Can rosemary oil help regrow hair? The answer appears to be yes — and there's scientific proof behind it. Researchers found rosemary oil to be as effective at encouraging hair regrowth as minoxidil, a medication better known as Rogaine®, says Dr. Khetarpal.
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.
Mix it with a carrier oil.
“You can start by using rosemary essential oil one to two times per week and titrate use upwards to daily as tolerated,” says Dr. Nussbaum. “Only use five drops of it, add it to a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil and massage into the scalp for five to ten minutes, and rinse.”
Rosemary oil is most effective for hair restoration when used consistently for at least 6 months. You can also use treatments a minimum of 1 to 2 times per week. While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn't monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils.
Can I leave rosemary oil in my hair overnight? 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.
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.
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.
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.
Rosemary oil is a powerful antioxidant and can be used to treat many skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. However it has also been known to cause damage to your scalp and follicles if used incorrectly. Rosemary oil can cause inflammation which can lead to hair loss in some cases.
Increases Blood Flow
You might be wondering how it happens. Well, rosemary oil helps in relaxing the tense veins in the scalp which helps the blood flow freely. This good circulation of blood makes the scalp condition really healthy which is then reflected in the 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.
Taking large amounts of rosemary can cause vomiting, sun sensitivity, and skin redness. When applied to the skin: Rosemary oil is possibly safe for most people. It might cause allergic reactions in some people.
Put 4-5 drops of rosemary essential oil on your scalp with the help of a dropper and gently massage it in your scalp. Massage it in circular motions to increase the blood flow in your scalp and hence, promote hair growth. Don't apply more than 5 drops of rosemary oil as too much of it can cause your scalp to itch.
Does Rosemary Oil Thicken Hair? The short answer is yes. There is some scientific evidence that rubbing rosemary oil into the scalp can help hair growth. One study showed that rosemary oil was as effective as minoxidil at stimulating hair growth.
Leaving oil on your hair everyday for too long can cause product build-up on your scalp. It may also clog your pores, attract dirt and accumulate dandruff.
Because it's a pretty potent ingredient, for some, excess use of rosemary oil may lead to some itching and burning, says Holdsworth.
However, direct application of rosemary oil on the scalp is not recommended because it may cause itching and irritation in some people. Before applying it to your scalp, dilute the essential oil in jojoba or coconut oil.
Add rosemary oil to your favorite pre-existing hair oil for an extra hair-healthy boost. Remember, you don't want to apply rosemary essential oil directly on your scalp. Always use a carrier oil to dilute the potency (hair care products—oils, shampoos, leave-ins—work fine as well).
Rosemary Oil Benefits
“It is best known for its antiseptic properties on the scalp, which means it is excellent for eliminating dandruff,” says Darrius Peace, hairstylist and natural hair expert. “In fact, because it can be used on the scalp, the absorption can also aid in muscle relief, providing mental clarity.”
In many situations, it can give you a way to enhance the growth of your hair. Researchers have found that rosemary oil has the ability to thicken hair significantly. Of course, there is still much to learn about the process and scientists continue to work to learn why and when it can work.
"Rosemary oil can help with nourishment and locking in the hair's moisture and it has properties that improve blood circulation to the scalp, while getting rid of any bacteria that clog hair follicles," adds a leading trichologist and Viviscal brand ambassador Hannah Gaboardi. @kayli.