Rosemary oil can be applied directly to your hair strands (it won't cause damage), but it should be massaged into your scalp if you're looking for the potential hair-growth benefits.
Remember that rosemary oil contains fatty acids, so it is best to use it conservatively to avoid an oily scalp and greasy hair. “The best way to apply rosemary oil for hair and scalp retention is by lightly applying the serum to the scalp and massaging it throughout the hair.
“You can oil when your hair is damp or dry, but your hair and scalp have to be clean, or the oil won't have a chance to be absorbed,” says Dr Gupta. For heavier oils like coconut oil, applying it on dry hair is best, as the larger molecules may not penetrate the shaft of wet hair as well it can dry hair.
You should apply oil to clean wet or dry hair. Oiling dirty hair can increase buildup and cause hair damage.
Oiling already oily scalp can lead to seborrheic dermatitis
Hence dermatologists don't recommend using oil too often,” explains Dr Daflapurkar. “If the scalp is already oily then there are more chances that it will trap dust, lead to itching, and other skin infections as well. This can lead to severe hair fall.
However, it should never be used directly. Rosemary oil should always be used as an essential oil, and only a few drops should be added to your carrier oil. The reason is that this oil is extremely potent in nature, and if applied directly, whether on the skin or on the hair, can cause burns and damage.
Because it's a pretty potent ingredient, for some, excess use of rosemary oil may lead to some itching and burning, says Holdsworth.
If you experience any irritation, stop using it. Even if you're not seeing any negative side effects, be wary of how often you're using it. “When used in excess, rosemary oil can make thinner hair look greasy and feel weighted,” Dr. Camp notes.
Because essential oils can irritate the skin when used on their own, when it's not diluted they can have the opposite effect on your hair, causing hair to fall out. Rosemary oil can be used in a variety of ways depending on your hair's needs.
Do I apply rosemary oil to wet or dry hair? The choice is yours! You can apply the solution to wet hair when washing your locks, use it when styling towel-dried hair, or put it directly on dry hair.
We recommend leaving rosemary oil in your hair (diluted) from 30 minutes to an hour before washing your hair as usual (though leaving it in your hair from 2 hours all the way up to 6 hours is the most effective). You can repeat this process up to twice a week for best results.
A 2015 study compared rosemary oil to minoxidil, a popular hair regrowth treatment. People with DHT-related hair loss received either rosemary oil or minoxidil for 6 months. At 3 months, neither group had more hair. By 6 months, both groups saw significant increases in hair growth.
One of the ways to use rosemary oil on your hair is to massage it into your scalp, but you should always mix your rosemary oil with a carrier oil first. Follow the direction on the label for dilution guidelines. Diluting rosemary oil helps to reduce its potency and means it is less likely to irritate your skin.
So, how long does it take to work? “Because of the hair growth cycle, any effects on hair growth may take six months to show up,” says King, adding that “The 2015 study with rosemary oil showed results at six months.”
Try making your own shampoo at home with rosemary oil or apply it (diluted with a carrier oil) to your scalp 1 to 2 times per week for at least 6 weeks to maximize results. Avoid direct contact with your skin and dilute with carrier oil to limit irritation (and avoid getting it into your eyes at all costs).
Rosemary oil can be applied directly to your hair strands (it won't cause damage), but it should be massaged into your scalp if you're looking for the potential hair-growth benefits.
It may not be safe for pregnant and nursing women to use rosemary oil for hair growth. Those with epilepsy or high blood pressure are advised against using rosemary oil for hair. Taking rosemary oil in huge quantities can cause sun sensitivity, skin redness, and vomiting. It can cause allergic reactions.
Green says rosemary oil should be applied twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. "It is best to use rosemary oil mixed with a carrier oil like argan, jojoba, or coconut oil," continues Dr. Green, noting that pure rosemary oil may irritate the scalp, especially those with sensitive skin.
It's crucial to wash your hair after applying oil, otherwise residue will weigh down water-based products (such as leave-in treatments) so they can't penetrate your hair. This may also make your scalp look oily and unkempt. In fact, it's a good idea to wash your hair after using any product that coats the strands.
Avoid hair oiling with an oily scalp
Oily hair, oily scalp — bad combo for a champi. But even if you have dry hair and an oily scalp, oiling will seldom lead to any good as it can further clog pores. Applying aloe vera gel is your best bet as it soothes the scalp and softens hair without making it greasy or clumpy.
Yes, you can leave rosemary oil in your hair overnight to reap the benefits while getting some well-deserved rest. However, it is important not to leave directly-applied rosemary oil on the hair overnight, as this can cause irritation. Only ever use diluted rosemary oil or products infused with rosemary oil.
While it's not harmful to leave rosemary oil in your hair overnight, it may cause irritation to your scalp if you have sensitive skin. Adding a few drops of rosemary oil to a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, can help to dilute it. How often should I put rosemary oil in my hair?
The reason behind the great result of this experiment was the restorative properties of rosemary oil which even worked great for people with alopecia. There are many ways in which you can use rosemary to increase your hair growth. You must use rosemary oil at least two to three times a week for great results.
We recommend mixing two tablespoons of carrier oil with two-three drops of rosemary oil. Use this mixture as a hair mask; apply to your scalp and leave on for an hour before washing out.