Rosemary Essential Oil and Hair Loss Prevention

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 and actually regrow hair, particularly that related to male or female pattern baldness. Studies show that the herb can reverse some of the most common forms of hair loss.

Both men and women produce testosterone, but men typically produce more testosterone than women, so hair loss in men can occur more often, at an earlier age, and more extensively. This is of course even more true when talking about men who use steroids.

Male pattern baldness (MPB) is a form of hair loss that occurs when a byproduct of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) attacks the hair follicles.

Rosemary oil may help with this type of hair loss. A 2013 study of mice with testosterone-related hair loss found that rosemary oil could regrow their hair. Although the study is not conclusive, its authors theorize that rosemary oil might prevent DHT from binding to hormone receptors that enable it to attack the hair follicles.

A 2015 study compared rosemary oil to minoxidil, a popular hair regrowth treatment. 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.

The group that was treated with rosemary oil had more hair growth than the minoxidil group. This result suggests that rosemary oil may promote hair growth but only in the long term.

Nevertheless, if rosemary oil can counteract the effects of DHT, it might be a useful hair loss prevention treatment in us guys using steroids and/or with a family history of baldness.

The easiest way to use rosemary oil is to try a shampoo with a high concentration of rosemary oil. In theory, applying rosemary oil to the scalp, and leaving it on for longer periods, could enhance its effects.

To make a rosemary oil solution, people can try diluting a drop or two of rosemary oil in a carrier oil, then applying it to the scalp overnight.

To make rosemary concentrate at home, a handful or two of dried rosemary leaves can be added to a quart of distilled water that has been boiled. The mixture should then be allowed to steep for at least 5 hours. Longer steeping times will produce higher concentrations.

Rosemary oil can take several months to work, so its use requires diligence and repetition.

Here are a few ways to try using rosemary essential oil as a hair restorative and thickener. Try any of these treatments one to two times per week to start out. Use them more often when desired or you’ve become comfortable using them.

1. Massage it directly into your scalp
   Take about 5 drops of rosemary essential oil and massage evenly into your scalp after bath or shower. Mix with a carrier oil (like jojoba oil or coconut oil) if desired. Rinsing out the oil afterward is optional — though if you do rinse, let the oil sit on your scalp for at least 5 to 10 minutes beforehand.

2. Mix it into your shampoo
   This can also apply to conditioners, lotions, or creams. Play it safe and don’t add too much. Keep to about five drops per ounce of product. Afterward, use the product like usual. You can also add 2 to 3 drops directly to any hair product when you apply a dollop of it on your palm before use.

3. Add it to your own homemade shampoo
   There are many recipes online for a shampoo base. You can also add essential oils for your preferred health and beauty benefits. These may incorporate a mixture of baking soda, coconut oil, essential oil, and possibly other oils.

Anyone considering using rosemary oil should always remember to do so with caution. Be sure to research into it's possible side effects before using it, and be sure to always use it properly. It should be treated with caution just like any other medication. There are side effects associated with using this essential oil. Most are from improper use, but either way you should really talk to your doctor before using this.