If you’re like most women over 50, you’ve probably noticed that your once-thick hair is gradually thinning. If you noticed that there are fewer strands and thinner strands, you would be right. Some people may have thought about trying Rogaine, but are hesitant due to the cost and hassle. If you’re looking for something completely natural to help thicken your thinning hair, you’re in luck. Researchers recently discovered that plain rosemary oil is more effective than prescription drugs. Although social media influencers have recently jumped on the bandwagon and touted its benefits, using rosemary-infused conditioners to stimulate hair growth has been practiced in Mediterranean cultures for centuries. It has been used. Keep reading to learn how to make rosemary oil for hair, its benefits, and how to use it to make your hair look thicker, healthier, and fuller.
How rosemary oil improves hair and scalp health
Research shows that rosemary essential oil can prevent hair thinning, improve overall hair health, and even encourage new hair to grow in its place. Here’s how:
1. Rosemary oil promotes hair growth
A 2015 study published in SkinMed compared minoxidil, the main ingredient in the hair growth drug Rogaine, with rosemary oil. The results showed that subjects who applied this oil to their scalps for more than six months saw hair growth as much as subjects who used minoxidil, due to the unique blend of ingredients found in woody plants. . “Rosemary contains ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, and other compounds that help pump oxygen-rich blood to the scalp and promote new growth,” says ABHRS, IAHRS, FISHRS, Bauman Medical Hair Transplant & Co., Ltd. Alan J. Bauman, M.D., a hair loss practitioner, explains. center.
Another study showed that rosemary oil acts as a natural preservative, killing bacteria on the scalp and preventing hair loss.
That’s not all. In 2016, researchers at Balkan Med Journal found that using rosemary oil improves blood circulation and overall skin health. “We found that R. officinalis has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as vasodilatory properties that contribute to improved flap survival,” the researchers said.
Other studies have shown that rosemary oil can prevent stress hormones from negatively impacting your hair by preventing DHT (testosterone hormone) from attaching to your hair.
2. Rosemary oil can enhance hair shine
Environmental factors such as weather, chemical processes, and aging can cause our hair to look dry and lifeless, so we tend to deal with that problem by over-conditioning our hair, which can lead to This leads to other problems such as product build-up and dull hair. Rinsing with antioxidant-rich rosemary oil instead can moisturize and nourish your hair and improve its texture without harsh chemicals.
3. Rosemary oil can cure itchy and flaky scalp
Healthy hair starts at the scalp, but excess sebum can make your scalp a breeding ground for dandruff-causing fungi. However, instead of dandruff shampoos that cause dryness, try rosemary oil. “Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties soothe scalp inflammation, while its antifungal and antibacterial properties improve dandruff and other scalp conditions by reducing sebum production, scalp dryness, dandruff, and scalp itching. “It’s possible,” Dr. Bauman testified. (Click to see if you have dandruff or dry scalp.)
4. Rosemary oil strengthens hair
If you color or bleach your hair frequently or apply heat to your hair on a regular basis, your hair may become weak and brittle. Or, even if you don’t do these things, your hair may naturally weaken as you age. Thankfully, rosemary oil can help strengthen your hair and prevent breakage. Rosemary oil increases blood flow to the scalp, so your hair receives the nutrients and oxygen it needs. This will strengthen the strands.
Bonus Benefit: Rosemary oil increases focus and alertness
You can enjoy more of the benefits of essential oils by smelling them. As a bonus, rosemary oil has been proven to eliminate brain fog within 30 seconds and increase focus, alertness, and mental stamina. Smelling the scent of wood slowly and deeply several times each day activates areas of the brain that keep memories sharp and increase recall. (Click to find more essential oils that can improve focus, memory, and more.)
How to make rosemary oil for hair
You can easily buy ready-to-use rosemary oil products made for hair, like Mier Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil, but you can also make larger batches at home for pennies on the dollar. .
According to celebrity hairstylist Kody Renegar, who works with Gwyneth Paltrow, here are the best homemade recipes for creating this magical hair treatment.
Combine 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary and 2 cups of a moisturizing carrier oil (such as olive oil) in a slow cooker and cook, uncovered, on high for 2 hours. Let cool for 30 minutes. Strain and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
5 ways to apply rosemary oil to your hair
Now that you know how to make rosemary oil for hair, here are some easy ways to use it. Doctors say you should always patch test new oils before applying them to your scalp, as you may be allergic to them without knowing it.
1. Massage rosemary oil into your scalp.
Research has shown that combining oil and massage pressure provides the most optimal results. “Simply massage the rosemary oil mixture onto your head for 5-10 minutes. Wrap your hair in a towel, shower cap, or bonnet, leave it overnight, and wash it off in the morning. Do this twice a week to improve hair growth and shine. ,” Renegar advises.
Or try a hot rosemary oil massage: Add 2 tbsp. Heat sesame oil in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds until hot. Add 3 drops of rosemary oil and mix. Dip your fingertips into the mixture and massage into your hair, starting at the scalp and working from roots to ends. Sit with your hair tied up under a shower cap for 30 minutes. Shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Repeat once or twice a month for best results.
Bonus: Dip a cotton swab into the oil mixture, apply it to your eyebrows, massage and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing off to naturally plump up sparse, thin eyebrows.
2. Spray the oil on your scalp and hair.
Add 2 drops of rosemary oil to an empty spray bottle, mix with 4 cups of water, and spray onto your scalp and hair every night before bed.
3. Apply a mask infused with rosemary oil.
Give your hair a luxurious spa treatment with a homemade rosemary mask. Mash together half an avocado, 1/4 cup coconut oil, and 15 drops rosemary oil. Apply to hair, leave for 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Or you can buy a ready-to-use mask like the Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque.
4. Add rosemary oil to your shampoo.
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Dr. Bauman says an easy way to incorporate rosemary oil into your daily routine is to add a few drops to your shampoo. “Leave the shampoo on your scalp for about three minutes, then rinse and condition as usual.” If you want a shampoo that already has rosemary oil in it, Necessaire Rosemary Shampoo is a great option.
5. Apply a rosemary leave-in rinse.
A woman who calls herself Rapunzel from Australia shared a video of herself using a rosemary oil conditioner on her impressively long hair. She shows you how to make a conditioner. Boil two sprigs of fresh rosemary for 10 minutes, let them cool completely (putting them in the fridge will make the process go faster), then apply them to your hair after shampooing and conditioner, without washing your hair. off! She also added 10 drops of rosemary extract oil when boiling for extra hair-growth power, but says that’s optional.
For more ways to make and use rosemary oil, watch this video.
