This Is The One Thing You Should Do To Stop Hair Loss This Year

Got a hair growth goal this year? I'm right there with you. After noticing some sparser areas near my temples, likely from several months of slicked-back buns, I've made it my resolution to reduce shedding and thicken up my hairline. 

Of course, this is an objective much easier said than done. Encouraging precious inches takes time, effort, and often a pinch of faith—plus some high-quality hair growth products. 

In the clean hair care space, rosemary is well known for its hair-healthy properties. The herb is fabulous for stimulating circulation on the scalp—which, in turn, has the potential to spur hair growth.

In fact, a 2015 randomized comparative trial found that rosemary essential oil was just as effective1 as minoxidil (the active ingredient in many commercial hair-growth products) for reversing hair loss caused by androgens—also known as male- or female-pattern baldness—after six months. 

And in that study, the minoxidil had a higher rate of itching and discomfort on the skin than rosemary. That's why holistic plastic surgeon Anthony Youn, M.D., deemed the essential oil "a very reasonable option for people who want to stay natural and have some thinning hair issues" on the mindbodygreen podcast.

Rosemary oil also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, meaning it can reduce free radical damage and irritation on the scalp, which provides a healthy environment for hair growth. 

What's more, "Rosemary oil has purifying properties that make it a key part of my hair routine and one of my favorite hair blends," Leslie Lewis, senior director of global training and education at Young Living, previously told mbg. Those purifying abilities help clarify the scalp and lift excess oil, debris, and buildup from the follicles—and a clean, refreshed scalp is crucial for hair growth. 

In addition to rosemary, the Pre-Wash Oil features tea tree, another potent essential oil known for clearing buildup; both EOs help you avoid shedding caused by inflamed, congested follicles. 

But you never want to apply these essential oils directly on your skin, so the treatment comes buffered with castor oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, and olive oil—all of which are brimming with fatty acids that feed your strands the nutrients they crave.

As the name suggests, you'll want to use this oil as a pre-shampoo treatment. Part your hair into sections and use the targeted applicator to apply the oil directly on your scalp. I pay extra attention to my sparser areas, like my temples and hairline, making sure to saturate any gaps.

Next, massage the product into your scalp: I use a scalp brush to really stimulate the follicles, then I'll rake some product through my lengths with my fingers, for good measure. 

Let it sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes before hopping into the shower—or, as I prefer, leave it on overnight for the best results. The formula is lightweight enough that it won't make a mess of your pillow (swear!), yet it's hydrating enough to last all day long in a slicked-back style (just make sure you don't pull your hairline too tight or you might thwart all your progress by creating breakage). I've used the oil both in the morning and at night and have noticed softer, shinier hair each time.