Rosemary oil stimulates hair growth at the follicle

Rosemary oil is said to be an effective tool for hair regrowth. Photo: Getty Images
In one small 2015 study, researchers found that rosemary oil was similarly effective as minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, at regrowing hair in women who have androgenetic alopecia.

Not only did rosemary oil help stimulate hair regrowth, but it also made people’s scalps less itchy than Rogaine did several months into the study.

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“The bottom line is, yes, it does seem to work,” Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal, a dermatologist, told Cleveland Clinic. “The study really prompted people to look at rosemary oil for hair growth. It became much more common in over-the-counter products after that, too.”

The main ingredient in rosemary oil is carnosic acid. Photo: Getty Images

The key ingredient in rosemary oil is carnosic acid, which has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and appears to heal damaged nerves and help with blood circulation – fostering new hair growth when applied to the scalp, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Increased blood flow “delivers oxygen and nutrients and prevents damaged hair follicles that lead to hair loss,” Dr. Michelle Green, a dermatologist, told Popular Science.

Rosemary oil can protect the scalp from environmental stressors. Photo: Getty Images
Green also said that rosemary’s antioxidant properties can help protect your scalp from environmental stressors, like UV radiation and pollution.

Rosemary oil may also help reduce dandruff and prevent premature greying, according to Cleveland Clinic, but more research in these areas is needed.

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Noticeable results

Rosemary oil can bring significant improvements to hair growth and health. Photo: Getty Images

Using rosemary oil a couple times a week can lead to noticeable improvements within six months. Rosemary oil can benefit people of all hair types, according to Khetarpal.

To effectively incorporate rosemary oil into your routine, Khetarpal told Cleveland Clinic that she recommends massaging the oil into the scalp and leaving it to soak in for a few hours – preferably overnight – two to three times a week, and then washing it out. You only need a few drops, she said.

Rosemary oil can make hair look greasy, especially in those with already fine hair, so it’s key to focus the oil on the scalp – not the strands. Khetarpal also recommends looking for products that are 100 per cent rosemary oil, and testing the product out on a small patch of the scalp first, to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction.

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Rosemary oil might be the next big thing in haircare. Photo: Getty Images

Alternatively, you can make rosemary water at home. Rosemary water can work as well as rosemary oil, according to Popular Science, is cheap, and may make hair look less greasy than rosemary oil.

Finally, Khetarpal said that it’s important to be patient. “You’re going to need to use it two or three times a week for six months to see a meaningful improvement,” she said. “Stay consistent and give it time.”

This article originally appeared on Insider.