
While rosemary is probably best known as a savory seasoning for your favorite dishes, rosemary is also believed to have many health and beauty benefits. In addition to its purported aromatherapy benefits, it is also believed to help moisturize skin and rejuvenate hair – specifically repairing damage, fighting nasty dandruff, and even promoting hair growth.
TikTok and Instagram do exaggerate its greatness (not least because there is little evidence to support the efficacy of hair growth vitamins), but what exactly are the facts and what is fiction? We turned to the experts for the facts about using rosemary oil for hair care.
What is rosemary oil?
The main thing first. Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary oil is “a light-colored liquid oil from the rosemary plant with an herbal aroma,” says cosmetic chemist Kim Kang. “It is often used as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredient in perfumes, skin care and hair care products.”
What are the benefits of rosemary oil for hair?
Improves hair growth: So, can rosemary oil help hair growth? Experts say yes. “The rosemary plant contains sage acid, which is known to heal nerve damage, tissue damage and improve cell renewal,” says Marnie Nussbaum, M.D., FAAD-certified dermatologist. “As a result, it promotes nerve growth and improves blood circulation. The reason circulation is so important to hair growth is that without the proper blood supply, hair follicles don’t get the nutrients they need to grow hair, and they die.”
“One study specifically compared [rosemary oil] and minoxidil [off-the-shelf fall health] and found similar results after six months,” says King.
In fact, if you want fuller, thicker, sweeter hair, experts agree that rosemary oil is one of the most effective hair growth oils on the market.
Reduced scalp irritation: According to the same study, most people who used rosemary oil also had reduced scalp itchiness. a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist by the North Atlanta Board of Dermatology and Surgery Specialists. “It’s especially beneficial in helping to soothe scalp discomfort.”
May prevent hair loss: “Rosemary oil is a potent antioxidant that fights free radicals,” says Dr. Gaby Longsworth, PhD scientist, certified hairdresser and blog owner of Absolutely Everything Curl. Over time, these molecules can damage cells, which can eventually lead to hair loss by destroying hair follicles.
Preventing dandruff: “In addition to improving blood circulation to the scalp, rosemary oil also eliminates bacteria that clog hair follicles,” explains Dr. Longworth. This can “potentially reduce the occurrence of flaking on the scalp,” adds King.
May help reduce gray hair: When cells are exposed to environmental assaults, they oxidize, which research suggests can play an important role in accelerating the aging process, such as hair graying. By actively fighting these free radicals, rosemary oil may also slow the process of hair graying.
Trichologist Penny James adds that aromatherapy with rosemary oil “can also be very helpful in reducing the stress that is known to cause hair graying.”
How long after using rosemary oil should one expect to see hair growth results?
Not all hair will magically turn into Rapunzel length after using rosemary oil, as it depends on how the person reacts to it. Also, if your goal is long hair, be prepared for a waiting game. king says, “There are limited studies proving its effectiveness, but it takes more than six months [of use] to see results.”
Who can use rosemary oil?
“Rosemary oil can be used on any type of hair because its benefits target the hair follicles, not the strands,” says hairstylist Matt Newman. “It’s safe to use on color-treated hair, especially because its primary use should be directly on the scalp.”
If you have sensitive skin and aren’t sure how your scalp skin will react, consult your dermatologist first to learn how to incorporate this oil into your care routine. Newman recommends doing a small patch test and then waiting 24 hours to see if any irritation occurs. “Also, when applying to the scalp, tilt your head back so that the oil does not drip into your eyes.”
In addition, “there is no data on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding; therefore, I would avoid using it if possible,” advises Dr. Nussbaum.
How does rosemary oil compare to other oils, if at all?
Newman notes that rosemary oil differs from most carrier oils used in hair care in that it is beneficial to hair follicle health. Hairstylist Cheryl Bergami agrees, “Unlike other oils that promote hair growth, such as tea tree and peppermint, rosemary oil enhances and promotes circulation to thirsty hair follicles, which suffer from hair loss due to inadequate blood supply.” One caveat: “It must be used more carefully than carrier oils because over exposure can irritate the skin,” Newman says.
What are the drawbacks of using rosemary oil for hair care?
The physical weight of the oil may affect your style. For people with thinning or sparse hair, the oil can make hair look greasy and heavy, Newman says. “If this is the case for you, try using the product as a pre-shampoo treatment, leave it in for a few days, and then use the shampoo again. Clarifying shampoo on your hair.”
How often should I apply rosemary oil to my hair?
“If you want to curb the itchiness caused by dandruff, use the oil mixed with the compound three to four times a week,” James advises. “Massage it directly into your scalp, leave it on for 20 minutes, then shampoo to remove the oils from your hair and scalp.”
If you have very fine hair and/or an oily scalp, James recommends using rosemary oil once a week as a scalp treatment and washing it out of your hair immediately to avoid the greasy feeling.
Can I leave rosemary on my hair overnight?
Although rosemary oil is harmless, James warns against leaving it in your hair overnight. “Leaving any kind of oil on the scalp for an extended period of time can disrupt the scalp’s microbial community,” she says. “This can cause itching and redness, and it applies to all oils – not just rosemary oil.”
How do you use rosemary oil for hair care?
Mix it with a carrier oil. says Dr. Nussbaum: “You can start by using rosemary oil once or twice a week, then gradually increase to once a day as tolerated.” “Using just five drops, add it to a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil, massage it into the scalp for five to ten minutes, and then rinse it off.” Diluting pure rosemary oil helps to reduce the potency and therefore the irritation to the skin.
According to James, rosemary oil can be safely mixed with most other essential oils.
Mix it into your shampoo or conditioner. Bergamy recommends adding it to your shampoo or conditioner to reap the benefits when washing your hair. Be sure to wash your hair thoroughly to get the product out.
Use rosemary oil products. Or, instead of playing the role of scientist and adding rosemary oil to other products, use products that already contain the ingredient.