RESEARCH AND EXPECTATIONS

Rosemary oil for hair loss: what do we know?

Rosemary oil has been studied for hereditary hair loss, but this does not justify promising that every oil product works or is equivalent to minoxidil 5%.

Written by the TRIX Basic team

Medically reviewed by Prof. dr. Sherief Janmohamed · Dermatologist

Medically reviewed on

Bottle of oil among rosemary sprigs

Briefly summarized

  • Rosemary oil has been studied for hereditary hair loss, but this does not justify promising that every oil product works or is equivalent to minoxidil 5%.
  • The cause and your situation determine which next step is appropriate.
  • Ask for advice if you are concerned.
Examples of hereditary hair thinning in a man and a woman

INFORMATION AND EXPECTATIONS

What did the study investigate?

What did the 2015 study investigate?

In a comparative study, 100 participants with androgenetic alopecia received rosemary oil or minoxidil 2% for six months. After three months, there was no demonstrable change in the average hair count. After six months, it had increased in both groups. At that point, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups. Itching occurred in both groups.

INFORMATION AND EXPECTATIONS

What does the research not prove?

What can you not conclude from this?

Finding no statistically significant difference does not, by itself, prove that two treatments are equivalent. The study also compared rosemary oil with minoxidil 2%, not minoxidil 5%. Its results do not provide certainty about other oil products, other types of hair loss or long-term effects.

An improvement within six months does not, on its own, prove that the original hair loss was temporary.

Rosemary oil and minoxidil are not the same

A cosmetic oil product is different from a medicine containing minoxidil. A comparison in one study does not determine which option is suitable for your situation. Read the information about using minoxidil and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Man with a lotion and instructions at the washbasin
Woman receiving advice while her hair and scalp are examined

INFORMATION AND EXPECTATIONS

How do you choose a sensible next step?

Are supplements demonstrably better?

The study mentioned did not investigate TRIX Basic supplements. It therefore cannot show that Alpha or Beta works better or faster than rosemary oil. A possible nutritional deficiency requires appropriate assessment; a supplement is not a substitute for a diagnosis.

What is a sensible next step?

First consider the cause of the hair loss. Ask for advice if you are concerned or your hair loss changes. Read about hereditary hair loss and other types of hair loss.

Important to know

This information does not replace a medical assessment. Ask your GP for advice if you are concerned about hair loss. The Hair Check does not provide a diagnosis.

Read more about hair loss

Androgenetic alopecia

READ MORE

Androgenetic alopecia

Read how hereditary hair thinning can appear in men and women.

 Read more
Using minoxidil: application and common mistakes

READ MORE

Using minoxidil: application and common mistakes

Learn about applying minoxidil and common mistakes.

 Read more
Saw palmetto and hair loss

READ MORE

Saw palmetto and hair loss

Read what research on saw palmetto does and does not show.

 Read more

Questions about rosemary oil and hair loss

What was rosemary oil compared with?

The 2015 study mentioned compared rosemary oil with minoxidil 2%, not 5%.
Does this prove the treatments are equivalent?

No. Finding no statistically significant difference does not, by itself, prove equivalence.
Does the result apply to every oil product?

No. The application studied does not provide certainty about other products or types of hair loss.
Does improvement prove my hair loss was temporary?

No. Improvement within a given period does not establish the cause of your hair loss.
Does this study prove supplements work better?

No. The study did not investigate TRIX Basic supplements.
What is a sensible next step?

First consider the possible cause. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you are unsure about a treatment.

Sources and medical background

FIND YOUR NEXT STEP

Want to understand your hair-loss pattern better?

The Hair Check helps you explore your situation. It is a guide to your options, not a medical diagnosis.
Start the Hair Check Explore types of hair loss