How to prevent hair loss: ‘Natural remedy’ shrinks follicles and ‘promotes hair growth’

It’s no secret that TikTok and other social media platforms like Instagram have revolutionised the hair and beauty industry.

The platforms allow users to constantly peruse new trends, undiscovered hacks and cheaper alternatives to expensive hair and beauty products.

One hair trend that seems to be taking social media by storm is “rosemary oil”. Findings by beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha analysed Google search data for searches related to the hair hack, which revealed a 695 percent increase in searches over the past five years just in the UK.

Searches for “rosemary oil” have also increased across the globe, with worldwide searches surging by 331 percent over the past five years.

Rosemary oil gained popularity after beauty, wellness and hair influencers shared their experiences using the product for six weeks.

What does rosemary oil do for hair?

Rosemary oil stimulates and promotes hair growth and can also help to battle against dandruff and premature greying.

Board-certified dermatologist, Dr Ramya Garlapati, who’s based in Los Angeles, said it has been clinically proven to increase hair growth.

She told Prevention.com that it “increases hair growth similar to minoxidil” which is the main active ingredient in Rogaine.

She added: “It stimulates hair growth by blocking the effects of DHT, a type of testosterone that is normally responsible for shrinking hair follicles that can lead to hair loss.”

Rosemary oil can also add shine and a healthy shine to hair if it’s used regularly.

It can also increase blood flow to the hair follicles which helps deliver the right nutrients and oxygen to the hair.

Dr Garlapati said increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients can also help to “promote hair growth”.

How to use rosemary oil on hair

It’s recommended to use the oil once a week if you have thinner, lighter and easily damaged hair.

If you’re looking to tackle dandruff then use a few drops of rosemary oil alongside another oil such as coconut, caster or jojoba oil. This can be used up to four times a week.

However, it’s worth noting that if rosemary oil is mixed with lighter oils, it will dilute its strength but this may be better for those with sensitive scalps.

William Zeqiri, founder and CEO of beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha, said: “The power of social media, especially TikTok, allows influencers worldwide to share their experiences and knowledge with those who might want to know more about a particular beauty topic but don’t know quite where to start.

“These findings are a definite eye-opener to see just how much exposure TikTok can offer to such a simple and accessible substance like rosemary oil and proves just how many people are interested in natural remedies of haircare which are fun and easily manageable, even if you are a regular salon visitor.”