Table of Contents
Quick Summary / At A Glance
- For colour, rosemary oil is said to add shine, lustre and depth, and to help preserve natural colour.
- The article also says it can gradually lighten dark hair over time, so the colour result may not be the one you want.
- It is described as relatively affordable and easy to find, but it can be difficult to work with.
- The main cons are scalp and skin irritation, possible allergic reactions, greasy hair if you use too much, and a dry scalp.
- Always dilute it in a carrier oil, do a patch test, start with a small amount, and stop at once if redness, itching or burning occurs.
The Pros and Cons at a Glance
Rosemary oil is a popular choice for hair colour and a popular home remedy, but it is not without drawbacks. The table below collects only the pros and cons given in this article, so you can weigh them before deciding.
| Side | Points from this article |
|---|---|
| Pro | Can help to add shine and lustre to your hair |
| Pro | Can also help to preserve your hair’s natural colour, and add depth of colour |
| Pro | Can help to protect hair from damage and keep it healthy; in the conclusion it is also said to darken hair, strengthen it and make it softer |
| Pro | Relatively affordable and easy to find in stores |
| Con | Can be difficult to work with and may not always give you the results you want |
| Con | May lighten hair colour over time, which will not suit everyone |
| Con | Some people find it makes their scalp itch or irritates their skin |
| Con | Like all oils, it can make hair greasy if you use too much of it |
| Con | Can be drying to the scalp and may cause irritation, as the conclusion notes |
Will Rosemary Oil Affect Hair Colour?
Rosemary oil is a popular ingredient in many hair care products, and this article says it can affect hair colour in more than one way. On one side, it is said to add shine and luster to hair while also helping to preserve its natural colour.
On the other side, the article says rosemary oil can lighten hair colour when used over time, because it has natural bleaching properties that can gradually lighten dark hair. It suggests this for adding highlights or brightening your overall colour.
Those two directions sit side by side in the original article, and the conclusion also says rosemary oil can help to darken hair. If a precise colour result matters to you, treat these claims cautiously and do not assume one predictable outcome.
Other Benefits Claimed for Hair and Scalp
Beyond colour, the article lists several benefits for hair, including promoting hair growth, preventing dandruff and reducing scalp inflammation. It also says rosemary oil can help to strengthen and condition the hair shaft.
Rosemary oil is thought to stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, which may promote hair growth, and it has antimicrobial properties that can help to keep the scalp healthy. The article also says it can help to strengthen hair follicles and prevent breakage, and that regular use can help to thicken existing hair and promote new growth.
The article describes rosemary oil as loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help protect the cells in the scalp from damage and reduce inflammation. It links increased blood flow to more nutrients and oxygen reaching the follicles, which it says encourages healthy hair growth.
What the Article Says About the Evidence
The article says there is some scientific evidence to support the growth claim. A study published in 2015 found that rosemary essential oil was effective in promoting hair growth in mice, and that it increased the number of follicles and thickness of the hair shafts.
That study, as reported here, was in mice, so the article does not present it as proof of the same result in people. The article also notes numerous positive reviews from people who have used commercial products containing rosemary essential oil, which is a different kind of evidence.
Can Rosemary Oil Cause Hair Loss?
Some people report that rosemary oil can cause hair loss, even though it is thought to promote hair growth. The article is clear on the evidence: there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that rosemary oil causes hair loss.
However, some people may be sensitive to the oil and experience an allergic reaction, which could lead to hair loss. If you are concerned about using rosemary oil, the article advises talking to your doctor or dermatologist first.
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Side Effects: What the Article Lists
The original article returns to side effects in several sections, and those sections are combined here to avoid repetition. It says no definitive answer exists as to whether or not rosemary oil has side effects, and that experiences differ between people.
The most common side effect named is scalp irritation, which can happen if the oil is not diluted properly before use or if you have a sensitive scalp. Skin irritation is also listed, including redness, swelling or itching after applying rosemary oil to the skin.
Other possible side effects include allergic reactions such as rashes, hives, or swelling of the face, lips or tongue. If you experience any of these symptoms after using rosemary essential oil, the article says to seek medical attention immediately, because essential oils are powerful compounds and should be used with caution.
Some people also report feeling dizzy, nauseous or having headaches when using the oil, and gastrointestinal issues are listed, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. If you experience any of these symptoms after using rosemary oil, discontinue use immediately and consult your doctor, as the article advises.
Rosemary can also interfere with certain medications, according to the article. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any other medical condition, or if you have any concerns, it is best to speak with your healthcare provider before using rosemary.
How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair
Rosemary essential oil has a refreshing, herbaceous aroma, and the article says it can give your locks a lustrous shine when used in shampoo or conditioner. Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your favourite shampoo or conditioner, which is also the method given for hair growth.
For an invigorating scalp massage, add 10 drops of rosemary essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil. You can also massage diluted rosemary oil into your scalp each night before bed, or dilute it with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil if the scent is too strong.
For a rosemary hair rinse, add 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary leaves to 2 cups of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Use it as a final rinse after shampooing.
How to Dilute Rosemary Oil, Step by Step
- Start with a clean, dry scalp, and do not use rosemary oil on broken skin or open wounds; cover any cuts or scrapes with a bandage first.
- Pour a small amount of carrier oil into the palm of your hand; jojoba or grapeseed oil are named for this step, and jojoba or coconut oil are named elsewhere in the article.
- Add one or two drops of rosemary essential oil into the carrier oil in your palm, and rub your hands together to mix the oils well.
- Apply the mixture onto your scalp using circular motions and massage it in well; a brush or comb can distribute it evenly through your hair if desired.
- Let the mixture sit on your scalp for at least 30 minutes before shampooing as usual.
Patch Testing, Starting Slowly and Buying Well
Always do a patch test before applying rosemary oil to your scalp or skin, and start with a small amount, increasing it slowly over time to avoid adverse reactions. Diluting it in a carrier oil will help to prevent skin irritation, as the article explains.
If you experience any redness, itching or burning when using rosemary oil on your scalp, discontinue use immediately and wash your head with shampoo to remove the oil. The article describes these as signs of an allergic reaction, which could lead to further irritation or even an infection if not treated quickly.
Buy pure, high-quality rosemary essential oil from a reputable source, and do your research before you buy. If you have any other concerns about using rosemary oil on your hair, consult a dermatologist or other medical professional before proceeding.
Conclusion
Rosemary oil is a popular choice for hair colour, but it does have some pros and cons, so weigh them carefully before making your decision. On the plus side in the conclusion, it can help to darken hair and add shine, and it can also help to strengthen hair and make it softer.
On the downside, rosemary oil can be drying to the scalp and may cause irritation, and too much can make hair greasy. Used diluted, patch-tested and in small amounts, it fits the cautious approach that runs through the original article.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personal advice.