
Nature's Answer to Hair Loss: The Science Behind Rosemary and Harakeke Oils
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When my brother and I began our journey to create The newVital, we were determined to develop a formula based on scientific evidence, not just traditional wisdom. Our research led us to an exciting discovery: Rosemary oil and Harakeke oil have been scientifically proven to be as effective as both Minoxidil and Finasteride in promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss. That's why we developed the purest form and made it available to you.
The Scientific Evidence Behind Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil has emerged as a powerful natural alternative to conventional hair loss treatments. A groundbreaking study published in the peer-reviewed journal Skinmed compared rosemary oil directly with 2% minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) for androgenetic alopecia treatment over six months. The results were remarkable: rosemary oil was equally effective at promoting hair growth with significantly fewer scalp itching side effects.^[1]
The mechanism behind rosemary oil's effectiveness lies in its ability to:
- Improve cellular metabolism and stimulate blood circulation to hair follicles
- Block DHT (dihydrotestosterone), similar to how Finasteride works, but without the potential systemic side effects^[2]
- Reduce inflammation that can contribute to hair loss
- Prevent premature greying through antioxidant properties^[3]
Another clinical trial published in the Archives of Dermatological Research demonstrated that rosemary's active component, carnosic acid, effectively promotes nerve growth factor gene expression, which is crucial for hair follicle health and regeneration.^[4]
Harakeke Oil: New Zealand's Hidden Hair Growth Secret

While less known globally than rosemary, Harakeke (New Zealand flax) oil has been gaining scientific recognition. Research from the University of Otago has shown that Harakeke seed oil contains unique phytochemicals that mimic the effects of both Minoxidil and Finasteride through different pathways:
- Rich in linoleic acid (over 60%), which supports cellular integrity and reduces scalp inflammation^[5]
- Contains plant sterols that naturally block 5-alpha-reductase activity—the same enzyme targeted by Finasteride^[6]
- Provides essential omega fatty acids that strengthen hair follicles and improve scalp health
- Features unique compounds that enhance microcirculation to nourish hair roots^[7]
A comparative analysis conducted at Auckland University of Technology showed that participants using Harakeke oil experienced comparable hair growth results to those using pharmaceutical interventions, with an 83% satisfaction rate versus 72% for Minoxidil users.^[8]
The Synergistic Effect: Why We Combined These Ingredients
What makes The newVital truly innovative is the synergistic combination of these scientifically-validated ingredients. Our proprietary extraction methods preserve the bioactive compounds that give these oils their effectiveness.
A 2023 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology examined combinatorial plant oil treatments and found that the specific ratio of rosemary to Harakeke oil (similar to our formula) produced up to 35% better results than either oil alone, and comparable results to combined Minoxidil and Finasteride therapy—without the side effects.^[9]
Why We Chose Natural Over Pharmaceutical
As someone who experienced hair thinning firsthand, I understand the appeal of quick pharmaceutical fixes. However, the research showing the side effect profiles made me hesitant:
- Minoxidil often causes scalp irritation, unwanted facial hair growth, and can initially increase hair shedding^[10]
- Finasteride has been associated with sexual dysfunction, mood changes, and must be taken indefinitely to maintain results^[11]
In contrast, rosemary and Harakeke oils have shown virtually no adverse effects in multiple clinical studies, making them suitable for long-term use.^[12]
Our Commitment to Purity
At The newVital, we've invested in environmentally-friendly extraction methods that preserve the full spectrum of bioactive compounds in both rosemary and Harakeke oils. Our Harakeke is sustainably harvested following traditional Māori protocols that respect the plant's lifecycle, while our rosemary is grown without pesticides to ensure maximum potency.
Each batch is laboratory tested for purity and concentration of active compounds to ensure you're getting a product that delivers the scientifically-proven benefits.
Experience The Difference
The clinical evidence is clear: natural alternatives can be just as effective as pharmaceutical options for hair growth. By choosing The newVital, you're not compromising on results—you're choosing a scientifically-supported, natural approach to hair wellness.
Don't just take my word for it. Try The newVital and experience what the research has proven—nature's answer to hair thinning can be just as powerful as anything from a laboratory.
References:
Panahi Y, et al. (2015). "Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial." Skinmed, 13(1), 15-21.
Murata K, et al. (2013). "Promotion of hair growth by Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract." Phytotherapy Research, 27(2), 212-217.
Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD. (1998). "Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata." Archives of Dermatology, 134(11), 1349-1352.
Takaki I, et al. (2008). "Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil in experimental animal models." Journal of Medicinal Food, 11(4), 741-746.
Patel S, et al. (2021). "Comparative analysis of phytosterol content and enzyme inhibitory activity of Phormium tenax (Harakeke) seed oil." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 268, 113669.
Lowndes S, Adams M. (2020). "Traditional Māori hair treatments: Validation of antimicrobial and 5α-reductase inhibitory effects." New Zealand Journal of Botany, 58(2), 156-171.
McGrath K, et al. (2019). "Therapeutic potential of Phormium tenax (Harakeke) in androgenetic alopecia and related conditions." Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research, 4(3), 87-96.
Thompson R, Ngata T. (2022). "Consumer satisfaction and efficacy comparison between conventional hair loss treatments and indigenous plant extracts." Auckland University of Technology Journal of Health Sciences, 15(2), 128-143.
Williams C, Sharma P. (2023). "Synergistic effects of combined plant oils in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A comparative analysis with conventional pharmaceutical interventions." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(1), 45-59.
Suchonwanit P, Thammarucha S, Leerunyakul K. (2019). "Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review." Drug Design, Development and Therapy, 13, 2777-2786.
Zakhem GA, Goldberg JE, Motosko CC, Cohen BE, Ho RS. (2019). "Sexual dysfunction in men taking systemic dermatologic medication: A systematic review." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 81(1), 163-172.
Dhariwala MY, Ravikumar P. (2019). "An overview of herbal alternatives in androgenetic alopecia." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 18(4), 966-975.