People with DHT-related hair loss received either rosemary oil or minoxidil for 6 months. At 3 months, neither group had more hair. By 6 months, both groups saw significant increases in hair growth.
How long does it take for rosemary oil to work on hair? In general, rosemary oil can take around 6 months to produce noticeable effects on hair growth.
Rosemary has been used by many to promote hair growth successfully. Using rosemary essential oil could very well do the same for you. Science and personal experience together both strongly suggest the essential oil does protect against hair loss, particularly that related to male or female pattern baldness.
“You can start by using rosemary essential oil one to two times per week and titrate use upwards to daily as tolerated,” says Dr. Nussbaum.
So, how long does it take to work? “Because of the hair growth cycle, any effects on hair growth may take six months to show up,” says King, adding that “The 2015 study with rosemary oil showed results at six months.”
While it's not harmful to leave rosemary oil in your hair overnight, it may cause irritation to your scalp if you have sensitive skin. Adding a few drops of rosemary oil to a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, can help to dilute it.
Rosemary oil is most effective for hair restoration when used consistently for at least 6 months. You can also use treatments a minimum of 1 to 2 times per week. While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn't monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils.
Rosemary Oil vs Minoxidil
A comparison study between the hair-growth-boosting properties of rosemary oil and minoxidil showed that rosemary is equally as effective as minoxidil in promoting hair growth in people with androgenetic alopecia (Skinmed - Dermatology for the Clinician).
However, it should never be used directly. Rosemary oil should always be used as an essential oil, and only a few drops should be added to your carrier oil. The reason is that this oil is extremely potent in nature, and if applied directly, whether on the skin or on the hair, can cause burns and damage.
Side Effects Of Using Rosemary Oil On Hair
It's safe for all hair types, even color-treated hair, says Dr. Garlapati. “There is little to no risk of any side effects,” Dr. Penzi adds.
Can I leave rosemary oil on my hair overnight? Yes, a rosemary hair oil treatment can be applied overnight. All you have to do is mix a few drops of rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil, like coconut, jojoba, argan oil etc. Apply this combination to your scalp and hair.
According to Dr. Harth, the optimal dilution ratio is 15 drops of rosemary oil for every 6 teaspoons of your carrier oil (olive oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil make great options, too). Once combined, massage it into your scalp and leave it for 10 minutes before washing it out.
Remember, you don't want to apply rosemary essential oil directly on your scalp. Always use a carrier oil to dilute the potency (hair care products—oils, shampoos, leave-ins—work fine as well).
Unlike other popular oils and vitamins like rosemary oil and vitamin B5, both of which have studies that back up their aid in hair growth, Dr. Garshick says scientific evidence surrounding castor oil is lacking for both skin and hair.
"Rosemary essential oil can help stimulate healthy, thick hair," affirms Dr. Graf. "The oil can speed up the process of cell turnover and growth, which can work as a natural remedy to grow thicker hair. Since it is an anti-inflammatory, it is used for [preventing hair loss], as well as regrowth."
Of the many nutrients and oils touted as natural DHT blockers, rosemary oil is one of the best proven. In a 2015 study, men applied either rosemary oil or minoxidil (an FDA-approved topical treatment for male pattern hair loss) to their scalps twice daily for six months.
Leave the oil for at least ten minutes and wash it out. If you want to mix the oil with your shampoo, our Trichologists advise adding a couple of drops of the Rosemary oil to an almond-sized amount of your shampoo. Pour it on your hair and massage for at least five minutes before washing.
In addition to its medicinal and culinary uses, rosemary oil is often used to revitalise hair follicles and maximise hair growth.
In 2015, a clinical study showed that rosemary oil improved pattern hair loss and was just as effective as 2% minoxidil (Rogaine®). Since then, interest in rosemary oil has exploded – with many hair loss sufferers switching from Rogaine® to rosemary as a more natural solution.
Practicing a healthy lifestyle can help reduce DHT levels naturally. This includes regular exercise, quit smoking, reduce stress, take time to rest, and do scalp exercises like massages to reduce tension and increase blood flow. The herbal route is also an effective natural way to reduce DHT in the body.
Rosemary Oil – What You Need to Know
Rosemary itself works for a variety of reasons. In many situations, it can give you a way to enhance the growth of your hair. Researchers have found that rosemary oil has the ability to thicken hair significantly.