Does chemotherapy-induced hair loss have potential for reversal through the application of essential oils?
In the quest for hair regrowth after chemotherapy, many people turn to natural remedies, including essential oils. While scientific evidence is limited, certain essential oils may offer potential benefits for scalp health and indirectly support hair growth.
A 2015 study showed that wearing cold caps during chemotherapy may prevent hair loss, while a 2019 study found that 98% of people with breast cancer experienced hair regrowth after chemotherapy [1][2][5]. However, when it comes to essential oils, the research is less conclusive.
Rosemary oil, for instance, has been found to contain carnosic acid, which has restorative and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial to scalp health [1]. A 2015 study compared rosemary oil with minoxidil for hair growth, finding no significant difference until after 6 months of treatment [5]. Rosemary oil may help scalp health and may reduce breakage but does not directly trigger new hair growth after chemotherapy [1].
Similarly, peppermint oil, when diluted and massaged into the scalp, may stimulate hair growth [5]. Bergamot oil, known for its calming properties, may also reduce inflammation and improve mood [5]. Tea tree oil, often used for skin care and itchy scalp, when mixed with minoxidil, may result in faster hair growth [5].
However, it's important to note that there is no research to suggest that essential oils support hair regrowth after chemotherapy. Further conclusive research into essential oils is necessary to confirm their effectiveness and safety [1].
In the meantime, scalp cooling combined with topical antioxidants represents the most promising current method to protect hair follicles during chemotherapy and improve regrowth afterwards [3]. These methods, considered "milestones" in mitigating chemotherapy-induced hair loss, are under ongoing research to improve their efficacy and accelerate post-chemotherapy hair regrowth.
While essential oils can be part of a supportive scalp care regimen post-chemotherapy, they are best viewed as adjuncts rather than primary treatments for hair regrowth after chemotherapy. It's always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils, particularly if they intend to use essential oils to manage a health condition.
People should always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil and should avoid swallowing essential oils. Essential oils pose low safety and health risks, but a person should avoid applying them to large areas of skin without dilution using a carrier oil such as olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil, or argan oil [5].
In summary, while essential oils like rosemary, thyme, and cedarwood have shown some potential in alopecia areata but lack evidence for chemotherapy hair regrowth [1][2], they may be part of a supportive scalp care regimen post-chemotherapy. For the most promising results, it's recommended to discuss these methods with a healthcare professional and consider scalp cooling and topical antioxidants as primary treatments for hair regrowth after chemotherapy.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6146274/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4829287/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6168139/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6146274/
- Aromatherapy, involving essential oils such as rosemary, peppermint, bergamot, and tea tree, may potentially benefit scalp health and indirectly support hair growth, although scientific evidence is limited.
- Rosemary oil, with its restorative and anti-inflammatory properties, shows promise for scalp health improvement and reduction of hair breakage, but has not been proven to directly trigger new hair growth after chemotherapy.
- Peppermint oil, when diluted and applied to the scalp, might stimulate hair growth, and bergamot oil may reduce inflammation and improve mood.
- Tea tree oil, often used in skin care, may accelerate hair growth when combined with minoxidil, but does not have conclusive evidence for chemotherapy hair regrowth.
- Although essential oils may be part of a supportive scalp care regimen post-chemotherapy, they are best viewed as adjuncts rather than primary treatments for hair regrowth.
- Scalp cooling and topical antioxidants represent the most promising methods for protecting hair follicles during chemotherapy and improving hair regrowth afterward, with ongoing research to enhance their efficacy.
- People should consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils, perform a patch test, avoid swallowing them, and dilute essential oils properly using a carrier oil before application to minimize potential risks.
