The common misconception is that natural ingredients aren’t powerful enough to benefit hair growth. I’m here to tell you that that’s just not true. Rosemary oil can be as effective at encouraging hair growth or protecting against hair loss as synthetic hair growth ingredients like minoxidil. Keep reading to learn more about using rosemary oil for hair growth. I’ll tell you all about the benefits of rosemary for hair growth, the potential side effects, and how to use it.
Index
What Is Rosemary Oil or Water?
Rosemary is a woody plant native to the Mediterranean that’s been cultivated for centuries for its culinary and medicinal properties. It has an evergreen-like scent.
Rosemary oil is a light-colored oil extracted from the leaves and flowers of the rosemary plant.
On the other hand, rosemary water for hair can be prepared at home by boiling fresh rosemary sprigs in water. After the water cools, you can spray it on your scalp with a spray bottle or rinse your hair with it in the shower.
The Truth About Rosemary for Hair Growth
Several scientific studies have shown that rosemary oil can improve hair growth and density and prevent hair loss when applied to the scalp. While more studies are needed, using rosemary oil for hair growth seems promising. However, though many Tiktokers swear by rosemary water to promote hair health, there are no studies proving the efficacy of using this type of rosemary for hair growth.
What Benefits Does Rosemary Have for Hair?
Rosemary oil has many benefits that may help with hair growth. Rosemary oil and rosemary water for hair growth contain carnosic acid, which heals tissue damage and improves skin cell turnover. This, in turn, can promote circulation, which may help prevent hair loss or encourage hair regrowth. For example, a 2015 study pitted rosemary oil against the common hair loss treatment minoxidil. After six months of topical application, participants were growing significantly more hair. The participants using rosemary oil also reported far less irritation than those using minoxidil.
Rosemary oil for hair also has strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants can help protect against free radicals that may damage the hair follicles or affect the formation of gray hair. Read more about graying hair here.
Finally, rosemary oil for hair has antimicrobial properties that may help to prevent or treat dandruff.
Side Effects of Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth
Rosemary oil is potent and should never be applied directly to the skin. Instead, always mix rosemary oil for hair with a carrier oil like jojoba oil before applying it to your hair. It’s also wise to do a patch test before using rosemary oil for hair, especially if you have a sensitive scalp. Also, when using rosemary oil or rosemary water for hair, be careful to avoid the eyes, mouth, and any other areas of sensitive skin.
Pure rosemary oil can also weigh down your hair, especially if you have fine or thinning hair. If this is the case for you, consider using rosemary oil as a pre-shampoo hair treatment.
A great way to avoid these side effects is to use carefully formulated hair care products that contain rosemary oil in the right dose to ensure safety while still being effective.
How Do You Use Rosemary Oil for Hair?
When it comes to using rosemary oil for hair growth, you have a few options:
1. Apply Rosemary Oil to Your Scalp
Dilute two or three drops of rosemary oil with two tablespoons of carrier oil (my favorite is jojoba). Apply this oil directly to your scalp. Start using this treatment once or twice weekly to see how your scalp reacts. Then, you can gradually increase if you’re not experiencing irritation.
2. Add Rosemary Oil to Your Shampoo
If you have thinning or fine hair, adding oil directly to your hair will only weigh it down, making it look thinner. A good solution is to instead add a few drops of rosemary oil to your favorite shampoo or conditioner. This will allow you to experience some of the benefits of rosemary oil for hair growth without making your hair look oily or greasy.
3. Use Products Formulated with Rosemary Oil for Hair
An easier (and less messy) solution is to just use hair products that have been formulated with rosemary oil. Some of my favorites are:
- Grow Perfect™ Shampoo & Conditioner – Formulated with rosemary oil for hair and Anagain™, both of which are proven to promote hair growth and density.
- Grow Perfect™ Thickening Spray – This leave-in spray uses rosemary oil and several other organic heavy-hitters to improve hair density.
- Scalp Detox™ Scrub & Conditioner – This detoxing duo may answer your prayers if you struggle with oily or greasy hair. Formulated with rosemary oil for hair, this scrub buffs away dirt, sebum, and product residues to promote scalp health and hair growth. The conditioner provides lightweight, replenishing hydration. Hint: pair with Scalp Delight™ Scalp Massage Brush for extra scrubbing power!
Remember: consistency is key. In the study we referenced, participants didn’t see any results until they had been using rosemary oil for six months. So stick with it if it’s only been a few weeks and you don’t see any results! Also, make sure to keep your expectations in check. Hair grows (at most) 1.7 centimeters per month. To learn more, read our article “How Fast Does Hair Grow?”
Who Can Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth?
Rosemary for hair growth targets the hair follicle, not the strand. Therefore, it’s appropriate for any hair type. It’s also safe to use on color-treated hair since you’ll apply it directly to the scalp. It’s best to do a patch test before using pure rosemary for hair, especially if you have sensitive skin. I don’t recommend application of high amounts of the essential oil to anyone pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tips for Using Rosemary for Hair Growth
1. Apply to Your Scalp Only
Rosemary oil’s benefits for hair apply to the scalp only. So there’s no point using the oil on your lengths unless you want greasy-looking hair. Opt for shampoos, sprays or oils that are massaged onto the scalp to achieve best results.
2. Give It Time
Allow the rosemary oil to sit on your scalp for at least an hour before rinsing it out to give it time to work its magic. Or use a leave-in product like Grow Perfect™ Thickening Spray that you won’t need to rinse out right away. Keep in mind that visible results appear only after a few months’ use.
3. Choose Your Oil Carefully
Make sure to only use 100% pure, organic rosemary for hair. Other ingredients could reduce the potency or cause irritation. Look for products that are certified organic to ensure the purity of your product.
4. Start Slow and Build
Do a small patch test before applying rosemary oil to your whole scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin. Start using rosemary for hair once a week and gradually build to two or three times per week. If irritation occurs, stop using the product or reduce the amount.
5. Use a Small Amount
Rosemary oil for hair growth is powerful, so you don’t need much for the best results. That’s why I think the easiest and safest way to introduce the oil into your routine is to use a hair product containing just the right amount of rosemary for hair growth.
6. Be Patient
Rosemary for hair growth takes at least six months of consistent application to produce results, so be patient!
What About Rosemary Water for Hair?
Rosemary water is easy to make at home. All you need to do is boil fresh rosemary leaves (you can get these in the fresh herbs section of your grocery store) in distilled water. Let it steep for a few hours before using. You can store the prepared rosemary water in your refrigerator for up to two weeks.
You can use rosemary water for hair growth in several ways:
- Use a spray bottle to apply rosemary water for hair growth as a leave-in spray.
- Mix rosemary water for hair growth with your favorite shampoo.
- Massage rosemary water for hair growth into your scalp.
Since rosemary water is much more diluted than rosemary oil, its effect can be less intense. Unfortunately, there are no scientific studies on rosemary water for hair growth. And while some TikTokers swear by rosemary water for hair growth, I recommend sticking to organic rosemary oil or using it in conjunction with rosemary water for hair growth for the best results.
Other Hair Growth Tips
Besides using rosemary for hair, I have a few other hair growth tips you may find helpful:
1. Try Using Hair Supplements
Healthy hair starts within! Hair growth vitamins like Hair Formula Gummies for Women and Men contain key vitamins and minerals, including biotin, zinc, and selenium, which contribute to the maintenance of healthy hair. They help “fill in the gaps” in your diet. Plus, they’re sugar-free and vegan. No synthetic flavors or dyes!
2. Try Scalp Massage
As I mentioned before, one of the ways that rosemary for hair works is by promoting scalp circulation. You can also encourage circulation scalp by giving yourself a simple scalp massage using Scalp Delight™ Scalp Massage Brush or your fingers. Scalp massage can be a wonderful way to relax. Or you can add it to your shower routine together with rosemary oil for hair growth.
3. Prevent Breakage
Many people believe their hair isn’t growing, but the issue is that it breaks off once it reaches a certain length. This is especially an issue for anyone who colors, bleaches, braids, or heat styles their hair. Thus, any good hair growth routine must also include practices that prevent breakage. A few pointers:
- Use a hydrating or strengthening hair mask, like Split Fix™ Hair Mask, at least once per week.
- Keep your ends moisturized with a hydrating oil, such as Moisture Hero™ Hair Oil.
- Be gentle with hot tools. Use the lowest possible heat setting to attain your desired look, and always apply a heat protectant spray before styling. Whenever possible, skip using hot tools in favor of heatless hairstyling methods.
- Don’t braid your hair too tight; try to vary your hairstyles.
Rosemary for hair growth could be the perfect solution if you’re looking for a natural way to support your hair growth. Rosemary has long been known for its ability to promote hair growth and improve scalp health. In addition, it’s packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation, which can lead to hair loss.
If hair growth is your goal, I recommend choosing rosemary oil over rosemary water. While both can help promote hair growth and improve scalp health, rosemary oil is more concentrated and can provide better results. You can use rosemary oil as a stand-alone treatment by mixing a few drops with carrier oil and massaging it into your scalp. Or, you can use products formulated with rosemary oil as one of their ingredients to make rosemary for hair growth easier.
In conclusion, rosemary oil and water are natural remedies used for centuries to promote hair growth and improve scalp health. So if you're looking for a natural way to support your hair growth, consider using rosemary oil or water as part of your hair care routine.
