The medicinal uses of rosemary oil date back to ancient times, when it was also a symbol of remembrance and fidelity. Fast forward to today and rosemary oil has exploded in popularity as a treatment for hair loss and growth. However, there are conflicting opinions about how much of this is hype and how much is real results. In this article we explore the evidence behind rosemary oil and the science of how it helps regrowth. We also review how to use it for healthier, thicker and longer hair.
What is Rosemary Oil?
Rosemary oil is an essential oil from the aromatic herb Rosmarinus officinalis, which is popular in the health and wellness world. Known for its woody, evergreen scent, it is extracted by steam distillation. It is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which is why it has a long history of use in traditional medicine. This includes use to sharpen memory, ease muscle pain and support the immune system. Rosemary oil is also popular in cosmetics, with a wide range of uses such as skin healing and hair loss treatment.
The Science Behind Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth
There is a good body of research supporting rosemary oil as a natural way to help prevent hair loss. In fact, one clinical study compared rosemary oil with 2% minoxidil over 6 months. It was found to be just as effective at boosting hair growth, with fewer side effects.
The main way rosemary oil helps growth seems to be by improving blood flow. When massaged into the scalp, it boosts circulation, which makes sure the hair follicles get a rich supply of nutrients and oxygen. This in turn stimulates the follicles to produce new hair. Rosemary oil also contains ursolic acid, which helps unclog the follicles. On top of that, its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties keep the scalp healthy by reducing dandruff and irritation. Both of these improve the environment for growth. However, despite the claims, there is no evidence yet that rosemary oil lowers dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This is the hormone linked to hair thinning and loss.
Benefits & How Long Results Take
Given its many actions on the hair and scalp, rosemary oil has several key benefits:
- Stimulates hair growth: rosemary oil’s ability to widen blood vessels and stimulate the follicles boosts new hair growth. Regular use can lead to thicker, stronger hair.
- Improves scalp health and prevents hair loss: its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties soothe the scalp. They also prevent dandruff and irritation, which can contribute to hair loss.
- Strengthens hair and enhances shine: the nutrient-rich make-up of rosemary oil strengthens the hair shaft, reducing breakage and split ends. It also helps repair damaged hair, restoring shine.
Any benefits of rosemary oil are gradual. Results vary based on factors like hair type, how much hair loss there is and how consistently you use it. Generally, you might see early improvements within the first 1 to 3 months of regular use. These include less shedding and a healthier scalp. More noticeable results, including thicker hair and new growth in thinning areas, typically appear around the 3 to 6 month mark. To keep the benefits and continued growth, you will need to use it consistently for over 6 months.
How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth
It is actually pretty easy to add rosemary oil to your hair care routine. However, like any hair growth treatment, you will need to use it regularly and over a prolonged period to see results. Here are our best tips for using it on your hair:
- Choose your product: rosemary oil comes as an essential oil or in a number of ready-made products. The latter are easiest, and most people get on well with a rosemary oil serum they can apply directly to the scalp. If you prefer to make your own, dilute a few drops in a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil.
- Scalp massage: gently massage rosemary oil into your scalp for 5 to 10 minutes. This spreads it evenly, boosts absorption and stimulates circulation. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, though overnight gives better results.
- Regular use: for best results, apply it to the scalp at least twice a week, though 3 to 4 times is ideal.
Side Effects of Using Rosemary Oil
Although rosemary oil is generally safe, it is worth knowing the potential side effects. These are especially likely when it is used incorrectly or in excess. Here are the key ones to consider:
- Skin irritation and allergic reactions: undiluted rosemary oil can cause redness, itching or a burning feeling on the scalp. To avoid this, always dilute pure rosemary oil in a carrier oil before use, or use a ready-made product. It also helps to do a patch test on a small area of skin first. If irritation happens, stop using it and seek medical help.
- Sensitivity to sunlight: rosemary oil can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, raising the risk of sunburn. Rinse it thoroughly from your hair and scalp before going out in the sun, or use it in the evening or overnight.
- Hormonal effects: although rare, some reports suggest rosemary oil might affect hormonal balance. This is especially relevant for pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with hormone-sensitive conditions, who should check with their healthcare provider first.
- Respiratory issues: inhaling neat rosemary oil can sometimes cause coughing or trouble breathing. This is especially likely in people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Use it in well-ventilated areas and avoid inhaling it directly from the bottle.
- Eye irritation: avoid getting rosemary oil in the eyes, as it can cause severe irritation. If this happens, rinse your eyes straight away with plenty of water and seek medical attention if it persists.
- Drug interactions: rosemary oil may interact with some medicines, particularly anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors and diuretics. If you take any prescription medicines, check with your medical provider before using it.
How Does Rosemary Oil Compare to Other Hair Loss Treatments?
Rosemary oil is a natural, widely available, gentle and cost-effective hair loss treatment. That said, there are limits to what it can do. In more severe or extensive hair loss, it may be worth considering other options. More often than not, hair loss treatments are used in combination with each other, and even alongside rosemary oil. Below are the most well-established non-surgical alternatives:
- minoxidil: this topical treatment is available over the counter at up to 5% strength. You will need a prescription for higher strengths or combination treatments with other medicines. Like rosemary oil, it stimulates the follicles by boosting blood flow to the scalp, which extends the growth phase of the hair cycle.
- finasteride and dutasteride: these prescription-only medicines (available as oral or topical treatments) reduce hair loss by blocking the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which lowers DHT. They are effective but carry potentially serious hormonal side effects. So they are mainly kept for male pattern baldness or hair loss in post-menopausal women.
- spironolactone: this prescription-only medicine has anti-androgen properties that treat hormone-related hair loss in women by blocking androgen receptors. It comes as an oral or topical treatment. Whilst spironolactone is preferred for female pattern hair loss in premenopausal women, it is not suitable for male pattern hair loss.
- biotin: also known as vitamin B7, biotin supports growth by strengthening the hair strands, improving elasticity and preventing breakage. Supplements are widely available and often recommended for people with hair thinning or loss, frequently alongside other treatments.
Rosemary oil is an effective natural remedy for promoting hair growth and treating mild hair loss. Its rich mix of nutrients and antioxidants boosts blood flow and improves the overall environment for growth. This keeps the scalp healthy and stimulates the follicles. It is important to remember this is not an overnight fix, so patience and persistence are vital. Everyone is different too, and this affects how your hair responds to rosemary oil. For this reason, you may need to consider other established hair loss treatments. You can use these instead of or alongside rosemary oil to boost its effects.
We know that hair regrowth is a deeply personal journey. This is why we launched personalised hair loss and regrowth treatments through our online clinic. Our doctors create custom hair loss treatments using actives like minoxidil, spironolactone, finasteride, dutasteride and tretinoin for each and every patient. We also treat skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and signs of skin ageing with bespoke skincare treatments. To start, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin and hair starts here.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional with any concerns about your hair or treatment options.
