Is Rosemary Oil the Secret to Fuller, Longer Hair? Experts Break It Down
You’ve heard it repeatedly: what you put in your body is just as important as what you apply on the outside. And while some ingredients are best suited for serums and creams—there are a few—like rosemary—that work double duty, offering benefits whether they’re on your plate or in your products.
What is rosemary oil?
Known its spicy, herby taste, rosemary oil is “a pale liquid from the rosemary plant, which has an herbaceous aroma,” says cosmetic chemist Ginger King. Cosmetically, it has a bevy of impressive benefits. “It’s often used in perfumes, skin care, and hair care as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial ingredient,” King adds.
"How can rosemary oil benefit the hair?
Improves hair growth: So, can rosemary oil really help with hair growth? Experts say yes. “The rosemary plant contains carnosic acid, which is known to heal nerve damage, tissue damage, and improve cellular turnover,” says Marnie Nussbaum, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. “Therefore, it encourages nerve growth and improves blood circulation. The reason blood circulation is so important to hair growth is that without a proper blood supply, the follicles do not get the nutrients they need to grow the hair, and they can die off." “There is one study that compared [rosemary oil] specifically to [two percent] minoxidil (aka Rogaine off the shelf), and the finding is that the results appeared similar after six months,” says King. That said, it’s important to note that minoxidil is also offered in a five percent strength, which is considered more effective. In another study performed on mice, the ingredient has also been shown to inhibit DHT, the male sex hormone that plays a major role in contributing to hair loss in both men and women. If you desire fuller, thicker, and more luscious strands, experts agree that rosemary oil is one of the most potent hair growth oils on the market.
Bergamy recommends this vegan-friendly shampoo with rosemary oil for hair growth. She says, “It works great for fine or thinning hair and is packed with vitamins and minerals that revitalize the hair shaft, plus gentle cleansers to help whisk away scalp build-up.”
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