The rosemary hair oil trend has taken over TikTok in recent months, with many using the liquid in hopes of getting thick, shiny hair.
TikTokers have embraced the product to improve their hair growth and document their hair progression in the app.
But while the essential oil may have worked for some, beauty experts are warning people to be careful if they join the trend.
And despite many TikTokers praising 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 be careful with it
While many TikTokers have jumped on the trend, some experts say the essential oil can damage your hair if not diluted with other products
While a clinical study published by SkinMed in 2015 found that candidates experienced an increased number of hairs after using rosemary oil for six months. They found that this came at the cost of an itchy scalp and irritation.
Because of this Dr. Vanita Rattan, Dermatologist and Cosmetic Formulator at Skin Careby DrVwould advise against using the essential oil and warn that it could lead to ‘brittle hair growth’ if the scalp is inflamed.
“I wouldn’t recommend using more than 2% of the hair because there’s no point in increasing the hair count if the hair breaks faster,” she said.
“It can take months for inflammation on the scalp to settle down, and it will result in weaker hair growth, so it’s not really worth it.”
Some TikTokers, who may not be aware of the irritation rosemary oil can cause, have jumped on the trend; many use the products several times a week.
One TikToker, which goes by the name of lifeaszeph, has been using rosemary essential oil for the past nine months alongside several other products, including a microneedle roller and a hair massager.
Most of the videos on his page document his “hair transformation,” in which he applies rosemary oil to his scalp two to three times a week.
One TikToker has been using rosemary essential oil for the past nine months in addition to several other products, including a microneedle roller and a hair massager.
Most of the videos on his account document his “hair transformation,” in which he applies rosemary oil to his scalp two to three times a week
While many of the videos have garnered millions of views and comments from awed followers, Dr. Rattan advise against the method.
‘They should never be applied directly to the scalp, as they are skin sensitizing and volatile.
“As essential oils disappear from the skin, they can contribute to dryness of the skin and the formation of free radicals, which in turn damage collagen – a crucial protein necessary for maintaining healthy hair.”
Dr. Rattan added that 3-4 percent of the population may be affected by dermatitis, especially on colored skins. It is therefore best to avoid this in your hair care products.
Zeph isn’t the only hair grower hopeful jumping on the trend; many TikTokers have uploaded their “hair routines” on the app and received 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 that the oil changed her life after using 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 get it, I’ve never struggled with hair loss. I started using the 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 can cause itching and burning in people with sensitive skin.
He added, “If you have naturally oily hair, this (rosemary oil) will just make it look oilier and duller.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed, dermatologist and founder of PowerYourCurls.comrecommended safer oils for beauty enthusiasts to use as an alternative.
He suggested using argan oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil. He explained, “These are suitable to use without the use of a carrier oil, are light enough not to clog pores, and provide just enough protection for hair to lock in moisture.”
Some rosemary oil users combine the technique with a microneedle roller to stimulate hair growth, which Dr. Hamed says is all the more dangerous.
He explained: ‘Overuse can lead to skin damage and perforated skin, which can lead to skin infections and a host of other problems over time.’
Instead, he recommended opting for scalp massages to improve circulation and stimulate hair follicles.
If you are experiencing hair loss, Dr. Hamad recommends that you have a medical checkup to determine the cause. In many cases, he said, it could be due to iron and vitamin deficiencies.