If you're new to using hair oils, rosemary oil is a great place to start. As you may have seen in her TikTok FYP, it has a ton of benefits for your scalp and hair. And it's one social media trend that actually has research to back up its claims, says Ramya Garlapati, M.D. How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair and Should You Start?
Content How Rosemary Oil Helps HairHow Rosemary Oil Promotes Hair GrowthHow to Use Rosemary Oil: Who Needs It?How to Use Rosemary Oil: Side EffectsHow to Use Rosemary Oil: Can You Apply Directly to the Scalp?How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair
It's up to you, but we recommend doing so. After all, by coating the hair shaft with oil, sebum helps soften and smooth the hair, and also strengthens it, preventing breakage, says dermatologist Brendan Kemp. WomanEL will reveal the benefits and features of rosemary oil in particular.
How rosemary oil helps hair
- Promotes hair growth. Rosemary has been shown to have significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumor, anti-nociceptive, and neuroprotective properties, says dermatologist Lauren Penzi. As such, it can promote hair growth and prevent breakage by coating the hair with strengthening oils.
- Reduces scalp irritation. The oil can also reduce scalp irritation from problems like dandruff because it is believed to be a vasodilator, meaning it increases blood flow to the scalp. This improved circulation helps keep hair in the growth phase and prevent hair loss.
- If you expect your hair to be noticeably longer or fuller the morning after using this oil, you're in for a disappointment. Nothing works overnight, and progress may be slow – but don't give up. Keep in mind that hair changes slowly. And it will take at least three to six months to see noticeable results.
How rosemary oil promotes hair growth
Rosemary oil promotes hair growth by “blocking the action of DHT, which is a form of testosterone that is normally responsible for shrinking hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss,” says Dr. Garlapati. “It increases blood flow to the hair follicles, which increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients that promote hair growth.”
How to use rosemary oil: who needs it?
Anyone can use rosemary oil to treat their scalp. But it’s especially beneficial for those who suffer from dandruff, hair loss, thinning, brittleness, or hair loss. Specifically, “for those who want to take a more natural approach to treating hair loss or add rosemary oil as an adjunct to their regimen,” says Dr. Garlapati.
Just be sure to discuss the cause of your hair loss with a dermatologist before trying home remedies like rosemary oil. “Those with more sensitive skin may want to use rosemary oil with caution. This is important to avoid skin irritation,” says Dr. Kemp.
How to use rosemary oil: side effects
According to Dr. Garlapati, it is safe for all hair types, even color-treated hair. “The risk of side effects is virtually non-existent,” adds Dr. Penzi.
However, Dr. Penzi notes that essential oils contain bioactive components and can be toxic. “Oils with high concentrations of aldehydes and phenols can cause skin irritation,” she says. “Essential oils with high concentrations of ketones should be used with caution in pregnant women and infants.”
Rosemary oil can also cause allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, so be alert if you notice anything unusual about your scalp or hair. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.
Even if you don't notice any negative side effects, be careful with how often you use it. “If used excessively, rosemary oil can make fine hair greasy and weigh it down,” notes Dr. Kemp.
How to use rosemary oil: can it be applied directly to the scalp?
Rosemary oil can be used as a stand-alone treatment, and where you apply it depends on what you’re dealing with. “When treating hair loss, it should be applied directly to the scalp,” says Dr. Kemp. “When treating damaged hair, it should be applied to the hair.” Take a few drops and massage directly into the scalp to stimulate blood flow.
How to use rosemary oil for hair
Rosemary oil is really very beneficial for hair and scalp, Source: freepik.com
Dr. Garlapati recommends leaving it on your hair for at least ten minutes and using it daily or a few times a week. Dr. Penzi recommends applying it at night and rinsing it out in the morning.
Applying the oil straight will likely be more effective, but you can also add a few drops of rosemary oil to your shampoo and leave it on your scalp for a few minutes to make sure it works there as well.
It can also be added to “a carrier oil, like coconut or olive, to dilute it,” adds Dr. Kemp. Plus, Dr. Penzi says there are no known ingredients that could interact with rosemary oil, so there’s no need to worry about using it with other products you might be using in your hair care routine.
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