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| - Last Updated on April 1, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that rosemary oil contains DHT blockers and treats hair loss. We fact checked this claim and found it to be half true.
The Claim
According to an X post, “Rosemary oil contains DHT blockers that help treat hair fall. Apply rosemary oil every day for best results.” The accompanying video states that human studies, including a randomised controlled trial published in SkinMed magazine, tested rosemary oil’s clinical efficacy against minoxidil for hair loss treatment.
Fact Check
Does rosemary oil contain DHT blockers?
Well, yes, some studies suggest this. DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a hormone linked to hair loss, especially in androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). It’s made when an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone into DHT, which can shrink hair follicles and cause hair to thin or fall out. DHT blockers stop this process.
Some studies suggest rosemary oil might have anti-androgenic properties—meaning it could interfere with DHT. For instance, research on rosemary leaf extract (not the oil itself) in animals has shown it can inhibit 5-alpha-reductase. However, there’s no direct, conclusive evidence from human studies proving that rosemary oil contains specific compounds that reliably block DHT. The effect, if any, remains unconfirmed in the oil form used for hair, especially humans.
We reached out to Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, for his expert views on rosemary oil as a DHT blocker. He clarified, “While rosemary oil has shown some potential in studies to influence hair growth, its ability to act as a DHT blocker is not definitively proven. Some compounds in rosemary, such as 12-methoxycarnosic acid, may have anti-androgenic effects, but we need more research to confirm its role in blocking DHT and its effectiveness in treating hair loss.”
On a related note, there are claims that sniffing rosemary can increase memory by 75%, which is misleading.
Did a randomised controlled trial in SkinMed compare rosemary oil to minoxidil?
Yes, a 2015 SkinMed study tested rosemary oil against 2% minoxidil. The test was conducted in 100 people with androgenetic alopecia—50 in each group—for six months, checking hair counts with photos. Both saw more hair by six months, with no big difference, so the study claim is true. But it’s not perfect. The small group size means results might not fit everyone, and six months isn’t long enough to know if rosemary oil can match up or beat stronger 5% minoxidil. It only tackled hormone-related hair loss, not stress or diet issues, and skipped hair thickness or scalp health. Plus, it didn’t explain how it works—DHT blocking or something else—so it’s a good start, but we still need bigger, longer studies to confirm.
Does rosemary oil treat hair fall as effectively as minoxidil?
Maybe, but we still need to confirm this in humans through long-term studies. The SkinMed study showed that rosemary oil and 2% minoxidil both increased hair count after six months, suggesting rosemary oil can help with hair growth in androgenetic alopecia. However, minoxidil is a well-established treatment, often used at 5% strength for men, which is stronger than the 2% tested. The study didn’t prove rosemary oil is better or equal to higher-strength minoxidil. Plus, it only looked at one type of hair loss—not all causes of hair fall, like stress or nutrient deficiencies. Rosemary oil might improve scalp circulation or have anti-inflammatory effects, which could help, but the evidence isn’t strong enough to say it’s a guaranteed fix for all hair fall.
Dr Sachin Gupta, Senior Consultant Dermatologist at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, states, “Rosemary oil is popular for its potential to help with hair loss, and some studies suggest it can improve hair growth. However, it’s not as well-researched or as effective as minoxidil, which has been a trusted treatment for years. Minoxidil works by stimulating hair follicles and increasing blood flow to the scalp, with more consistently proven results. While rosemary oil is a natural alternative with fewer side effects, it may not deliver the same level of results, especially for more severe cases of hair loss. If you’re looking for a more natural option, rosemary oil might be worth trying, but for quicker and more reliable outcomes, minoxidil is still the go-to treatment. For the best course of action tailored to your specific needs, it’s always advisable to consult with an expert.”
Misinformation about hair regrowth is widespread. One such claim suggests that Jamalghota (croton seeds) can definitely promote hair regrowth, but this is false. Similarly, the market is full of Ayurvedic oils promising to regenerate hair in just 14 days, which lack scientific backing.
Should you apply rosemary oil every day for best results?
No firm proof. The SkinMed trial had participants apply rosemary oil twice daily, and they saw results after six months. Daily use might help, but there’s no solid evidence that it’s the best way or that it works for everyone. Consistency matters with any hair treatment, but the claim assumes daily application is optimal without backing it up. Overuse could even irritate the scalp in some people, though side effects like itching were less common with rosemary oil than minoxidil in the study.
THIP Media Take
The claim that rosemary oil contains DHT blockers and treats hair loss is half true. The X post gets some things right: a randomised controlled trial in SkinMed did compare rosemary oil to minoxidil. And, it showed promise for hair growth in androgenetic alopecia. But the claim that rosemary oil “contains DHT blockers” is still under investigation—there’s no clear proof it directly blocks DHT in humans. It might help hair fall in some cases, perhaps by improving circulation or reducing inflammation, but it’s not a proven, all-purpose cure. For now, rosemary oil is a hopeful option, not a magic potion.
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