- Rosemary oil for hair growth is a popular trend, with over 2 billion views on TikTok.
- Dermatologists recommend rosemary oil for hair regrowth and protection.
- Regular scalp massages with rosemary oil can lead to improved hair growth within six months.
If you’re looking to grow long, luscious hair, it’s time to turn to a common herb found in your kitchen cabinet.
Rosemary has gained immense popularity on TikTok for its hair care properties, with the hashtag #rosemaryoil accumulating over 2 billion views on the platform.
The use of rosemary oil in your hair care routine is not just a trend, but also supported by dermatologists who confirm its effectiveness in regrowing hair for individuals with androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss. Additionally, rosemary oil can protect hair from environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution.
Rosemary oil stimulates hair growth at the follicle
In a 2015 study, researchers found that rosemary oil was as effective as minoxidil (Rogaine) in regrowing hair for women with androgenetic alopecia. Not only did rosemary oil promote hair regrowth, but it also reduced scalp itchiness compared to Rogaine after several months of use.
“The study confirmed the effectiveness of rosemary oil for hair growth, leading to its increased inclusion in over-the-counter hair products,” explained Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal, a dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic.
The main active ingredient in rosemary oil, carnosic acid, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which promote healing of damaged nerves and improved blood circulation when applied to the scalp. This increased blood flow delivers essential nutrients and prevents hair follicle damage, resulting in hair growth, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Michelle Green, a dermatologist, further emphasized that rosemary oil’s antioxidant properties protect the scalp from environmental stressors such as UV radiation and pollution.
Although additional research is needed, rosemary oil may also help reduce dandruff and prevent premature graying, adding to its potential benefits for hair health.
Using rosemary oil for noticeable improvements
Rosemary oil can benefit individuals with all hair types, according to Dr. Khetarpal.
To effectively incorporate rosemary oil into your routine, Dr. Khetarpal suggests massaging a few drops of the oil into the scalp and leaving it to soak for a few hours or overnight, two to three times a week. Then, wash it out. It is crucial to focus the oil on the scalp, rather than the hair strands, to avoid making the hair look greasy, especially for those with fine hair. Additionally, Dr. Khetarpal recommends using 100% rosemary oil products and performing a patch test on a small area of the scalp before regular use to check for any adverse reactions.
Alternatively, you can make rosemary water at home, which can be as effective as rosemary oil and may provide less greasiness to the hair, according to Popular Science.
Lastly, Dr. Khetarpal advises being patient as noticeable improvements require consistency. “You’ll need to use rosemary oil two or three times a week for six months to see meaningful results,” she explained. “Stay committed and give it time to work.”
