Rosemary Oil vs Collagen - Top Trichologist Eva Proudman Compares Which One Is Better For Hair Growth.

At the back end of 2022, yet another TikTok trend emerged that took the beauty world by storm - rosemary oil. A popular beauty influencer highlighted the benefits of using rosemary oil on your hair to her followers and her videos went viral, after she posted updates of how quick her hair had grown within a month. 

Following her endorsement, the product rapidly sold out resulting in people trying to make their own formulas at home too. After dominating the beauty headlines for months and generating buzz around hair oiling, we want to know what the hype is all about. Does it really solve scalp issues, smooth split ends, nourish hair follicles and encourage regrowth? Join our resident trichologist Eva Proudman as she shares all the facts!

What is Rosemary Oil?

Rosemary oil is an essential oil that has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It can be found in many shampoos, conditioners and hair tonics for its soothing and stimulating properties.

What is Collagen?

Collagen contains amino acids that build proteins, the hair is made of protein and requires 25% of your recommended daily intake to be healthy. Protein manages every single essential cell in the body, meaning that the non-essential hair doesn’t always get its share. This is where a collagen supplement such as Absolute Collagen is a real hero by delivering 7.7grams of protein.

What is the science behind rosemary oil?

Any studies on the impact of rosemary oil have been very small with limited research evidence. Massaging it into the scalp will encourage blood flow, which in turn stimulates the follicles to encourage them to be active. It is more the act of the massage than the rosemary oil that provides stimulation. The rate of hair growth is genetically inherited with the average rate of hair growth being between 0.5-1cm a month and this remains constant, rosemary oil will not make your hair grow faster, thicker or longer.  

What is the science behind collagen?

Telogen Effluvium is a condition that affects thousands of women. It is a condition that sees an increase in hair shedding leading to an overall thinning condition. Often a major underlying cause of this condition is dietary related. In a perception survey carried out for Absolute Collagen I found that adding an AC sachet to your daily diet saw a significant decrease in hair shedding leading to an overall increase in hair thickness, smoothness and general manageability. Restoring the balance of the hair’s growing and shedding cycle will see more hair on the head for longer, and that is scientifically proven.

As we age, our bodies' natural production of collagen depletes, this is an integral part of the structure of hair, skin and nails. Due to this, maintaining that supplementation is beneficial to all 3 areas as they are all made of the same protein structure. 

It's always important to understand the cause of your hair loss before starting a treatment, as not every condition responds to every treatment and an accurate diagnosis can ensure that you know what is causing the problem in the first place. Clinically, I don’t recommend rosemary oil as a treatment, I do however recommend Absolute Collagen to patients whose diets lack the required daily intake of protein, and there is always a positive outcome to this dietary addition.

@absolutecollagen Rosemary Oil vs Collagen Supplements for hair growth... 💆‍♀️ At the back end of 2022, yet another TikTok trend emerged that took the beauty world by storm - rosemary oil. A popular beauty influencer highlighted the benefits of using rosemary oil on your hair to her followers and her regular videos went viral, after she posted updates of how quick her hair had grown in a month. So, what’s the truth behind the hype – does it really solve scalp issues, smooth split ends, nourish hair follicles and encourage regrowth? Well, we asked our Resident Trichologist Eva Produman what all the hype is and if it truly is better than simply taking Absolute Collagen! #hairadvice #hairtips #rosemaryoil #rosemaryoilhairgrowth #rosemaryoilhair #collagenforhairgrowth #collagenhair #hairgrowthtips #collagensupplements #liquidcollagen ♬ Kulture Klub (Sped up Version) - Lucy Tun

Why do people oil their hair?

The use of oils on the hair goes back centuries, it is true that hair oils can leave the hair feeling smoother and shinier, however most oils will sit on the surface of the hair and are not always easily washed out (as oil and water don’t mix). If the oil builds up, the hair will become dull and lack lustre. The hair needs more moisture than it does oil, it is made of 10% water and needs the hydration to be smooth, shiny and manageable. So, before you reach for the rosemary oil be sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water first, it will have a positive effect on not just your hair but your whole body.

So, in conclusion the information shown on the TikTok videos cannot scientifically be verified, for the following reasons:

1. Rate of hair growth is set for each individual and there is no way of speeding this up to the rates shown on the TikTok videos.
2. A growth cycle for the hair is 4 months and rarely do you see changes in the hair or scalp in under 4 months.
3. Male and female pattern hair loss does not respond to treatment with rosemary oil, it can take 3 to 6 months to see any changes to the pattern of loss with recognised products such as Minoxidil. Don’t be fooled into thinking that rosemary oil has some magic properties to give quick results with this type of loss, it really does not.

So there you have, top advice from our resident trichologist Eva Proudman who recommends our award-winning collagen supplement to help stimulate healthier hair growth. Be sure to shop our supplement and expertly formulated haircare range too.