Natural hair care: the benefits of rosemary oil for women

Hair health is a critical concern for women, with approximately 40% experiencing some form of hair loss by age 50,¹  often exacerbated by hormonal shifts during menopause.

Hair thinning or loss can be exacerbated by hormonal changes, stress, and medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).² The emotional toll of hair loss on women can be significant, often impacting self-esteem and confidence. As a result, many women seek effective, natural solutions.

Let’s look at the evidence behind rosemary oil - the latest in natural hair health solutions. 

Clinical evidence supporting rosemary oil hair growth

1. Androgenetic alopecia (2015 study):³ A clinical trial with 100 men found that applying rosemary oil twice daily for six months produced similar hair growth results to 2% minoxidil. However, it’s crucial to note that this study was conducted solely on male participants, and limited clinical literature exists on trials involving women.

2. Animal study (2022):⁴ Research on hairless rats found a combination of rosemary and cedarwood oils promoted hair growth and thickness similarly to minoxidil, though animal studies don’t always translate to human results. 

Limitations of the research

While these studies suggest rosemary oil may have potential, there are several limitations to consider:

• Lack of placebo control: The 2015 study was not placebo-controlled, which limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions about the efficacy of rosemary oil. Without a placebo group, it's difficult to isolate the specific effects of rosemary oil compared to the possibility of spontaneous hair regrowth or other external factors.

• Sample size: The studies mentioned were relatively small, which limits the generalisability and reliability of the findings. Larger, more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of rosemary oil for hair growth.

• Specificity of hair loss types: The existing research mainly focuses on specific types of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia, rather than hair loss as a whole. This limits the applicability of the findings to other forms of hair loss.

• Animal study: The 2022 study on hairless rats showed promising results with rosemary oil in combination with cedarwood promoting hair growth and thickness. However, animal studies don't always translate to human outcomes, so further human trials are required to validate these findings.

Proven benefits of rosemary oil

While research on rosemary oil's direct impact on hair growth is still emerging - there are some proven benefits for overall hair health:

• Antioxidant properties: Rosemary oil's rich antioxidant content can prevent oxidative damage to hair follicles, contributing to healthier, more resilient hair.⁵

• Natural fragrance: With its fresh, herbal scent, rosemary oil serves a natural fragrance, making it a popular addition to hair care products without the need for synthetic scents. This is appealing to those seeking natural hair care solutions or sensitive to artificial fragrances.

• Nourishing and conditioning effects: Rosemary oil has nourishing properties that can benefit both the hair and scalp. When applied, it may help condition the scalp, potentially reducing dryness and irritation. 

While rosemary oil's direct effect on hair regrowth may be modest and subject to discussion, its potential benefits for scalp health and protection from damage make it a natural alternative for those seeking to improve hair condition.

These benefits suggest that rosemary oil might be worth considering as part of a holistic hair care routine and offers benefits to improve the appearance and feel of hair.

The numan take

Rosemary oil may offer mild benefits for hair growth, particularly for women with thinning hair. While the evidence is limited, its antioxidant properties can help support scalp health. For those seeking a natural addition to their hair care routine, rosemary oil is an option worth considering. 

References:

1. Famenini, S., Slaught, C., Duan, L., & Goh, C. (2015). Demographics of women with female pattern hair loss and the effectiveness of spironolactone therapy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 73(4), 705–706. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2015.06.063

2. Hasan, R., Juma, H., Eid, F. A., Alaswad, H. A., Ali, W. M., & Aladraj, F. J. (2022). Effects of Hormones and Endocrine Disorders on Hair Growth. Cureus, 14(12), e32726. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.32726

3. Panahi, Y., Taghizadeh, M., Marzony, E. T., & Sahebkar, A. (2015). Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A randomized comparative trial. SKINmed Journal, 13(1), 15-21.

4. Uronnachi, E., Atuegwu, C., Umeyor, C., Nwakile, C., Obasi, J., Ikeotuonye, C., & Attama, A. (2022). Formulation and evaluation of hair growth enhancing effects of oleogels made from rosemary and cedarwood oils. Scientific African, 16, e01223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01223

5. Uronnachi, E., Atuegwu, C., Umeyor, C., Nwakile, C., Obasi, J., Ikeotuonye, C., & Attama, A. (2022). Formulation and evaluation of hair growth enhancing effects of oleogels made from rosemary and cedar wood oils. Scientific African, 16, e01223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01223