Let’s admit it, we all wish to get lush, shiny, and voluminous hair like the models in shampoo and hair oil ads, don’t we? If anything, it’s only natural that you’d think of using some herbal and organic solutions for your hair, we totally get it. What’s worth knowing is that among the many herbal avengers of hair loss, exists rosemary. Coming straight from the aromatic rosemary plant, this essential oil is an ultimate life saver, or should we say, hair saver? Here’s everything you need to know about rosemary and how it is the ideal hack for promoting hair growth.
About Rosemary (The Backstory)
Hailing from the Mediterranean region, rosemary is a herb known for its culinary uses and healing properties. It’s mostly found in the form of essential oil, which is extracted directly from the plant. Other than being used for cooking purposes, people also use it as an ingredient in wellness and beauty products, thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
In recent years, rosemary has managed to get enough credit for its positive impact on haircare. It is not only known for promoting hair growth, but also for preventing hair loss. Read further to know what are the benefits of including rosemary in your hair care routine.
Benefits Of Rosemary For Hair
- Encourages Hair Growth
Going by the experts, rosemary is a great solution for hair growth. The presence of carnosic acid helps heal tissue damage and nerve damage and boosts cellular turnover. This in turn promotes nerve growth and improves blood circulation, which is extremely important for hair growth. So, if you want to flaunt some shiny voluminous hair, then you need to make rosemary essential oil an essential part of your life. As per a 2013 study conducted on mice that experienced an artificial interruption in hair regrowth, it was found that rosemary could actually stimulate hair growth.
- Less Itchy Scalp
With rosemary oil by your side, you need not worry about dealing with an itchy scalp. As per a study conducted on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of rosemary, most people who used rosemary oil had less itchy scalps.
- Prevents Dandruff
Another prominent feature of rosemary is that it comes with antifungal properties that fight Malassezia furfur, the fungi that cause dandruff. It also cleanses the scalp and hair follicles by removing the bacteria that clog them. This could potentially reduce the problem of dandruff.
- Fights Hair Graying
Pollution has been at an impasse with hair health since eternity now. In fact, it is one of the major reasons for the acceleration of the hair aging process. But with rosemary essential oils, you have just the right ammunition to go into battle against hair aging. It helps fight against free radicals and prevents graying. Not just pollution, it also fights back stress with rosemary aromatherapy, which is another main cause of hair graying.
- Prevents Hair Loss
Just like pollution, there are many factors (UV radiation, smoke, cigarette, etc) that promote free radicals in our hair follicles. These radicals act as villains and cause cell damage. Rosemary being the savior that it is, helps heal the damage and eventually prevents hair loss. In a study comparing rosemary and minoxidil (a medication for hair loss), it was found that rosemary oil was just as effective as 2% minoxidil against hair loss.
How To Use Rosemary For Hair Growth
1. Hair Oil X Rosemary Oil
A nice rosemary hot oil treatment would be a great way to tackle dry and damaged hair and improve hair growth. In a vessel, pour in your regular hair oil, add a few drops of rosemary oil in it, and heat till it's slightly warm. Now massage your scalp with the mixture for about 10 minutes. Cover your lengths and tips with the oil and wrap your hair in a hot towel (heat the towel using a blow dryer) or shower cap. Keep it for 30 minutes and wash it off with regular shampoo.
2. Shampoo X Rosemary Oil
Another solution to improve your hair growth is to combine rosemary with your shampoo. You can either add it directly to your shampoo bottle or separately during each use. Add it to the shampoo bottle in a ratio of around five drops to an ounce of shampoo. Otherwise, use two to three drops to each gallop of shampoo you use for each wash.
3. Rosemary Water
Rosemary water would make your hair shiny and prevent hair loss. For this, add rosemary leaves to a cup of boiling water. Let the mixture boil for 15 minutes and once it’s cool, strain it and use it as a final rinse when you wash your hair. Do make sure you massage your scalp after pouring the mixture on your hair.
4. Rosemary Leave-in Conditioner
A rosemary leave-in conditioner would make your hair glossy and soft and treat dandruff. To make this, in a boiled cup of water add a few drops of rosemary essential oil or steep dried rosemary leaves. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it as a leave-in conditioner every time you wash your hair and let it air dry.
Things To Know Before Using Rosemary For Hair
- In general, it takes more than six months to get the results you desire. So keep calm.
- If you have sensitive or allergic skin or scalp, or if you’re on any kind of medication, make sure you use it only after consultation with doctors.
- There’s no data on whether it’s safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women or children, so it’s better to avoid using it.
- Don’t apply too much or leave it on for too long as it can interfere with the microflora of your scalp, just like any other oil.
- Avoid contact with the eyes, if it gets in your eyes quickly rinse it with cold water.
Summing Up
Now that you know everything about rosemary and how it helps with hair growth, it is time to make it a part of your hair care routine. With our very own rosemary essential oil by your side, begin your journey toward thick and healthy hair and flaunt those tresses like those shampoo ad models you always envied!
FAQs
Can Rosemary Make Your Hair Grow?
Yes. Thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, rosemary helps stimulate thick and healthy hair.
How Long Does It Take For Rosemary To Grow Hair?
As per the limited study on rosemary’s effect on hair growth, it takes at least six months to see the results.
Can I Put Rosemary In My Hair Every Day?
If you’re using it as a leave-in conditioner or hair spray, you can use it as often as you like. However, if you’re rinsing it on your scalp, don’t use it more than once or twice a week.
Can I Put Rosemary Oil Directly On My Hair?
Yes, people with all hair types can use it directly on their hair. Rosemary doesn’t work on your hair strands but on your scalp and hair follicles.
Reference articles
https://www.healthshots.com/beauty/hair-care/5-ways-to-use-rosemary-for-hair-growth/
https://www.healthline.com/health/rosemary-oil-for-hair#uses
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/rosemary-a-herbal-remedy-for-hair-growth/
https://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/a38603963/rosemary-oil-for-hair/