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For long, rosemary was simply an ingredient used to enhance meals in the kitchen. However, it has some pretty impressive benefits for the hair, too. “Rosemary oil is a stimulating ingredient that promotes hair growth while stimulating blood flow, ultimately strengthening the hair follicle,” says Helen Reavey, a trichologist and founder of Act + Acre. In other words: It creates a healthy environment for strands to thrive in by improving blood circulation to the scalp, moisturizing the skin, as well as soothing dandruff and inflammation.
Preview the best rosemary oil hair products:
TikTok and Instagram have certainly hyped up its greatness (particularly since there’s little evidence to support the efficacy of hair growth vitamins). There is no shortage of engaging content on #HairTok dedicated to providing solutions for all of our hair woes, whether the topic is addressing thinning strands and promoting growth or miracle ingredients needed to make nourishing Ayurvedic concoctions. But what’s actually the truth and what’s fiction? Well, we turned to the experts for the facts on using rosemary oil for hair growth and learned there’s so much more to this essential oil other than its great taste. Keep reading to find out, plus shop some of the best rosemary oil hair products—including top hair growth shampoos and scalp treatments approved by experts.
What is rosemary oil?
First things first, native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary oil is “a pale liquid from the rosemary plant, which has an herbaceous aroma,” says cosmetic chemist Ginger King. “It’s often used in perfumes, skincare, and haircare as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial ingredient.”
How can rosemary oil benefit the hair?
Improves hair growth: So, can rosemary oil really help with hair growth? Experts say yes. “The rosemary plant contains carnosic acid, which is known to heal nerve damage, tissue damage, and improve cellular turnover,” says Marnie Nussbaum, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. “Therefore, it encourages nerve growth and improves blood circulation. The reason blood circulation is so important to hair growth is that without a proper blood supply, the follicles do not get the nutrients they need to grow the hair, and they can die off.”
“There is one study that compared [rosemary oil] specifically to minoxidil (aka Rogaine off the shelf) and the finding is that the results appeared similar after six months,” says King. In another study performed on mice, the ingredient has also been shown to inhibit DHT, the male sex hormone that plays a major role in contributing to hair loss in both men and women. If you desire fuller, thicker, and more luscious strands, experts agree rosemary oil is one of the most potent hair growth oils on the market.
Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
“It smells amazing and is a personal favorite of mine,” says Dr. Nussbaum. “It is great for fine hair as it contains white vinegar as well which decreases product build-up that can cause stress on the follicle.”
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Bergamy recommends this vegan-friendly shampoo with rosemary oil for hair growth. She says, “It works great for fine or thinning hair and is packed with vitamins and minerals that revitalize the hair shaft, plus gentle cleansers to help whisk away scalp build-up.”
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Use this ultra-lightweight scalp and hair oil treatment before shampooing to boost your hair’s manageability and shine factor. “It combines rosemary oil and avocado oil to encourage hair growth while delivering moisture,” says Dr. Nussbaum.
GIRL+HAIR Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
Not only is this oil dermatologist-formulated (Dr. Camille Howard-Verovic is the founder), but the blend is a minty delight. Rosemary takes the lead to reduce hair thinning, as spearmint oil stimulates the scalp and pumpkin seed oil strengthens and adds shine.
Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
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Both Newman and Dr. Longsworth are fans of this product. “It’s great because it can be used as a scalp treatment to precisely deliver the hair follicle benefits,” says Newman. “The oil can be used as a leave-in/styler for natural, textured hair.”
Better Not Younger Shine Revitalizing Conditioner
After thoroughly cleansing your strands, restore moisture, luster, and softness with this deeply nourishing conditioner. Strands are revitalized using chia seeds and mongongo oil for healthy hair you can see and feel.
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The key ingredient rosemary leaf in this duo was formulated to create thicker-looking hair. Dr. Nussbaum notes it “encourages hair growth without sulfates, dyes, and parabens.”
Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Soothing Scalp Serum
Made with rosemary, amla, and soothing aloe, this serum calms an irritated scalp, boosts overall shine, and stimulates hair growth.
briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil
This pre-wash oil soothes with tea tree and rosemary to stimulate the scalp, perfect for protective style takedowns or whenever your hair needs extra nourishment before shampooing.
Reduces scalp irritation: From that same minoxidil study, the majority of those who used rosemary oil also had less itchy scalps. “The rosemary plant in essential oil form is known to boast anti-inflammatory properties,” says Ope Ofodile, MD, MPH, a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist at Dermatology and Surgery Specialists of North Atlanta. “This would be especially beneficial to help soothe distressed scalps.”
Can prevent hair loss: “Rosemary oil is a potent antioxidant that can fight against free radicals,” says Dr. Gaby Longsworth, Ph.D. scientist, certified hair practitioner, and owner of the blog Absolutely Everything Curly. These molecules destroy cells over time and can ultimately lead to hair loss by damaging the hair follicle.
Prevents dandruff: “In addition to improving blood circulation to the scalp, rosemary oil eliminates bacteria that clogs hair follicles,” explains Dr. Longworth. This can “potentially reduce the occurrence of flakes on the scalp,” adds King.
May help reduce gray hair: When cells are damaged from environmental aggressors, they can oxide, which research has shown can play a major role in accelerating aging processes, like hair graying. By actively fighting against those free radicals, rosemary oil may also be able to slow down the graying process.
Trichologist Penny James adds that rosemary oil’s aromatherapy benefits “can also be very helpful to reduce stress that’s known to cause graying.”
How long should you keep rosemary oil in your hair?
Reavey suggests leaving the oil in your hair for “at least 30 minutes,” and you can absolutely leave it in longer. “I recommend a good amount of time as it can be used as a leave-in treatment,” she says. Rosemary oil can be applied to the scalp and massaged in or even applied to the hair and covered with a shower or heating cap for a soothing treatment.
Although rosemary oil is not harmful, James warns against leaving it in hair overnight. “Leaving any kind of oil on the scalp for a prolonged period of time will upset the microflora of the scalp,” she says. “This can cause itchiness and redness, and it applies to all oils—not just rosemary oil.”
What should you know before using?
Rosemary is the ingredient du jour, but you should consider a few things before adding it to your routine. “Rosemary extract/oil is extremely concentrated, so it’s generally recommended to dilute it with a carrier oil (such as argan oil, or jojoba oil) before applying it directly to the hair and scalp,” says Reavey.
To maximize rosemary oil’s effects on hair, Reavey suggests coupling the ingredient with other powerhouses. “I also recommend products that contain peptides, stem cells, and ginseng to support hair health from the root and optimize the hair follicle’s function. Our Stem Cell Peptide Treatment contains clinically vetted Grape Stem Cells that create an environment for optimized hair follicle function, leading to thicker-looking hair in just 12 weeks,” she adds.
How long after using rosemary oil should someone expect to see results in hair growth?
Not all hair will magically transform into Rapunzel-length strands upon using rosemary oil, as it depends on the person’s reaction to it. Also, be prepared to play the waiting game if longer hair is your goal. King says, “There is limited study to prove its effectiveness, but it takes more than six months [of use] to see results.”
Who can use rosemary oil?
“Rosemary essential oil can be used on any hair type because the benefits target the hair follicle, not the hair strand,” says hairstylist Matt Newman. “It is safe to use on color-treated hair, especially because its main use should be directly on the scalp.”
If you have sensitive skin and are unsure how your scalp skin may react, first talk to your dermatologist about integrating the oil into your routine. Newman recommends doing a small patch test first and waiting 24 hours to see if any irritation occurs. “Also, when applying to the scalp, tilt your head backward to avoid any oils dripping into your eyes.”
Also, “There is no data regarding use in pregnancy or breastfeeding; therefore, I would avoid it if possible,” advises Dr. Nussbaum.
How does rosemary oil compare, if at all, to other oils?
Newman notes that rosemary essential oil differs from most carrier oils used in hair care because of its hair follicle health benefits. Hairstylist Cheryl Bergamy agrees, “Unlike other oils (like tea tree and peppermint), rosemary oil strengthens and promotes circulation for thirsty hair follicles that are starving of its blood supply and leading to hair loss.” One caveat: “It must be used more sparingly than carrier oils because overexposure can be irritating to the skin,” says Newman.
What are the side effects of using rosemary oil for hair?
The physical weight of the oil could interfere with your style. Newman says that for people with thin or fine hair or a sparse density of hair, the oils can make the hair look greasy and weighed down. “If this is the case for you, try using the product as a pre-shampoo treatment reserved for days when you will be using a clarifying shampoo on your hair.”
How often should I put rosemary oil in my hair?
“If you’re trying to suppress itching due to dandruff, use the oil mixed with compounds three to four times a week,” suggests James. “Massage it directly into the scalp, leave it on for 20 minutes, then shampoo the oils out of the hair and scalp.”
If you have very fine hair and/or an oily scalp, James advises using rosemary oil once a week as a scalp treatment and washing it out of hair immediately to avoid any greasiness.
How can I use rosemary oil for hair?
Mix it with a carrier oil. “You can start by using rosemary essential oil one to two times per week and titrate use upwards to daily as tolerated,” says Dr. Nussbaum. “Only use five drops of it, add it to a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil and massage into the scalp for five to ten minutes, and rinse.” Diluting pure rosemary oil helps reduce potency and, therefore, decreases irritation on the skin.
According to James, rosemary oil can safely be combined with most other essential oils.
Blend into shampoo or conditioner. Bergamy suggests adding it to your shampoo or conditioner to get the benefits while washing your hair. Just be sure to thoroughly wash your hair to get the product out well.
Use rosemary oil products. Alternatively, instead of playing scientist and adding rosemary essential oil to other products, you can use ones that already include the ingredient.
