Rosehip Oil for Hair: Benefits, Uses, and Tips

Long used in skincare, rosehip oil is a nourishing and versatile ingredient. But is rosehip oil good for hair?

Known for its high concentration of healthy fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, rosehip oil is making waves in the world of hair care for its ability to hydrate, strengthen, and protect.

Along with castor and jojoba oil, rosehip oil is often considered one of the best oils for hair health.

But what exactly are the benefits of rosehip oil for hair? Does rosehip oil stop hair loss? What about scalp conditions like dandruff?

Read on to learn more about this natural oil. We’ll also discuss the benefits and side effects, while offering some tips on how to use rosehip oil on hair.

Rosehip oil is a nutrient-packed oil derived from the seeds and fruit of the Rosa canina bush. It’s sometimes called rosehip seed oil.

This natural oil is rich in:

• Linoleic acid

• Oleic acid

• Vitamins A, C, and E

• Polyphenols

• Omega 3 fatty acids

• Lycopene

According to a review of studies, rosehip oil has a range of uses in skincare. Rosehip oil contains lycopene and vitamin C, two well-known antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals and stimulate collagen production. These effects can help maintain skin elasticity and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. That’s why rosehip is often marketed as a natural anti-aging ingredient.

It also has emollient, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory properties. This could make it helpful for itchy and dry skin.

But rosehip oil isn’t just good for your skin — it can improve the condition of your scalp and hair. In the next section, we’ll cover how.

While more research is needed to fully understand all its potential benefits, rosehip oil has become a popular, natural option for people looking to add strength and shine to their hair.

1. Supports Scalp Health and Reduces Inflammation

A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair, and rosehip oil’s anti-inflammatory compounds, including polyphenols and vitamin E, are particularly helpful for soothing scalp irritation.

Because rosehip oil is an emollient filled with essential fatty acids, it can be great for dryness, too.

Rosehip oil might help with scalp conditions and symptoms like:

• Dandruff

• Dermatitis

• Dry scalp

• Eczema

• Psoriasis

Although the above-mentioned review suggests that rosehip oil could reduce the symptoms of eczema, far more studies are needed to conclude whether rosehip oil can help or not.

2. Promotes Stronger Hair

If you’re dealing with weak or brittle hair, rosehip oil may be worth a try.

Some research has found that rosehip oil can improve strength. In one 2023 study, hair that was treated with rosehip oil was stronger than hair treated with grape seed oil and safflower seed oil.

By using rosehip oil consistently, you might find that your hair feels more resilient and less prone to breakage and split ends.

3. Helps Hair Look Smoother and Shinier

The 2023 study mentioned above also found that rosehip oil brightens and adds shine to hair strands.

Because rosehip oil coats the hair shaft, it can enhance your hair’s natural shine and make it look healthier overall.

Thanks to its emollient properties, rosehip oil could help smooth the hair cuticle. This can help you control frizz and reduce the appearance of split ends.

There are an endless number of hair growth “hacks” out there. So, is rosehip oil a legit hair loss cure, or is it all just an old wives’ tale?

Contrary to what some hair growth forums might say, there’s very little research to suggest that rosehip oil can stop or prevent hair loss.

Rosehip oil may be good for your hair if it can help keep your scalp healthy. By keeping the scalp hydrated and reducing inflammation, rosehip oil might support a balanced, healthy scalp environment that’s ideal for hair growth.

One 2023 study on mice found that rosehip seed oil seemed to stimulate hair growth by shifting the hair follicles from the telogen (resting) phase to the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle.

Although these findings are interesting, clinical studies conducted on humans are necessary to determine whether rosehip oil can truly slow down hair loss conditions like androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss).

If you’re concerned about hair loss, you might consider clinically-backed hair loss treatments like finasteride, minoxidil solution, or our combo topical finasteride & minoxidil spray.

There are a few different ways to use rosehip oil to improve your hair.

A weekly rosehip oil treatment is usually sufficient to keep your hair and scalp well-hydrated. However, if your hair is particularly dry, you might benefit from more frequent use.

1. Apply It Directly To Your Scalp

For those dealing with scalp dryness or inflammation, rosehip oil can be applied directly to the scalp.

Add a few drops to your fingertips and give yourself a scalp massage. Either apply it all over your scalp or target parts of your scalp that are prone to dandruff, dryness, and itching.

2. Use Rosehip Oil as a Hair Mask

Struggling with brittle or dry hair? Try using rosehip oil as a deep conditioning mask.

Pour a few drops of rosehip oil into the palm of your hand and apply it from the roots to the ends. Leave the mask on for up to 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly, shampoo, and condition as usual.

3. Mixing with Other Hair Care Products

Rosehip oil can be added to your favorite hair care products to make them more nourishing.

Add a few drops of rosehip oil into your conditioner or a hair mask. If you’d like, you could also add other hair-friendly oils — like coconut oil or lavender essential oil. Just be careful not to apply too much oil to your hair, as doing so can lead to excessive greasiness.

Prefer to skip the fuss of mixing concoctions? You can also purchase shampoos, conditioners, and treatments that contain rosehip extract.

Rosehip oil is usually well-tolerated with minimal risks or side effects. But it’s still wise to consider safety and side effects.

Potential side effects of rosehip oil include:

• Scalp irritation. Although rare, some people may experience mild irritation, particularly if they have sensitive skin.

• Allergic reactions. It’s very uncommon to be allergic to rosehip oil, but it’s possible.

• Excessive greasiness. If you use too much rosehip oil, or if you use it too frequently, it can cause greasiness and product build-up.

Be careful when applying rosehip oil near your scalp — avoid getting it in your eyes, as it may cause irritation.

Before using rosehip oil, especially if it’s your first time, try a small patch test to make sure you don’t have a sensitivity or allergy.

Rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory compounds, rosehip oil is a versatile and nourishing addition to your hair care routine.

Here’s what to keep in mind before using rosehip oil on your hair:

• Rosehip oil can keep your scalp and hair healthy. It might improve dryness, promote strength, and boost shine. However, more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of rosehip oil for hair.

• There are many ways to use it. You can apply it directly to your scalp. You could also use it as a hair mask or mix it with hair care products.

• But rosehip oil isn’t a proven hair growth remedy. Although it can promote scalp health — which is necessary for hair growth — there’s little evidence to suggest rosehip oil can reduce hair loss.

If you’re interested in giving rosehip oil a try, start with a patch test and experiment with different application methods.

And as always, if you have any specific scalp conditions or sensitivities, consider consulting with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s the right fit for you. We can help you make an online appointment with a medical professional if you need advice on hair loss, scalp conditions, and other hair-related concerns.