RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - As public interest in natural hair care continues to grow, various traditional and herbal oils are gaining renewed attention. Among the ingredients commonly used to care for hair are candlenut oil and rosemary oil. Both are known for their potential benefits for hair and scalp health, making them widely used in traditional treatments as well as in modern hair care products.

Candlenut oil, derived from the seeds of Aleurites moluccana, has long been used in hair care practices, particularly in Indonesia. The oil is believed to help strengthen hair while supporting its natural growth. Due to its long-standing use in traditional remedies, candlenut oil remains a popular choice for natural hair treatment.

Research conducted by Dea Lestari and Ardi Mustakin from Universitas Adiwangsa Jambi suggested that the candlenut plant has potential as a natural hair growth treatment as well as a health care ingredient. This is supported by the presence of compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and polyphenols found in various parts of the plant.

Meanwhile, rosemary oil has also gained popularity in hair care, particularly in Western countries. Extracted from the rosemary plant, the oil is commonly used in modern hair care products because it is believed to help maintain scalp health and support hair growth.

Several scientific studies indicate that rosemary oil may help stimulate hair follicles and improve blood circulation in the scalp. A study published in Skinmed Journal even found that rosemary oil can be as effective as Minoxidil 2 percent in helping address hair loss.

In general, the two oils play different roles in hair care. Candlenut oil is widely known as a natural nutrient that helps moisturize and maintain hair health, while rosemary oil is more commonly associated with stimulating hair follicles and improving blood flow to the scalp. In Indonesia, candlenut oil is also more readily available due to its long-standing role in traditional hair care practices.

Both candlenut oil and rosemary oil offer benefits for maintaining healthy hair. Choosing between them often depends on individual hair needs as well as the availability of the ingredients in different regions.