6 surprising ways rosemary oil can upgrade your hair game
Is rosemary oil good for hair? Are you curious to understand how it works as a hair ingredient?
Rosemary oil is an essential oil, native to the Mediterranean with a whole host of benefits. You can use rosemary oil for hair loss, dandruff and hair growth. There are plenty of rosemary oil benefits for your hair.
Not only does rosemary oil have great benefits for your hair, it also has multiple benefits for your health and well-being.
If you are keen to learn about some of the main benefits rosemary oil has then you are in the right place!
1. Anti-inflammatory
One of the main rosemary oil benefits for hair is that it has anti-inflammatory properties. Carnosic acid is a compound found in the rosemary plant. It carries anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Applying rosemary oil to your scalp creates an environment for your hair to thrive.
Some types of hair loss, scalp irritation and dandruff are caused by inflammation of the scalp and hair follicles.
2. Supports hair growth
Rosemary oil has been found to promote hair growth when it is added into your hair care routine. Research potentially suggests that rosemary oil is as effective at encouraging hair growth as minoxidil.
Using the oil helps to stimulate the blood flow to the hair follicles which increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients. This encourages healthy hair growth and minimises cell damage.
A 2013 study conducted on mice showed that rosemary leaf extract was effective in helping to promote regrowth in hormone related hair loss. You can use rosemary oil for hair loss as it encourages cellular turnover which can improve hair growth and help prevent hair loss.
It has been found to increase the growth of new hair by 22 percent when massaged into the scalp. It usually takes around 6 months of use to notice hair growth. When it comes to rosemary oil benefits for hair, growth is one of the biggest benefits.
3. Supports Circulation
When massaged into your hair and scalp after being diluted with a carrier oil, rosemary oil can create a warm feeling that helps to support circulation.
The effects that rosemary oil has on your circulation can also be why your hair benefits from the diluted rosemary oil.
The antioxidants in rosemary oil help to neutralise free radicals that can damage your blood vessels and hinder your circulation.
Rosemary oil has a vasodilatory effect, meaning that it can widen your blood vessels and improve blood flow. This dilation of blood vessels can help to lower your blood pressure and increase your circulation.
4. Helps reduce dandruff
Rosemary oil has the ability to curb skin inflammation and irritation, reducing dandruff. It can help to eliminate bacteria that clogs the hair follicle.
The antimicrobial properties of the essential oil assist with the reduction of fungus and bacteria, both known to cause scalp acne and dandruff which can also damage the hair follicles.
5. Used for stress relief
Rosemary oil is one of the essential oils used in aromatherapy due to the oil’s pleasant aroma. Aromatherapy with rosemary oil has the ability to reduce stress and anxiety, which, in turn, can have a positive effect on your circulation.
When rosemary oil is inhaled it can promote relaxation and enhance your overall well-being.
6. May help boost concentration
Rosemary essential oil has been used to improve concentration and memory for years. It has been known to significantly enhance the quality of memory and increase mental alertness.
The oil is specifically used to improve concentration and information recall.
It is unknown why rosemary oil benefits your concentration, however, it could be due to the antioxidant properties in rosemary.
Is rosemary oil right for your hair type?
Rosemary can be used on all hair types. But coarse hair is known to be able to handle the application of rosemary oil the best.
If you have fine, thin or low-porosity hair (hair that doesn’t absorb ingredients well), then you might run the risk of experiencing oily roots or greasy ends.
Depending on your hair type you will need to modify how often you use rosemary oil.
How to use rosemary oil for your hair
Before you apply rosemary oil on hair, it is important that you carry out a patch test.
Scalp massage
Rosemary oil can be used with a scalp massage. Dilute a couple of drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil and massage the oil into your scalp in a circular motion. Leave the mixture in your hair for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Shampoo Booster
Add rosemary oil to your regular shampoo to give your hair a nourishing boost. Mix the oil well to ensure even distribution of it.
Conditioner enhancer
You can also enhance your conditioner by adding a few drops of rosemary oil to your regular conditioner. Mix together your rosemary oil and conditioner thoroughly and apply to your hair after shampooing. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Hair rinse
You can create a hair rinse by adding a few drops of rosemary oil to water. After using shampoo and conditioner, pour the diluted solution over your hair as a final rinse.
DIY hair mask
Combine your rosemary oil with other hair friendly ingredients such as coconut oil, honey or yoghurt to create a hair mask.
Leave the mask on for half an hour before thoroughly rinsing it out. You can even add the rosemary oil to one of your favourite hair masks. If you are feeling adventurous you can learn how to make your own DIY rosemary oil here.
There are many rosemary oil benefits for hair; the essential oil works wonders in many different ways. From using the oil for hair growth to using it to reduce dandruff, when used correctly rosemary oil is safe with very few side effects.
If you are dealing with hair loss or thinning as well as a dry, itchy scalp, rosemary oil could be the perfect solution for you!
Not only is rosemary oil great for your hair, but it also provides a whole host of other benefits that can enhance your health and well-being.
