Herbal Extracts for Hair Growth
Where some may buy their hair products over the counter, a growing number of women are seeking other healthy, holistic options. These alternatives can come directly from nature, specifically through extracts from common herbs.
From my experience, these are the two best herbal extracts for hair growth:
Rosemary Oil
Mugwort Extract
Rosemary Oil (or Salvia rosmarinus) is extracted straight from the plant’s leaves and stems. From improving scalp health to preventing hair loss, Rosemary can amplify hair growth across all hair types.
On the other hand, Mugwort (also known as Artemisia vulgaris or Wormwood) can help with promoting overall hair health and stimulating growth in a safe and all-natural way.
Keep reading to learn how these herbal extracts may benefit your hair journey.
Photo of Rosemary plant - Courtesy of Nursery Nisarga
A Beginner’s Guide to Rosemary Extract For Hair Growth
In this section, I’ll highlight everything you need to know about the hair benefits of Rosemary Oil (or Rosemary Extract) on hair growth.
Recent studies confirmed that hair loss affects roughly 55% of women in the United States. Noticeably, hair will grow thinner and thinner due to female-pattern baldness. But that’s not all.
Alopecia is another common condition that leads to extensive hair loss. Over-the-counter products like Minoxidil are especially the go-to hair for those experiencing alopecia.
Fortunately, Rosemary has been scientifically proven to help women recover from these conditions.
So, what makes Rosemary Oil good for hair growth?
For one, a 2010 experiment found that Rosemary Oil is just as effective as Minoxidil. This clinical study confirmed that Rosemary Oil allowed hair to successfully grow in patients suffering from alopecia. This experiment is only one of the many conducted so far!
In another study, just a year later, Rosemary Oil was used as a hair loss restorative. Some other examples of hair restoration treatments are scalp microdermabrasion and hair transplants -- Which implies that Rosemary can bring similar results.
Photo of Rosemary plant - Courtesy of Gardeners World
Other Benefits of Rosemary Extract On Hair
Along with improving hair growth, Rosemary Extract also helps to keep the scalp healthy. When applied, the oil can minimize itching and dryness, as well as dandruff.
Affecting as many as 1 in every 2 people worldwide, Dandruff is a common condition caused by a fungus - Specifically, Malassezia globosa. If your scalp is unable to fight off this fungus, then it may cause more itching, redness, and flaky, oily dead skin cells.
Rosemary Oil has antifungal properties that can minimize the Malassezia globosa fungus.
Dandruff is also caused by a build-up of excess oil (or sebum). In fighting off fungus, the scalp produces sebum to protect itself and your hair. However, this sebum might turn into oleic acid (fatty acid) when it meets the Malassezia globosa fungus.
Rosemary Oil’s astringent properties reduce the oil secretion on your scalp. In turn, this slows down the oil buildup and reduces greasiness.
How To Use Rosemary Extract For Hair Growth
You can apply 3-5 pumps of Rosemary Oil on your fingertips, then massage into the scalp. You can leave it in for as long as you’d like. However, I recommend keeping it for an hour before rinsing thoroughly.
Photo of Rosemary Trifecta Oil Cleanser - Courtesy of Khela Herbs
Frequently Asked Questions About Rosemary Extract
Can I Apply Rosemary Oil Directly To the Scalp?
Yes, you can! Consistent use of Rosemary Oil can help to reduce the risk of dryness, itchiness, and flakiness, as well as stimulate hair growth.
Can I Leave Rosemary Oil In My Hair Overnight?
Yes, unless you have a sensitive scalp! You can leave Rosemary Oil overnight if you are positive that you won’t experience irritation. Otherwise, you’ll have similar benefits if you keep the oil in your hair for 20 minutes and then rinse it with shampoo and conditioner.
Do I need to Dilute Rosemary Oil Before Applying It To the Scalp?
Your experience with Rosemary Oil may not be the same as mine. You can apply Rosemary Oil to your scalp along with a ‘carrier oil’ -- Like rosehip seed oil, for example. My exclusive infusion has you covered.
Where To Get Rosemary Extract For Hair Growth
You should consider shopping online for a proven and reputable solution: My very own formula is proven to bring the benefits I mentioned earlier, along with some other hair benefits.
Rosemary Trifecta Oil Cleanser includes essential fatty acid oils that keep this oil safe and holistic for all hair types. Featured in this blend is rosehip seed oil to keep your hair moisturized and minimize split ends.
Shop it at this link.
Photo of Mugwort (Wormwood) - Courtesy of Mayernik Kitchen
A Beginner’s Guide to Mugwort For Hair Growth
My second recommendation as a herbal extract for hair growth is Mugwort (or Wormwood).
Mugwort is more commonly used as a treatment for digestive problems and as a liver tonic. However, we’ll be looking at the hair benefits when using this extract or an infusion of it.
So, how does Mugwort promote hair growth?
One of the nutrients found in Mugwort is Vitamin E -- Which is known for its antioxidant properties. Some harmful atoms called free radicals can damage hair follicle cells. In turn, this affects your scalp’s ability to grow hair.
The antioxidants from Vitamin E may prevent further damage to your hair, leading to enhanced growth. Vitamin E will also keep your hair looking shiny.
Using Mugwort helps to strengthen hair bulbs (ie: the base of the hair follicle) and stimulates hair growth. When combined with other herbal extracts like Nettle (like in my special formula), you reduce your risk of hair loss.
Other Benefits of Mugwort On Hair
Similar to Rosemary Oil, Mugwort also relieves itchiness. When used topically, it can soothe the scalp. This is also a result of Vitamin E, which was proven to ease itchiness in recent studies.
Along with soothing your scalp, Mugwort has antibacterial properties. This allows it to prevent scalp infections when applied directly to your hair and scalp.
The best practice is to use Mugwort as a hair rinse. That way, you can add the product to your wash day routine for better results.
Photo of Mugwort (Wormwood) - Courtesy of Fine Gardening
How To Use Mugwort On Hair
Add 1 part hair rinse and 4 parts water in a bowl. Apply this to your hair, then massage it into your scalp. Once you're through, you can rinse with warm water. Continue with your usual routine by adding shampoo next.
This can be used to rinse the Rosemary Trifecta Oil Cleanser from your hair if you choose to add Rosemary Extract to your hair earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mugwort
Will Mugwort or Wormwood Help Grow My Hair?
Absolutely! Once applied to hair consistently, you can experience more robust, shinier, and improved hair from the nutrients in Mugwort.
Who Should Not Use Mugwort On Hair?
Because more research is needed in this area, women who are pregnant or nursing should consult a physician before using this product.
What Ingredients Are In Mugwort Nettle Hair Rinse?
If you are allergic to any of the following, you should avoid using this herb as a hair rinse:
Mugwort
Apple Cider Vinegar
Nettle (or Stinging Nettle)
Rosemary Essential Oils
Photo of Mugwort Hair Rinse - Courtesy of Khela Herbs
Where To Get Mugwort For Hair Growth
Not everyone has access to Vitamin E supplements or extracts. However, you can gain Vitamin E and other vitamins through this hair rinse formula.
Introducing Mugwort Nettle Hair Rinse -- A blend of vitamins and minerals that can stimulate hair growth and soothe your scalp. Included in this rinse is Nettle, which is commonly used to prevent hair loss and baldness.
Mugwort is not the most common hair product on the market. Because of that, I developed a special hair rinse using Mugwort, Nettle, and Rosemary.
Shop it here.
Final Thoughts
Your hair care routine can only do so much without the right herbs. Fortunately, there are several herbal extracts for hair growth.
When it comes down to it, Rosemary Oil primarily targets hair loss to keep your hair growing. Countless studies have been done to back these claims. In addition to fighting hair loss, Rosemary also relieves itching and greasiness.
Mugwort or Wormwood has hair benefits, too. This herb’s nutrients can stimulate hair growth. It also prevents scalp infections using its antioxidant properties.
Together, both of these extracts make any hair care routine much more superior. Shop Rosemary Trifecta Oil Cleanser and Mugwort Nettle Hair Rinse for your next wash day routine. Consider using natural herbs for hair growth.
SOURCES:
https://www.healthline.com/health/rosemary-oil-for-hair#research
https://inf.news/en/fashion/8808e82095dfc72982d8738fd7d5e065.html