Rosemary oil is one of the best-known natural remedies for hair loss. With several studies backing the use of rosemary oil to treat male pattern baldness, it’s unsurprising that so many people turn to rosemary oil for hair growth [1-4].
But there are many different varieties of rosemary oil on the market, including blends, tonics, and other treatments. So which is the best rosemary oil for hair growth, and how can you decide which is right for you?
In this article, we compare the science behind 10 different rosemary oil blends, each of which has different advantages that make it a good choice for those with hair loss, so you can decide which rosemary oil you should use for hair growth.
Rosemary oil isn’t a suitable solution for everyone with hair loss. It’s been shown to work well in people with male pattern baldness and alopecia areata (when combined with other hair growth essential oils).
But while it works through a few different mechanisms, rosemary oil can also affect your hormone levels. It blocks dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production in the scalp, which can lead to hair loss. So some people should exercise caution when using it.
You should avoid rosemary oil for hair loss (or seek advice from a doctor before using it) if [5]:
Premenopausal women should also seek advice before using rosemary oil due to the potential impact on hormone levels.
Rosemary oil is generally split into two chemotypes (i.e. they have the same structure, but different chemical quantities): Spanish rosemary oil and Moroccan or Tunisian rosemary oil [6]. The main difference is that Spanish rosemary oil contains more cineole and camphor than Moroccan/Tunisian rosemary oil.
Both cineole and camphor can help improve symptoms of hair loss [7]. There’s not yet any evidence that Spanish or Moroccan/Tunisian rosemary oil is superior to the other for hair growth — so it doesn’t matter which type you use. (Plus, most products don’t mark which type of rosemary oil is used.)
Whichever type of rosemary oil you use, make sure it’s diluted so it won’t irritate your scalp skin. Unlike rosemary oil, rosemary water is unlikely to stimulate hair growth. So avoid diluting rosemary oil with water. Instead, choose an effective carrier oil. Some diluted rosemary oil blends already contain carrier oils, but you may need to mix your own. Learn more about how to dilute rosemary oil for hair growth.
To find the right rosemary oil blend for your hair loss, look at the active ingredients. Studies have shown that the following ingredients can benefit your hair:
Many rosemary oils on the market are blended with other ingredients to create more effective hair growth formulas. Compare some of the best rosemary oils for hair growth in the table below.
This Nikura formula contains argan oil and sweet almond oil alongside Tunisian rosemary oil, both of which will help hydrate your hair while stimulating hair growth in those with androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness).
Argan and almond oil also promote hair elasticity, limiting hair breakage at the crown and around the scalp.
The White Company Organic Rosemary Pure Aromatherapy Oil doesn’t contain any other ingredients besides rosemary oil. So if you’re looking for a pure essential oil, this could be the right choice for you.
Rosemary oil has been shown to block DHT production on the scalp. While this hormone-blocking property can make it unsuitable for premenopausal women, it’s one of the best essential oils for hair growth in men.
A pure aromatherapy oil, this formula from the White Company should be diluted before you apply it to your skin. Coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil can all be used as carriers for rosemary oil.
This hair growth oil contains many active ingredients (rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood oils) that a study has shown can minimise the effects of alopecia areata [3]. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition characterised by round bald patches that appear across the scalp.
The handy pump nozzle makes this rosemary oil easy to apply to your scalp.
This hair treatment from Neal’s Yard also contains rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood oils, so it may help reduce the size of bald spots and stop alopecia areata from spreading.
You can use this treatment as a conditioner or a hair regrowth solution. Neal’s Yard recommends massaging this treatment into your hair (for conditioning) and scalp (for regrowth) and leaving it overnight (or at least 30 minutes).
Boasting 15 essential oils, the Umberto Gianni Rosemary Scalp and Hair Oil is a great option for stimulating hair growth, moisturising your scalp, and offering heat protection for your hair.
This formula also includes added vitamin E for hair, which has powerful antioxidant properties to fight free radicals that can contribute to hair loss [14].
The Grows Mary solution from Hair Syrup contains lots of active ingredients that are great for promoting healthy hair. Thyme and rosemary oil can reduce alopecia areata bald spots, while almond and olive oil hydrate the hair and promote elasticity.
Grows Mary can also boost hair elasticity, making it less prone to breakage and reducing frizzy broken hair on top of your head.
The blend referred to in Safah’s Blended Rosemary Essential Oil is just a mixture of rosemary oil and the carrier, grape seed oil. It can be applied directly to the scalp so you can reap the benefits of rosemary oil for hair growth.
Grape seed oil can also offer benefits for your hair. It cleanses and moisturises the scalp, removing excess sebum.
Rosemary oil works best when applied to the scalp, but it can also help boost volume around your hair roots. Aromatica’s Rosemary Root Enhancer contains soybean extract and sesame seed oil as well as rosemary oil, which can reduce premature hair ageing and fight inflammation.
The directional nozzle makes it easy to apply this rosemary oil formula to your roots and scalp.
The L’Occitane Harmony Essential Oil Blend contains thyme and lavender oils, which can be combined with rosemary oil to tackle alopecia areata. In addition, it contains juniper oil, which helps to cleanse and detoxify the scalp and increase blood flow to the follicles.
This essential oil should be dilated before application to your scalp to avoid irritation.
The Miaroma Rosemary Pure Essential Oil contains 100% rosemary oil, so you’ll need to dilute it before use. While rosemary oil is less likely to irritate your scalp than solutions like Minoxidil, it’s still too harsh to use on its own [1].
Like other rosemary essential oils, this formula from Miaroma can reduce DHT levels in the scalp, fight free radicals, and improve circulation.
Not sure where to start with diluting your rosemary oil for optimal results? Here’s a quick step-by-step guide.
No matter which of the best rosemary oils for hair growth you choose, there are some things you can do to enhance your chances of seeing results. This includes:
No studies have yet shown that rosemary oil won’t work for certain hair types. However, if you have naturally oily hair, you may want to limit how much you use, as regular applications can make your hair look greasy.
In addition, rosemary oil doesn’t appear to improve symptoms of dandruff [1]. While rosemary oil won’t necessarily cause more damage, it might irritate sensitive or sore scalps. So always do a patch test before applying the oil more widely.
Rosemary oil for beard growth is also ineffective, so unfortunately it can’t be used to enhance your facial hair.
Even the best rosemary oils for hair growth don’t always work. Its effectiveness depends on several factors, including the severity and extent of your hair loss, and what’s causing your hair to fall out.
Fortunately, other solutions are also proven to boost hair regrowth. But finding the right one isn’t always easy. That’s why if you have uncontrolled hair loss, it’s important to speak to a professional trichologist who can diagnose, assess, and treat your hair loss.
At the Wimpole Clinic, we offer a range of surgical and non-surgical hair loss solutions so everyone can find a treatment that works for them. Book a consultation with our team today to begin your hair restoration journey.
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