Another of my favorites. Why? It has a centuries long tradition of being used as a remedy for thinning hair. Today, science backs up the tradition. Very recently, a randomized comparative trial set about to demonstrate the effectiveness of Rosemary Essential Oil vs. Minoxidil 2% in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (aka male pattern baldness). Fifty participants with the condition were given Rosemary Essential Oil. A different set of fifty were given Minoxidil. Hair counts increased significantly for both groups at about the same density. But, the group receiving Minoxidil 2% experienced more scalp itchiness. The results were published in 2015 in the peer-reviewed journal SKINmed Dermatology for the Clinician.
Rosemary Essential Oil for Hair: The Bottom Line
Rosemary appears to be as effective as Minoxidil in restoring hair growth. And, it does so with less side effect of itching. Consider all of the potential side effects of Minoxidil. Dizziness, irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, swelling of hands/feet, weight gain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Does it make any sense to use Minoxidil? I don’t think so.
The Rosemary product used in the study was a Rosemary oil lotion standardized to have at least 3.7 mg 1,8-cineole per mL, supplied by Barij Essence Pharmaceutical Company in Kashan, Iran. For our purposes, we can find many high quality Rosemary Essential Oils on Amazon. Of course, look for highly rated oils which are described as 100% pure, such as Majestic Pure’s Rosemary Oil, pictured.
Essential Oil Safety
Rosemary is inexpensive, natural, and generally safe. But, just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe. Use essential oils responsibly. Do not take too much. Dilute it in carrier oil. Do not ingest essential oils. Some people will be allergic to Rosemary Essential Oil and so should avoid it. Also, people with certain medical conditions will want to avoid it. For example, those with bleeding disorders, seizure disorders or aspirin allergies should not take or touch Rosemary Essential Oil. Also, those who are pregnant should abstain. Always consult a doctor or other qualified practitioner before using Rosemary.
How I Apply It
I dilute one or two drops of Rosemary oil into a carrier oil. Then, I mix it together in the palms of my hands. Finally, I massage it into my scalp and hair, and style. Quick and easy. A carrier oil is important for diluting the Rosemary oil. It’s too strong by itself. You’re skin will likely react. Any of the topical hair oils I write about on this blog can serve nicely as carrier oils. These may include Bhringraj oil, Brahmi oil, Pumpkin seed oil or Currant Seed Oil, for example. I do not believe it is necessary to rinse it out. Leave it on all day. The aroma only lasts a little while. It should dissipate by the time you get to your destination.
