Does Rosemary Work For Hair Growth? Rosemary Oil For Hair Side Effects To Know

Published on April 30, 2022

Male pattern baldness affects about 50% of Canadians. And with so many people struggling with this issue, it's no surprise that individuals are turning to home remedies and natural supplements to solve their hair loss problems.

One type of product people are using for hair loss is rosemary essential oil. Rosemary has been used as the main ingredient in countless beauty and health treatments for centuries, and today, people are using it to help them with hair loss. 

However, are there any rosemary oil for hair side effects you should be aware of? Good question. In this guide, we'll take a look at what to know about rosemary essential oil for hair side effects.

Does Rosemary Oil Really Work for Hair Growth?

As we mentioned earlier, rosemary oil has been used for hair growth for ages. But does rosemary oil really work for hair growth?

Well, as it happens, rosemary helps to activate blood circulation in the scalp by dilating the blood vessels in the scalp and stimulating the hair follicles. As a result, it activates the production of healthy and strong hair. 

Another reason that rosemary oil for hair may be beneficial is that rosemary benefits nerve tissue. Carnosic acid, an active ingredient in the plant, heals tissue and reduces nerve damage. This ability to heal nerve endings can also rejuvenate the nerves in the scalp, which in turn can restore hair growth.  

Studies show that rosemary essential oil can be as effective as minoxidil in males and females.

More revealing recent studies show that rosemary helps protect against hair loss. A 2015 trial found the essential oil against minoxidil, known as Rogaine. Both were used in human subjects with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness).

The results showed that rosemary essential oil was as effective as minoxidil. During the study, the essential oil helped the itchy scalp more than minoxidil did.

Read more: Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth Before and After: Does it Really Work?

Warnings and Precautions of Using Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth

If all those studies have got you excited about the idea of using rosemary oil on your hair, we understand. However, you need to make sure you're aware of a few precautions of using rosemary oil first. Let's take a look at a few of these to keep in mind when using rosemary oil for hair growth. 

People with high blood pressure are generally prohibited from using this type of oil since it can increase tension.

Be Wary of Allergies

For one thing, it's essential to make sure that you do not have any allergies to this aromatic herb. Before trying it on the scalp, try applying it to a small patch on your hand. This allows you to check that the rosemary doesn't cause uncomfortable skin reactions.

People with atopic dermatitis or very sensitive skin should steer clear of rosemary oil. The oil can aggravate the skin and cause allergic reactions, hives, or rash breakouts.

People with atopic dermatitis or very sensitive skin should steer clear of rosemary oil.

Pay Attention to Oiliness

If your hair is particularly thin or prone to oiliness, be careful. When you apply rosemary oil (or any other oil), you could wind up making your problems worse. 

If you struggle with oily hair, it's a good idea to rinse your hair after you apply the oil. That way, you make sure no harmful residue sits on your hair. 

Limit Quantities 

Another thing to bear in mind with rosemary oil is that using it in large quantities can actually cause hallucinogenic effects in the body. Although this is usually associated with smoking or ingestion, it's still important to bear this in mind. 

Rosemary Can Increase Tension

People with high blood pressure are generally prohibited from using this type of oil since it can increase tension. That can leave you with more problems than when you started!

If you struggle with high blood pressure or hypertension, it's a good idea to speak to your doctor before trying to use this product. 

Other Precautions of Using Rosemary Oil  

Despite its many therapeutic properties, the use of rosemary essential oil as a natural hair loss solution isn't for everyone. It's generally not recommended to use rosemary oil during pregnancy, in children under seven years of age, in epileptics and hypertensives, and in people with neuronal issues. 

The best choice is to always talk to your doctor before trying to use rosemary oil for hair growth. That way, you steer clear of any unwanted side effects of rosemary oil for hair.

It's generally not recommended to use rosemary oil during pregnancy, in children under seven years of age, in epileptics and hypertensives, and in people with neuronal issues.

What Are the Side Effects of Using Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth

Although rosemary oil is generally considered safe to use for hair growth, it can cause a few side effects. The good news is that these are usually pretty rare. 

Still, it pays to know about them so that you can be prepared. 

In general, the side effects of using rosemary oil for hair growth include: 

1. Itching on the scalp
2. Dandruff
3. Rashes
4. Fungus

If you notice any of these issues after using rosemary oil, stop using it. Consult your doctor to make sure that you don't have any other issues and to rule out the possibility of the rosemary oil being to blame. 

Final Words: Tips to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth

There are different ways to incorporate rosemary oil into your beauty routine. You can apply a few drops of the oil to your scalp directly or mix it with another oil, such as jojoba first. Although it can cause irritation in some people, in general, it's a plant that's totally safe to use.

Rosemary is a unique plant, and now that you know the rosemary oil for hair side effects, you'll have a better idea of whether this could put a stop to your hair loss worries. Just remember to use it with caution and to keep this guide in mind as you do so.