Rosemary for Hair Loss: Myth or Reality? – LAO Care

Is rosemary an effective herb for hair growth or hair loss prevention? Does it really have the benefits of rosemary that are attributed to it? Discover a comprehensive article, based on simplified scientific reviews, which separates fact from fiction, written by the LAO brand, experts in scalp and hair care.

For the past few months, rosemary water has been creating a buzz on social media, blogs, and in beauty magazines. Everyone's talking about it! According to influencers and beauty gurus, rosemary hair water stimulates growth, reduces hair loss, and improves the overall appearance of hair.

But is it true? We've researched the topic by cross-referencing verified scientific data, so you can finally really know if rosemary water has the benefits it's claimed to, and we're also giving you concrete tips for stronger hair and scalp!

Note that rosemary water for hair is recommended by magazines and TikTok influencers in the form of an infusion where water is heated and then rosemary branches are infused... obtaining a preparation that we will call rosemary water .

So in this article we will talk about rosemary essential oil, as opposed to rosemary water offered by TikTok influencers and media, which has not been the subject of scientific tests or studies.

It is therefore important to take a step back from the method of using rosemary for hair , because it will not have the same properties depending on the form in which it is used.

Does rosemary really promote hair growth?

Rosemary can be used in the form of an essential oil, which is said to help support hair growth and prevent hair loss. Applying rosemary, known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, to the scalp may strengthen and improve blood circulation. This may, in turn, prevent the deprivation of blood supply to hair follicles, thus preventing hair degradation and hair loss.

In 2015, scientists conducted a six-month study to see if rosemary oil directly helped slow hair loss . This study, published in the Skinmed Journal, compared rosemary oil to minoxidil , a topical substance and medication that stimulates hair growth and slows hair loss, to see if the results were similar.

The results showed that rosemary essential oil was just as effective as minoxidil, but only in the long term . Indeed, after six months, they observed that rosemary essential oil could promote hair growth, while also reducing scalp itching quite effectively.

However, it should be noted that this study only involved a small number of participants and further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of rosemary essential oil on hair and its other benefits.

Pipette - scientific study image of rosemary essential oil - LAO

Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2013 showed that topical use of a blend of rosemary, thyme, lavender, and cedarwood essential oils on mice with alopecia resulted in significant hair regrowth.

The researchers applied the essential oil blend to the mice's skin twice a day for three weeks. They then assessed hair regrowth by measuring hair density and length.

The results showed that applying the essential oil blend to the skin led to a significant increase in hair density and length in mice with alopecia, i.e., hair loss, compared to a control group that received jojoba oil. The researchers also noted that the blend of the three plants did not cause any adverse side effects in the mice.

These results suggest that the essential oil blend of rosemary, thyme, lavender, and cedarwood could be a potential remedy for alopecia in humans.

Note that further research is needed to determine the benefits and safety of using rosemary preparations in humans.

Influencers claim that rosemary water for hair has benefits for hair growth, even though studies only test the essential oil. Despite encouraging results from these studies and tests, the benefits of rosemary water for hair have not been proven to prevent hair loss, let alone promote hair growth.

In general, it is always recommended to consult a professional before using any natural preparation made in your kitchen on your hair and it is better to use a product that has been specifically formulated and tested directly on hair growth.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as people with allergies, are also advised not to use essential oils. Furthermore, pure essential oils should not be used because the concentration of active ingredients is very high, which can cause adverse effects.

Are you looking for concrete advice on how to have stronger, shinier hair, or how to promote hair growth ?

Promote hair growth without rosemary water

Scalp care is essential to ensure the beauty of your hair.
If you're losing your hair, before you do anything, try to understand the cause of it. It's important to differentiate between genetics and sudden hair loss related to an external factor like stress or hormonal changes, and hair loss related to illness.

It is normal to lose around ten to fifty hairs per day, but overall, here are some tips to follow to avoid and reduce hair loss as much as possible.

To maintain the beauty of your hair, it is important to use hair products that are suitable for your scalp type.
Each person has specific needs and using the right products can help avoid problems like dryness, itching, dandruff and excess oil.

To use the right products, you must first identify your scalp type: dry, oily, normal, or sensitive. You can definitely seek professional advice or examine your hair yourself to determine your scalp type.

Better yet! Take the complete and personalized LAO Diagnosis to fully understand your hair type and find concrete solutions.
Find the best advice on products, tips, lifestyle and food.

Avoid products that contain ingredients that can irritate your scalp. For example, if you have a sensitive scalp, avoid products containing sulfates, perfumes, and dyes.

Favor gentle, sulfate-free shampoos

Sulfates can be irritating and damage the skin barrier, which can promote hair loss and weaken hair . They are inexpensive, high-foaming cleansing agents that are very popular and widely used in conventional cosmetic formulas or those found in supermarkets.

It's important to choose products specifically tailored and formulated for your hair type. Applying a gentle shampoo that's suited to your scalp helps maintain hair health while preventing problems like dryness, itching, and hair loss. Rosemary isn't the first solution to consider.

For oily roots and fine hair, opt for a Purifying Shampoo with good ingredients, which can help remove excess oil and impurities.

A gentle shampoo like LAO's Purifying Shampoo with nettle hydrosol is perfect for adding volume to your hair without weighing it down. This will have a more tangible and immediate effect on your hair than rosemary water!

Conversely, for rather dry hair and curly or frizzy hair, choose a shampoo rich in ingredients that will coat and protect the hair fiber, such as hemp oil. The latter has been patented by LAO and is an antioxidant; it protects your hair fiber from oxidative stress caused by pollution and UV rays.

By using LAO Nourishing Shampoo , your hair will stay in good condition for longer because it is protected daily from external aggressions.

Avoid tight hairstyles

Tying your hair up can break the hair fiber! Tight hairstyles like braids, buns, or ponytails can cause excessive pulling on the hair, which can weaken it and cause it to fall out. This is called traction alopecia.

To avoid these problems, it is recommended to alternate hairstyles and avoid tying your hair too tightly , or too often. If you need to tie your hair up, avoid tightening it too much with your elastic and choose a thin, flexible elastic. It is also important to take care of your hair with moisturizing and nourishing treatments to minimize damage caused by elastics.

Choose a healthy lifestyle

Take care of your body with a healthy diet to get the vitamins necessary for the proper functioning of your scalp, which is the breeding ground for your hair!

Choose foods rich in vitamin C and B vitamins, especially vitamin B8, which is found in brewer's yeast, whole-wheat bread, nuts, etc. Hair needs nutrients to grow , so eat a healthy, balanced diet. Take care of yourself: get enough sleep and exercise.

Walnuts and hazelnuts for hair health - vitamin B8

Manage your stress

Stress can cause temporary hair loss, called telogen effluvium , which occurs when hair prematurely transitions from the growth phase to the resting phase and falls out earlier than expected. This hair loss can be diffuse, affecting the entire head evenly, or localized, occurring in specific areas.

Stress can affect hair growth in several ways. When you're stressed, your body produces stress hormones like cortisol, which can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to hair loss. Stress can also affect blood circulation, reducing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, which can weaken hair and make it more likely to fall out.

It's important to note that stress-related hair loss is usually temporary and hair will grow back. Try to reduce your stress levels by engaging in relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

By following these tips and tricks, even without rosemary water, you can help strengthen your hair and prevent hair loss. However, if you experience excessive hair loss or scalp health issues, it's important to consult a healthcare professional like a dermatologist!

Frequently asked questions about the benefits of rosemary for hair

Is it true that rosemary makes hair grow?

Some scientific studies have concluded that using rosemary essential oil can help stimulate hair growth. The rosemary water we see on social media, however, isn't concentrated enough in active ingredients to have a real effect on hair.

How to use rosemary for hair?

Use rosemary as an essential oil, blended with other vegetable oils. Apply it to your scalp using a dropper, at least 3 times a week for 3 months.

Is it true that rosemary makes hair grow?

In essential oil form, rosemary may have beneficial properties for hair growth. In any case, using a preparation based on vegetable oils on the roots and massaging it in helps maintain a healthy scalp and stimulate blood circulation.

How to use rosemary oil for hair?

Use rosemary essential oil mixed with other carrier oils. Apply it to your scalp with a dropper, massaging gently. Repeat the application at least three times a week for three months to see results.

Is rosemary oil good for hair?

Yes, studies have shown that rosemary essential oil can stimulate hair growth and reduce scalp itching. It has shown similar effects to minoxidil, but its results are more significant in the long term.

Does rosemary really make hair grow?

Studies have shown that rosemary essential oil can promote hair growth. However, the effectiveness of rosemary water, popular on social media, has not been scientifically proven.

Does rosemary water change hair color?

There is no scientific evidence that rosemary water changes hair color. Claims about this are mostly anecdotal and not supported by studies.

How to use rosemary water for hair?

Rosemary water is usually prepared by steeping rosemary sprigs in hot water. It can be applied to hair as a rinse after shampooing, but its effectiveness has not been scientifically proven.

Does rosemary water make hair grow?

Although popular on social media, there is no scientific evidence that rosemary water stimulates hair growth. Studies focus on rosemary essential oil, not rosemary water.

Where to store rosemary water?

Rosemary water should be stored in a clean, airtight container, preferably in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life. Use it within a few days of preparation.

Why boil rosemary?

Boiling rosemary extracts its essential oils and active compounds into the water. However, this method does not guarantee the concentration needed for beneficial effects on hair.