If you are interested in the best ways to use diluted rosemary oil for hair growth, you are likely one of the 85% of men or 55% [1][2] of women to experience hair loss during their lifetime. Fortunately, you are on the right track, since rosemary oil has been proven to be one of the best essential oils for hair growth.
Several studies have shown that diluted rosemary oil (rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil) is quite effective in reducing hair thinning produced by androgenetic alopecia, with results comparable to those of popular hair growth drug Minoxidil [3]. At the same time, there is early research that indicates it may also play a role in restoring alopecia areata hair loss when combined with other oils.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about:
The flavourful rosemary plant found in most kitchens is not only delicious when cooked, but it can also help stimulate your hair growth. The essential oil extracted from it is a natural DHT blocker, which makes it effective in reducing hair loss associated with male pattern baldness and increasing hair density, making hair thicker.
Like most essential oils, pure rosemary essential oil should not be used on your skin in its natural concentration, because it can lead to unwanted side effects [4], such as:
That is why it is recommended to dilute it in a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, coconut oil or grapeseed oil before applying it to your scalp and hair.
Here are some of the best rosemary oil blends for hair growth, which are already diluted and ready to use right after being taken off the shelf:
It combines the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blocking effect of rosemary oil [3] with the hair growth-stimulating properties of peppermint oil [5] and lavender oil [6]. The tea tree oil it contains can help treat mild to moderate dandruff [7], while the menthol can soothe your scalp if you are experiencing itchiness or irritation.
Active ingredients include:
While rosemary oil and lavender oil help to promote hair growth, jojoba oil is rich in nutrients such as Vitamin E for hair, Vitamin B and Vitamin C for hair. Moreover, the combination of rosemary oil, cedarwood oil, lavender oil and jojoba oil has been found by one study to be effective in treating alopecia areata [8].
Rosemary and lavender oil have a proven hair growth effect and when mixed together with cedarwood, they may help treat alopecia areata [8]. Coconut is used as a carrier oil due to its hair-strengthening and moisturising properties [9].
Rosemary oil efficiently blocks excessive DHT production, preventing androgenetic alopecia hair loss, while lavender oil helps to encourage hair growth. Sesame oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and increases blood flow to your hair follicles, supplying them with more nutrients [10].
Rosemary oil’s hair growth properties are complemented by argan oil’s sebum-regulating benefits and by the increase in hair elasticity provided by both argan and almond oils. Olive oil adds emollient and conditioning benefits. When mixed with rosemary oil (and other essential oils), thyme oil may be effective in reducing hair shedding in alopecia areata.
While rosemary oil helps restore hair loss in patients with androgenetic alopecia to similar results as Minoxidil hair loss treatment, argan oil helps balance sebum production and, alongside almond oil, these oils condition your hair and increase its elasticity [10].
Tea tree oil for hair can be effective in treating mild and moderate dandruff [11]. In turn, menthol can also soothe an itchy scalp, so this blend may be ideal for you if you are experiencing dandruff or a dry scalp that causes hair loss.
Almond oil moisturises and conditions your hair and improves its elasticity, while rosemary oil stimulates its growth.
Using jojoba oil as a carrier for rosemary oil is a great idea because it contains many vitamins and antioxidants which help nourish your hair follicles.
This is a simple rosemary blend, which can help stop your hair loss and stimulate hair growth. It is diluted with grapeseed oil, which is light and moisturises your scalp, while also cleansing it and removing excess sebum.
Diluted rosemary oils are some of the most effective essential oils for hair growth, with scientifically proven results against male pattern baldness.
One study performed in 2015 on 100 men with androgenetic alopecia revealed that patients treated with a diluted rosemary oil treatment experienced a similar increase in hair count as those treated with Minoxidil 2% (one of the most prescribed hair growth medications), both after 3 and after 6 months of clinical trial [3].
One small study also found evidence that when mixed with lavender oil, cedarwood oil, thyme oil and coconut oil, it can reduce hair loss by 44% in alopecia areata [8].
The easiest way to use diluted rosemary oil for hair growth is to apply a few drops on your scalp and gently massage it in. You can also use a wide-toothed comb to spread it on the entire length of your strands, so you can get its moisturising and conditioning benefits. Feel free to leave it in for as long as it feels comfortable to you before washing your hair.
For enhanced hair benefits, you can also mix your diluted rosemary oil with a multitude of other essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, tea tree, thyme, or lemongrass and use the mixture as a hair mask.
There is no specific time limit for how long you should leave diluted rosemary oil in your hair, as it is generally safe and well tolerated. You can leave it on for 30 minutes, overnight or even for the entire day, as long as you are not experiencing sensitivity to it or an allergic reaction.
If you find that your scalp gets itchy or irritated from leaving the diluted rosemary oil on your hair, simply reduce the amount of time you leave it on to a comfortable duration.
However, please be aware that while diluted rosemary oil is safe and has multiple hair benefits, it is still an oil, which means it can build up on your scalp and cause greasiness unless you wash your hair regularly.
Oil does not mix well with water, so while some websites endorse diluting rosemary oil with plain water, it is generally not recommended. Using carrier oils does not only work better to dilute your essential oils, but it can also provide additional moisturising, conditioning, antioxidant and nutritional benefits for your hair and scalp, depending on the blend you choose.
Rosemary water is different from diluted rosemary oil, as it involves infusing rosemary sprigs in boiling water rather than watering down the essential oil. But while some believe rosemary water can help with hair growth in a similar way to rosemary oil, there’s no evidence to suggest this is the case.
While rosemary oil can have good results for hair growth in some people, it may not necessarily work for you. If that happens, you might want to try one of the following scientifically proven hair growth treatments (please see a trichologist for a safe and effective recommendation for your specific condition):
If you are worried you may be experiencing hair loss, it is best to book a consultation with a trichologist for the first signs of hair thinning and balding. They can provide you with a timely and accurate diagnosis and recommend the best treatment for your particular hair and scalp condition.
Since some types of alopecia can progress if left untreated, waiting too long to see a specialist can render hair growth medication and therapies ineffective on their own. If that happens, your best chance at recovering your once luxurious locks may be a hair transplant.
However, if it turns out that hair restoration surgery is the best solution for you, there is no need to worry. More and more people, including many celebrities, are getting hair transplants nowadays, with great results. That is because the procedure is simple, fast and effective and the best hair transplant clinics have a 97-100% success rate, regardless of whether you opt for an FUE or FUT type surgery. Moreover, a hair transplant is permanent, so it is an investment you make in your appearance for years to come.
If you have any doubts about whether it is possible to get a natural-looking hair transplant, all you have to do is take a look at our before and after hair transplant gallery.
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