Maybe you’re reading this article because you heard that people use rosemary for hair growth. You might wonder whether you can gain any benefits from using Rosemary on your hair. This blog post explains everything you want to know about using rosemary for hair growth, including its benefits.
Rosemary is a fragrant, green herb whose origin is in the Mediterranean region. Besides being a food seasoning agent, it’s the primary active ingredient in many personal care products. People have used it since ancient times as a remedy for several health problems. Rosmaric acid and Carsonic acid are the primary actives in Rosemary, and they are highly beneficial to human hair. While most people use fresh or dried leaves to make a liquid extract or tea, several haircare products are available with rosemary as their active component.
This herb has significant healing powers that people have recognized since ancient times. Its medicinal uses include treating joint and muscle pains, boosting blood circulation, strengthening the immunological system, improving memory, and stimulating hair growth.
Does Rosemary Benefit Human Hair?
Many hair care experts have described rosemary as the powerhouse for hair growth. It’s a home remedy for hair loss since you can make rosemary hair water at home to reap its immense benefits. Besides boosting hair thickness and growth, it soothes and clarifies the scalp. Also, it promotes shiny, silky hair.
Besides rosemary oil having beneficial Rosmaric acid and Carsonic acid, its water has rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, pH-balancing effects, and hair-smoothing saponins and tannins.
Rosemary Oil vs. Rosemary Water
People make rosemary water by steeping leaves and water to produce a dark-colored liquid with immense benefits for hair and scalp. You can make rosemary oil by heating rosemary sprigs with carrier oil to infuse it with the herb’s enriching benefits.
Rosemary water and oil have numerous benefits for the scalp and hair. However, you can use both if you want to mitigate hair loss, grow long strands, or reduce dandruff. People dislike feeling oil on their scalp but want to reduce frizz, smoothen, or darken their hair prefer rosemary water.
Can Rosemary Oil Treat Hair Loss?
The basic health benefits are the origin of the notion that Rosemary may enhance hair growth. As an essential oil, Rosemary has the following benefits:
- Nerve growth promotion
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Enhancing blood circulation
Rosemary compares to peppermint essential oil which promotes hair growth while enhancing blood circulation. Consequently, it may prevent hair follicles’ starvation, which denies them vital supplies leading to death and hair loss.
Benefits of Rosemary for Hair
Whether you use rosemary oil or rosemary water, your hair and scalp will reap significant benefits from this herb. Here’s why you should incorporate rosemary into your haircare routine.
Stimulating Hair Growth
Several studies have revealed this herb’s powerful effects when somebody uses it to promote hair growth. For instance, one study has revealed that Rosemary oil is as potent as minoxidil for hair regrowth. However, Rosemary doesn’t have adverse effects. When you use rosemary on your hair, it boosts blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring hair follicles get nutrients that stimulate faster hair growth.
Clarifying Scalp and Hair
Does your hair look lifeless and dull? Maybe your scalp feels greasy and gunky. Rinsing your hair with rosemary can clarify your hair and scalp. For instance, you can rinse your hair with rosemary water to remove hair and scalp buildup. The result is a clean scalp and shiny, bouncy strands.
Reducing Scalp Itchiness and Dandruff
Do you struggle with scalp issues, such as dandruff? Rosemary can help reduce the bacteria and yeast that cause itchiness and dandruff. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help control yeasts like Malassezia, which causes seborrheic dermatitis, itchy scalp, and dandruff.
Anecdotal evidence has shown that rosemary water and oil help reduce dandruff. Since dandruff is mostly responsible for hair loss, using the herb will keep your scalp healthy and promote hair growth.
Reducing Frizz while Boosting Hair Color and Shine
Using rosemary on your hair makes it feel silky and smooth. It gives you more refined waves, whether you have wavy, straight, or naturally curly strands. This herb naturally enhances hair texture making it look fantastic. The tannins in rosemary oil and water have similar smoothing effects with vinegar acid.
Moreover, rosemary extracts reduce the hair surface’s static elasticity while closing the cuticles. Consequently, they prevent frizz, improve hair slip, and help hair maintain a smooth and shiny appearance.
Healing the Scalp
If you have an itchy scalp, regular scratching, and dandruff if have injured it. Rosemary has antibacterial properties that help treat the skin. Adding it to your scalp and haircare routine will heal skin injuries, leading to a healthy scalp. Also, this herb can treat skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, and acne. Its nourishing and moisturizing properties promote healthy hair and scalp while eradicating microorganisms.
Protecting and Strengthening Hair
Using rosemary oil or tea can strengthen your hair. Human hair is vulnerable to oxidative stress which damages human hair. This herb has potent antioxidants that may also protect hair against UV, pollution, and heat damage.
While rosemary should not replace heat protectants, its antioxidants can protect and strengthen your hair.
What Should I Know Before Using Rosemary Oil?
As an essential oil, Rosemary may irritate your skin. Therefore, avoid applying it excessively to your scalp. Also, ensure it doesn’t get into your eyes, and rinse quickly with cold water if it does.
While it doesn’t pose health dangers, Rosemary can cause discomfort. Therefore, dilute it with skincare products like a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation. Also, experts have yet to learn more about using rosemary essential oil during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. So, be cautious when using it topically for hair loss during this period since its impacts are still unknown.
Rosemary Uses for Hair
You can use rosemary water or oil for hair in several ways, depending on your requirements and preferences. Here are popular rosemary uses for hair.
Hair Spray
You can enjoy rosemary benefits for hair by using it as a spray. Simply put rosemary water into a spray bottle and use it daily.
Hair Shampoo
Another way your hair can benefit from rosemary is by adding its oil to your shampoo. Adding a few drops of rosemary oil or water to your regular shampoo will help you reap its benefits for hair. Also, you can add it to hair conditioners, creams, or lotions. Nevertheless, avoid adding too much rosemary oil or water. Five drops are sufficient for an ounce of another haircare product.
Scalp Massage
You can massage your scalp with rosemary oil or water. Massaging your scalp with this oil is highly beneficial especially if it’s dry. Some people mix it with carrier oils to unclog hair follicles by dissolving scalp deposits. This oil helps control hair fall by moisturizing the scalp and hair.
Conclusion
Adding rosemary oil or water to your haircare routine promotes growth, strength, and beauty. It has potent ingredients that smoothen, nourish, and strengthen hair leading to voluminous, shiny, and bouncy strands. The modern world is full of environmental stressors and your hair is prone to free radicals and pollutants that lead to hair loss. This herb has antioxidants that fight free radicals and other stressors promoting hair growth. Moreover, it may protect your hair from sun damage. So, if you were unsure whether to add rosemary to your haircare routine, try Rosemary shampoo, oil, and hair conditioner from WOW Skin Science to enjoy this herb’s immense benefits for hair and scalp.
FAQs’
1. Can I apply rosemary directly on hair?
- Rosemary herb: If you’re using fresh or dried rosemary herb, you can steep it in hot water to make a rosemary tea rinse. Once cooled, you can apply this rinse directly to your hair and scalp.
- Rosemary essential oil: You should never apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin or scalp. Always dilute rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil (like jojoba, coconut, or almond oil) before applying it to your hair or scalp.
2. What is the best ratio for rosemary oil for hair growth?
A commonly recommended dilution ratio for essential oils used on the scalp and hair is 2-3%. This translates to:
- 2-3 drops of rosemary essential oil per teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil.
- 10-15 drops of rosemary essential oil per tablespoon (30ml) of carrier oil.
However, everyone’s sensitivity to essential oils can differ. It’s a good idea to start with a lower concentration and do a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any adverse reactions.
3. How often should I use rosemary for hair growth?
Using a rosemary oil mixture 2-3 times a week seems to be a common recommendation. Here’s a suggested method:
- Combine your diluted rosemary oil mixture.
- Apply it directly to the scalp and massage gently for a few minutes.
- You can let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour. Some people even choose to leave it on overnight (just be sure to protect your bedding if you do).
- Wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo.
As with any natural remedy, results can vary from person to person. It’s also essential to monitor for any signs of irritation or allergic reaction and discontinue use if any adverse effects are observed.
