Amid the viral trend of using rosemary essential oil for accelerated hair growth, a hair and scalp expert has stepped forward to provide a reality check. Samantha Stewart MIT, a qualified trichologist and a founder of CURLiD, took to TikTok to dispel the misconception around using oils directly on the scalp for hair growth. Trichologists specialize in diagnosing and treating hair and scalp disorders, often collaborating with medical professionals when necessary.
With over 30 years of experience at London’s Spencer Clinic and a member of the Institute of Trichologists, Samantha shared her insights in a video for CURLiD. Addressing the proliferation of claims that rosemary oil is a miraculous solution for significant hair growth within a short period, she refuted these assertions and illuminated potential adverse effects of applying the oil to the scalp.
Samantha’s TikTok video emphasized, “Rosemary essential oil has numerous beneficial properties, but the truth is that merely applying it to your scalp won’t promote hair growth. Oil acts as a barrier and doesn’t actually penetrate the scalp. In order to enhance growth, it must reach the target tissue—the dermal papillae—situated at the base of the follicle.”
She elaborated that employing a massaging technique on the scalp stimulates a phenomenon known as ‘erythema,’ which involves increased blood flow to the surface. Samantha explained that this enhanced blood flow could possess stimulating properties.
Samantha stressed that rosemary essential oil fails to effectively reach its intended destination. Additionally, she cautioned against daily usage of rosemary oil due to its potential to induce seborrheic dermatitis or exacerbate conditions like dandruff. She underscored that the mixture of oil and sebum, the natural oil produced by the body, can lubricate the scalp and nourish the yeast present there, leading to potential scalp irritation.
Furthermore, Samantha warned that applying “pure essential oils” directly to the scalp can result in scalp burns. She urged viewers facing hair loss or shedding to seek guidance from a certified trichologist.
This expert intervention provides a valuable counterpoint to the sensationalized claims circulating on social media platforms, underlining the importance of informed and evidence-based hair care practices.
