I’m a dermatologist & the viral rosemary oil trend does nothing for thinning locks – use a £3.99 trick instead
IT’S the so-called miracle product for thinning locks that’s taken the internet by storm.
But now one dermatologist has explained why the viral rosemary oil allegedly does nothing for tackling hair loss – and what to use instead.
The budget-friendly beauty buy – which sells for £6 at Boots – ”may support circulation, which may prevent hair follicles from being starved of blood supply, dying off, and leading to hair loss”, Health Line reported.
As well as stimulating hair growth, some use the affordable oil to prevent premature greying and even tackle dandruff.
According to pros, the TikTok-hyped sensation ”may benefit nerve tissue by increasing nerve growth factor” – which may boost hair growth and skin health.
However, whilst rosemary oil may be all the rage right now, Dr. Neera, a Harvard-trained dermatologist recently debunked the myth about the cult favourite product.
Droppings knowledge bombs on her page, the dark-haired beauty said: ”I hate to break it to you but rosemary oil is doing nothing for your hair growth.
”I’m a dermatologist with hair loss and if you’re looking for a Minoxidil alternative for thinning hair, try pumpkins seed oil.”
The whizz, who previously shared a ”push-up” hack for sunken eyes, claimed that this seed oil ”may help lower DHT naturally and it’s anti-inflammatory”.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a sex hormone that can contribute to hair loss, particularly in people with a genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness.
Although there are numerous treatments available to tackle this, beauty buffs should also consume foods high in lycopene, such as tomatoes, watermelons, carrots, and mangoes that can help block DHT production.
Other foods to look out for include berries, liver, legumes, oily fish, and bananas, all of which are biotin-rich and can condition the scalp and promote strong tresses.
It’s not just the pro raving about the £3.99 bargain which you can order from Amazon – multiple studies have found that pumpkin seed oil can reduce DHT levels, resulting in increased hair growth.
In addition to inhibiting DHT production, Wimpole Clinic reported, ”there’s some evidence that linoleic acid can activate growth factors in the hair follicle, helping cells multiply quickly to promote hair growth”.
The 4 stages of the hair growth cycle
Hair experts at Philip Kingsley shared the four stages of the hair growtn cycle are: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen and Exogen
Anagen Phase: Also known as the ‘Growth Phase’ or ‘Active Phase’, is when the cells in the root of your hair are most rapidly dividing so more new hair is formed.
During the Anagen Phase, hair grows around half an inch a month [about six inches a year], and faster in the summer than in winter.
This phase of the hair growth cycle lasts an average of three to five years.
Catagen Phase: Following the Anagen Phase, your hair cycle enters a short transitional phase known as the Catagen Phase, which signals the end of active hair growth and cuts individual hairs off from the blood supply and from the cells that produce new hair.
Approximately three percent of all hairs are in this stage at any time and it lasts for around 10 days.
Telogen Phase: The third stage of your natural hair growth cycle is the Telogen Phase, a resting period when strands remain in their follicles but are not actively growing.
An estimate of 10-15 percent of your hairs are in the Telogen Phase at any given moment.
The Telogen Phase lasts around three months or 100 days.
Exogen Phase: The final stage of the Hair Growth Cycle, when individual hair strands are released from their follicles and fall out.
Now the whole process begins again.
”One animal study found that applying topical pumpkin seed oil could increase hair growth within just three weeks.”
What’s more, not only will the oil turn you into a real-life Rapunzel, but it’s also been said that the haircare must have ”preserves hair colour” and ”keeps your scalp healthy”.
However, if you’re concerned about your tresses getting greasy with the oil, Dr. Neera advised to use pumpkin seed oil capsules instead.
Sharing the information on social media, the Boston-based pro added in the caption: ”Stop wasting money on rosemary oil for hair growth.”
Hundreds flocked to comments to share their thoughts, with one beauty buff praising her amazing results.
”I added pumpkin seed oil and black current oil supplements. Both me and my husband growing new hairs like crazy.”
A second chimed in, writing: ”I once went to a top dermatologist in NYC – he suggested pumpkin seed oil too.”
A third had a less fortunate experience, claiming it left them with spots.
”My hair grew so amazing with pumpkin seed oil but it broke me out badly.”