Rosemary leaf extract is often recommended for hair loss treatment, but why? Here’s a stat for you. According to studies, hair loss is a surprisingly common condition that can affect as much as 85% of men and 55% of women.
There will always be products on the market making wild claims about being a miracle cure for baldness. These claims are rarely based on scientific evidence. However, there are products like Divi's Scalp Serum with science-backed ingredients that can benefit hair growth and minimize the risk or causes of hair loss.
This article will explore the potential benefits of rosemary leaf extract for your scalp and hair.
What is Rosemary Leaf Extract?
Rosmarinus officinalis is a Mediterranean herb used in food and medicine. Rosemary is a rich source of calcium, iron, vitamin B-6 and antioxidants. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
These benefits can promote blood circulation. Studies at Massachusetts General Hospital show how improved blood flow to the head and scalp correlates with improved hair growth.
Does Rosemary Leaf Extract Help With Hair Growth?
Good scalp health is essential for good hair. Improving the scalp's circulation minimizes dryness and itchiness. It also gives hair follicles the nutrients they need to aid growth.
Rosemary leaf extract is an ingredient in Divi's Scalp Serum because it can stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health.
Who Should Use Rosemary Leaf Extract for Hair Growth?
Rosemary leaf extract can promote blood flow to the scalp and improve the health and quality of existing hair follicles. Because of this, it can be helpful for people with telogen effluvium, alopecia areata or androgenetic alopecia.
Telogen effluvium is a condition in which hair sheds at a higher rate than normal. Typically, only 10% of hair is in the telogen (shedding) phase, yet this increases to 30% or more with telogen effluvium. Causes of telogen effluvium include a significant change in diet, childbirth, skin problems, certain medications, illness and trauma.
Alopecia areata results from the immune system attacking hair follicles. Alopecia areata can be triggered by stress or illness or can occur with other autoimmune diseases, including vitiligo, thyroid disease, and psoriasis.
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in men and women. It is also known as male-pattern baldness and recognizable by its distinct pattern of hair loss from the temples, crown and hairline. Androgenetic alopecia in women takes a different form, with the hair typically thinning all over.
This form of hair loss is typically hormone-related and linked to dihydrotestosterone. Rosemary leaf extract, an ingredient in Divi's Scalp Serum, can help improve the blood flow to hair follicles, lower dihydrotestosterone, and slow down hair loss symptoms.
The Benefits of Rosemary Leaf Extract for Your Hair and Scalp
Rosemary leaf extract has quite a few benefits for your scalp and hair. The experts at Divi list them below:
- Improves blood flow to the scalp and follicles – Using products containing rosemary leaf extract can improve the health of the scalp and blood flow to hair follicles. This is essential to hair growth and ensuring your hair and scalp get the nutrients they need.
- Inhibits 5-alpha reductase – The 5-alpha-reductase enzyme causes the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone has been shown to limit the blood flow hair follicles require to grow. This results in androgenetic hair loss. Using rosemary leaf extract has been shown to reduce the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase significantly. It lowers the conversion to dihydrotestosterone and minimizes the risk of androgenetic hair loss.
- Stops itchy, flaky scalps – The carrier oil used with rosemary leaf extract can help hydrate the hair and scalp. This can help to reduce dryness, dandruff and itching.
- Controls greasy hair – Rosemary leaf extract benefits the scalp with antifungal qualities, which can help reduce excess oils that lead to greasy hair.
In some cases, hair loss will be unavoidable due to factors such as genetics, illness or medical treatments. In other cases, using rosemary leaf extract can help improve hair growth and minimize the risk of it starting to thin.
How to Use Rosemary Leaf Extract for Hair Growth
Using hair care products containing rosemary leaf extract is the easiest way to safely use this substance on your scalp. Divi's Scalp Serum contains rosemary leaf extract. This minimizes any risk inherent in creating your own rosemary leaf extract solution or adding it to an existing product.
Divi's Scalp Serum is a dermatologist-tested formula with carefully balanced, clean ingredients that are designed to get the best results with minimal risk.
Side Effects of Using Rosemary Leaf Extract for Your Hair
The risk of side effects is minimal when using rosemary leaf extract products. Some side effects of using rosemary may include:
- Scalp itching
- Skin irritation
- Eye redness
However, these side effects result from too high a concentration of rosemary essential oil. Using Divi's Scalp Serum significantly reduces the risk of using the wrong dosage and allows you to enjoy the benefits of a dermatologically-tested product created by experts.
Rosemary Leaf Extract for Hair: What Does Science Say?
A study was carried out to explore the benefits of carnosic acid, an active ingredient in rosemary. It was discovered that carnosic acid can aid in healing nerves and nerve endings. The ability to rejuvenate nerves in the scalp can then promote hair growth.
More targeted tests were done in 2015. The aim was to test the effects of rosemary leaf extract against the popular medication minoxidil (Rogaine). The study found rosemary to be as effective as minoxidil and more successful when helping with itchiness.
Another study, in 2012, explored the effect of rosemary leaf extract on inhibiting the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme's ability to convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. Inhibitory activity of 94.6% was measured, allowing adequate blood flow to hair follicles and promoting growth.
How to Safely Use Rosemary Leaf Extract for Hair Growth
There are some instances in which you should take care or seek medical advice. You should never apply rosemary leaf extract products near sensitive areas like the eyes or damaged skin.
Using scientifically proven products like Divi's Scalp Serum allows you to enjoy the benefits without worrying about dosages. Our dermatologically tested Scalp Serum contains the safest and most effective amount of each ingredient to benefit your hair and scalp.
What to Consider Before Using Rosemary Leaf Extract for Hair Growth?
Allergies should always be a consideration when trying new treatments. Starting slowly with low dosages is advised.
Rosemary leaf extract typically elicits a milder reaction than rosemary oil, but you must still exercise caution. Anyone with high blood pressure, blood clotting issues and diabetes should consult a medical professional before use. It's best to stick to a carefully tested formula like ours to ensure you enjoy the best effects, safely.
Final Thoughts
Anyone looking to prevent hair loss should form a good hair and scalp care routine. Hair loss can be caused by a variety of reasons, some of which are preventable. A healthy lifestyle and science-backed products, like Divi’s Scalp Serum, can make a significant difference in some cases for thinning hair.
