Hair loss can play havoc with our self-esteem in many ways. We look for various ancient and modern methods to find a cure for issues with hair. Awareness of natural cures and remedies is increasing, for their high effectiveness and safe results. For centuries, rosemary oil has been used for hair growth by many cultures across the world. It is found to give highly successful results in treating hair loss and improving hair health.
Essential oils have been used for several years for their therapeutic and healing benefits in treating various health and beauty conditions. Essential oils are extracted by a steam distillation process that captures the concentrated essence of the herb or the flower. Rosemary oil is an essential oil obtained from the rosemary plant, a fragrant herb native to the Mediterranean regions. Rosemary oil is widely used to soothe the nerves and reduce stress levels. Apart from various other health benefits, it is regarded as one of the best remedies for promoting hair growth and reversing baldness, or alopecia.
Let us understand the valuable benefits of rosemary oil on hair and its various uses.
Benefits of Rosemary Oil for Hair:
Various ancient civilisations like Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Hebrew, etc. revered rosemary for its healing properties. The chemical composition of this essential oil – α –Pinene, Camphene, Camphor, Linalool, 1,8-Cineol, and Limonene – is found to give its distinct curative and therapeutic benefits. Rosemary oil is found to exhibit anti-microbial, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, soothing, and detoxifying properties that are highly beneficial in treating various hair conditions.
Let us look at the various advantages of rosemary oil on hair:
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1. Treats Hair Loss:
Rosemary oil dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow to the hair follicles. This increased circulation helps in stimulating cell division and hair growth. It is also known to rejuvenate the scalp nerves by repairing nerve endings; this aids in treating baldness and restoring hair regrowth significantly. Various studies have found rosemary oil to be highly effective in curing androgenic alopecia, a form of baldness caused due to hormonal effects. It also gave highly successful results in treating various other forms of baldness like alopecia areata.
2. Treats Gray Hair:
Rosemary oil is being used for centuries to treat premature greying. The properties of rosemary oil help in stimulating melanin production and promoting pigmentation of the hair. The pigment, melanin gives hair its natural colour. Rosemary oil is known to give successful results in alleviating the depigmentation of hair strands.
3. Treats Dandruff:
Rosemary oil has detoxifying properties that help in eliminating the toxins in the scalp that cause dryness and unwanted scalp conditions like dandruff, scaly scalp, itchy scalp, etc. This significantly improves the health of the scalp and also aids in better nourishment of the scalp cells and results in better and healthier hair growth.
4. Remedy for Dry Scalp and Hair:
Rosemary oil is very effective in moisturising the scalp and hair and making sure the scalp and hair are sufficiently conditioned with natural oil, thus treating dryness. It nourishes the hair follicles and hair strands with essential oil and makes the hair smooth and shiny. This oil nourishment makes the hair stronger and less prone to breakage. Proper lubrication also improves the scalp condition and scalp health.
5. Improves Scalp Health:
Rosemary oil is high in anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties that help in treating various scalp infections. This significantly improves scalp health. The anti-inflammatory properties present in this oil soothe the scalp and reduce inflammatory conditions that can affect hair growth and hair health.
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How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth:
Many products are available in the market containing rosemary oil, but as they also contain other ingredients, chemicals and additives, and the results may not be as effective. So the best way of using this oil is with pure organic oil in simple home treatments.
Let us look at the various ways this essential oil can be used to treat hair loss and other conditions:
1. Rosemary Tea:
Rosemary tea is one of the best methods of using rosemary for hair. The effectively increases the circulation of blood in the scalp and promotes hair growth. It soothes the scalp and reduces inflammation. This cleans the scalp of oiliness, dead cells and dirt and keeps the scalp healthy and free of dandruff. It adds lustre and glossiness to the hair. It also unclogs the hair follicles and facilitates blood circulation, and nourishment of the hair follicles and roots, thus preventing hair fall and stimulating hair growth.
Ingredients:
- Two cups of water.
- Two tablespoons of fresh rosemary leaves or one tablespoon of dried rosemary leaves.
- Five drops of peppermint oil.
Preparation Time: 40minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Boil the rosemary leaves in water for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain and collect the tea.
- Apply the tea on the scalp thoroughly. Make sure it is applied on the hair as well, covering the hair from root to tip.
- Massage the scalp for 5-8 minutes so that oil is absorbed by the scalp.
- Leave it for 30 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week.
2. Rosemary Shampoo for Hair Loss:
Another effective way of using rosemary is by adding the rosemary essential oil to your shampoo, but you must make sure you use it with caution and within the limit. You must not exceed five drops of the essential oil to an ounce of shampoo. Any excess usage can cause scalp irritation and burning, as essential oils are concentrated oils. Rosemary shampoo helps in unclogging the hair follicles and cleaning the scalp of dirt and excess oil. It stimulates hair growth by improving the blood circulation in the scalp. This is also an excellent remedy to treat dandruff and itchy scalp. It helps to moisturise the hair and make it shiny and lustrous.
Ingredients:
- One ounce of a mild herbal shampoo of your choice.
- Five drops of rosemary oil.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Mix rosemary oil and shampoo thoroughly.
- Wet your hair.
- Pour the shampoo mixture on your scalp and gently rub the scalp to form a lather.
- Massage the scalp for 2 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
- Repeat, if required.
3. Rosemary Oil and Castor Oil for Hair Growth:
Castor oil is one of the best natural oils for the scalp as it strengthens the scalp and aids in hair growth. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid that increases blood circulation in the scalp and stimulates hair growth. The proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids present in castor oil help in nourishing the hair cells and hair follicles, thus preventing hair loss and aiding in hair growth. It also is very effective in treating dryness in the scalp by providing sufficient moisture. Rosemary and castor oil pack is a very effective remedy for hair treatment.
Ingredients:
- Four tablespoons of castor oil.
- Five drops of rosemary oil.
Preparation Time: 20minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Mix castor oil and rosemary oil thoroughly.
- Apply it on the scalp thoroughly. Make sure it is applied on the hair as well, covering the hair strands from root to tip.
- Massage the scalp for 5-8 minutes so that oil is absorbed by the scalp.
- Leave it for one hour.
- Wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week
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4. Rosemary Oil and Peppermint Oil for Hair:
Peppermint oil is very beneficial for hair growth and hair health. It is one of the best vasodilators that help the blood vessels to expand, and allow better blood flow into the cells. This improves the flow of oxygen and nutrition to the hair follicles, thus nourishing the follicles, aiding in hair growth, and preventing hair thinning. It also has high anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help in treating dandruff, psoriasis, eczema, and other scalp conditions. Rosemary oil and peppermint oil make a very nourishing and healthy hair growth pack.
Ingredients:
- Four tablespoons of castor oil.
- Five drops of rosemary oil.
- Five drops of peppermint oil.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Mix all the oils thoroughly.
- Apply it on the scalp thoroughly, make sure it is applied on the hair as well, covering the hair from root to tip.
- Massage the scalp for 5-8 minutes so that oil is absorbed by the scalp.
- Leave it for one hour.
- Wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week.
5. Aloe Vera and Rosemary Oil for Hair:
Aloe vera is an excellent remedy for hair problems. It repairs and heals damaged scalp and hair follicles. This helps in stimulating hair follicles for hair growth. Aloe vera helps soothe the scalp and heals inflammation aiding in scalp health. The anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties of aloe vera help treat scalp infections and diseases like psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, etc. It is a very good conditioner that makes the hair smooth, shiny, and voluminous. Aloe vera and rosemary oil hair packs are very effective for improving scalp health and hair growth.
Ingredients:
- Half cup fresh aloe vera gel.
- Five drops of rosemary oil.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Apply the mixture on the scalp. Make sure it is applied on the hair from root to tip.
- Massage the scalp for 5-8 minutes so that oil is absorbed by the scalp.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week.
6. Olive Oil and Rosemary Oil to Promote Hair Growth:
Olive oil has high antioxidant properties that help eliminate toxins from the scalp, and hair follicles, and improve follicle health. This helps increase the blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles and promote hair growth. Olive oil is a very good moisturiser for the hair and very effective in treating dryness in the scalp and hair and balancing the natural oils in the scalp. It makes the hair smooth, soft, and shiny. This is very effective in treating dandruff. It nourishes the hair treats split ends very effectively. Rosemary oil and olive oil make a very good hair pack for hair growth and scalp health.
Ingredients:
- Four tablespoons of olive oil.
- Five drops of rosemary oil.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Mix olive oil and rosemary oil.
- Apply it on the scalp. Make sure it is applying on the hair from root to tip.
- Massage the scalp for 5-8 minutes so that oil is absorbed by the scalp.
- Leave it for one hour.
- Wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week.
7. Rosemary Oil and Coconut Oil for Hair:
Coconut oil is a very popular natural hair care remedy. This is rich in essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals that nourish the hair, scalp, and hair follicles and promote stronger, healthier, and thicker hair. Coconut oil is also a very good moisturiser, making the hair smooth, lustrous, and strong. It also helps clear excess oil, dead cells, and dirt from the scalp, making it healthy and strong. Coconut oil and rosemary oil hair pack helps in improving hair health very effectively.
Ingredients:
- Four tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Five drops of rosemary oil.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Mix coconut oil and rosemary oil.
- Apply it on the scalp thoroughly. Make sure it is applied on the hair as well, covering the hair from root to tip.
- Massage the scalp for 5-8 minutes so that oil is absorbed by the scalp well.
- Leave it on for one hour.
- Wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week.
8. Tea Tree Oil and Rosemary Oil for Hair:
Tea tree oil is very effective in making the roots stronger by unclogging the roots and increasing the blood flow to the roots. This helps very much in stimulating hair growth. The anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties help in treating scalp conditions and infections like psoriasis and eczema. It is also anti-inflammatory and helps in treating dandruff effectively. Tea tree oil and rosemary oil must be used with a carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, etc.
Ingredients:
- Four tablespoons of any carrier oil like olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, etc.
- Five drops of rosemary oil.
- Three drops of tea tree oil.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Mix all the oils.
- Apply it on the scalp. Make sure it is applied on the hair as well, covering the hair strands from root to tip.
- Massage the scalp for 5-8 minutes so that oil is absorbed by the scalp well.
- Leave it on for one hour.
- Wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week.
9. Grapeseed Oil and Rosemary Oil for Hair:
Grapeseed oil is rich in vitamin E, fatty acids and antioxidants that help in boosting the blood circulation on the scalp, nourishing and strengthening the hair follicles, thus promoting hair growth. This is very effective in treating scalp conditions like dandruff. It is a very good moisturizer and conditioner; The reduces the frizz and makes the hair smooth and soft. It increases the shine and luster in the hair. Rosemary oil and grapeseed oil hair pack help in promoting hair growth and making the hair healthy and shiny.
Ingredients:
- Four tablespoons of carrier oil of your choice like coconut oil, jojoba oil, etc.
- Five drops of rosemary oil.
- Five drops of grapeseed oil.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Mix all the stated oils.
- Apply the mixture on the scalp. Make sure it is applied on the hair as well, covering the hair from root to tip.
- Massage the scalp for 5-8 minutes so that oil is absorbed by the scalp well.
- Leave it on for one hour.
- Wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week.
Tips and Additional Benefits of Rosemary Oil:
Let us look at some instructions and other advantages of rosemary essential oil:
- The anti-bacterial properties of rosemary oil help in treating acne very effectively.
- The antioxidant properties of rosemary oil help in boosting blood circulation in the skin, this helps in boosting the health of the skin and giving a natural glow and shine to the skin.
- The rejuvenating properties of rosemary help in nourishing the skin and improving the elasticity. This helps treat wrinkles and fine lines, thus making the skin look young and healthy
- Rosemary oil is very effective in treating dark spots, blackheads, black patches, scars, and stretch marks.
- It is an excellent bug repellant. It protects your skin from blood-sucking insects and other bugs.
- Rosemary oil is known to improve memory, alertness, and concentration. It is an excellent remedy for soothing and relaxing the nerves.
- It is very effective in fighting inflammation and relieving pain.
Does Rosemary Oil Have Any Side Effects?
Though rosemary is natural, beneficial oil, there are certain precautions and warnings associated:
- People with epilepsy must avoid rosemary oil as it has to convulse properties that can aggravate seizures.
- Always consume within permissible limits as excess consumption may irritate the stomach and intestines, and damages the kidneys.
- Avoid during pregnancy and lactation as excess consumption may give harmful effects.
- Avoid essential oils on infants and children.
- As essential oils are very strong, you must always use essential oils by diluting them with carrier oils – coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, etc.
- Do not use essential oils in the area around the eyes as they are very powerful and may cause side effects
- Some people can be allergic to essential oils, so a patch test is advised
Rosemary oil is a very powerful remedy for hair, skin, and health conditions. It is quite safe, but it must be used in the right way by following all the instructions. It is one of the top oils used in aromatherapy. You can also add it to your room diffuser or vaporizer for soothing and calming effects on the body and mind. If you experience any adverse reactions, please consult a doctor immediately.