Hair fall and thinning of hair is a nightmare come true for so many people all across the globe. We tend to rush to chemical solutions, which just make matters worse and add to the numerous side effects that you are already facing. Here’s where comes to the rescue! A study by the National Institute of Health claimed that rosemary oil is as effective as minoxidil. While Minoxidil might be very potent and effective, it brings along a trail of side effects with it. Rosemary oil, on the flipside, is a safer and milder option with minimal side effects.
What is Rosemary Essential Oil?
Before we dive into the wondrous benefits that rosemary essential oil has to offer, let’s know how this herbaceous-smelling oil is extracted.
Pure rosemary essential oil is extracted through a steam distillation process. Fresh rosemary leaves are placed in a distillation chamber, and steam is used to rupture the oil glands. The vapor is then left to cool, and after it has condensed, the mixture separates into rosemary essential oil and rosemary hydrosol.
Phases of Hair Growth
To understand how rosemary oil targets hair loss and thinning, we must first understand the hair growth cycle and the phases in which hair grows out and sheds from the follicle.
- The anagen or active phase is where the hair follicle actively produces robust hair.
- The catagen phase is a transitional phase.
- The telogen phase is the resting phase, during which old hairs shed to make way for new ones.
How Does Rosemary Oil Benefit Hair Growth?
Rosemary is a vasodilator that stimulates circulation in the scalp, which results in activation of new hair follicles in the anagen phase. That means there is promotion of healthy regrowth. But before this outcome shows up in your hair, old/loose follicles will shed to make way for new, growing hair. That’s basically a hair renewal process.
With consistent use, the new hair grows stronger and healthier, the shedding will subside, and you'll notice thicker, fuller hair. It's actually a sign that the product is working to stimulate new hair growth.
Well-Known Rosemary Oil Benefits for Hair
It has been proven time & again that Rosemary oil benefits your hair in various ways, from controlling hair fall and thinning to promoting hair growth. Let’s debunk it:
- Stimulates hair growth: Rosemary oil works on expanding the blood vessels (vasodilation) for better blood circulation on the scalp, hence better delivery of nutrients and oxygen. This helps with stimulating new hair growth right from the roots.
- Strengthens hair follicles: Rosemary oil is a DHT blocker, which helps with reducing free testosterone that sits on the surface of the scalp skin. It increases blood circulation on the scalp, which in turn strengthens the roots and makes hair stronger.
- Reduces hair loss: Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe any kind of dandruff or inflammatory condition on the scalp and regulate scalp sebum. Its oil-regulating properties unclog follicles and release any residue.
- Adds shine and lustre: Rosemary oil provides hair with a shiny appearance by sealing the outer layer of the hair (cuticle), which, when damaged, makes hair look frizzy and dull. It also contains antioxidants, which prevent environmental damage, hydrate the hair, and improve scalp health.
How to use rosemary essential oil for hair?
Now that we have debunked all the amazing benefits of the magical rosemary essential oil, let’s learn about how to use it within our hair care routines:
- Scalp & Hair Massage: Take 3-4 drops of rosemary essential oil and add it to 2 tbsps of the carrier oil of your choice. i.e., coconut, jojoba, castor, etc. Scalp massages promote blood flow and stretch out the follicles to allow for thicker and stronger hair growth. Of course, apart from being relaxing and great for stress release. Leave it on for 4 hours or, for better absorption, let it stay overnight.
- Add to Shampoo or Conditioner: If you’re short on time, just add 2-3 drops of rosemary essential oil to your palm full of shampoo. Emulsify by rubbing between your palms and work it all the way into your scalp. Leave for 5 mins and rinse off.
Precautions and Tips for Using Soulflower Rosemary Essential Oil
While rosemary essential oil is a product with magnificent benefits and can help solve your hair loss woes, there are some precautions needed to be kept in mind.
- Dilute properly: 100% pure rosemary essential oil is highly concentrated, and if applied directly onto the scalp, it can lead to serious irritation and allergic reactions. Therefore, always remember to dilute it properly with a carrier oil. You only need to add 2-3 drops of essential oil into 15 ml of carrier oil.
- You can use any cold-pressed carrier oil, such as castor oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil, according to your hair type and suitability.
- Patch Test: To test for any irritation or sensitivity to rosemary essential oil, first drop 1-2 drops onto the back of your palm or any small area of skin. If you feel any burning sensation or redness, kindly discontinue.
- Use Quality Products: Use rosemary essential oil from brands that have 100% rosemary essential oil written on the front label along with the botanical name “rosmarinus officinalis”. Also ensure that the rosemary oil that you are using comes in a dark glass bottle to preserve potency and quality.
- Consistency is Key: To see the best results, be consistent with using rosemary essential oil. Use it at least 2-3 times a week to witness maximum benefit.
Conclusion
Rosemary essential oil—the star ingredient in the world of natural solutions for hair growth, and for all the right reasons—is here to stay! It's not only through anecdotal evidence or random claims that we’re here telling you about this oil. But it has actual clinical evidence backing its efficacy and consumer testimonials saying how several people were able to grow their hair back and control their hair thinning with the help of rosemary essential oil. Try it for yourself; stay consistent for 90 days and witness the growth of thick, luscious, and gorgeous hair for yourself!
About Soulflower
Today, Soulflower stands as a testament to the power of a natural, ethical, and customer-centric approach. It has achieved significant milestones, including:
- Leading the Premium Hair Oil Segment: Soulflower leads the premium hair oil segment on Blinkit, outperforming established players like Hamdard and Mamaearth. With the premium segment contributing 16 percent to Blinkit's overall revenue, Soulflower's strong performance is noteworthy.
- Reaching Millions: It has served over 30 lakh customers, bringing the goodness of nature to their hair and skin.
- Global Expansion: With over 15 million products sold and a global presence spanning India, KSA, UAE, USA, Japan, Singapore, Australia, and the UK, Soulflower has earned the trust of millions of customers.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)
