For those who’re on social media, chances are high you’ve come throughout a video (or a number of) touting the efficacy of rosemary oil for hair progress. Stated to thicken hair and lengthen strands, the hashtag #rosemaryhairgrowthoil has amassed over 500 million views (and counting) on TikTok.

However does it actually work? Whereas the ‘earlier than and afters’ are actually spectacular, we need to know if this unlikely treatment can truly enhance hair progress and assist with hair loss – one thing that, in response to the NHS, 8 million ladies expertise within the UK.

To delve deeper, we’ve requested the consultants to make clear this marvel herb and whether or not we must be utilizing rosemary oil for hair. This is what they needed to say…

What’s rosemary oil?

Let’s start with the fundamentals. Rosemary is a herb native to the Mediterranean area. It’s oil, which is pale in color and has a woody aroma, comes from the plant and is used for aromatherapy, in skincare merchandise in addition to haircare.

What are the advantages of rosemary oil for hair?

Improves hair progress

Whereas the analysis is restricted, there’s some proof to counsel that rosemary oil could assist with hair progress. “Research have demonstrated that rosemary oil can stimulate hair progress by bettering blood circulation to the scalp and selling the proliferation of hair follicle cells,” says Dr Nick Fisherman, Trichologist at Watermans Hair. “If hair follicles don’t get a enough blood provide, they won’t get the vitamins they should develop the hair.”

One 2015 examine evaluating rosemary oil to minoxidil (a well-liked hair regrowth remedy), discovered that after six months each teams had comparable outcomes with a big improve in hair progress. “Though this examine steered it might be helpful, there may be at the moment a scarcity of medical proof to advocate rosemary oil as a hair loss remedy,” notes Zoë Passam, Advisor Trichologist at Philip Kingsley.

Soothes scalp irritation

“The oil has additionally been discovered to own anti-inflammatory properties, which will help soothe the scalp and cut back irritation and itching,” provides Fisherman. Basically, rosemary oil will help create a wholesome setting for optimum hair progress. Oh, and in the identical examine talked about above, the group utilizing rosemary oil reported much less itchiness than these utilizing minoxidil.

Could assist forestall dandruff

“Rosemary oil may also assist to restore the scalp’s microbiome stability because of its antimicrobial properties,” explains Dr Bhavjit Kaur, medical aesthetic practitioner. “Since dandruff often happens because of an extra of pores and skin fungus (Malassezia), the antimicrobial properties of rosemary could assist.”

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How lengthy does it take to see outcomes?

The science means that it might work however as with something there’s a catch, rosemary oil must be utilized in the suitable portions, over a protracted time frame to see outcomes. “There’s restricted proof for rosemary oil as a hair loss remedy, however seeing outcomes from any hair loss remedy takes time, because of the common fee of hair progress, usually 1-1.5cm per thirty days,” says Passam. The consultants agree that it takes six months (at the least) to see outcomes.