Bad hair days are the worst. Whether it’s a curl that just won’t get in line with its fellows or a frizz situation without hope in sight, it’s easy to get discouraged about your mane. If you’re someone who experiences thin hair or hair loss, that bad day feeling can stretch to encompass weeks or months. Bummer, right?
That insecure feeling is probably why so many would-be fixes for hair loss pop up on the beauty market—everyone wants to believe that there is finally a solution for their mane woes that works. When it comes to a trendy product like rosemary oil for hair, we understand why you’d be eager to purchase it.
Still, your scalp and hair require very particular care. We dived into the myths and truths surrounding the use of rosemary oil for hair.
What is rosemary oil?
Maybe it’s a silly question, but we always like to start with the basics. Rosemary is a spiky herb that’s often used to season savory meals (you may recognize it from your Thanksgiving feast). Rosemary oil is made by submerging the herb into an oil and allowing it to infuse into the liquid over time.
By the end of the process, you’re left with a smooth oil that strongly smells of rosemary.
Can rosemary oil help with hair loss?
Ah, the million dollar question. Like many essences and oils, there isn’t enough known about the efficacy or safety of rosemary oil out there for experts to say one way or the other. When we researched this question, we found a 2015 study that compared the results of 2 percent minoxidil and rosemary oil on study participants with thinning hair. By 6 months, both groups had shown a significant increase in hair count. Although the evidence is encouraging, the subject requires more research before there is a definitive answer to this question.
Rather than waiting years to see if rosemary oil for hair loss proves effective, we’d advise a shorter route: visit a doctor. If you’re frustrated by the appearance of thinning spots or loss of hair, a medical professional can help you find the right treatment to address this issue.
If it’s extreme breakage that’s causing you to feel like your mane is too thin, a stylist and an arsenal of salon quality products could be just what you need. Whether your stylist recommends an in-salon treatment (we love Kérastase’s Fusio Dose Booster Reconstruction) or an at-home product routine that includes a formula like Shu Uemura’s Ultimate Reset Hair Mask, an extreme repair treatment for very damaged hair.
What’s the best way to use rosemary oil for hair?
Above all else, rosemary oil is most notable for its spa-like fragrance. We recommend trying it in your regular routine by purchasing a rosemary-scented shampoo and conditioner for a refreshing scent every time you wash or looking for a system of hair products formulated with rosemary oil.
We always recommend looping in your stylist before trying a new product, particularly if you’ve invested in hair color and or texture-changing procedures.
Looking for personalized advice about thinning hair or breakage? Use our salon locator to book an appointment with a professional near you.
