Does Rosemary Oil Work For Hair Growth?
I tried using rosemary oil on my hair every day for 30 days, to see if it really works for hair regrowth or if it’s just another TikTok fad.
I’m not usually the high maintenance beauty type. I don’t follow beauty trends, though like many women I enjoy a bit of pampering from time to time.
BUT when I noticed my hair starting to thin at the front of my hairline (like WTF!!!) and I was staring at bald patches on my forehead (see picture below), those viral TikTok’s on the wonders of Rosemary oil for hair regrowth started to catch my eye.
I have recently been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and due to the hormone imbalances caused by this condition, one of the delightful side effects can be male pattern balding at the front of the head. Yey!
I can get away with it looking okay when my hair is down, but as a fitness coach and busy mum, I spend the majority of my life with my hair tied up in a high bun. I know this probably doesn’t help matters, but as I said I’m not the high-maintenance type. I need my hair out of my face so I can get on with life.
However, balding it’s not something I’m keen on allowing to get worse. I already have quite fine hair, and as a woman over 40 this will likely only get worse as I age.
Many women tell me they have also had thinning hair, it’s very common. Up to 1/3 of women over the age of 40 report thinning hair.
This can be due to several reasons such as: hormone imbalances (especially during menopause), hairstyles or wearing hair too tight (also guilty of the one), damaging hair products or dyes, nutritional deficiencies, alopecia, to more severe reasons such as autoimmune disease.
So if there is a natural solution that is not only healthy but cost-effective, then I sure as hell want to test it out and let you know if it’s worth your time.
There are so many hair growth products on the market, they are now continually showing up on my feed but they also come with hefty price tags. So I wanted to take the natural route and see if something as simple as a rosemary extract hair oil can make a difference for hair regrowth and healthier hair.
The Experiment
I’m once again referring to the fact that I need my life to be as low maintenance as possible. While you can find a million different strategies and recipes in which to apply or use rosemary oil, I wanted to keep it simple to see if it worked. I bought a pre mixed hair oil and simply applied it to the thinning areas and massaged it into my scalp each evening before bed for 30 days. I did miss a couple of days here and there, but I was fairly consistent with it’s application.
I bought myself a bottle of rosemary oil from Amazon. It costs €16.99 for a 100ml bottle.
** Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission if you choose to purchase a product using my links, but at no extra cost to you. Using affiliates helps to support my work and I promise to only ever share products that I use and genuinely love.
Ingredients:
- Rapeseed Oil
- Castor oil
- Aloe Vera
- Biotin Vitamin B7
- Almond Oil
- Lavender Oil
- Melaleuca Oil
- Mint Oil
- Argan Oil
- Rosemary Extract
- Lemon Oil
I already sleep with a silk pillowcase after my mum bought me one for Christmas a couple of years back, I haven’t gone back. Silk pillowcases are supposed to be beneficial for preventing hair breakage as well as being better for your skin too. To be honest I just like the way they feel and also I find them to be much cooler to sleep on. Because you know midlife night sweats are yet another joy of fluctuating hormones.
More recently I have also switched my shampoo and conditioner away from using normal store-bought hair care. I previously always had to get a better quality shampoo and conditioner as I have coloured my hair for years and as mentioned its already think and can break easily.
After a summer of training for a triathlon and lots of time in the pool, my hair had gotten super dry and was not in good condition. So I decided to suck up the higer cost for a while.
I switched to Coco & Eve and though the price does make my eyes water a little, I have been very impressed with the change in my hair as a whole. It’s completely transformed from a few months back.
Another change I have made is to try using a silk scrunchie as often as possible. My sister who is a hairdresser gave it to me in the summer. So no when I am in the house and I have my hair up I use this over smaller hair ties which are known to cause more hair breakage.
Finally, the only other thing that was different, was that I was testing out a product for gut health (more on that one soon). Though I can’t be sure what effect that has had, it was worth mentioning as gut health can be a factor in hair growth.
So I set out with my 3 step system in an attempt to improve my hair and see if the rosemary oil would save my hair and my bald patches. I applied rosemary oil directly onto my scalp for a 30 day period to see what the results would look like.
I have to say I have been pretty blown away with the results. I had low expectations going into this experiment and so you can imagine my excitement when my balding patches started to sprout baby hair.
This after picture below is after 30 days of usage.
My social media ads are now flooded with various hair growth serums, I have seen great results with fairly inexpensive rosemary oil. I have only used around ⅓ of the bottle and so with these results, I will be continuing it’s use.
In fact I plan to use it all over my hair to see it if can continue to help with thickness and health of my scalp all over.
So it’s not just a fad, and yes it really does work!!
Though the scientific evidence is limited (people don’t tend to run studies on things that are natural and cheap to produce, there is no money in that) there is some evidence to suggest its benefits. So if you are the type of person who likes to know how and why something works, then keep reading on.
What is rosemary oil and how does it promote hair growth?
Rosemary oil is derived from the leaves of the rosemary plant, a fragrant herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. This oil is packed with nutrients that nourish and strengthen the hair follicles, providing the perfect conditions for hair to grow. It contains antioxidants that protect the hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals and has anti-inflammatory properties which can lead to hair loss and thinning.
One of the key ways rosemary oil promotes hair growth is by stimulating blood circulation to the scalp. When applied to the skin, rosemary oil increases blood supply to the scalp, with the added help of a little scalp massage each evening which was a wonderful addition to my evening routine, it felt nice to try and massage away some of my head tension. The oil and massage combination helps the hair follicles receive an ample supply of oxygen and nutrients. This increased blood flow not only promotes hair growth but also helps in the removal of waste products from the scalp.
Additionally, rosemary oil helps to balance the scalp’s oil production. It regulates the sebaceous glands, preventing both excessive dryness and greasiness. This balance is crucial for maintaining scalp health and creating an optimal environment for hair growth.
This is something that I also noticed during this experiment. I usually have quite oily hair and am someone who washes my hair daily. Though I was oiling most days, on the days when I didn’t, I have noticed that my hair is able to go a little longer without feeling overly greasy.
Adding to the list of benefits, rosemary oil has antimicrobial properties that can combat dandruff and other scalp conditions. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties help to eliminate any microbial infections that may be present on the scalp. This promotes a healthier scalp environment, which is essential for optimal hair growth.
How to use rosemary oil for hair growth – application methods and tips
Using rosemary oil for hair growth has been fairly simple and can be incorporated into your regular hair care routine. I also really enjoyed giving myself a little scalp massage before bed which I really feel helped me to wind down and support a good sleep routine.
Here are some application methods and tips to get the best results:
1. Scalp massage: Dilute a few drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil (unless you are buying a pre mixed oil like I did). Gently massage the mixture into your scalp using circular motions. This massage helps to stimulate blood circulation and ensures that the oil is evenly distributed on the scalp.
2. Hot oil treatment: Warm a tablespoon of rosemary oil and apply it to your scalp and hair. Cover your head with a shower cap and leave the oil on for 30 minutes to an hour. The heat helps the oil penetrate the hair shaft and scalp, providing deep nourishment.
3. Add to shampoo or conditioner: Add a few drops of rosemary oil to your regular shampoo or conditioner. This allows you to reap the benefits of rosemary oil with every wash. Make sure to mix well before each use.
4. Leave-in conditioner: Create a DIY leave-in conditioner by mixing a few drops of rosemary oil with water in a spray bottle. Spritz the mixture onto your hair after washing and conditioning. This helps to moisturize and protect the hair throughout the day.
When using rosemary oil, it’s important to remember that a little goes a long way. Always dilute the oil with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation unless you are using a rosemary hair oil like I did. Conduct a patch test before applying it to your entire scalp to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions. Remember that the key to this is making sure it gets to the scalp and not just on the hair.
Potential side effects and precautions when using rosemary oil for hair growth
While rosemary oil is generally safe for topical use, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and take necessary precautions. Like with anything, all people can respond differently. Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to rosemary oil. I have also seen some people advising against doing it daily as it can clog up the pores. As I mentioned above, I am someone who washes my hair most days and so this was not an issue in my 30 day experience.
If you have sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions, it’s recommended to perform a patch test before using rosemary oil so you can avoid any adverse reactions or scalp irritation. Apply a small amount of diluted rosemary oil to a small area of your skin and wait for 24 hours to see if any adverse reactions occur.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with their healthcare provider before using rosemary oil. It’s also advisable to avoid using rosemary oil on children without the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Conclusion: Natural hair care with rosemary oil
I’ll say it again, I have been so impressed and happy with how this experiment turned out. It seems that rosemary oil works, it’s an inexpensive, versatile and effective treatment for hair regrowth and I will be continuing its use. I plan to start applying it to the whole head and doing it 2-3 times a week.
I think I will also look at getting a scalp massager too, as that is yet another thing that is showing up on my social media ads all the time. I’m on a mission for more luscious locks and so I am very happy with the results of this little experiment
So be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for future updates on Rosemary oil, plus a whole lot more.
Update October 2024
I have still been using rosemary oil a couple of times a week and have now also added in Growband Scalp massager too. In this video you can see my latest updates and hair growth progress
Checkout Growband using my affiliate link HERE and use the code ECN10 to get 10% off
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