If you’ve ever researched natural remedies for hair loss — whether it be on good old Google or the wild west of #HairTok — then it’s safe to say you’ve heard about rosemary oil. At this point, it feels like seemingly countless people on social media have raved about rosemary oil for hair growth, claiming it boosts density and speeds up the growing-out process. But we can’t help but wonder, is it actually as effective as some make it out to be? We tapped a few dermatologists for their expert insight on the matter, so keep reading for the full scoop and their recommendations should you decide to give rosemary oil a shot.
What are the benefits of rosemary oil for hair?
Derived from the Rosmarinus officinalis plant, rosemary oil is renowned in the skin and hair care worlds for its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. “Rosemary oil can help to condition and strengthen the hair and also works to reduce damage and breakage, making the hair appear stronger,” Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says. “Additionally, some studies have shown that rosemary oil can help to boost hair growth; it is thought to help improve circulation in the scalp, which, by increasing blood flow, may help to stimulate hair growth.”
Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, says rosemary oil’s antioxidant properties also aid in protecting hair from oxidative stress and environmental aggressors like UV radiation and pollution. And that’s not all. “Its anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate and prevent hair loss caused by inflammation of the hair follicles and scalp,” she adds. “It may be able to boost circulation too, allowing for more oxygen and nutrients necessary for hair growth to be delivered to the hair follicles and scalp.”
Echoing both their sentiments is Dr. Sejal Shah, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology. “Rosemary oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and can increase blood flow to the scalp,” she says. “This may be the reason that it can help with hair regrowth, as this is very similar to the mechanisms by which minoxidil [aka rogaine] works.”
Does rosemary oil grow hair?
While there’s still limited evidence to support rosemary oil for hair loss and/or regrowth, there have been multiple studies that demonstrate its potential. “One study found that rosemary oil stimulated hair growth in mice who had hair loss due to testosterone treatment, and another found that rosemary oil was as effective as minoxidil 2% for regrowing hair in men with male pattern hair loss,” Shah details. Still, she says it’s important to note that we really need more data to make definitive conclusions about its efficacy.
How to use rosemary oil for hair growth
“Rosemary oil can be left on anywhere from a few hours to overnight, so it’s important to follow the directions of your product,” Green says. “It can also be mixed into your shampoo or hair creams as a part of your hair care routine, but when using rosemary on its own, it’s important to dilute it with a carrier [oil] such as jojoba, coconut or argan oil before application.” As for how exactly to dilute rosemary oil for hair and scalp treatments, simply add two or three drops of rosemary essential oil, which is very potent, to roughly two tablespoons of your carrier oil.
Garshick notes that it can takeseveral months to see an improvement — the same as with any other hair treatment — so consistency is key. She also warns those with sensitive skin to patch test rosemary oil on a small area prior to using it all over the scalp.
Now that you’re fully primed on this powerful plant’s benefits and how it works to potentially spark hair growth, discover the best rosemary hair oils and treatments, according to dermatologists.
Best rosemary oils for hair growth
This viral product is Amazon's #1 bestseller in hair treatment oils, and gets Garshick’s stamp of approval too. The combination of rosemary and mint essential oils boost circulation, helping to stimulate hair follicles to promote hair growth and thickening.?
As Green shared, rosemary oil can add a boost to your existing hair care products or be added to a carrier oil, like jojoba oil, for a DIY treatment. Remember, the stuff is potent so you only need a few drops per treatment.
Containing a blend of avocado oil and rosemary oil, this can be used prior to shampooing to help nourish the scalp and hair. Reviewers with various hair-thinning circumstances, from post-chemo to postpartum, say the top-rated treatment has helped calm dry, itchy scalps and improve hair’s shine and fullness.
This deeply conditioning oil works to improve shine and can be massaged into wet or dry hair while styling to help restore moisture and soften split ends.?According to Shah, it’s the combination of rosemary oil with clover and burdock extracts that condition the hair and scalp while encouraging growth.
A scalp massager can help distribute your hair oil of choice without getting your fingers greasy. Use it to massage in your scalp oil or get a deeper cleanse with your shampoo in the shower.
