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My Reward PointsRosemary essential oil is well-known for its ability to increase blood circulation to the scalp, supporting healthy hair growth and avoiding premature graying. Its antioxidant properties also protect hair follicles from oxidative stress, a significant contributor to hair aging. This blog will shed light on the causes of premature greying, how to use rosemary oil for grey hair, and more.
What Causes Premature Greying?
Premature greying can occur when melanin production in hair follicles declines, leading to pigment loss and the appearance of grey or white hairs. While genetics plays a significant role in determining when greying begins, various extrinsic factors may hasten the process. These include stress, smoking, nutritional inadequacies, hormonal abnormalities and exposure to environmental contaminants, including UV radiation and air pollution.
Why Rosemary Oil Helps with Grey Hair
Rosemary essential oil is reported to influence hair pigmentation, potentially minimizing the appearance of grey hairs. Here's how rosemary essential oil for gray hair helps with the following points:
1. Natural Hair Darkener
Rosemary oil won't permanently dye hair, but regular use can enhance dark tones, boost shine, support scalp health, and may slow graying, making hair appear darker and fuller, especially when combined with herbs.
2. Promotes Hair Growth
A recent study showed evidence that rosemary oil can promote hair growth. The study found that rosemary oil had the same effect as Minoxidil, a hair growth drug, after 6 weeks of use.
3. Boosts Melanin Production
Rosemary can stimulate the scalp, thereby increasing melanin production. This, in turn, can help preserve or enhance one's natural hair colour.
4. Improves Scalp Health
Research suggests that rosemary may boost nerve growth factor, thereby improving nerve tissue. This may boost hair and skin growth. Repairing nerve endings may repair scalp nerves, restoring hair development.
5. Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants such as carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid in rosemary oil help fight free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect cells. Your skin, health and overall well-being will all benefit from this.
How to Use Rosemary Oil for Grey Hair
Massage a small amount of rosemary oil into the scalp and hair. Leave it on before washing, or mix it into hair products for added benefits. Here is how to use rosemary oil for gray hair.
Method 1: Rosemary Oil + Amla Oil
Amla's antioxidants and rosemary's scalp-stimulating properties work together to strengthen hair and reduce dandruff, slow premature graying, boost growth, prevent hair loss, and improve shine and overall hair health.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp Amla Oil
- 6 drops Rosemary Oil
How to Use:
- Warm the rosemary and amla oil mixture slightly, but don't let it get too hot.
- Apply to the hair, paying special attention to the areas that are turning gray.
- For better absorption and circulation, massage for three to five minutes.
- For one hour to overnight, leave it on.
- Finally, like always, shampoo and condition.
Method 2: Rosemary + Coconut Oil
The combination of rosemary and Virgin coconut oil nourishes hair cells, enhances scalp health, and supports the development of stronger, more robust hair.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 4–5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
How to Use:
- Combine the rosemary essential oil with warm coconut oil to treat gray hair.
- Now, rub the mixture into your scalp for 5 to 10 minutes to improve circulation.
- For deep conditioning, leave it on for at least 30 minutes to overnight.
- Finally, shampoo it out. You might need two washes to remove all the residue.
Method 3: Rosemary + Castor Oil Blend
A blend of rosemary and castor with almond oils may slow graying, nourish the scalp, boost pigment, strengthen hair, and add shine by stimulating growth, locking in moisture, and providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Castor Oi
- 1 tbsp Almond Oil
- 5 drops Rosemary Oil
How to Use:
- To use rosemary, castor, and almond oil for grey hair, mix and warm them gently.
- Massage into the scalp for 5-10 mins to boost circulation.
- Leave on for 1-2 hours to overnight, then shampoo out.
- Repeat 2-3 times weekly for potential pigment support and healthier hair growth, though results vary.
Rosemary Oil vs Chemical Hair Dyes
Rosemary oil supports hair health by stimulating follicles and reducing inflammation, offering only mild and subtle color enhancement. Chemical dyes open the hair cuticle to create dramatic, long-lasting colour changes, including gray coverage, but can cause dryness, irritation, and damage.
To summarize, rosemary has several beneficial effects, whereas chemical dyes are responsible for significant colour changes.
Who Should Use Rosemary Oil for Grey Hair?
Using rosemary essential oil for grey hair benefits people who want to prevent premature graying, improve overall scalp health, boost circulation, and potentially slow hair thinning, especially those who have recently lost hair or have dull hair, by nourishing follicles and reducing stress; however, it does not reverse existing grey hair but helps maintain natural color for longer, and it requires consistent use (months) for results; people with sensitive scalps should first patch test.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using rosemary for gray hair offers a natural and practical approach to combat premature graying by promoting scalp health, enhancing melanin production, and supporting hair growth, making it a valuable alternative to chemical dyes. Regular use can help preserve natural hair colour and improve overall hair vitality; however, consistent application is required to achieve noticeable results.
FAQs
Q. Does rosemary oil reverse grey hair?
Ans. Rosemary won't quickly turn her entirely white hair black. Although consistently using rosemary oil for premature grey hair may help slow or mildly reverse early greying.
Q. Can I apply rosemary oil directly to the scalp?
Ans. Properly dilute rosemary essential oil before use; applying it directly to the scalp can cause irritation and discomfort.
Q. How often should I use rosemary oil for grey hair?
Ans. Use diluted rosemary for grey hair and massage weekly, gradually increasing to 2–3 times; consistency for 3–6 months is key for potential grey-hair benefits.
Q. Can I use rosemary oil on coloured or chemically treated hair?
Ans. Rosemary oil works for all hair types, even color-treated, but Rosemary oil, like any hair oil, may weigh down thin hair.
