We find it in the gardens and on the balconies, but also in dried form kept in jars in the kitchen, we are talking about rosemary, an excellent ingredient to flavor our preparations in the kitchen but also a precious beauty ally. In fact, as the ancient formulas of cosmetic preparations also teach, such as the Water of the Queen of Hungary or the Celestial Water of Caterina Sforza, in which, among the ingredients, rosemary always appears, this aromatic plant can do a lot both for our skin and for our hair, thanks to its anti-aging, rejuvenating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, also able to stimulate microcirculation. Today, in particular, let's talk about what rosemary can do for our hair and how this plant can counteract its loss, on a par with commonly used drugs against alopecia.
Rosemary and its properties against hair loss
Rosemary is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, improves microcirculation and counteracts hair loss (Hosking et al, Skin Appendage Disord., 2019 - Harries et al, BMJ, 2010). In fact, as has been shown by scientific research (Panahi et al, Skinmed, 2015), the application of rosemary oil on the scalp in case of androgenetic alopecia has allowed to significantly increase, in 6 months of treatment, hair count and hair growth with results similar to minoxidil, a medicine used to counteract hair loss. In addition, rosemary oil caused fewer side effects than minoxidil, especially in terms of itching (Panahi et al, Skinmed, 2015). The action of rosemary is linked to its ability to inhibit the 5 alpha reductase enzyme. The inhibition of this enzyme in turn allows the reduction of the hormone dihydrotestosterone that, when it comes into contact with the hair follicle, miniaturizes it. This causes thinning and therefore hair loss (Murata et al, Phytother Res, 2013).
How to use rosemary to stimulate hair growth
Scientific studies on the properties of rosemary for hair health and well-being have been performed on both its essential oil and aqueous extracts. Therefore, it is possible to take advantage of both the action of rosemary essential oil and the infusion of rosemary needles. Two recipes are proposed below, based on the ingredient you have at home. First, let's see the recipe for the hair treatment made with rosemary essential oil. In a small bowl, pour 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil and 3-4 drops of rosemary essential oil. Apply to damp scalp, leave on for ten minutes, then rinse with shampoo. Alternatively, you can resort to a rinse made with an infusion of rosemary. Bring a liter of water to a boil, remove from heat and add 1 handful of rosemary needles and 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Cover and let it rest for 15-20 minutes, filter and, once warm, use as a final rinse. In this way it is possible to combine the beneficial properties of rosemary with those of the acid rinse. In fact, most shampoos have an alkaline pH which causes the hair to swell, opening the scales. The hair thus presents a greater risk of damage and appears porous, rough and dull. The use of an acidic substance such as vinegar, on the other hand, counteracts the swelling of the hair (Draelos et al, Int J Trichology., 2010). Pay attention if you have very light hair, in fact, rosemary, if very concentrated, could slightly darken the hair. In this case, you can make a lighter brew.
