Rapunzel! Rapunzel! Let Me In on Your Secret: Rosemary Oil

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, with technology everyone had access to, the townsfolk waxed lyrical about a magic potion, rosemary oil. They saw it on social media, heard about it on TV, and the town criers of their time, also known as the ‘influencers,’ gushed about the benefits of rosemary oil for hair. 

Indigenous to the Mediterranean lands, rosemary is hailed as both a culinary and healing herb, which when distilled into a highly concentrated essential oil, becomes its most potent form, rosemary oil. Rich in antioxidants, abundant with anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial to your memory, and quite frankly incredibly tasty, rosemary oil lived up to its name. And then the newest benefit was unearthed: using rosemary oil for hair growth.

Rosemary oil, derived from the evergreen shrub rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), is an aromatic essential oil known for its distinctive fragrance and therapeutic properties. This oil is extracted from the plant’s linear, needle-like leaves, which contain glandular hairs that release fragrant volatile essential oils. Rosemary, a member of the Labiatae (or Lamiaceae) family — which includes herbs like mint and oregano — offers a rich array of plant compounds that can contribute to health benefits. It is commonly used in aromatherapy and natural healing practices. Rosemary oil is known for its potential to boost memory, elevate mood, support general wellness, and, more recently, encourage hair growth, making it an important element in any health regimen.

Rosemary oil is widely recognised for its many health advantages, primarily due to its abundance of bioactive compounds. These compounds, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, contribute to its therapeutic properties. The antimicrobial properties of the oil can aid in preventing infections, and its capacity to promote wound healing makes it a beneficial component of natural treatments.

Rosemary oil’s most talked about benefit, though is its ability to promote hair growth. Although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for everyone, some studies have shown promising results. For instance, a study from 2015 suggested that rosemary oil might help protect against hair loss. A more recent study in 2023 demonstrated that a lotion containing 1% rosemary oil stimulated hair growth more effectively than a common hair loss medication.

Furthermore, the mice that received rosemary lotion showed enhancements in the quality, length, weight, and overall appearance of their hair, suggesting its promise as a natural hair care remedy. But rosemary oil needs to be applied consistently for a longer duration (nearly a year) to see visible improvements.

The advantages of rosemary oil for promoting hair growth can be linked to several natural properties of the herb. Do remember that any results are not immediate and will take at least 3-4 months of use before their appearance. It is believed to enhance circulation, helping prevent hair follicles from becoming starved of blood supply, which can lead to hair loss. Besides encouraging hair growth, it could also aid in delaying premature greying and minimising dandruff, as well as potentially easing dryness or itchiness of the scalp, although further studies are needed. Furthermore, rosemary oil may benefit nerve tissue by increasing nerve growth factor, which could support both hair growth and skin health by rejuvenating the nerve endings in the scalp.

Roll up your sleeves and get started on making this super simple rosemary oil recipe.

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup of a base oil, such as olive oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil
• 5-10 drops of rosemary essential oil

 Method: 

• Warm your carrier oil slightly in a double boiler
• After the oil has warmed up, take it off the heat and add your rosemary essential oil
• Stir well to combine
• Let the mixture cool down before pouring it into a sealable bottle or jar for storage

If you want to experiment, you can also mix in different kinds of essential oils, like lavender, peppermint, or even argan oil. 

There are a few ways to use rosemary oil for hair growth. Here are some methods you can incorporate into your haircare routine:

• Massage it directly into your scalp: Mix around five drops of rosemary oil with a teaspoonful of carrier oil of your choice (jojoba or coconut oil). After your bath or shower, massage the mixture evenly into your scalp. Rinsing is optional; if you choose to rinse, let the oil sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes beforehand to maximise its benefits.
• Mix it into your hair products: You can enhance your regular hair products by adding rosemary essential oil. This includes shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and styling products. Use approximately five drops for every ounce of product, applying them as you typically would.
• Add it to homemade shampoo: If you enjoy DIY projects, consider making your own shampoo. Many recipes utilise ingredients like baking soda, coconut oil, and essential oils. You can easily add rosemary oil for its health benefits, tailoring your shampoo to your preferences.
• Focus on your scalp: When applying rosemary oil, concentrate on your scalp rather than your hair. Applying oil to your hair can lead to greasiness without providing significant benefits.
• Start slow: If you’re new to rosemary oil, test it on a small area of your scalp first to ensure you don’t experience any adverse reactions. This is a good way to gauge your skin’s tolerance.
• Avoid added fragrances: When choosing hair products, opt for ones that are made with pure 100% rosemary oil, as added fragrances can reduce their effectiveness and heighten the likelihood of skin irritation.

Using rosemary essential oil in its most concentrated form can have some side effects. It's best to always dilute the essential oil before applying it to your scalp. Excessive use of rosemary oil may lead to skin irritation, so it's advisable to dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, or mix it into another product to ensure comfort for your scalp. Excess rosemary oil may also risk damaging hair follicles, potentially causing hair loss rather than growth. Additionally, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to skip rosemary oil, as some 100% rosemary products include warnings about potential risks, including possible effects on the foetus or even miscarriage.

Rosemary oil could potentially assist those experiencing hair loss. But expecting immediate, dramatic results is far-fetched. Years of hair loss cannot be reversed by using rosemary essential oil. It might be most helpful during the beginning stages of hair loss. But it is important to remember the extent of improvement for hair loss is variable and depends on person-to-person. In case you’re experiencing any side effects from using rosemary oil, speak with your doctor.

Rosemary oil may help stimulate hair growth, especially in early hair loss, but results vary by person.

Yes, rosemary oil may improve scalp health, prevent dandruff, and boost hair strength and thickness.

Daily use isn’t recommended as it may cause irritation; start with 2-3 times a week.

Yes, overnight application is safe if diluted and can boost scalp absorption for better results.

It is recommended to use rosemary oil 2-3 times a week consistently over several months for visible benefits.