For hair to be healthy, many remedies and treatments have over the years been developed thus attracting attention from people with thin, dull hair.

A recent trend in hair growth remedy is rosemary. It is believed by many as a booster for good hair growth.

But is this really true? Or is it just a myth? Curious to know more about it?

In this blog, Mykare Health we will be finding out how effective rosemary is in promoting hair growth, whether or not it is just another hair care myth dictated by aroma.

The History of Rosemary

Rosemary is the Latin name of Rosmarinus officinalis, a hard leaved evergreen shrub indigenous to the Mediterranean. Probably everyone has already heard of it and tasted it because of its sharp pungent smell and flavour which is used in culinary practices and healing processes dating from ancient times.

From the early ancient Greeks and Romans nursing the belief that rosemary improves mental health, the herb was incorporated for usage in diverse remedies for the skin and hair diseases.

For years, rosemary has been moved from folklore to modern herbal and it has been stated by many people that it can enhance hair health.

Benefits of Rosemary

• Antioxidant Properties: Rosemary is packed with antioxidants, substances that lessen the effects of free radicals on the body. Oxidative stress causes hair loss as it affects hair follicles. By preventing the formation of free radicals, rosemary is likely to improve the general condition of hair follicle and thereby promote hair growth.

• Anti Inflammatory Effects: Inflammation is one of the causes of hair loss since it affects other diseases like alopecia. Another piece of research by Ronabe and his team claim that inflammatory properties on the scalp may be dampened by rosemary which would in return lead to healthier hair follicles.

• Improved Circulation: Perfume itself is frequently claimed to increase blood flow – one of the most widely debated properties of rosemary oil. Massaging the rosemary oil into the scalp may increase the amount and rate of blood flow to the hair follicles which bring essential nutrients and oxygen to the bulbs stimulating growth. Increased blood flow also is also capable of enhancing the health wellbeing of follicles within the head.

• DHT Blocker: DHT can be associated with hair loss, especially for androgenetic Alopecia male and female pattern baldness. There are some studies that have shown that rosemary oil accumulates with DHT and can help to reduce hair loss due to this hormone. Thus, further investigation is required to indicate the mentioned correlation conclusively.

Research and Evidence

Study Insights

A 2015 study published in the journal named Skinmed contrasted rosemary oil with minoxidil, a standard treatment for hair regrowth.

Those who rub their scalps with rosemary oil also registered as much hair growth as those applying the chemical solution minoxidil, though with less side effects, after six months. The present work revealed that rosemary may act as an effective natural remedy for hair loss.

Thirdly, a study done and published in Phytotherapy Research last year determined the hair regrowth in mice exposed to hair loss which led to the possibility of rosemary extract as a form of hair treatment in humans.

Current Research Limitations

The current research has the following limitations

As encouraging as all these results are, more elaborate clinical trials on human beings must be carried out to capture rosemary’s impact on hair growth and development.

Present studies are scarcer, thus none of them can assert that rosemary will definitely help against hair loss, but the results achieved are still promising.

How to Use Rosemary for Hair Growth?

If you’re intrigued by the potential benefits of rosemary for hair growth, here are several ways to incorporate it into your hair care routine

• Rosemary Oil

Dilution: It is recommended you dilute rosemary essential oil with another oil before using it for your scalp (olives, coconut, or jojoba oil). Again a general guideline is that you use 510 drops of your rosemary oil for approximately one teaspoon of your carrier oil.

Application: Massage the diluted oil into your scalp, and let it stay for at least half an hour, or even better, apply it before going to bed. Rinse it out with your usual shampoo and follow the routine properly and you will be good to go.

• Rosemary Hair Rinse

Infusion: You need to soak fresh or dried rosemary in boiling water for half an hour. Coil it, then strain this liquid. This infusion should be applied as the last rinse after washing your hair to enhance glow and possibly boost hair growth.

• Rosemary Shampoo

Purchase or DIY: Purchase mild shampoos with rosemary extract; if you can’t find them, add a few drops of rosemary oil on any mild shampoo you have. It has the added advantage of enabling you to get the feel of rosemary each time you wash it.

Possible Risks and Advantages

When used topically as in a spray, rosemary is generally safe for use, though some people might develop skin sensitization or rash.

One would prefer not to cause a lot of people discomfort due to an allergic reaction, which is why it is recommended to first carry out the so-called ‘patch test’.

Furthermore, pregnant/nursing or otherwise, women, or those with certain medical conditions, should first consult their doctor before using rosemary oil.