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Can rosemary oil cause hair loss?

Picture of Andrew Bellingham

Andrew Bellingham

Pharmacist | 20+ Years | BPharm | Dip Clin Pharm

Hair loss in men is common and can be upsetting. Male pattern baldness can appear as early as your late teens or early twenties, though it tends to happen later. By age 50, about half of all men will have some hair loss. This is mainly due to genetics and hormones.

If you’re looking for ways to stop hair loss, or even regrow your hair, you may have heard about people using rosemary oil – it’s been very popular on both YouTube and TikTok recently. It’s thought to improve blood flow, stimulate hair follicles, and reduce inflammation, which might help with hair growth.

Rosemary oil for male pattern baldness

While many people are singing the praises of rosemary oil as a solution to hair loss, you may be wondering if it could actually cause you to lose more hair rather than fix the problem. 

Thankfully, we can dispel your fears, for the most part. Rosemary oil is generally safe for your scalp, however you’ll need to ensure that you’re only using a small amount of it to prevent from having a negative effect on your hairline. This is because it usually comes in a highly concentrated form, which can cause your scalp to become irritated and lead to some hair loss. 

Many wonder if rosemary oil can help with hair loss or make it worse. Rosemary oil does not cause hair loss. It’s generally safe for your scalp, but some people might have allergic reactions or irritation. To be safe, do a patch test: apply a bit of diluted rosemary oil on your skin and wait 24 hours. If there’s no irritation, it should be fine to use on your scalp.

Rosemary oil can help hair regrow. Studies show it can be as effective as minoxidil, a common hair growth treatment. Rosemary oil improves blood flow to the scalp, stimulates hair follicles, and reduces inflammation, which may help with hair growth.

To use rosemary oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Massage it into your scalp and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it out. Use it a few times a week for the best results.

Frequently asked questions about hair loss

Can rosemary oil reverse hair loss?

Yes, rosemary oil may help stimulate hair regrowth by improving circulation to the scalp and promoting hair follicle health.

How often should I use rosemary oil for hair growth?

For optimal results, use rosemary oil for hair growth 2-3 times per week. Massage it into your scalp and leave it for at least 30 minutes before washing out.

Are there any side effects of using rosemary oil on the scalp?

While generally safe, rosemary oil may cause scalp irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Always perform a patch test before use and dilute properly to minimise risks.

A man checks his hair in the mirror to check his hair growth from taking 1mg of finasteride daily.

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