With a rich history steeped in tradition and a myriad of modern-day applications, Rosemary essential oil stands as a testament to the enduring power of nature's botanical treasures. Inhale its invigorating aroma, perhaps you will be transported to a sun-drenched Mediterranean landscape. Fragrant and versatile, Rosemary has earned a coveted place in the world of natural and therapeutic remedies for holistic wellness as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, motivator and memory enhancer. 

Adding to its abilities, over the past 15 years or so, Rosemary essential oil has also garnered significant attention and acclaim for its benefits in promoting hair growth. Today, we bring you the facts behind Rosemary's key components that contribute to a healthy scalp and lustrous hair. 

The Science Behind Rosemary Oil's Hair Benefits

Human hair growth, in simplest terms, goes through a cycle of anagen (active growth) and telogen (a resting phase where hair falls out). Hair loss and thinning hair can be due to any number of issues such as inflammation and stress, poor sleep, poor nutrition and even thyroid deficiencies (which mediates hair growth). (1) What we have discovered is that Rosemary helps to counteract thinning hair due to its ability to increase blood flow to the scalp. It does this by directly stimulating the hair follicles and promoting a transition of telogen to anagen phases, accordingly improving hair growth and thickness. (2)

Here are some other reasons Rosemary has gained traction for hair health:

• Rosemary essential oil is known as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent due to its 1,8 cineole, a-pinene and camphor content which also contribute to its ability to improve blood circulation. When applied to the scalp, blood flow to hair follicles increases ensuring an ample supply of nutrients and oxygen to optimize hair growth. (3)
• Chronic stress can contribute to hair loss. Certain constituents such as a-pinene, b-pinene, Camphor and 1,8 Cineole work to grow healthier hair by improving mental health regarding stress relief and decreasing inflammation, which can reduce hair loss. 
• Rosemary, as an antioxidant, protects the body’s cells from free radical damage- damage that can include aging and greying hair. 
• A study on androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) compared it to the drug Minoxidil (aka Rogaine) and suggested that Rosemary may potentially block a hormone called DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) that contributes to hair loss in both men and women. (4,5)

• According to experts, credit for hair growth can also be attributed to the phenolic compound carnosic acid. This constituent is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant which helps to rejuvenate damage to tissues and nerves and may also help with chronic skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. (6)

Using Rosemary Oil In Your Hair Care Routine

With consistent and proper use, Rosemary essential oil can be a valuable addition to your hair care routine, supporting healthier, fuller, and more vibrant hair. To harness its benefits, it can be diluted with a carrier oil (see recipe suggestions below) and massaged onto the scalp or combed into the scalp regularly over the long term.

Alternatively for those who would like to avoid oils, Rosemary can be combined in a water-based hair and scalp spray or added to an unscented shampoo or conditioner. Whatever way you decide to add Rosemary into your hair care routine, you will also reap the benefits of improved mental clarity and memory enhancement. (7)  

Regardless of which Rosemary chemotype you use, Rosemary- Moroccan, Rosemary- Spanish or a combination of three in Rosemary Around The World, they do all contain the constituents and properties we have written of in this blog but come with slightly different aromatic profiles. It's up to your nose to decide which you love best! To learn more about the different Rosemary essential oils and their chemotypes, read this special essential oil blog.

Please remember to stay patient, if looking to improve thinning hair, it could take up to 6 months to see results of hair regrowth. To make your life simpler, Edens Garden has a few special hair and scalp blends both of which contain Rosemary. Hair Love is made with proven oils to thicken and grow healthy flowing hair as well as add luster and Healthy Scalp for people looking to improve dryness and reduce irritation from dry or oily skin and scalp conditions. 

Addressing Common Hair Problems

Whatever your hair problems, remember you are not alone. With persistence and some help from Mother Nature, you will be able to alleviate the issue and move on in life. Here are a few more positive attributes of Rosemary to address the healing you need:  

• Rosemary oil possesses antimicrobial properties that can help maintain a clean and healthy scalp. A healthy scalp environment is essential for optimal hair growth as it prevents conditions like dandruff and fungal infections, which can inhibit hair growth. (7) 
• Camphor, a property of Rosemary, also stimulates nerve endings to reduce symptoms like pain and itching when topically applied to the skin to benefit issues such as dandruff and topical fungal infections. (8)
• Rosemary essential oil is also important for the scalp as an anti-inflammatory agent due to ursolic acid and rosmarinic acid. By reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation to hair follicles, thinning hair will improve to become stronger hair and less likely to break or become damaged leading to healthier and more robust hair. (9)
• For those with dull and dry hair, making use of Rosemary essential oil regularly and consistently can improve the overall health and appearance of hair, bringing volume and thickness and making hair shinier and more lustrous which contributes to a more vibrant and youthful appearance.

Complementary Oils And Ingredients

There are a number of options to choose from when it comes to natural ingredients. Carrier oils can be combined to make a massage oil for the scalp and hair or you can test your skills at making a water or hydrosol based spray for the scalp if you want to avoid adding oil to your skin. You can also make your own essential oil blend for hair and scalp health by combining Rosemary with essential oils such as Cedarwood, Peppermint, Thyme, Lavender, Sandalwood, Clary Sage and Tea Tree. 

Carrier oils are derived from the fatty parts of plants such as nuts and seeds and are the perfect companion to essential oils. They help to dilute essential oils so that they are safe to use topically and extend their own benefits for the hair. Here are our favorites: 

1. Castor Oil is thick, rich and luscious with a neutral aroma that has been used for hair care and its ability to stimulate growth and transform dry, brittle strands into shiny, beautiful locks. For overnight hair treatments, be sure to cover the scalp since Castor oil will stain your sheets.
2. Pumpkin Seed Oil is a lightweight oil and fast-absorbing and beneficial for oily skin and those with oily hair. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids that may increase hair growth. 
3. Apricot Seed Oil is light and non-greasy with a soft, nutty aroma that is rich in oleic acid and vitamins E and B-17. It is recommended for those with thinning and fine hair to bring on volume and thickness. 
4. Argan Oil is used often to tame frizz, just a touch of this well-known oil can transform one's hair care routine and improve scalp health. Argan oil contains Vitamins A & E to improve scalp health. Its fatty acid and antioxidant content strengthens hair follicles as well as hydrate and nourish hair by adding strength, brilliance and elasticity to fine, brittle hair.

Essential Oil Safety

It's important to keep in mind that individual responses to essential oils can vary, so it's please perform a skin patch test when trying new oils and always dilute the essential oils before using them topically. Irritation can occur on the scalp and skin if used undiluted or at too high of a dilution such as rash, itchiness and inflammation. Follow this dilution chart and remember, less is always more, especially with potent essential oils. 

Diy Recipes For Hair And Scalp Health

Our recommendation is to use your hair blend 1-2 times daily or at least 3 times a week to see eventual improvement.

Thicker Fuller Hair & Healthier Scalp Massage Oil

• 5 drops Rosemary- Moroccan, Rosemary- Spanish or Rosemary Around The World
• 4 drops of Cedarwood Atlas
• 4 drops of Lavender
• 2 drops of Thyme (ct. linalol)
• 1 fl oz of your choice of carrier oil

Hair & Scalp Spray

If you prefer to forego a carrier oil, we suggest a scalp spray that doubles as a natural perfume. Mix 40 drops of Hair Love, Healthy Scalp or just plain Rosemary- Moroccan essential oil with 4 teaspoons 190-proof grain alcohol in a 4 oz spray bottle fitted with a spritzer. Shake this mixture well and let infuse overnight or optimally for 24 hours. When done infusing, fill the rest of your bottle with either distilled water or a gentle hydrosol (the gentle water byproduct from making essential oils) such as Tea Tree, Lavender or Rosemary water to further calm scalp issues. Shake well before using and spritz onto the scalp. 

Infused Shampoo & Conditioner

For fuller thicker hair, blend 15-18 drops of Hair Love essential oil blend per 1 oz of unscented shampoo and/or conditioner. Shake well before use and when washing your hair with the shampoo, massage the soap directly into your scalp for 1-2 minutes and then rinse. Follow with conditioner if needed. 

Check out this blog for ideas and blends to reduce dandruff and itchy scalp. 

Real-Life Success Stories and Tips

We are lucky to have been witness to so many success stories with the wonderful-smelling Rosemary essential oils. Users have praised the oil for helping to regrow thinning hair including the eyebrows due to various reasons such as menopause or chronic stress. Others have offered their own advice for hair-thickening massage oil blends stating that they do not lose as much hair after showering by leaving the scalp oil on overnight and washing it out in the morning. 

One review in particular stood out above the others: Jessica stated: “Not only does it smell wonderful, but since adding it to my shampoo and conditioner, my thinning hair has gotten thicker and stronger. It's a great alternative to Minoxidil, which can have harmful side effects. It's fresh, clean scent is invigorating and uplifting!”

SOURCES

1. Impact of Thyroid Dysfunction on Hair Disorders. https://www.cureus.com/articles/163656-impact-of-thyroid-dysfunction-on-hair-disorders#!/
2. Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9917549/
3. Growth Market: How Rosemary Oil Can Help Your Hair https://health.clevelandclinic.org/rosemary-oil-for-hair/#:~:text=Researchers%20found%20rosemary%20oil%20to,baldness%20or%20female%20pattern%20baldness)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22517595/
4. How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319444#research
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168010211000022
6. Rosemary Oil for Hair: Growth, Uses and Benefits https://www.healthline.com/health/rosemary-oil-for-hair#research
7. Camphor: Uses, Benefits, Precautions, Side Effects and More https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-precautions-side-effects-of-camphor/#:~:text=Camphor%20stimulates%20nerve%20endings%20that,pain%20in%20muscles%20and%20joints
8. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L., syn Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) and Its Topical Applications: A Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7284349/