A recent article on Medscape discussed a 2015 article comparing rosemary oil to minoxidil 2% for male pattern hair loss.

Male pattern hair loss involves thinning of the hair in the front and at the crown; it can happen in women as well, but is more pronounced in men. Minoxidil is available in pharmacies as a hair loss treatment in 2% or 5% strengths.

    In the study, neither rosemary oil nor minoxidil 2% produced hair growth at 3 months. At 6 months, both treatments showed increased hair growth, about the same amount for each. Some patients in both groups reported an itchy scalp, more commonly in the patients using minoxidil.

In the Medscape article, a dermatologist suggested applying a few drops of rosemary oil to the scalp two or three times a week before bed, then washing it out in the morning. The oil should be put on the scalp, not focusing on the hair at all since the benefits occur on the scalp.

    Another article on Medscape extolled the virtues of almonds in the diet, and almond oil for the skin.

Eating almonds reportedly lessens wrinkles and improves resistance to sun damage, while almond oil applied to the skin improves eczema and stretch marks in pregnancy.

    With any product, before applying it to large amounts of your body, try a little on the inside of your upper arm or on your abdomen. Observe the skin where you tested it for two or three days to be sure you are not allergic to it. If no reaction occurs, you can use it as you wish.