Does rosemary oil really help with thinning hair? An expert weighs in

To grow or not to grow — that’s the question on everyone’s mind as social media influencers rave about rosemary oil’s hair-transforming magic. Is it really the miracle cure it’s hyped up to be? Is it truly like collagen for your hair? With so much love pouring in, it’s no surprise that the rosemary oil market is set to soar to a staggering $23.59 billion CAD ($17.53 billion USD) by 2030. Rosemary oil packs a punch of natural goodness without a hefty price tag. For as little as $15 (more on that later), you could be giving your hair care routine the makeover it needs. Ready to see if the buzz is real? Your hair (and your scalp) might just thank you for it.

Is rosemary oil good for your hair?

Caroline Ruggiero, a certified trichologist with the International Association of Trichologists (I.A.T), tells Yahoo Canada that rosemary oil could just be your new best friend, primarily because of its ability to promote “microcirculation and vasodilation,” both of which have been linked to hair growth. “Rosemary has anti-fungal properties and stimulating properties. In many cases, rosemary is used in combination with other oils and ingredients to aid in scalp problems,” she says.

In cases of natural hair thinning, rosemary oil has shown favourable results. However, Ruggiero, the CEO of Truly You Hair and Scalp Clinic, says that for certain disorders, such as androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness), which is autoimmune, “essential oil cannot grow hair back.” She adds, “Treating most hair loss disorders is like treating aging — there is no cure. But just because there is no cure does not mean there is no care.”

Does rosemary oil help hair growth or thicken the hair?

A 2023 study on mice corroborates that rosemary helps promote hair growth. Additionally, Ruggiero recommends combining rosemary oil with other essential oils to enhance its benefits. For strengthening hair, she suggests “Bay St. Thomas (Pimenta racemosa) and grapefruit oils,” while for revitalizing the scalp, “rosewood and geranium oils are ideal.”

To improve scalp health and tackle dandruff, Ruggiero advises mixing rosemary oil with palmarosa, cade and laurel oils. “For a shampoo boost, try adding eight drops of rosemary oil, six of juniper, three of chamomile and eight of lavender. “This blend can be helpful in treating dandruff,” she says.

Is rosemary oil safe to use on beards?

Thanks to its antimicrobial, antifungal and rubefacient properties, rosemary oil is safe to use on beards. “These properties could provide potential benefits for beard care,” Ruggiero adds. While rosemary essential oil isn’t typically irritating, she emphasizes that it should always be diluted and used for short periods, especially if you have sensitive or damaged skin.

“In high doses, when used internally, it can be toxic,” she warns. Ruggiero also says that folks with epilepsy best avoid rosemary oil. “Camphor is a constituent in rosemary and can cause convulsions,” she explains.

Want to try it? This is Amazon's bestselling rosemary hair oil

Botanic Hearth

Botanic Hearth Rosemary Hair Oil with Biotin

For those dedicated to their hair care routine, this rosemary oil could be a good addition.

$18 (originally $20) at Amazon

The details

If you're on the lookout for a rosemary oil that can rescue you from thinning hair and provide scalp nourishment, Botanic Hearth’s product is worth checking out. Botanic Hearth claims that its product is made with pure extract and also includes biotin, jojoba oil and castor oil. It comes with an applicator comb, making it easy to apply directly to your scalp.

What the reviewers are saying

⭐️ 4.3/5 stars

💬 6,900+ ratings

🏆 "Works like magic"

With more than 6,900 reviews on Amazon, Botanic Hearth’s rosemary oil has a solid 4.3-star rating. One person notes “insane growth after a month,” and another says they saw a noticeable difference within three weeks — it works “like magic,” they write.

Several users appreciate the product’s quality, mentioning how it leaves hair “silky and soft,” but they are disappointed about the lack of visible results. Some reviewers cite a “greasy look” and its ineffectiveness against dandruff, with one person stating it “makes hair stiff and scalp greasy.”

The verdict

For those dedicated to their hair care routine, the Botanic Hearth Rosemary Hair Oil could be a good addition. Studies have shown that consistent and long-term use of rosemary oil has supported hair growth and thickening. However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. “Hair loss can be challenging, and it’s important to seek professional, evidence-based support to address it effectively," Ruggiero advises.

Best rosemary hair oils from Amazon, Walmart and more

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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