Rosemary oil is everywhere but is the hype worth it?

In the world of hair care, where countless products promise miracles, one natural ingredient stands out for its proven effectiveness in promoting hair growth – Rosemary Leaf Extract. (note this is different to oil infused with rosemary)

Although Rosemary oil has been viral for its hair growth benefits recently, it is important to acknowledge the aromatic herb's rich history of being cherished and utilised for a wide range of uses including culinary, medicinal, and hair health.  

In this article we aim to share what the science says about this natural hair growth ingredient whilst highlighting the difference between using DIY rosemary home remedies compared to a the more potent extract.

A glimpse into the rich history of Rosemary oil for hair

Rosemary has enjoyed a long history of use in various cultures, from ancient Greece to medieval Europe. In addition to its culinary and medicinal applications, the herb has been recognised for its ability to stimulate hair growth. In the Mediterranean region, where Rosemary is native, people have utilised it to enhance hair texture, thickness, and overall health. Now, modern research is uncovering the mechanisms that make this botanical treasure so effective.

Does Rosemary Oil really regrow hair? 

The evidence suggests that Rosemary oil is effective in the treatment of hair loss, particularly when hair loss is as a result of Androgenic Alopecia.

One study in particular that investigated the performance of Rosemary Oil versus Minoxidil found that Rosemary oil was as effective as Minoxidil however had a better outcome with much less adverse reactions and more positive results in scalp and hair health as well as growth. The study summarised the following

"Application of rosemary oil was as effective as 2% minoxidil ointment. In addition, there was better treatment adherence in the rosemary group compared to the minoxidil group."

Another study that investigated the effectiveness of essential oils such as Rosemary and peppermint, mixed in carrier oils like Jojoba Oil, versus a control group of just carrier oils alone had the following results: 

"Led to clinically significant (moderate to dense) hair growth in up to 75% of patients, where placebo (same carrier oils without the aromatherapy) led to hair growth in up to 30% of patients. Hair regrowth was observed in 37 patients (93%) in both treatment and the control groups. However the response rate in the aromatherapy group was significantly higher than placebo group. IA
Thyme oil, rosemary oil, lavender oil, cedar wood oil Double-blind, randomised controlled study17 Unknown A combination of the oils was mixed with the carrier oils, jojoba and grape-seed oils vs. control group (only carrier oils) Alopecia Areata Nineteen (44%) of 43 patients in the active group showed improvement compared with 6 (15%) of 41 patients in the control group."

How does Rosemary Oil help with hair growth? - Nutrient-Rich Elixir for Hair Follicles

In many studies, it is a specific extract of Rosemary that shows the best hair growth benefits - Rosemary Leaf extract. The secret to Rosemary Leaf Extract's hair growth prowess lies in its composition. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins (such as A and C), and minerals (like iron, calcium, and magnesium), the extract provides a nourishing blend of nutrients that support optimal hair growth. Antioxidants combat oxidative stress, a major contributor to hair ageing and thinning, while vitamins and minerals supply the building blocks necessary for healthy hair follicles. 

What about Rosemary oil for Male Hair Loss?

When it comes to male hair loss, one of the primary culprits is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. DHT binds to hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually leading to hair thinning and loss, especially in those with an hereditary predisposition to hair loss. This is what is known as Androgenic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss) and can also happen to women, more commonly through middle age and post menopause.

Here's where Rosemary Leaf Extract steps in: its active compounds, including Ursolic Acid and Rosmarinic Acid, have been found to inhibit the production of DHT. By reducing DHT levels, Rosemary Leaf Extract helps prevent hair follicle miniaturisation and supports the maintenance of thicker, healthier hair.

A really important thing to note here is that the more you do earlier on in life, the better your hair will be by preventing the damage to the hair follicles. When the hair follicles have already been shrunk, it is harder to recover hair.

How to treat male pattern hair loss naturally 

Can Rosemary Oil speed up hair growth?

A well-functioning blood circulation system is crucial for delivering nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles. Rosemary Leaf Extract has been shown to improve blood circulation when applied to the scalp, invigorating the hair follicles with nutrients. This combined with scalp massage which further stimulates hair follicles can increase cell turnover, resulting in faster and thicker hair growth.

This is why we combine our award winning En-Root hair growth oil with our squishy scalp massager in our Scalp Ritual Bundle. Regular use of En-Root containing the best oils for hair growth and scalp health including Rosemary Leaf Extract, Peppermint and Tea Tree along with our massage brush will help you create optimal hair growth whilst maintaining a healthy scalp.

What are the best oils for hair growth?

In summary, whilst more studies need to be done, the evidence certainly shows that Rosemary Oil is a fantastic ingredient for those wanting to use natural remedies for improved hair growth and to recover from hair loss.

We designed En-Root Scalp Oil specifically for this reason and not only does it contain the best natural ingredient for hair growth - Rosemary Leaf Extract, but also over 11 different essential oils, herbal extracts and antioxidants that all have there unique qualities for improving hair growth, hair condition and overall scalp health. 

Rosemary Leaf Extract - Peppermint Essential Oil - Castor Oil - Lavender Oil - Tea Tree Oil - Jojoba Oil - Coconut Oil - Olive Oil - Hemp Seed Oil - Chamomile Oil - Cedar Bark Oil - Argan Oil + Salicylic Acid 

The potent blend is already mixed to perfect harmony meaning you don't need to to fiddle with mixing essential oils in carrier oils and the nozzle applicator makes it really easy to apply the oil directly to the scalp and specific area you want to target hair growth.