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Rosemary Oil Vs Minoxidil: What Works Best For Your Hair

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Medically Reviewed by
Dr Kalyani Deshmukh Published Date:
Updated: 25 May 6:17 AM


Dr. Deshmukh is an MD (Dermatology, Venerology, and Leprosy) with more than 4 years of experience. She successfully runs her own practice and believes that a personalized service maximizes customer satisfaction.

Rosemary Oil Vs Minoxidil: What Works Best For Your Hair

Minoxidil has a clear clinical advantage in promoting faster hair regrowth in individuals with genetic hair loss when compared with rosemary oil. However, rosemary oil is a worthy alternative as a natural remedy for mild to moderate hair loss with fewer side effects. 

This blog breaks down the science behind both, dives deep into the rosemary oil vs minoxidil hair growth study, and helps you determine which approach makes the most sense for your hair.

What is rosemary oil?

Rosemary oil is an essential oil extracted from the rosemary plant leaves (Rosemarinus officinalis). With deep roots in Ayurvedic and Mediterranean healing traditions, rosemary oil has become widely known as a low-risk option to treat mild to moderate hair loss. But whether it’s an effective alternative to minoxidil is yet to be seen.

Impact of rosemary oil on your hair

The impact of rosemary oil on hair is well-documented. However, its relevance to hair growth depends on a specific set of features:

  • Antioxidant properties - Rosemary oil contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that fight scalp infections.
  • Vasodilation - Rosemary oil widens blood vessels, improving microcirculation and providing a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. 
  • DHT inhibition - It contains anti-androgenic properties that block Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), linked to hair shrinkage in pattern hair loss.
  • Scalp soothing - Its natural compounds calm irritation, dryness, and itchiness without the chemical overload of synthetic treatments. 

What is minoxidil?

When it’s about treating hair loss, the first solution that comes to mind is Minoxidil, or Rogaine. This FDA-approved, over-the-counter solution is primarily available in two concentrations: 2% for women (to reduce the risk of unwanted facial hair growth) and 5% for men.

How does minoxidil affect your hair?

Initially, minoxidil was used to treat high blood pressure. But one of its side effects, surprisingly, led to hair growth, making it a topical treatment. Here are some ways this medication helps with hair growth:

  • Vasodilation - Similar to rosemary oil, minoxidil acts as a vasodilator by opening up your blood vessels. It does so more aggressively and at a deeper follicular level, increasing blood flow to the papilla (where hair growth begins).
  • Extends the anagen phase - Minoxidil prolongs the growth phase of the hair follicles, keeping them active and productive for longer before they enter the resting phase. 

Rosemary oil vs minoxidil: Hair growth study 

A 2015 study compared rosemary oil with 2% minoxidil for treating AGA over a span of 6 months. Two groups of patients with AGA were randomly assigned to receive rosemary oil or a 2% minoxidil solution. The two groups were assessed via microphotographic hair counts at the 3 and 6-month marks. This study noted the following findings:

  • No changes were observed after 3 months, indicating that both treatments require sustained use to show results.
  • At six months, both groups experienced a significant increase in hair count, suggesting that both rosemary oil and minoxidil were equally effective at promoting hair growth in patients with AGA.
  • Participants who used rosemary oil experienced fewer side effects than those assigned minoxidil, who reported scalp itching.

While these results position rosemary oil as a lower-risk alternative to low-dose minoxidil, there are several limitations to the rosemary oil vs minoxidil hair growth study:

  • The study used a weaker concentration of minoxidil (2%). 
  • It focused on only one type of hair loss (AGA). 
  • The study compared rosemary oil to 2% minoxidil while the current market standard is 5%. 

Minoxidil or rosemary oil: Which is better?

So, between minoxidil or rosemary oil, which is better? We need to understand the cost, long-term sustainability, and risk aspects to infer which options work better. Here’s a table that explains it concisely:

Aspects

Rosemary Oil

Minoxidil

Benefits

  • Rosemary oil is widely available and chemical-free.

  • It is cheaper than minoxidil.

  • If diluted properly, rosemary oil is less likely to cause scalp itching or flakiness.

  • Has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that help create a healthy scalp environment. 

  • FDA-approved and clinically tested, minoxidil is a more reliable solution for treating hair loss.

  • It can be easily and directly applied to the scalp, as it is available in liquid or foam solution. You need not dilute it because it is designed to be used at its full strength.

  • While 2% minoxidil solution is usually recommended for women, men can use the 5% minoxidil solution to help with hair growth.

  • It is also a proven hair loss remedy for androgenetic alopecia. 

Drawbacks

  • There is limited scientific research on rosemary oil. So, one cannot know for sure how well it works for hair growth unless they use it for a considerable period of time. 

  • Rosemary oil is too strong when used on its own. It can cause scalp irritation, a burning sensation, or increased hair loss. Therefore, you can mix 5-10 drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil (such as jojoba or coconut oil).

  • You may need to apply minoxidil daily for several months to see results. Once you stop applying it, the new hair will fall out soon after.

  • The first signs that minoxidil is working appear as hair shedding. Although this can feel stressful, it is minoxidil’s way of pushing out old hair, making way for new hair. 

  • Minoxidil’s side effects include scalp irritation, itching or dryness and hair growth in unwanted places.

  • If the side effects become too severe, it can also cause swelling or a rapid heartbeat. 


Can I use minoxidil and rosemary oil together?

Rosemary oil vs minoxidil are often pitted against each other. If you’re wondering, can I use minoxidil and rosemary oil together? - Yes, they can be used, but not simultaneously. The challenge is one of absorption. 

Topical minoxidil requires a clean, dry scalp to penetrate effectively. It comes in liquid or foam form and is applied to the affected areas of the scalp. Layering rosemary oil on top of minoxidil (or vice versa) creates a barrier that compromises the absorption of whichever is applied second, thereby reducing the efficacy of both.

Here is a structured routine to apply both without any overlap:

  • Massage minoxidil into a clean scalp in the morning.
  • Infuse diluted rosemary oil as a pre-shampoo treatment, then leave it on for 30-60 minutes for absorption.
  • If you’re applying rosemary oil and minoxidil on the same day, allow a minimum of 4-6 hours to avoid cross-barrier interference. 

While you use rosemary oil and minoxidil for enhancing hair growth, Traya’s Ultimate Hair Supplements Combo can support this process. This combo is made with the most authentic 20+ herbs and nutrients, including biotin, Guduchi, Bhringraj, Ashwagandha, Arjuna, and the extracts of green tea and pumpkin seeds. Backed by the power of Ayurveda, nutrition, and allopathy, it nourishes hair and improves scalp health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the other natural alternatives to minoxidil apart from rosemary oil?

Other natural essential oils include peppermint, castor, and Bhringraj oil. But rosemary oil has the most scientific support. 

2. What hair types does rosemary oil suit?

Rosemary oil is quite versatile and suits almost every hair type. Just dilute it with a carrier oil and apply it to dry, frizzy, curly, straight, oily, or even dyed hair.

3. What should one prefer between rosemary oil and minoxidil?

If you’re experiencing severe hair loss (such as androgenetic alopecia), minoxidil is a faster and more aggressive solution. But if you want a chemical-free, sustainable solution with fewer side effects, you can opt for rosemary oil to treat mild hair loss.

4. What are the side effects of minoxidil?

Minoxidil has potential side effects which include:

  • Scalp irritation, dryness, and a burning sensation
  • Allergic contact dermatitis caused by propylene glycol in the liquid solution 
  • Unwanted facial hair in case the solution comes in contact with your face
  • Initial hair shedding, as the medication pushes the resting hair into the growth phase

5. What are the side effects of rosemary oil? 

Rosemary oil is a safe option. However, there are certain side effects noticed if used undiluted. Here are the side effects: 

  • Skin irritation 
  • Allergic reactions

References:

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