One of the best essential oils for natural hair is rosemary oil. This oil has become a favorite for many naturals because of its many benefits. In this article, I will be showing you all you need to know about rosemary oil, its benefits for the hair, and how to make a DIY rosemary oil.
What Is Rosemary Oil?
Rosemary oil is simply oil gotten from the rosemary herb. The rosemary herb functions both as a cooking ingredient and healing medicine. Rosemary contains calcium, vitamins A, B-6, and C, and iron, and healing properties. As a result of its healing properties, naturalistas are applying the oil gotten from the rosemary plant to their hair. Besides these healing properties, rosemary oil has many other benefits for natural hair.
What Are The Benefits of Rosemary Oil For The Hair?
1. It Prevents Dandruff
Dandruff is a hair condition that causes flakes on the scalp and even itching. And more than just the frequent scratching and flaking of your scalp, you might also experience hair breakage. Rosemary oil contains anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that help in preventing and even getting rid of dandruff. It can also help to solve itchiness on the scalp.
2. It Promotes Hair Growth and Prevents Hair Loss
A study in 2012 showed that rosemary was effective in growing hair. To test the effectiveness of rosemary for hair growth in bald men, the researchers of this study induced animals with testosterone to stop their hair from growing. Next, they applied rosemary leaves to the animals' skin which caused their hair to regrow. As a result of this, the researchers discovered that rosemary contained up to 94.6% 5-alpha reductase which was effective for growing hair.
Also, rosemary can prevent hair loss and thinning. A 2015 study showed that when compared with minoxidil, a powerful ingredient used in preventing hair loss, rosemary was more effective.
3. It Increases Blood Circulation
When massaged into the scalp, rosemary oil increases blood circulation by opening and dilating the blood vessels. This way, blood flow increases in both the scalp and hair. Furthermore, the hair follicles get strengthened and as a result, increases hair growth.
4. It Relieves Scalp Irritation
One of the major ingredients in rosemary oil is carnosic acid which has anti-inflammatory agents. This helps to relieve scalp irritation and heal a damaged scalp. Generally, it improves the health of your scalp.
How To Use Rosemary Oil For Natural Hair
Now that you know the benefits of rosemary oil, here are some ways you can add the rosemary oil to your natural hair routine.
1. Add To Your Shampoo or Conditioner
You can add rosemary oil to either your store-bought or homemade shampoo or conditioner. Simply add a few drops into your shampoo or conditioner and that's all. The rosemary oil will give your shampoo or conditioner a boost and enhance their effectiveness. You can also add rosemary oil to your hair products before you use them.
2. Apply Directly On Your Scalp
Using your discretion, rub a few drops of rosemary oil on your palm and apply it to your scalp. I recommend that you gently massage it into your scalp, immediately after you wash and dry your hair. However, if you feel uncomfortable with leaving the oil on your scalp, you can rinse it out after 10 minutes.
3. Use It As A Hair Mask
A hair mask is very effective for hydrating and nourishing your hair. You can easily make a DIY hair mask using rosemary oil. Simply add a few drops of rosemary oil to two tablespoons of bentonite clay and rosewater to form a paste. Next, apply on clean hair, making sure that the mask covers all sections of your hair. Then, leave it in for 30 minutes before rinsing out with lukewarm water.
4. Use It For A Hot Oil Treatment
A hot oil treatment helps to restore and maintain moisture on dry hair and scalp, among many other benefits. To use rosemary as a hot oil treatment, add it in a bottle with any other essential oils of your choice (peppermint oil, lavender oil, etc). Then place this bottle in a pot of hot water and leave to sit for 5 minutes. Next, apply the oils to your hair.
5. Use As A Prepoo Treatment
A prepoo treatment is a haircare routine you do before you wash your hair. Most shampoos will strip your hair of moisture so a prepoo helps to keep your hair and scalp moisturized, even after you might have used a shampoo. You can mix two drops of rosemary oil with one tablespoon of honey and apply them throughout your entire hair. Then, cover your head with a shower cap or plastic bag and leave to sit for an hour or two before shampooing.
How To Make Your Own Rosemary Oil
You can either buy a bottle of rosemary oil from the store or choose to make yours. To DIY your rosemary oil, I have selected this short tutorial by Naturally Everything to guide you:
What you need
- 2 stems of fresh rosemary leaves
- 2 cups of any carrier oil of your choice (olive oil, grapeseed oil, etc.)
- A bowl
- A pot
- A strainer
- Stockings (socks)
- A pot of water
- A clear jug
- A small bottle
Step 1: Pluck the rosemary leaves
- Pluck the rosemary leaves off its stem and place the leaves in a bowl. It is better to store the rosemary in a warm dark place before plucking. This is because you need the rosemary to be completely moisture-free so you can get the best results.
Step 2: Mix the rosemary leaves with oil
- Pour two cups of your carrier oil in the pot and add the rosemary leaves to this.
Step 3: Boil the mixture on low heat
- Leave the oil and rosemary leaves on low heat for between 10 - 15 minutes.
Step 4: Allow it to cool
- The rosemary will begin to turn dark green. Take it off the heat and leave it to cool.
Step 5: Strain the mixture twice
- Using your strainer, do the first strain. This will help separate the leaves from the oil. However, some rosemary particles may still find their way into your oil.
- Using your stockings, do a second strain to remove those stubborn particles.
Step 6: Pour the oil into a bottle
- After you are done, transfer the oil into your bottle. Voila, you did it! Your rosemary oil is now ready for use.