Rosemary essential oil is become very well-known and commonly used in the beauty industry because of its many benefits, especially to regrow thinning hair. Rosemary essential oil can help stimulate the hair follicles from within and prevent hair thinning and baldness also known as androgenetic alopecia.
There are three potential reasons behind this property of rosemary essential oil being beneficial to thinning hair. Let’s look into each one separately:
(i) Can improve blood circulation:
Rosemary essential oil can promote better blood circulation. But how does this have an effect on the scalp? Proper blood circulation is of utmost importance because when the blood flows to the scalp it can stimulate hair follicle growth from within and stimulate better hair growth right from the root, so the hair grows out stronger and healthier.
(ii) Can heal nerve endings:
At the base of each hair follicle, are sensory nerve fibres that help stimulate the nerve ending and help promote hair growth. Rosemary essential oil is known to have ‘carnosic acid’, which is an active ingredient present in plants that is known to help heal damaged nerves and tissues. This property of rosemary essential oil can heal nerve endings and could possibly stimulate rejuvenation of hair follicles, in turn restoring hair growth.
(iii) Has anti-inflammatory properties:
Scalp infections also can be a reason for hair loss. Seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, folliculitis and even dandruff, can all be a cause for hair fall. When the hair follicles get inflamed or the scalp skin gets irritated, it can lead to itchiness on the scalp, causing hair to break away, get damaged or fall out. Therefore, the properties of anti-inflammation in rosemary essential oil can help prevent and treat scalp conditions and reduce hair fall.
Here are three ways you can use rosemary essential oil to avoid hair thinning and promote hair growth:
1. Scalp massage:
Into 2 tbsp of any hair oil, add in 2 to 4 drops of rosemary essential oil and mix well. Then partition your hair and evenly apply this on your scalp and massage it in using circular motions. Then let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before washing off with a mild shampoo and conditioner. You can do this once or up to twice a week for the best results.
2. Mixing rosemary essential oil into your shampoo:
You can also mix this oil into your shampoo. The ratio approximately can be around 4 to 5 drops for every 30 ml of shampoo. You can mix it in the palm of your hand or mix it into a small empty bottle and then use it how you would use your shampoo for regular use. Once you have applied the shampoo, let it lather up well and then massage the shampoo on your scalp using circular motions with your fingertips and then rinse off using plain water and after, with a mild conditioner. Let your hair dry naturally. READ MORE – SHAMPOO HACKS FOR HEALTHY HAIR GROWTH
3. Rosemary oil Hair serum
Add few drops of rosemary oil to 1 tbsp of any hair oil of your choice like castor oil, black seed oil or argan oil. Add 1/2 cup of rose water or aloe vera juice to it and pour everything to a spray bottle. Shake it really well and spray this serum lightly after hair wash or before going to bed to strengthens your roots and regrow hair.
Difference between rosemary oil and rosemary essential oil:
There can be a common confusion between rosemary oil and rosemary essential oil. Rosemary essential oil contains the extracts of the plant’s main components and is very concentrated and therefore, only few drops need to be used at a time and hence it is sold in small bottles. On the other hand, rosemary oil is usually where rosemary stalks are infused into any other carrier oil (like coconut oil or olive oil) and then the infused final oil is used.
Here’s how you can make rosemary oil at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut oil or any oil of your choice
- 1 handful rosemary stalks
(Stalks should be around 3 to 4 inches in length)
Method:
Pour the cup of oil in the heating pan and place on high flame, add the stalks of rosemary in and let it boil until the rosemary leaves and the oil start to change colour (the oil turns a little darkish yellow/green and the leaves become blackish). At this point, turn off the flame and let it sit for a few minutes and then transfer into a glass container by straining using a strainer or cloth (muslin cloth or even a handkerchief will do). The oil is ready to be used. READ MORE – Overnight Hair Hacks to grow while you sleep
Caution:
- Rosemary essential oil can be strong and concentrated and therefore do not apply it directly, it is advisable that you should dilute it before use.
- Different ingredients work differently on different skin types and it is important to do a patch test before complete application, especially if you have sensitive skin.