Hair loss is normal when it comes to aging. This loss can be attributed to a variety of reasons, including stress or genetic factors. There has been numerous evidence, however, pointing to the effectiveness of rosemary essential oil in helping to increase hair growth.
In a study published in the United States National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, rosemary oil versus minoxidil for the treatment of alopecia was investigated.
“The present study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of rosemary oil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and to compare its effects with minoxidil at two percent,” noted the study.
He continued: “Patients with AGA were randomly assigned to rosemary oil or minoxidil two percent for a period of six months.
“No significant changes were seen in the average hair count at the end point of three months, neither in rosemary nor in the minoxidil group.
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“In contrast, both groups experienced a significant increase in hair count at the six-month end point compared to the baseline and three-month end point.
“The frequency of itchy scalp at the three and six month test points was significantly higher compared to the baseline in both groups.
“Itchy scalp, however, was more frequent in the minoxidil group at both end points evaluated.”
The study concluded that the results of the present study provided evidence regarding the effectiveness of rosemary oil in the treatment of alopecia.
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In another study carried out on rats, the application of rosemary leaf extract improved hair growth.
In addition, the extract promoted hair growth in mice that had their backs shaved.
In their conclusions, the researchers suggested that the extract inhibits the “binding of dihydrotestosterone to androgen receptors”.
This is significant because androgen receptors are proteins that allow hormones like testosterone and DHT to bind to them, causing hair loss.
Consequently, rosemary leaf extract is a “promising crude drug” for hair growth, the researchers conclude.
How to use
If you would like to try the fruits of rosemary oil to increase hair, you need to know how to use it.
As per Healthline’s instructions, you will need to mix several drops of rosemary oil with olive oil or coconut oil.
After the essential oil has been diluted with a carrier oil (in this case, olive oil or coconut oil), you can apply it to the scalp.
It is advisable to leave the rosemary oil mixture at least 10 minutes before washing with the shampoo.
Other treatments for hair loss
Finasteride and minoxidil are the main treatments for male pattern baldness, recommended by SUS.
Minoxidil can also be used to treat female pattern baldness, but women should not use finasteride.
But it is important to know that these treatments do not work for everyone and can work only as long as they are used.
They are also not available on the NHS and can be expensive.
Other ways to treat hair loss include hair transplantation – when hair cells are moved to thinner areas, and tattoos – tattoos used to look like short hair and eyebrows.
If your hair loss is causing you suffering, talk to your doctor, who can help you get advice.