ROSEMARY OIL carries a fair few benefits for the skin, but it's also believed to work wonders for hair growth. Express.co.uk spoke to experts to find out how it works, as well as the best ways to apply it.
Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary is a versatile and popular herb used in foods and aromatherapy, as well as medicines. It might not have been the first oil to come to mind when choosing a good treatment for hair, but studies are increasingly uncovering the long list of benefits it can have on your scalp.
Using rosemary oil on hair has rapidly become a trend on Instagram and TikTok, where many claim it is a product which can prevent hair loss and stimulate growth.
However, considered sacred by the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Hebrews, and Romans, rosemary oil has actually been used for similar purposes for centuries.
As well as using the herb to ward off evil, “improve memory”, and as protection against plagues, folk medicine has used rosemary oil for thousands of years for its ability to heal, strengthen, and relieve symptoms.
Why is rosemary oil good for hair?
Nicole Petty, haircare expert at Milk + Blush told Express.co.uk: “Due to its high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties, rosemary is a great natural ingredient to use for growing, cleansing, and conditioning your hair.
“Studies have even found that rosemary essential oil is just as effective as minoxidil – otherwise known as Rogaine – for treating male and female pattern baldness.
“The ursolic acid in the rosemary works by strengthening circulation in the scalp to allow more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.”
Saul Meskin, leading hair expert at Foxy Locks weighed in that while these properties “can help prevent hair loss and thinning”, it has also been known to help “repair tissue and nerve damage in the scalp, which will leave your hair and scalp healthier.”
Mr Meskin continued: “It’s a natural product and you are not putting harsh chemicals into your body which is a bonus.
“Not many hair professionals will recommend trying Rosemary oil as most will opt for the better-known oils such as coconut or argan oil, but due to the list of benefits it has, it is definitely worth a try.”
How can I use rosemary oil on my hair?
Although the thought of a natural oil sounds wondrous and harmless, there are a few steps you should take before applying it to avoid irritation.
Ms Petty said: “Before you start putting rosemary essential oil on your scalp, it first needs to be diluted with a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut or olive oil to limit potential discomfort or irritation on sensitive skin.
“If you fancy trying your hand at creating your own solution, fill a jar with rosemary sprigs and carrier oil of your choice and leave to rest for a few hours before gently massaging onto the scalp. You can also add a sprig of lavender for extra fragrance.
“Apply approximately five drops of oil to your scalp and leave it to absorb throughout the day.”