The herb of remembrance - and amazing hair.
- Teagan Cloete
- Aug 18, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 5, 2023
We did it. We went ahead and bought a rosemary bush. And it’s all because of the Romans.
In ancient Greece and Rome, Rosemary was seen as the herb of remembrance, as they thought it improved the memory. Interestingly enough, modern scientific tests have observed that this may be true (see this study, and this one). In the tests, the aroma of rosemary improved brain function. Now, for a student who has a few tests coming up, this is incredibly good to know…
After finding this out, and because I’m me, I immediately jumped onto the scientific articles to see what else this herb can do. To my joy, I discovered that rosemary is beneficial for hair growth and health.
Now, for all my fellow book lovers out there who love “Little Women”, I have a very deep connection with Jo March. Jo and I seem to have the same long list of problems, and one of them is the following;
“Her long, thick hair was her one beauty.”
So my hair gets pampered relatively frequently.
Where do you want to go?
Oil vs essential oil
Before we dive into the science of rosemary oil for hair, let's clarify the difference between rosemary oil and rosemary essential oil.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil is a broad term that refers to oil that has been extracted from the rosemary plant, typically using methods like steam distillation or cold pressing. This oil can be extracted from various parts of the rosemary plant, including the leaves, stems, and flowers. However, the term "rosemary oil" doesn't specify the purity or composition of the oil. It might include a range of compounds present in the plant material, including essential oil components, fatty acids, and other substances.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil, on the other hand, specifically refers to the oil that is extracted from the rosemary plant through steam distillation. Essential oils are concentrated extracts that contain the aromatic compounds of the plant. These compounds give the oil its characteristic fragrance and potential therapeutic properties. Essential oils are pretty potent and are used in aromatherapy, skincare, and other applications due to their strong aroma and potential health benefits.
Most articles use “rosemary oil” and “rosemary essential oil” interchangeably, though there is a slight difference. In this post I tried to clearly mark the difference between the two, and specified which is used for what and in which study.
Rosemary essential oil vs Minoxidil 2%
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), more often known as male pattern baldness, is one of the most prominent causes of hair loss. Minoxidil 2% is a common hair growth remedy used to treat this condition.
By preventing a byproduct of testosterone from damaging your hair follicles, which is what causes androgenetic alopecia, rosemary oil addresses the condition, making it a natural alternative to treat hair loss.
In 2015, a study was conducted to study the effects of rosemary essential oil on this condition. Participants with AGA were split into two groups: one using rosemary essential oil, and the other using minoxidil 2%. Regular assessments were conducted every 3 months, and the study was conducted over 6 months.
Results showed that there was no significant change in hair count after the first 3 months in either group. However, by the 6-month mark, both groups experienced a significant increase in hair count. Interestingly enough, there was no significant difference between the rosemary oil and minoxidil groups in terms of hair count improvement - the exact same results had been achieved.
But what makes this study even more interesting, is the fact that scalp itching was more prevalent in the minoxidil group compared to the rosemary oil group. This can be attributed to rosemary’s hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, which you can read about here.
Caution
When talking about placing rosemary oil / essential oil on your hair or scalp there are some things to be aware of.
First of all; based on various sources, rosemary essential oil can have a negative effect when used topically by people with epilepsy, or those with high blood pressure. Also avoid using the essential oil if you are pregnant, and first speak to your health practitioner before attempting to use rosemary oil or essential oil.
Like all things herbal, your skin may not approve of the herb, which will cause irritation. So always do a patch test before going all-out with the essential oils. It is also important to note that essential oils are a very concentrated form of the plant that is used to make the essential oil. Therefore it is always important to dilute essential oils before using it on your skin. To dilute the essential oil, one can use water, or preferably a carrier oil such as coconut oil, or body lotions, butters, or creams.
How to make your own rosemary oil
Now we get to the fun part! I’ve included two recipes, the one is for those of you who would prefer to use essential oils - it’s a much quicker recipe that doesn’t entail too much DIY enthusiasm - and the second is how to make your own rosemary oil that you can then use on your hair.
Rosemary essential oil hair growth recipe
You will need:
3 Tbs coconut oil (cold pressed, unrefined and organic)
5 drops (or less) of rosemary essential oil of your choice.
Instructions:
If the coconut oil is solid, heat it by using the double bowl method.
Place a larger pan on the stove and fill it about halfway with water. Heat the water using medium heat.
In another, smaller bowl, add the coconut oil.
Place the bowl with the coconut oil in the centre of the pan, and wait until all the coconut oil has melted.
Add your rosemary essential oil and mix well.
Patch test the mixture to ensure that your skin is compatible. Observe the test area for at least one hour before using the mixture on your scalp.
Application:
Gently massage the mixture onto your scalp using circular motions.
If desired, you can also apply the mixture to the length of your hair.
Leave the mixture in for between 15 and 30 minutes. For a more intensive (but less frequent) session, you can leave the oil in your hair for a longer period of time, or overnight.
Rinse the oil out of your hair using your normal shampoo and conditioner. You may need to shampoo twice.
For the shorter bursts, one can do this ritual about two or three times per week.
Remember that results can vary from person to person. Consistency is key, and it might take some time (about 6 months) to notice significant improvements in hair growth. If you experience any irritation or discomfort, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional.
Rosemary oil for hair growth
What you need:
1 cup carrier oil (coconut oil or olive oil)
50 ml dried rosemary leaves (to prevent mould growing in the oil, the leaves must be completely dried)
Instructions:
Place the rosemary leaves in a clean, sterilised glass jar (make sure the jar and the leaves are completely dry).
Add the carrier oil - make sure the leaves are completely submerged in the oil.
Seal the jar and place it in a warm place (but out of direct sunlight) for about two weeks.
Shake the jar gently every day to agitate the mixture and promote even infusion.
After the infusion period (1-2 weeks), strain the oil to remove the rosemary leaves. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the infused oil from the plant material.
Transfer the strained rosemary-infused oil into a clean, dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Dark glass helps protect the oil from light, which can cause degradation.
Store the infused oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat.
Application:
Gently massage the mixture onto your scalp using circular motions.
If desired, you can also apply the mixture to the length of your hair.
Leave the mixture in for between 15 and 30 minutes. For a more intensive (but less frequent) session, you can leave the oil in your hair for a longer period of time, or overnight.
Rinse the oil out of your hair using your normal shampoo and conditioner. You may need to shampoo twice.
For the shorter bursts, one can do this ritual about two or three times per week.
Once again; results can vary from person to person. Consistency is key, and it might take some time (about 6 months) to notice significant improvements in hair growth. If you experience any irritation or discomfort, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional.
To end, a quote with a twist from “Little Women”;
And so, the curtain falls upon rosemary and its benefits for Jo’s hair. Whether it ever rises again, depends upon the results given by science and the people’s observance of this first act in the domestic herbalist’s usage of rosemary.
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