Does Rosemary Oil Work for Hair Loss?

A Summary: Does Rosemary Oil Work for Hair Loss? 

Understanding Rosemary Oil: Extracted from the rosemary plant, this hair oil is being studied for its potential to stimulate hair growth. Rich in antioxidants like carnosol and rosmarinic acid, rosemary oil helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation—key factors in hair loss.

Effectiveness and Research: Studies, including comparisons to 2% minoxidil, show that rosemary oil can increase hair count significantly, with effects nearly as strong as those of minoxidil. In mice, the oil not only promotes hair growth but can potentially improve scalp health by deepening hair follicles and enhancing skin thickness.

Before Application: Rosemary essential oil is generally well-tolerated but should be tested for allergic reactions through a patch test before regular use. It must be diluted with a carrier oil to ensure safety and efficacy.

Doses and Regimens: A standard dilution is recommended at 2%, which involves mixing 2 drops of essential oil per 5 ml of carrier oil. Application guidelines suggest massaging the oil into the scalp and leaving it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight, depending on personal tolerance.

Complementary Treatments: While rosemary oil stands as a natural treatment option, combining it with other treatments like minoxidil or special shampoos could enhance overall results.

Key Takeaway: Rosemary oil presents a promising natural alternative for treating hair loss, supported by increasing research evidence. However, it’s not officially approved as a medical treatment, making consultation with healthcare professionals crucial to integrate it safely and effectively into your hair care regimen.

You’ve probably seen plenty of buzz on social media claiming that rosemary oil is a miraculous remedy for hair growth. But how much of that is really true? Let’s take a closer look, starting with the basics of rosemary oil, and explore what makes it a popular choice for hair growth treatments.

Some Background on Rosemary 

Rosemary officinalis L. is the official name for this ancient plant from which the trending oil is extracted. Traces of its use in various cultures for health and medicinal purposes date back to 5000 BC on Sumerian stone tablets, making it as old as the civilizations of ancient Egypt, Greece, and China. It has a rich history with many folklores attached to it.¹ 

You may know rosemary for its aromatic flavour used in many recipes, but its uses extend far beyond the kitchen.

Extracting the essential components is key, and currently, rosemary essential oil and extracts are primarily used for food preservation and health benefits. Here’s a quick summary of their use²: 

• Rosemary essential oil and extracts are rich in antioxidants. These help prevent food spoilage and reduce oxidative stress in the body, which can improve overall health and may help reduce hair loss.³

• Rosemary can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, making it a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives and a potential remedy for infections.³

• Traditionally used to reduce inflammation and pain, rosemary’s compounds like rosmarinic acid and alpha-pinene help lower inflammation in the body, including conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

• Rosemary has been studied for its potential benefits in neurological health, including boosting memory and aiding in the management of anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.⁴

• Ongoing studies suggest that rosemary might even help play a role in cancer prevention and protect liver health, due to its anti-cancer and liver-protective properties.⁵ 

Rosemary Oil and how it can help hair

How beneficial is rosemary? The mechanisms through which rosemary extracts and essential oil work are complex and occur at the cellular level. Ultimately, rosemary’s biologically active ingredients have a multi-system effect, which can simultaneously act against certain types of hair loss and improve overall scalp health.
Here’s a simplified overview of how these components generally produce positive effects in our body and hair growth²:

Antioxidant Effects:

Rosemary is high in compounds like carnosol, carnosic acid, and rosmarinic acid. These are a few of rosemary’s active ingredients, and antioxidants, which could neutralise harmful molecules, called free radicals, in the body. Free radicals can cause damage to cells when there aren’t enough antioxidants in the body, leading to an imbalance known as “oxidative stress”.
So, reducing the free radicals by boosting the body’s antioxidants can help protect cells and tissues.

A summary on hair:

• Oxidative stress is a contributing factor in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and other types of hair loss.⁶
• Compounds like carnosol and rosmarinic acid in rosemary neutralise free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and protecting hair follicles from damage.

Anti-inflammatory Action:

Compounds in rosemary, particularly rosmarinic acid and alpha-pinene, reduce inflammation in the body and gut by blocking certain pathways in the body at the cellular level. 

Effects on hair: 

• Inflammatory scalp conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and alopecia areata can lead to hair loss.⁷
• Rosemary’s anti-inflammatory properties, primarily from carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, help soothe inflammation, reduce irritation and promote a healthier scalp environment conducive to hair growth.

Antimicrobial Properties:

Rosemary contains compounds like 1,8-cineole and alpha-pinene, which have strong antimicrobial effects. These help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, both in food preservation (which it is popularly used for) and potentially in the body.

Effects on hair:

• Scalp infections caused by bacteria or fungi can lead to conditions like folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis (e.g. dandruff), and tinea capitis, resulting in hair loss.⁶
• Rosemary has potent antimicrobial properties due to compounds like α-pinene and camphor, which may help fight off infections and maintain a healthy scalp microbiome.

Improved Blood Circulation:

Some compounds in rosemary, like camphor, can enhance blood flow, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to tissues, promoting overall health and healing.

Effects on hair:

• Poor blood circulation to the scalp can weaken hair follicles, contributing to thinning hair.⁸
• Compounds like camphor and 1,8-cineole in rosemary improve blood flow to the scalp, ensuring that hair follicles receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen to thrive.

Protection Against UV Damage:

The antioxidants in rosemary, such as rosmarinic acid, protect cells from UV-induced damage by reducing oxidative stress, which is particularly beneficial for skin and hair health.

Effects on hair:

• UV radiation can damage the hair shaft and scalp, accelerating hair ageing and loss.⁹
• The antioxidant properties of rosemary, especially from rosmarinic acid and carnosol, provide protection against UV-induced damage, preserving hair health and preventing premature loss.

These properties discussed above make rosemary a valuable natural remedy for promoting hair growth and combating various hair loss conditions.

Research Highlights

If you are interested, we have compiled a few credible research studies conducted around this topic, which highly support the fact that rosemary oil does show beneficial effects on hair growth: 

1. The Promoting Effect of Rosemary Oil on Hair Growth by Gross and Histological Observation in C57BL/6 Mice¹⁰

• This 2010 study investigated the efficacy of rosemary essential oil for hair growth in mice, comparing it with 3% minoxidil and an untreated control group.
  • The findings were quite promising: rosemary oil treatment led to 42% hair growth, which was significantly higher compared to just 3% in the untreated group. The study observed that rosemary oil not only increased the number of hair follicles, but also deepened them, and thickened the skin layer where hair grows, showing that its effects were nearly as effective as those of 3% minoxidil. 
  • This study suggests that rosemary oil could be a natural option for treating hair loss, opening up possibilities of further research into its safe application on humans

2. Rosemary oil vs Minoxidil for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial¹¹

• This popularly referenced study in 2015 investigated the effects of rosemary oil compared to 2% minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia. The trial involved 100 participants, split evenly with 50 using minoxidil and 50 using rosemary oil, over a six-month period.
  • The results indicated that both treatments significantly increased hair count. However, neither treatment made a significant impact on reducing dry or greasy hair, and dandruff. Notably, rosemary oil resulted in less scalp itching as a side effect compared to minoxidil. 
  • We can conclude from this study that rosemary oil can be nearly as effective as minoxidil in promoting hair growth and preventing further hair loss, though it is important to note that minoxidil has been more extensively researched and is backed by scientific evidence. 

3. Evaluation of Herbal Hair Lotion Loaded with Rosemary for Possible Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice¹²

• More recently, this 2023 study evaluated the effectiveness of a herbal hair lotion formulated with 1% rosemary extract on mice, and compared it to the effects of 2% minoxidil.
  • Their key findings were that the rosemary lotion helped the mice grow significantly more hair and even increased the number of hair follicles which also grew deeper into the skin (which is good for hair health). The emerging hair was also heavier and longer. In comparison to 2% minoxidil, the rosemary lotion worked just as well, and sometimes even better. 

It’s important to note that rosemary oil and extracts don’t stimulate new hair follicles to form, but they do help in regaining your natural hair growth, helping it grow to its initial potential. 

These studies further solidify the potential of rosemary oil as a natural alternative treatment for hair loss. However, further large scale clinical studies are needed to officially cement it as a viable alternative. 

Advice on Applying Rosemary Oil for Hair Regrowth

While there is growing evidence that rosemary oil can promote hair regrowth, it is still not an approved medical treatment, and because of that, there are still no standardised, universally accepted guidelines for its application. However, based on the available research and recommendations, here’s our step-by-step guide to applying rosemary oil: 

1. Do a patch test: 

Before applying rosemary oil to your scalp, it’s crucial to ensure you’re not allergic to it. Apply the oil to a small, clean area on your forearm. Wait at least 24 hours to see if any adverse reaction occurs.

2. Apply the mixture on your scalp:

For effective application, part your hair into sections to ensure the oil reaches your scalp directly, where it’s most beneficial. Use your fingertips to gently massage the oil into your scalp with circular motions for at least 5-10 minutes. This method not only ensures even distribution of the oil but also enhances blood circulation, which is crucial for nourishing the hair follicles.

3. Leave the oil on your scalp: 

We recommend leaving the oil in your hair for a minimum of 30 minutes to maximise absorption. If preferred, you can also leave it overnight to deeply condition your scalp; just be sure to rinse it out thoroughly the next morning. Be mindful of your scalp’s health and personal comfort, as leaving oil on for too long can sometimes irritate the scalp or clog pores, leading to additional issues. Always use a gentle shampoo for removal to protect your scalp and hair’s natural integrity.

4. Repeat this regularly: 

Consistency and patience is key – Such therapies need to be done 1-2 times a week for at least six months to observe any noticeable hair regrowth. 

While this guide is exclusively for rosemary hair oil, there are also other forms such as rosemary lotion (as discussed above) and shampoos available for you to buy. 

Conclusion

At The Treatment Rooms, we prioritise offering the most evidence-based treatments available for hair loss. Choosing rosemary oil as a part of your hair growth regimen is a personal decision. While it is a potential natural alternative to conventional treatments like minoxidil and finasteride, it is important to note that rosemary oil is not yet approved or recognised as an official hair growth treatment. 

Nonetheless, it could serve as an effective complementary therapy, especially when carefully incorporated into a treatment plan under the guidance of healthcare professionals. We encourage our patients to consider all aspects of their hair loss treatment options, ensuring that they are tailored to meet their unique needs and health conditions, with a clear understanding of the benefits and limitations of each option. If you feel that you are experiencing significant hair loss and would like to explore your treatment options, get in touch with us – our expert team is more than happy to help you!

References

1. Sasikumar B. Rosemary. In: Handbook of Herbs and Spices: Second Edition [Internet]. Woodhead Publishing; 2012  . p. 452–68. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/rosemary#:~:text=25.1%20Introduction-,Rosemary,-%2C%20the%20memory%20herb 
2. Andrade JM, Faustino C, Garcia C, Ladeiras D, Reis CP, Rijo P. Rosmarinus officinalis L.: an update review of its phytochemistry and biological activity. Futur Sci OA [Internet]. 2018  ;4(4). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5905578/ 
3. Nieto G, Ros G, Castillo J. Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.): A Review. Medicines [Internet]. 2018 Sep 4;5(3):98. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165352/ 
4. Rahbardar MG, Hosseinzadeh H. Therapeutic effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and its active constituents on nervous system disorders. Iran J Basic Med Sci [Internet]. 2020 Sep 1;23(9):1100. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7491497/ 
5. Allegra A, Tonacci A, Pioggia G, Musolino C, Gangemi S. Anticancer Activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L.: Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Potentials. Nutrients [Internet]. 2020 Jun 1;12(6):1–25. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7352773/ 
6. Trüeb RM, Henry JP, Davis MG, Schwartz JR. Scalp condition impacts hair growth and retention via oxidative stress. Int J Trichology [Internet]. 2018 Nov 1;10(6):262–70. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/ijot/fulltext/2018/10060/scalp_condition_impacts_hair_growth_and_retention.3.aspx 
7. Peyravian N, Deo S, Daunert S, Jimenez JJ. The Inflammatory Aspect of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss. J Inflamm Res [Internet]. 2020;13:879. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7667670/ 
8. Natarelli N, Gahoonia N, Sivamani RK. Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss [Internet]. Vol. 12, Journal of Clinical Medicine. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI); 2023. p. 893. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9917549/ 
9. Zhai X, Gong M, Peng Y, Yang D. Effects of UV Induced-Photoaging on the Hair Follicle Cycle of C57BL6/J Mice. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol [Internet]. 2021  ;14:527. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8140904/ 
10. Kim MH, Kim YC. The Promoting Effect of Rosemary Oil on Hair Growth by Gross and Histological Observation in C57BL/6 Mice. J Investig Cosmetol. 2010 Jun;6(2):121–9. 
11. Panahi Y, Taghizadeh M, Marzony ET, Sahebkar A. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. Skinmed [Internet]. 2015;13(1):15–21. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/ 
12. Begum A, Sandhya S, Kumar AN, Ali SS. Evaluation of Herbal Hair Lotion loaded with Rosemary for Possible Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice. Adv Biomed Res [Internet]. 2023 Jan 1;12(1):60. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10186041/ 
13. Orchard A, Kamatou G, Viljoen AM, Patel N, Mawela P, Vuuren SFV. The Influence of Carrier Oils on the Antimicrobial Activity and Cytotoxicity of Essential Oils. Evidence-Based Complement Altern Med [Internet]. 2019 Jan 1; 2019(1):6981305. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/2019/6981305 
14. McDermott, A. (2017) Carrier oil: Types, use, and more, Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/carrier-oil#mix-with-essential-oils (Accessed: 17  June 2024) 
15. Rosemary components and functions diagrams illustrated using Biorender.com