Many people swear by rosemary oil for hair growth. Here’s What the Science Says

In addition, the small studies above used a combination of essential oils in their experiments, so it is difficult to know how much role rosemary, in particular, played in the results. Studies have also looked at the effects of this oil when used directly on the scalp—not when mixed with OTC shampoos, conditioners, or serums with different types. So, just because a hair product claims to “remove” or “lengthen” because it contains rosemary oil, that doesn’t mean it will work (even though it might smell good!).

Another big caveat: Although rosemary oil led to the same hair growth as 2% minoxidil in the first 2015 clinical trial mentioned above, the results were not successful. that which seems to be interesting for any treatment. (We are talking about a clear increase in the number of filling strands against a full head of hair). It’s common practice for dermatologists to prescribe high-dose Rogaine, says Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. to SELF: “We recommend 5% minoxidil, and when you compare 2% to 5%, the latter is more effective.”

How (and when) rosemary oil could theoretically help support hair growth

Currently, there is not enough evidence to suggest that rosemary oil can repair thinning hair or stop hair loss. Even the experts we spoke to don’t know exactly how it happens I can they work—but they have a few theories.

Rosemary oil (specifically, carnosic acid and carnosol in it) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which derms believe can help stimulate blood flow to hair follicles, Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, physician board certified dermatologist at Premier Dermatology and Skin. Cancer Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, tells SELF. Simply massaging the scalp (with or without rosemary oil) can also play a role in boosting blood flow, research shows. Dr. “Increased blood flow equals more nutrients to the scalp, which can aid in hair growth, strength and thickness,” explains Zubritksy.

Another theory, he says, has to do with rosemary oil’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can help support a “healthy scalp environment.” (Inflamed scalp can weaken the hair follicles and cause shedding.)

Again, there is no concrete science to fully support this, but even if the practice of using rosemary oil on your skin does have side effects, all three experts warn that it won’t help. all of them types of weight loss or pain. Dr. Cameron explains: “There are actually different types of alopecia and hair loss—each with different causes that require specific treatment.

Research shows that people with androgenetic alopecia, for example, may have better luck with topical solutions like minoxidil compared to people whose shedding is caused by an autoimmune disease or another underlying condition. . The latter may require interventions that address the root cause of the health problem. (In the case of alopecia areata, steroid injections are a common treatment.)

Are there any risks you should be aware of when using rosemary oil on your skin and hair?

If you still want to try, there aren’t many unpleasant side effects to worry about. However, Dr. “I would be careful if you have a history of allergies or scalp irritation due to conditions like psoriasis or eczema,” says Dr. Zubritsky. Zubritsky says that since rosemary oil can sometimes cause contact dermatitis, an unpleasant rash that occurs when your skin has skin. direct contact with certain irritants or allergens, such as essential oils or fragrances. (This is why you should always test any new hair product on a small patch of your skin before using it on your scalp.)