Everyone is talking about rosemary oil as a hair treatment and for hair growth, so we examined the claims and the actual studies.
Some of the many declarations include reducing hair loss, rapid hair growth, reversing grey hair, nourishing dry scalp, strengthening hair, fixing damaged hair, treating fungal infections, and improving your love life; just kidding on the last one!
Let’s look at the promises made by influencers and what the studies show to be mostly true or false.
Reducing hair loss
True! The clinical studies involved people with alopecia, primarily Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) and Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA).
The studies were limited in the number of participants, and the duration was six months. The details in the study are vague, and no photos are available.
That said, the information in these studies is promising.
National Library of Medicine article The Use of Natural Ingredients in the Treatment of Alopecias: "A single-blind, randomized clinical trial investigated the clinical efficacy of rosemary oil in the treatment of AGA and compared its effects to minoxidil 2% ointment. The study showed that application of rosemary oil was as effective as minoxidil 2% ointment. In addition, there was better treatment adherence in the rosemary group as compared with in the minoxidil group."
Woo hoo! This is what all of the excitement is all about! Just keep in mind that even Rogaine (minoxidil) is only about 60% effective.
Remember that the studies claim that new hair growth was seen on the participants' heads after they used rosemary oil on their scalps for six months.
How it works
According to the abstract Promotion of Hair Growth by Rosmarinus officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary is said to work because it contains the chemical compound carnosic acid. This compound blocks dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone attributed to head and body hair and alopecia. This compound is the basis for the theory that rosemary oil may help with hair loss and why some small pre-clinical and clinical trials were completed.
A look at the other rosemary oil for your hair claims
Rapid hair growth
False! We could not find any studies that showed rapid hair growth after using rosemary oil. The cited studies state that new hair growth was seen at six months of use. Some influencers claiming rapid hair growth were caught using hair extensions! Some people will do and say anything to make some quick cash.
Reversing grey hair
Somewhat true. We could not find any studies showing that rosemary oil reverses grey hair. Stress may cause hair to turn grey. Rosemary has been used in aroma therapy to help reduce stress, so a claim, in theory, could be made that rosemary may help prevent grey hair, but it has not been proven. Meditation or a glass of wine may help reduce stress, too.
Nourishing dry scalp
Maybe. We found no studies showing rosemary oil to help with dry scalps. Dry scalps have many causes, and treatment should be specific to the problem. Although some dry scalp types may benefit from rosemary oil, it’s best to see a dermatologist for help with your particular needs.
Strengthening hair
False! Once again, we couldn't find any studies showing rosemary oil to help strengthen hair. There is anecdotal evidence on social media that I would take lightly. Remember, some people will say anything!
Fixing damaged hair
False! Nothing can fix damaged hair. Rosemary oil may add shine to dry, dull-looking hair but can also make it look greasy, particularly for fine hair types.
Treating fungal infections
True! Rosemary oil is confirmed to be antifungal. It has been used this way for many years, but there have yet to be any clinical trials with humans. The study cited involve pre-clinical and in vitro trials of rosemary oil and various fungi, including Malassezia, a yeast that can cause dandruff. If you have dandruff or suspect you have dandruff, please see your doctor for advice.
Store-bought vs. DYI
Social media influencers offer many recipes for homemade rosemary oil and rosemary water. However, it is noteworthy that there is a difference between boiling herbs in your kitchen and a product produced in a temperature-controlled environment with sterile equipment.
Still wanna try using rosemary oil?
After reading many articles on how to use rosemary oil for your hair, some with the opposite advice, we suggest following the advice from the Cleveland Clinic (CC) blog Health Essentials because the CC is considered one of the world's top hospitals. The article is Growth Market: How Rosemary Oil Can Help Your Hair.
Follow these six tips for using rosemary oil to help hair loss.
Look for a product that is 100% rosemary oil.
Test the rosemary oil on a small area, like your arm, and monitor the spot for 24 hours to ensure you are not allergic or have a skin reaction.
One teaspoon of rosemary oil is all you need.
Focus on applying rosemary oil to your scalp and work it in.
For best results, apply the oil at night and then shampoo your hair in the morning.
You must apply rosemary oil two or three times a week for six months to see new hair growth.
Cautions
Although rosemary oil is derived from an herb and is considered safe, some people may experience an allergic reaction as the oil is very concentrated.
Avoid getting rosemary oil in your eyes.
Do not use rosemary oil if you are pregnant according to this Safety Assessment of Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary); you can find the warning on page 6.
Conclusions
Rosemary oil may help some people with some forms of alopecia. If you are interested in trying rosemary oil, you like the fragrance, and you are not allergic to it, it is safe and inexpensive to experiment with!
Personal experience: a client said she has been using rosemary oil for age-related alopecia, and I have seen new hair growth on her scalp after about six months; it can work!
Some of the additional studies we looked at include:
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