its potential hair growth effects, rosemary oil offers other benefits to the hair that may be more immediately noticeable.
Improve Hair Growth
Rosemary oil can improve scalp health, reduce dandruff, and this helps keep hair follicles healthy. It can also increase blood circulation in the scalp, which may help stimulate hair growth.
Proper blood circulation is crucial for hair growth because it provides necessary nutrients to the follicles. Without an adequate blood supply, the follicles may not receive the necessary nutrients for hair growth and can eventually die.
Alleviate Scalp Irritation
Additionally, it has antifungal and antimicrobial properties, making it an effective treatment for scalp infections or other scalp issues.
Prevent Dandruff
Rosemary oil can also help with dandruff. Its antifungal and antimicrobial properties can help prevent and fight the fungal infection that leads to dandruff.
Condition Hair
Rosemary oil also helps to nourish the hair, making it a great natural conditioner. It can help make hair stronger and more resilient. Rosemary oil is also said to help reduce premature greying of hair, although more studies are needed to confirm this.
To make the most of the benefits of rosemary oil, it’s important to use it regularly as part of your hair care routine.
May Help Prevent Hair Loss
Rosemary oil may help prevent hair loss. While it cannot stop genetic baldness, it can help reduce the effects of male and female pattern baldness.
The anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary oil can help reduce the inflammation that can lead to hair loss.
Are There Any Precautions or Side Effects to Using Rosemary for Hair Growth?
Using rosemary oil for hair growth may cause scalp irritation as its most common side effect. If you have a sensitive scalp, you may feel some itching, redness, or burning sensations while applying the oil. It’s better to discontinue the use of the product if you experience any of these symptoms.
To prevent irritation, make sure you don’t get the essential oil in your eyes. If it happens, rinse your eyes with cold water immediately.
It is important to note that although rosemary oil has many benefits, it is not recommended for those with sensitive skin. It’s best to consult your healthcare provider if you have any underlying medical conditions.
The safety of using rosemary essential oils during pregnancy or breastfeeding is uncertain due to the limited information available.
How to Use Rosemary Oil on Your Hair
Conventionally, rosemary oil is available as an essential oil which means that it is extracted naturally, distilled with care, and retains the properties of the source.
The best way to use rosemary oil on your hair is by mixing it with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil.
- Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil and massage onto your scalp.
- Leave the mixture on for at least 30 minutes or overnight before washing off. Make sure you have performed a patch test before using the oil as your scalp may be sensitive to it.
You can also create a hair mask containing rosemary oil, coconut oil, and honey.
- Mix equal parts of the ingredients to form a paste and massage into your scalp.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.
Add a few drops (don’t go overboard) to your shampoo or conditioner. This will give your hair an extra boost of nourishment.
Finally, rosemary oil can also be used as a rinse.
- Mix equal parts of rosemary oil and water in a spray bottle and apply to your hair after shampooing and conditioning.
- Leave the mixture on for 15 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.
How Often Should I Put Rosemary Oil in My Hair?
For optimal results in promoting hair growth or treating dry scalp with rosemary oil, apply it daily until you see improvement. Once you have achieved the desired outcome, you can use it a few times a week to maintain the benefits as a part of your regular hair care routine.
Can Rosemary Oil Be Applied Directly to the Scalp?
It is generally not recommended to apply rosemary oil directly to the scalp as it can be too strong and cause irritation.
But first, it is recommended to perform a patch test with a tiny amount of essential oils before using them to check for any possible allergic reactions or skin irritation.
If there are no negative reactions, then mixing it with a carrier oil or using it in a rinse will help dilute the potency of the oil and reduce any potential irritation.
Overall, rosemary oil can be a great way to promote hair growth and give your hair an extra shine. Be sure to use it with caution and always consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Does Rosemary Oil Help All Hair Types?
Yes, rosemary oil can help all hair types. Its nourishing properties make it a great natural conditioner and its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties can help reduce dandruff and scalp infections.
This oil is particularly helpful for hair with curly to coarse textures that have dry and rough cuticles, as it can smooth and soothe the cuticle.
How Does Rosemary Oil Compare to Other Oils?
Rosemary oil is often compared to other popular oils such as jojoba, argan, and coconut oils. While all of these oils have similar properties, rosemary oil stands out for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. This makes it more effective in treating scalp conditions such as dandruff and scalp inflammation.
Compared to peppermint and tea tree oil, rosemary oil is better at strengthening and promoting circulation for hair follicles that are lacking blood supply, which can lead to hair loss.
Products Infused with Rosemary Oil
We have provided the ingredient lists for each product for your reference. Nevertheless, it is important to know that these lists may be outdated. Therefore, we recommend referring to the information on the product bottle for the most accurate and current details. Also, make sure to check the product’s size, as each site varies.
Righteous Roots Oils
This is a hair oil that already includes rosemary and a blend of other oils, such as coconut, argan, jojoba, Jamaican black castor, tea tree, peppermint, and others.
It is designed to promote healthy hair growth and shine while helping to soothe and nourish the scalp. The product is free of any harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives.
The ingredients below are not listed in a specific order.
Ingredients: COCOS NUCIFERA OIL (COCONUT), RICINUS COMMUNIS (JAMAICAN BLACK CASTOR OIL), OLEACEAE OIL (OLIVE), PERSEA AMERICANA MILL OIL (AVOCADO), VITIS VINIFERA OIL (GRAPESEED), SESAMUM INDICUM OIL (SESAME), MENTHA PIPERITA OIL (PEPPERMINT), MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA LEAF OIL (TEA TREE), SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS SEED OIL (JOJOBA), ARGANIA SPINOSA OIL (ARGAN), ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS OIL (ROSEMARY).
Rizos Curls Alcohol-Free Volumizing Hair Spray
This hair spray is made without alcohol and will not dry out your curls. It gives your hair a touchable hold and locks your style in place, creating long-lasting and voluminous curls without any crunch or flakes. It also contains reparative red algae, argan oil, and rejuvenating rosemary to give your hair shine, volume, and hold.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua/Eau), Polysorbate 20, Octylacrylamide/Acrylates/Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, Furcellaria Lumbricalis (Red Algae) Extract, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Fragrance (Parfum), Citric Acid, Aminomethyl Propanol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Camille Rose Rosemary Scalp Hair Treatment
This treatment includes can help reduce breakage, strengthen fragile strands, and promote healthy hair growth. It features natural ingredients such as rosemary oil, peppermint, amla, apigenin, shikakai, and biotin that promote length retention and maximum hair strength. These vegan hair treats are perfect for you.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sorbitol, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Canola Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol & Benhentrimonium Methosulfate, Polysorbate 20, Polyquaternium 7, Methyl Gluceth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Glycol Distearate, Guar Hydroxypropyitrimonium Chloride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Coconut Oil, Castor Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Vitus Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Omega Blue Oil, Arunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Moringa Oleifera (Moringa Seed) Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Rosemary Oil, Aspalathis Linearis (Rooibos Tea) Extract, Morinda Citrifolia (Noni) Extract, Moringa Oleifera (Moringa Seed) Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid And Love.
Obia Naturals Babassu Detangling Conditioner
This product is infused with babassu oil, avocado oil, and rosemary essential oil to effortlessly detangle and condition your hair while adding moisture. Babassu oil strengthens your strands and improves elasticity while adding shine and softness. Additionally, rosemary essential oil, avocado oil, and panthenol work together to repair any damage and hydrate your hair without causing protein build-up.
The formulation is made with natural ingredients and is vegan and pH-balanced. It is free from harmful substances such as sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, petroleum, phthalates, DEA, synthetic colors, and drying alcohols.
Ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Vegetable Glycerin, Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate, Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil, Cetrimonium Chloride, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Phthalate-Free Fragrance (Parfum).
Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo
This shampoo will effectively clean your hair while being gentle on it. It contains rosemary to protect your hair from environmental damage and peppermint to refresh your scalp. It’s suitable for those with fine to normal hair and won’t leave your hair feeling stripped or static.
This product does not contain silicone, phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrance, mineral oil, petrolatum, formaldehyde, or animal ingredients.
Ingredients: WaterAquaEau, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Glycerin, Babassuamidopropyl Betaine, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Menthol, Camphor, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Sodium Gluconate, Polyquaternium-4, VinegarAcetumVinaigre, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Limonene, Isoeugenol, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate.
