Hair loss is a common dermatological issue affecting about 0.2–2% of the global population, impacting physical and mental health, especially with age. It can result from poor nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, skin conditions, hormonal imbalance, stress, and certain medications.
Treatment for hair loss varies depending on the cause and involves addressing vitamin deficiencies, balancing minerals, and improving hair and scalp health. Essential oils, natural and biodegradable compounds widely used in dermatology, offer therapeutic benefits with minimal side effects.
One such essential oil, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), has been studied for its ability to promote hair growth and improve hair quality. Rich in phytochemicals like carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, rosemary hair oil enhances scalp circulation, supports follicle health during the growth phase, and reduces hair loss.
Let’s explore the benefits of rosemary extract oil in hair oil and what rosemary oil do to help achieve healthier, shinier, and thicker hair.
| Article Contents
·        Overview of Rosemary and its Nutritional Profile ·        Benefits of Rosemary extract in hair oil ·        Scientific Evidence supporting Rosemary extract benefits for hair care ·        How to use Rosemary extract for hair care? ·        Conclusion ·        Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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Overview of Rosemary and its Nutritional Profile
Rosemary is an evergreen perennial shrub native to southern Europe and Asia, particularly the Mediterranean region of the world. It has been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, dysmenorrhea, stomachaches, rheumatic pain, spasms, memory improvement, depression, and physical and mental fatigue.
The wide-ranging medicinal properties of rosemary are attributed to its nutritional composition. It contains volatile oils, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic compounds that offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antidepressant, and memory and mental fatigue ameliorating effects. It has been classified as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Association (FDA).
Benefits of Rosemary extract in hair oil
Rosemary extract contains valuable phytoconstituents like carnosic and rosmarinic acid, volatile oil, and phenolics and their derivatives found in many pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. These compounds are known to promote hair growth.
Here are the key benefits of rosemary extract for hair care:
1)Â Stimulates hair growth:
Rosemary extract is a potent antioxidant that protects and repairs hair follicles. It also increases the number and size of the hair follicle during the anagen phase, thus accelerating the rate of hair growth and potentially increasing hair density.
2) Improves hair texture and adds shine:
Rosemary extract is rich in volatile oils and phenolic compounds that significantly improve the quality of the hair, its appearance, length, and weight. It promotes healthy, long shiny hair with good texture.
3) Promotes healthy scalp:
Rosemary extract improves the vascularity of the scalp and helps to enhance nutrient delivery to hair follicles, thus stimulating hair growth and reducing hair thinning. It promotes faster growth, improves scalp health, and increases the effectiveness of hair treatments.
4) Reduces dandruff and irritation:
Rosemary extract contains rosmarinic acid that exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This active ingredient inhibits the growth of dandruff causing microbes such as Malassezia furfur and Trichophyton rubrum, thus reducing issues like dryness, itchiness, and dandruff.
5) Prevents hair loss conditions:
Rosemary leaf extract inhibits testosterone 5α-reductase, thus effective for improving hair regrowth and treating hair loss conditions such as androgenic alopecia and androgenetic alopecia.
Scientific Evidence supporting Rosemary benefits for hair care
Scientific studies have increasingly highlighted the potential benefits of rosemary extract for hair health. Research indicates that rosemary extract possesses various bioactive compounds, such as rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, which help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress and inflammation, the common contributors to hair thinning and loss.
A clinical study published in 2015 compared the effectiveness of rosemary hair oil with a 2% minoxidil solution for treating androgenetic alopecia. Participants using either treatment experienced a significant increase in hair count and scalp irritation more common in the minoxidil group, underscoring the therapeutic efficacy and safety of rosemary oil over minoxidil.
Another study published in 2023, demonstrated that topical application of 1% hair lotion incorporated with methanolic extract of rosemary, improved hair growth in mice by enhancing protein content and stimulating hair follicles. This formulation displayed a potent hair growth-promoting activity with a faster onset of action than the standard 2% minoxidil hair lotion.
Moreover, research on rosemary’s effects on scalp health supports its role in hair care. A recent study published in 2024, demonstrated the combined efficacy of rosemary and neem extract for reducing dandruff. This extract demonstrated superior efficacy against Malassezia furfur (a causative agent of dandruff) and Trichophyton rubrum (associated with scalp disorders) compared to the conventional antifungal agent, ketoconazole.
These scientific findings highlight the potential benefits of rosemary oil for hair and how it help to achieve hair growth and healthy scalp.
How to use Rosemary extract for hair care?
Rosemary can be used in various forms such as shampoos, conditioners, leave-in oils, massage oils, hair masks, dandruff lotions, and serums.
Here are some potential ways to incorporate rosemary oil into your hair care routine:
- Daily Use: Add a few drops of best rosemary hair oil or water to your regular shampoo or conditioner daily to boost hair health and stimulate the scalp.
- Rosemary Oil Scalp Massage: Mix a few drops of rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil, massage into scalp for 5-10 minutes, leave on for 30 minutes to overnight, then shampoo for thick and long hair.
- Rosemary Hair Mask: Combine rosemary oil with honey, yogurt, or egg yolk for a nourishing hair mask. Apply to damp hair, leave on 20-30 minutes, rinse and shampoo.
- Rosemary Shampoo or Conditioner: Look for shampoos or conditioners that contain rosemary extract or oil. Use these products to strengthen hair and nourish the scalp.
- DIY Rosemary Infused Oil: Make your best rosemary hair growth oil by steeping fresh rosemary in olive or almond oil, strain and use it as a scalp treatment or hair oil.
- DIY Rosemary water: You can make fresh rosemary water by boiling five sprigs of rosemary (one per cup of water) for 15 minutes. Apply directly to the scalp before shampooing or as a final rinse after conditioner for added moisture and nutrients.
Always perform a patch test before using rosemary oil or any new hair product to check for potential allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Rosemary extract offers potential as a natural treatment to stimulate hair growth and enhance overall hair health. Incorporating best rosemary oil such as BioBird hair oil into your hair care routine can help strengthen hair follicles, improve hair density, and promote healthy hair texture.
While specific benefits require more research, rosemary’s active compounds show promise in promoting hair growth and scalp circulation. For healthier, fuller, and shinier hair, it is important to focus on a balanced diet, gentle hair care, and stress reduction alongside using best rosemary hair growth oil.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1) Can too much rosemary damage hair?
Using rosemary in appropriate amounts is beneficial for hair health. Excessive use or improper application may damage hair and may potentially cause some issues such as irritation. So, use rosemary products wisely and according to instructions.
2) Can I put rosemary in my hair every day?
Everyone’s hair and scalp react differently to treatments. Some individuals may find daily use beneficial, while others may benefit more from less frequent application. If you’re considering using rosemary daily, start with a small amount and monitor how your scalp and hair respond.
3) Does rosemary oil increase hair volume?
Yes, rosemary oil can help to increase hair volume over time, however individual results may vary. It’s essential to use rosemary consistently and according to recommended guidelines to maximize its potential benefits for hair volume.
4) Why is my hair falling out after using rosemary oil?
Hair falling out after using rosemary oil can occur due to several reasons such as improper use, overuse, scalp sensitivity, and allergic reactions. It is important to perform a patch test before use and balance its use by diluting it properly with a carrier oil to minimize the risk of irritation.
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5) What are the side effects of rosemary oil?
Rosemary oil is generally considered safe when used appropriately. However, it can cause side effects in some individuals, especially if used in high concentrations or without proper dilution such as skin irritation, allergy, dryness, and scalp issues. If irritation or discomfort occurs, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
