If you are into the world of DIY beauty, then you are most likely familiar with rosemary oil for hair growth. Maybe this natural hair growth oil caught your attention and you want to give it a try but don’t know how to make it or what to do. It is true that rosemary oil benefits the hair, but how exactly does it contribute to regrowth and thicker hair? This article aims to highlight how to make and use rosemary oil.
Despite what the online videos say, rosemary oil for hair growth is not just another TikTok beauty trend. It is far from a new discovery, as rosemary oil is a popular hair growth remedy in many cultures around the world. That said, it is nice to see that the masses appreciate a natural way to encourage healthier hair and scalp.
How Does Rosemary Oil Helps With Hair Growth?
Rosemary is an herb that is popular both in beauty and culinary applications. It may help to reduce headaches, insomnia, and even depression. According to research, rosemary oil contains carnosic acid, which exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Due to the antioxidant activity, rosemary oil helps increase capillary perfusion (blood flow) to the scalp, which may encourage hair growth. In fact, the increase in capillary perfusion that results from rosemary oil application is similar to the action of minoxidil, a chemical treatment for hair growth.
What Do The Studies Say?
Although human studies are lacking, there are many existing animal studies about the effects of rosemary oil for hair growth. One study, for example, found that topical application of rosemary oil helped to improve hair growth on mice experiencing hair growth issues from testosterone treatment. An older study from 1989 found that a combination of essential oils improved hair growth when applied to the scalp on a daily basis. These oils included rosemary, thyme, lavender, and cedarwood, but the study didn’t isolate rosemary for its hair growth abilities.
A more recent study revealed some promising effects of rosemary oil on hair growth. The study focused on using rosemary oil to counteract male pattern baldness. Researchers compared the effects of using rosemary oil with minoxidil, an effective hair growth treatment. Patients in the study either received rosemary oil or minoxidil 2%, using each treatment for six months. At the end of the study, both the rosemary oil and minoxidil treatments proved effective for regrowing hair. Participants who used rosemary oil were less likely to experience itchy scalp than those using the minoxidil treatment.
Rosemary Hair Growth Oil Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cold-pressed castor oil
- 1/2 cup fractionated coconut oil (or MCT oil)
- 3/4 cup dried rosemary
- 1 tsp vitamin E oil
Instructions:
- Pour the castor oil and fractionated coconut oil into a small stainless steel saucepan and then add the dried rosemary. Add the vitamin E oil and stir the mixture, ensuring that the rosemary is submerged in the oils.
- Place the pot on the stove over medium-low heat and keep your thermometer handy. You want to infuse the benefits of rosemary into the oils without overheating them.
- To keep the oils from scorching the rosemary, keep the rosemary oil below 230º F. As the oil begins to heat up, turn off the stove, give the oil a stir, and place a lid over the saucepan to retain the heat.
- Allow the oil to infuse away from the heat until it cools. Repeat this process once the oil cools and then continue repeating for about four to six hours.
- During the infusion process. The rosemary may turn bright golden yellow and become very fragrant.
- Once you let the oil mixture cool for the last time, transfer it to a mason jar and seal it tightly. Place it in a cool, dark place and let it infuse for two weeks. Give the jar a light shake every few days or so.
- At the end of the infusion process, strain the oil using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth so that you are just left with oil. Make sure you get every last drop! Transfer the oil mixture to a dropper bottle for controlled application. You can use it directly on the scalp or incorporate this into other recipes.
How To Use:
- Apply the rosemary oil to your scalp and massage it using your fingertips. Work your way around your entire head, making sure to apply the rosemary oil to your hairline, temples, and any other areas of thinning hair.
- After the massage, turn your head upside down and continue massaging to divert blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles. You should feel your head start to tingle after the massage.
- Leave the rosemary oil on for as long as you can allow and then wash your hair as normal.
