Rosemary Oil Doesn’t Work For Hair Growth

There’s lots of misinformation online but the bottom line is rosemary oil doesn’t work for hair growth. Lets dive into what you should use instead.

History Of Rosemary

The history of rosemary dates back thousands of years, with its roots firmly planted in the Mediterranean region. Its scientific name, Rosmarinus officinalis, translates to “dew of the sea,” reflecting its natural habitat near the coastlines. Used by ancient civilizations for various purposes, rosemary has played an essential role throughout history.

The ancient Egyptians not only adorned tombs with this fragrant herb but also believed it had healing properties. Furthermore, rosemary was used as a sacred herb in ancient Greece and Rome, symbolizing remembrance and loyalty. Its rich history and associations with diverse cultures have cemented rosemary’s status as a cherished herb.

Rosemary’s significance in ancient Greece and Rome is ingrained in legends and traditions. The Greeks believed that the goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, was born from seafoam where rosemary grew.

The herb was often used to decorate statues and sacred places dedicated to the goddess, symbolizing love and fidelity. Additionally, ancient Greeks associated rosemary with memory and intellect, and students would often wear crowns made of rosemary during exams to enhance their mental faculties.

In ancient Rome, rosemary was regarded as a sacred herb and associated with purification rituals. It was customary to burn rosemary at religious ceremonies and during funerals to cleanse the atmosphere and ward off evil spirits. Furthermore, roman soldiers wore rosemary sprigs on their uniforms as a symbol of loyalty and remembrance. Rosemary’s strong aroma and deep connections with mythology and religion aided its prominence in various ancient civilizations.

Rosemary Hair Studies

Study 1: Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial

The present study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of rosemary oil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

Subjects: ?

Active Group: The participants were instructed to apply 1 ml of the assigned solution twice daily (a total of 2ml per day).

Control Group: ?

Outcome: “After six months, the rosemary oil subjects saw a 5.5% increase in hair count. And the minoxidil group? Just a 1.7% increase. And when I saw the standard deviations, I couldn’t believe those hair count differences were actually statistically significant.” – Perfect Hair Health

I don’t see any real difference. Do you?

Pros:

• This study used humans 
• Used Rosemary oil
• Focused on androgenetic Alopecia (MPB)

Cons: 

• Results might not give us any confidence  in rosemary oil as a topical for hair growth

Takeaways

• Rosemary Oil and Minoxidil might both be bad at growing hair

Study 2: Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata

This study looked at the effect of essential oils on Alopecia Areata

This is not MPB. Areata means patchy. This patchy baldness can develop anywhere on the body.

Study Details

Subjects: 86 individuals

Active Group: The active group massaged essential oils (thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood) in a mixture of carrier oils (jojoba and grapeseed) into their scalp daily

Control Group: mixture of carrier oils (jojoba and grapeseed) into their scalp daily

Duration: 7 mo. check up at 3 and 7 mos 

Outcome: Nineteen (44%) of 43 patients in the active group showed improvement compared with 6 (15%) of 41 patients in the control group

Pros: 

• This study used humans
• statistically significant results
• Used Rosemary oil

Cons: 

• Focused on Alopecia Areata
• Used multiple essential oils and carrier oils

Takeaways:

• Essential oils have been shown to be effective in certain types of hair growth plans
• Carrier oils improve hair growth (probably the linoleic acid) 

Study 3: Promotion of hair growth by Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract

This study was performed to see if rosemary oil had an antiandrogenic by inhibiting DHT thru blocking of 5-alpha reductase

Study Details

Subjects: Mice

Active Group: Topically applied Rosemary extract

Control Group: ?

Outcome: DHT was shown to be blocked in a dose dependent manner

Pros: 

• Statistically significant results

Cons: 

• Used Mice
• Didn’t use Rosemary Oil

Takeaways:

We can conclude that rosemary extract can block 5-alpha reductase

Why Rosemary Oil Won’t Save Your Hair

Rosemary Extract Vs Rosemary Oil

Rosemary extract is derived by steeping the leaves of the plant in a solvent, such as alcohol or water, and allowing the active compounds to dissolve. This process concentrates the beneficial components of rosemary, including antioxidants like rosmarinic acid. Rosemary extract is commonly used in cooking as a flavoring agent, as it adds a unique taste to dishes such as soups, stews, and sauces. Additionally, it is often utilized in skincare products due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for treating acne and reducing inflammation.

On the other hand, rosemary oil is obtained through steam distillation or cold pressing of the plant’s leaves, stems, and flowers. The oil retains the aromatic compounds of rosemary, including camphor, cineole, and pinene. Its potent fragrance makes it a popular choice for aromatherapy, where it is believed to enhance mental clarity, improve memory, and promote relaxation. Rosemary oil is also used topically for its potential hair growth-stimulating effects and as a natural insect repellent.

In conclusion, both rosemary extract and rosemary oil offer various benefits, but they differ in terms of their composition and applications. Rosemary extract concentrates the beneficial compounds of the plant, making it suitable for culinary purposes and skincare products. On the other hand, rosemary oil is valued for its aromatic properties and is commonly used in aromatherapy and hair care treatments. Whether one chooses the extract or oil form of rosemary largely depends on their intended use and desired effects.

It seems the real benefits of rosemary for hair growth comes from the acids found in the extract. This study showed rosmarinic acid was the reason for hair growth in a rat model

So is Rosemary Oil Worthless for Hair loss?

I don’t think we would say that…

Rosemary oil still offers numerous advantages for the body. Packed with important nutrients and antioxidants, this essential oil has been used for centuries in holistic medicine. 

When applied topically, rosemary oil stimulates blood circulation and can help alleviate muscle pain or discomfort. Furthermore, it promotes a healthy scalp and hair by preventing dryness and dandruff, while also encouraging hair growth. 

In addition, rosemary oil is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which I believe plays a large role in hair loss.

Conclusion:

Rosemary oil is probably not a very good topical for hair loss but the extract may have some beneficial properties. I wouldn’t recommend using rosemary oil as a mono topical for your hair growth journey but it may have a place in a topical concoction.