5 Amazing Benefits of Rosemary for Hair Care

(4 minute read)

Most of us are familiar with rosemary - a popular herb that is often used to add flavour to dishes, in particular French, Italian and Spanish cooking.

Rosemary is also an ancient symbol of fidelity and remembrance¹, hence why a sprig of rosemary is often worn on important historical days like Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.

This bushy shrub has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Interestingly, studies have also shown that it can have important clinical effects on mood, learning, memory, pain, anxiety and sleep². I could go on down this path but that’s a topic for another day

More than just a fragrant herb, rosemary contains nutrients that are beneficial for hair health, like vitamins A and C, calcium and iron. For this reason, you’ll find many hair care products - especially natural hair care products - include it in their formulations.

Rosemary is known for its beneficial effects on hair and scalp (image source: Canva)

How can rosemary benefit hair health?

Rosemary is known to benefit hair health in the following ways:

1.  Encourages Hair Growth

Rosemary is an excellent natural remedy for hair growth because it helps to support a healthy scalp and a healthy scalp is important for hair growth. Rosemary’s active compounds improve circulation which nourishes the scalp and encourages the growth of strong and healthy hair follicles. It is believed that massaging a mixture of rosemary essential oil and other carrier oils, such as coconut or jojoba oil, into your scalp can stimulate hair growth. The Desert Shadow Hair Silk organic treatment oil includes rosemary oil, along with a blend of other nurturing botanical oils, to help promote the growth of longer, stronger hair.

2.  Prevents Hair Loss

Rosemary may even help prevent hair loss. Compounds present in the herb, such as carnosic acid and carnosol, can help to improve scalp circulation and stimulate nerves. This in turn helps to reduce inflammation of the scalp and increase the strength of existing hair follicles. Massaging rosemary oil into the scalp can also promote stronger roots, leading to stronger and healthier hair. (Always mix rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil before applying).

3.  Improves scalp health

Rosemary contains antiseptic and antibiotic properties which also help to improve scalp health. It supports healthy cell growth, leading to a healthier scalp environment. It can help to reduce the severity of an itchy scalp and also prevent the growth of bacteria, attacking fungi on the scalp. This makes it a great choice for people with scalp conditions like dandruff. The Ausganica Soothing Flake Waiver Shampoo includes rosemary oil and is formulated to soothe the scalp and remove flakes. Another Australian brand - The Super Eco - knows the value of rosemary oil which is why they included it in their solid shampoo.

4.  Stimulates circulation to your hair follicles

Rosemary is known to stimulate circulation and increase blood flow to your scalp. This action helps to bring more oxygen and nutrients to the follicles, which in turn promotes healthy cell growth and improved hair health over time. For people struggling with slow hair growth or weak strands, rosemary-infused oils could be of assistance. Additionally, increased circulation stimulates follicles that have become “sleepy” due to lack of nourishment, allowing them to start producing healthy new strands of hair. The Weleda Revitalising Hair Tonic includes rosemary oil and is formulated to increase blood circulation to the scalp and also prevent premature greying.

5. Enhances colour and shine of your hair

In addition to encouraging hair growth and improving scalp health, rosemary can also help enhance the colour and shine of your hair. Rosemary contains a compound called rosmarinic acid which helps to protect your hair's natural pigmentation by preventing oxidative damage caused by the sun or hot styling tools. In addition, rosemary oil can help seal in cuticles, allowing light to reflect off your locks, giving it extra shine and lustre. Adding a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your conditioner may give you added colour enhancement and glossier hair. Regular use of a rosemary-infused oil on your scalp can result in smooth and nourished strands that look vibrant and feel soft.

Sources:

¹ ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
² anzacportal.dva.gov.au

Disclaimer: Naturally Safe Cosmetics and the author are not health professionals. Any information or advice in this article is of a general nature only and obtained from the author's research and product information. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, including problems with hair loss or growth. Contact your health care professional for advice on your own personal circumstances.