The thick clumps of hair left behind in my brush can be a shocking sight and have often led me to wonder if I’m shedding more hair than I should be. Like most people concerned with hair thinning, excess breakage and general hair health, I’ve familiarized myself with all the buzzy hair growth supplements and minoxidil-containing treatments on the market. Some of the former aren’t entirely backed by science, and some are expensive or come with undesired side effects.
To the tune of less than $10, however, I can try Mielle Organics rosemary mint scalp and hair strengthening oil, a product adored by reviewers for its purported ability to strengthen hair.
Formulated by former nurse Monique Rodriguez, who spent time in online natural hair forums in an effort to find solutions for her own hair concerns, the oil first gained a devoted following within the Black community before going widely viral on TikTok via prominent white influencers like Alix Earle.
The brand also earned the attention of personal care giant Procter & Gamble, which announced its acquisition of the company in January of 2023. Rodriguez, who remains CEO, told the New York Times that although she hopes the move enables faster innovation and more access to African American communities, anyone can use the product.
Many users of the stuff, be it in the five-star-loaded review section of Amazon or in progress videos on TikTok, have claimed that their hair looks and feels healthier and thicker, including in areas such as the hairline that previously appeared sparse. Others have even said that the oil has done wonders for managing dandruff and scalp irritation.