If you find that your hair is thinning, it’s natural to wonder what supplements can help treat hair loss, or whether massaging a little rosemary oil into your scalp can actually start baby hair sprouting. Of course, there’s no shortage of influencers online hawking various powders, pills, and tinctures claiming they’ve finally “found the thing that makes hair thicker and luscious.” (It’s definitely not about filters or glam teams, if that’s what you’re thinking.) So, what do dermatologists have to say about the best ways to regrow thinning hair?
The real deal: Does rosemary oil help hair growth?
There are countless videos online showing people using rosemary oil several times a week, massaging it into their scalp to stimulate new hair growth, some of which have garnered millions of likes and views. There was actually one study (albeit a small study of 100 people) that found that participants who used 2% minoxidil (generic version of Rogaine) and rosemary oil both experienced a significant increase in new hair growth after six months . That said, the massaging action of these two products may be what actually stimulates all the new hair to sprout.
“One study of 100 people showed that rosemary oil was as effective as topical minoxidil 2%,” says Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist who practices in Arizona and Kentucky. said the doctor. “5% minoxidil has been shown to be more effective than 2% minoxidil, but I’m not aware of any studies comparing rosemary oil to 5%. I think scalp massage is definitely a simple, reasonable treatment method because cycling can stimulate hair growth, but there are certainly no large studies to support this.
It’s possible that any oil will do the trick, and rosemary oil isn’t some magic potion. “Hair oil does not directly cause hair growth, but improves the condition of the scalp, which in turn improves the health of scalp skin and hair follicles. Hair oil repairs dry, damaged hair by restoring moisture, providing important vitamins and nutrients, and limiting shedding and breakage. hair.
If you want to use an evidence-based product to grow more hair (one that’s backed by tons of research), both Jaffe and Kemp support minoxidil, aka Rogaine, which they say clinical studies show It slows shedding and stimulates growth.
Can supplements really help hair loss?
If you’re like me, you’re going to lose it if you see another woman mixing a spoonful of green powder into a glass of water and declaring how much hair she has grown by consistently taking it. For some people, vitamins and supplements are key to hair regrowth, but for most people, they don’t do much.
“Hair loss supplements may be effective for patients with known nutritional or vitamin deficiencies. For example, low iron and vitamin D have been linked to hair loss. But for people with normal vitamin and mineral levels, their efficacy in promoting hair growth is questionable. Many of the promotions The research on these products is done by the manufacturers themselves,” Kemp said.
Jaffe agrees, saying any studies on the effectiveness of specific supplements tend to be small and company-sponsored, meaning their results aren’t the most reliable. Even when it comes to vitamin E or hair, skin and nail vitamins, she “doesn’t believe” they are enough to reverse hair loss. If you really want to slow hair loss and regrow thinning areas on your scalp, you may need guidance from a dermatologist.
“There are many causes of hair loss, and they can be very complex. I think seeing your doctor as early as possible to determine what type of hair loss you are experiencing is key. There are also effective medical treatments that tend to cost less than many treatments. many.
