Please understand there may be some situations where this recipe may not be helpful. Attempt to get to the “root” of the issue (pun intended) – such as medications or serious health issues – as you try this recipe. Best used for temporary hair loss, like when related to stress.
For example, this recipe is useful for alopecia (hair loss in general), but is not likely to be useful for alopecia areata (autoimmune disease where the body attacks the hair follicles).
If your hair is thinning, this recipe is for you!
The Ingredients
Pay special attention to the verbenone chemotype for Rosemary recommended in this recipe – it's the best version of Rosemary for encouraging hair growth. It is also safe for children. Using the cineole chemotype will not be as effective, and will also not be safe for children under age 10. The camphor chemotype isn't recommended due to potential neurotoxicity.
Castor oil is the ideal carrier for this recipe. I recommend this organic castor oil by Aura Cacia (also linked in the amazon ad below). Warning: it's sticky! But that is what helps it work. This combination makes for the best recipe I can give for helping to encourage thinning hair to grow.
Scalp
This recipe is most likely going to be used on the scalp – and the recipe is written with this assumption. 1% dilution is recommended for scalp application, although 2% dilution can be used initially for the first few applications. Read more about dilutions here: Diluting Essential Oils.
For best results, massage liberally into scalp, focusing on spots where hair is thinning. Use at least a teaspoon per application. Let sit a minimum of 20 minutes before shampooing out. Apply 2-3 times per week.
I like using a squeeze bottle with a flip spout for storage and application (as shown in the amazon ad below).
Face
For thinning hair on the face, such as eyebrows or a man's beard, stick to a 1% dilution due to the skin on the face being more delicate. Be sure to avoid getting in the eyes if you apply to eyebrows.
Eyelashes – no!
Please do not use this recipe on eyelashes. Essential oils can cause a lot of damage when applied near the eyes. The eyebrow is the closest you should get to the eye.
You can use just plain castor oil by adding a drop or two to a mascara wand like these on amazon and applying to your eyelashes like you would mascara. Alternately, apply castor oil with a cotton swab and apply to the lash line. Avoid getting into the eye.
If you're looking for a combination of castor oil and wands, I recommend this organic castor oil (also linked in the amazon ad below).
Hydrosol
Rosemary hydrosol can be used for daily maintenance. The effectiveness of the hydrosol is not entirely certain, but it won't hurt.
For what it's worth…
Rosemary is stimulating and may discourage sleep in some users. Use before bedtime with discretion.
Keep scrolling to find out more detailed information about this recipe, which should answer any questions you may have about this recipe.
Hair Grower recipe
Ingredients
- 12 drops Rosemary essential oil Rosmarinus officinalis chemotype verbenone
- 2 ounces Castor oil – I use this one.
Instructions
- For best results, combine and massage liberally into scalp, focusing on spots where hair is thinning. Use at least a teaspoon per application.
- Let sit a minimum of 20 minutes before shampooing out. Apply 2-3 times per week.
Questions you may have about this recipe
Q: I don't have Rosemary. Can I replace with something else?
A: Rosemary is the most effective essential oil for promoting hair growth. I do not recommend it being replaced with anything else. You can use the 1,8-cineole chemotype for over age 10 if you wish, but verbenone is ideal.
Q: I don't like the aroma of Rosemary. Can I add something else to it?
A: Adding other essential oils will only dilute the effectiveness of this recipe. But if it is a concern, you could replace some of the Rosemary drops (no more than 4) with a couple of drops of Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus Atlantica), which has shown to be useful for hair loss according to this link on PubMed.
Q: Do I have to use castor oil? Can I just use a different carrier oil?
A: Castor oil is the best choice when it comes to a carrier for encouraging the growth of hair. You can substitute another carrier if you wish, but if the recipe isn't working, please consider castor oil.
Q: Is this recipe safe for use during pregnancy?
A: Yes! For more information on essential oil safety during pregnancy read: Essential Oils and Pregnancy.
Q: Is this recipe safe for use if I breastfeed?
A: Yes! For more information on essential oil safety during pregnancy read: Essential Oils and Breastfeeding.
Q: Is this recipe safe for use on children?
A: Yes! For more information on essential oil safety with children read: Essential Oils and Children.
Q: You recommend a plastic bottle. Shouldn’t I use glass so the essential oils don’t eat away the plastic?
A: Pure essential oils should be stored in glass, but when essential oils are diluted in a recipe like this, you can use plastic (PET plastic is ideal).
Q: What brands do you recommend for this recipe?
A: I personally use several different brands of essential oils with great results (you can find my opinion here. You can use whatever brand you have on hand, as long as the Latin names match ?
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