The rosemary hair oil trend has taken over TikTok in recent months, with many using the liquid in the hopes of achieving thick glowing hair.
TikTokers have embraced the product to enhance their hair growth, documenting their hair progression on the app.
But while the essential oil may have worked for some, beauty experts are warning people to take caution when participating in the trend.
And, despite many TikTokers hailing the home remedy, there’s little evidence that it actually works.
The rosemary hair oil trend has taken over TikTok in recent months, but experts have warned users to use it carefully
While many TikTokers have jumped on the trend, some experts say the essential oil could damage your hair if it is not diluted with other products
While a clinical study, published by SkinMed in 2015, saw that after six months of using rosemary oil candidates experienced an increased hair count. They found that it came at the expense of an itchier scalp and irritation.
Due to this Dr Vanita Rattan, Skin Doctor and Cosmetic Formulator at SkincarebyDrV, would advise against using the essential oil, warning that it could lead to ‘brittle hair growth’ if the scalp is inflamed.
‘I would not recommend using it beyond 2% it because there’s no point increasing hair count if the hair is breaking faster,’ she said.
‘Inflammation on the scalp can take months to calm down, and this will result in weaker hair growth, so it’s not really worth it.’
Some TikTokers, perhaps unaware of the irritation rosemary oil can cause, have hopped on the trend – many using the products several times a week.
One TikToker, who goes by the name lifeaszeph, has been using rosemary essential oil alongside various other products, including a microneedle roller and a hair massager, for the past nine months.
Most of the videos on his page document his ‘hair transformation’, showing him applying rosemary oil to his scalp two to three times a week.
One TikToker has used , has been using rosemary essential oil alongside various other products, including a microneedle roller and a hair massager, for the past nine months
Most of the videos on his account document his ‘hair transformation’, showing him applying rosemary oil to his scalp two to three times a week
While many of the videos have received millions of views and comments from impressed followers, Dr Rattan would advise against the method.
‘They should never be applied directly to the scalp as they are a skin sensitiser and volatile.
‘As essential oils dissipate from the skin, they can contribute to skin dryness and the generation of free radicals, which in turn harm collagen – a crucial protein required for maintaining healthy hair.’
Dr Rattan added that 3-4 per cent of the population can contact dermatitis, especially for skin of colour, so it is best to avoid it in your hair care products.
Zeph isn’t the only hopeful hair grower to hop on the trend, many TikTokers have been uploading their ‘hair routines’ on the app, gaining thousands of comments from followers.
One TikToker, Liv Preston, claimed the oil ‘changed my life’ after using it for ‘4 months’ and apparently noticing hair growth.
One TikToker, Liv Preston, claimed the oil changed her life after she used it for four months
But experts warn that the undiluted essential oil should never be applied directly to the scalp as it can cause scalp irritation
But on the recommendation, one user commented: ‘I don’t understand, I’ve never struggled with hair loss I started using this same one and now my hair is so thin.’
Hairdressers have also advised against the trend. Fabian Martinez, of The London Hair Clinic, agreed that rosemary oil could result in itching and burning for those with sensitive skin.
He added: ‘If you have naturally oily hair, this [rosemary oil] is only going to make it look greasier and more lacklustre in appearance.’
Meanwhile, Dr Hamdan Abdullah Hamed, dermatologist and founder of PowerYourCurls.com, recommended safer oils beauty lovers can use as an alternative.
He suggested using argan oil, jojoba oil or coconut oil. He explained: ‘These are suitable to be used without the use of carrier oil, are light enough not to clog the pores and provide just enough protection for the hair to maintain its moisture.’
Some rosemary oil users pair the technique with a microneedle roller to stimulate hair growth which, according to Dr Hamed is all the more dangerous.
He explained: ‘Excessive use can lead to skin damage and punctured skin, which can lead to skin infections and a host of other issues down the road.’
Instead, he advised opting for scalp massages to improve circulation and stimulate hair follicles.
If you’re struggling with hair loss, Dr Hamad recommends undergoing a medical checkup to find the cause. In many cases, he said it could be due to iron and vitamin deficiencies.
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