Hello friends,
Today, I am sharing one of my favorite natural hair care secrets: rosemary essential oil. If you are looking for a way to boost hair growth, strengthen your locks, and keep your scalp healthy – all without using harsh chemical-based haircare products, then rosemary oil might just be your new best friend! I’ve been using it for a while now and let me tell you that it really helps.
The fragrant rosemary shrub and its oil have been in buzz for quite some time now. While fresh and dried rosemary leaves are used as herb in recipes (especially Mediterranean cuisine), rosemary essential oil is known for stimulating hair growth and thickness. In this article, I am going to spill all the details that I know about rosemary essential oil, i.e., its benefits, how to use rosemary oil, and even how to make your own rosemary-infused oil at home.
Why Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth?
You might be wondering, “Why rosemary oil? Why is it called a hair growth oil? What’s so special about it?” Well, rosemary essential oil is packed with hair-loving nutrients like antioxidants, ursolic acid, carnosic acid and essential vitamins (particularly Vitamin A, C and B6) that help with hair growth and strength. Plus, its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties keep your scalp healthy and flake-free. On top of that, it is 100% natural! 🌿
Benefits of Using Rosemary Oil on Hair
Below given are a few reasons why rosemary essential oil works on hair:
1) Improves Blood Circulation:
Massaging rosemary essential oil (along with your chosen carrier oil) on your scalp for a few minutes’ increases blood circulation. This improved circulation in turn helps deliver more nutrients to your hair follicles and encourages them to grow stronger and thicker.
2) Soothes the Scalp:
If you deal with an itchy or irritated scalp, rosemary oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can help calm things down. It provides relief and promotes a healthier scalp. Rosemary oil can also reduce inflammation that may be caused by an infection or conditions like scalp psoriasis.
3) Fights Dandruff:
Thanks to its antifungal and antimicrobial properties, rosemary oil keeps your scalp clean by fighting off bacteria and fungus that can cause dandruff. This means that it naturally helps prevent flakes, so your hair can grow in a healthy environment.
4) Prevents Hair Loss:
DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a hormone that can cause hair loss, especially in people dealing with androgenetic alopecia (meaning pattern baldness). Rosemary essential oil is believed to be a natural DHT blocker, which means it can help reduce hair loss.
5) Strengthens Hair:
Rosemary is rich in essential antioxidants and vitamins, which protect your hair from damage. This oil is particularly beneficial on dull and lifeless looking hair. Regular use of rosemary oil helps keep your hair strong, reducing breakage and split ends.
How to Make Rosemary Oil at Home?
If you are a DIY enthusiast, you will love making your own rosemary-infused oil. The entire process of making this oil at home is super simple. The best part – you know exactly what’s going into it.
What You’ll Need:
* Fresh or dried rosemary (either works, but I love the fresh smell of the leaves)
* 1 cup carrier oil (coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil are great options)
Rosemary Hair Oil Recipe:
* If you’re using fresh rosemary, give it a good rinse and then pat it dry. If you’re using dried rosemary, you’re good to go!
* Heat 1 cup of your chosen carrier oil in a small saucepan on low heat. Don’t let it boil. Just get it warm enough.
* Add about 4-5 fresh rosemary sprigs (small stem along with leaves of rosemary) or 2 tablespoons of dried rosemary. Let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. This will allow the rosemary’s nutrients to infuse into the oil.
* Once it’s done, let the oil cool, and then strain it to remove the rosemary leaves.
* Pour your homemade rosemary-infused oil into a clean bottle or jar. Store it in a cool, dry place, and you’re all set to use it!
No Time for DIY? Buy Rosemary Oil Online
If making rosemary oil at home sounds too time-consuming, don’t worry, you can easily purchase it online. I am recommending three best-selling rosemary oils from Amazon India. You can check them out.
How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth
Rosemary oil can be used to grow longer, stronger hair through multiple ways. Some of them, I have explained below:
Scalp Massage:
To use rosemary oil for hair growth, mix 4-5 drops of rosemary essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba). Massage it into your scalp for 5-10 minutes, using circular motions. This helps stimulate blood flow to your hair follicles. Leave it on for at least an hour or, leave it overnight. Wash it off with a gentle shampoo thereafter.
* Do this twice a week.
Mix it with Your Hair Products:
Rosemary Hair Rinse:
In this method, we are not using rosemary oil, but rosemary leaves instead (fresh or dried – both can do)
* Boil a handful of rosemary sprigs (leaves with stem) in 2 cups of water and let it steep until cool.
* Strain the liquid and use it as a final rinse after shampooing. It leaves your hair shiny and your scalp feeling fresh. Plus, it smells good!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can rosemary oil prevent hair loss?
Yes. Rosemary oil can help reduce and prevent hair loss and science backs this up too! Studies have even shown that rosemary oil can be as effective as minoxidil (a popular hair loss treatment) when it comes to regrowing hair. They can be especially useful for those dealing with androgenic alopecia (hormonal hair loss). In fact, its potential to block DHT (a hormone linked to hair loss) makes it a popular natural remedy.
2. Is rosemary oil safe for all hair types?
Generally, rosemary oil is safe for most hair types. However, people with sensitive skin should patch test before full use. Also, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals are advised to consult a doctor before use.
3. Does rosemary oil prevent premature graying?
There is some anecdotal evidence that rosemary oil may help slow the graying process, though more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
4. Can I apply rosemary oil directly to my scalp?
No. It is recommended to dilute rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, olive oil or argan oil before applying it directly to the scalp to avoid irritation.
5. How often should I use rosemary oil for hair growth?
For optimal results, it’s suggested to use rosemary essential oil two times a week.
6. How long does it take to see results from using rosemary oil for hair growth?
Results can vary, but it generally takes about 3 to 6 months of consistent use for noticeable hair growth. Be patient and use the oil regularly for best results.
7. Can rosemary oil be mixed with other essential oils for hair care?
Yes, rosemary oil can be mixed with other essential oils like lavender or peppermint oil for enhanced scalp stimulation and relaxation.
8. Can rosemary oil be used during pregnancy?
While some people use rosemary oil for hair safely during pregnancy, it is generally not recommended. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before use, as rosemary oil can stimulate circulation and may not be suitable for everyone during pregnancy.
9. Does rosemary oil help with split ends or hair damage?
Rosemary oil can’t repair split ends, but regular use can improve overall hair strength and reduce further damage, making hair look healthier over time.
10. Can I use rosemary oil on color-treated hair?
Yes, rosemary oil is generally safe for color-treated hair. However, a patch test is always advisable.
Conclusion
Let’s wrap it up! Whether you are struggling with hair loss, trying to grow your hair faster, or just looking for a way to keep your scalp healthy and dandruff-free, then rosemary essential oil is a natural, affordable and effective hair care solution. Give it a try, and I guarantee you’ll see the difference.
If you are already using rosemary oil, rosemary shampoo or rosemary water for hair, then I would love to hear about your experience. Please drop a comment and share how it worked for you!