Should I Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth?

Rosemary is both a culinary and medicinal herb. This woody evergreen originates from the Mediterranean and has long been incorporated into cooking and folk remedies.

You can also purchase rosemary as an essential oil. Essential oils are concentrated, distilled extracts of volatile plant compounds used for a variety of purposes, including:

• cooking
• cleaning
• wellness
• other uses

Rosemary essential oil is one of the more commonly available options and is often used as a home remedy. Proposed benefits include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as potential improvements in memory.

Read on to examine the evidence around rosemary essential oil for stimulating hair growth and learn how to apply it safely.

Can rosemary oil treat hair loss?

The notion that rosemary oil stimulates hair growth likely stems from the herb’s broader healthful properties. Rosemary essential oil contains constituents that may:

• exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial actions
• aid wound repair
• support nerve regeneration
• enhance blood circulation

Some research indicates rosemary essential oil might encourage hair growth in certain individuals. Still, more studies are required to confirm these findings and clarify when it is — or isn’t — effective.

An often-cited study compared rosemary essential oil with minoxidil (Rogaine). In a 2015 trial, researchers enrolled 100 people with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss) and split them into two groups receiving either rosemary essential oil or minoxidil.

The trial’s outcomes suggested rosemary essential oil performed comparably to minoxidil and was more effective at relieving the side effect of scalp itchiness than minoxidil.

An animal study in mice found that applying a hair lotion containing 1% rosemary essential oil prompted more hair growth than minoxidil. The treated mice also showed improvements in hair:

• quality
• length
• weight
• appearance

Nonetheless, further human trials are necessary to strengthen the evidence.

What makes rosemary essential oil supportive of hair growth?

Rosemary essential oil may enhance scalp circulation, potentially preventing hair follicles from being deprived of blood flow, deteriorating, and resulting in hair loss.

Apart from promoting growth, people use rosemary essential oil to help ward off premature graying and dandruff. It may also relieve a dry or itchy scalp, though more research is warranted.

Some studies suggest rosemary can benefit nerve tissue by raising levels of nerve growth factor, which might support hair and skin health. This potential to aid nerve repair could help rejuvenate scalp nerves and possibly restore hair growth.

How should I use rosemary oil for hair loss?

There are a few approaches to using rosemary essential oil as a hair-restoring and thickening treatment. Begin by trying one of the methods below once or twice a week, increasing frequency as desired and as you become accustomed to it.

1. Massage it directly into your scalp

Combine roughly five drops of rosemary essential oil with a teaspoon of a carrier oil (such as jojoba or coconut oil). Massage the blend evenly into your scalp after showering or bathing. Rinsing it out is optional; if you choose to rinse, let the oil sit on your scalp for at least 5 to 10 minutes first.

2. Mix it into your hair products

You can incorporate rosemary essential oil into shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and styling products. A general guideline is about five drops per ounce of product. Then use the product as you normally would.

3. Add it to homemade shampoo

If you craft DIY shampoo, you can include essential oils for added benefits. Many homemade recipes mix baking soda, coconut oil, essential oils, and sometimes other oils.

What should I know before using rosemary oil?

Avoid getting essential oil in your eyes; if it happens, rinse the eyes immediately with cool water.

Take care not to apply excessive amounts to the scalp. Rosemary essential oil can irritate the skin and cause discomfort. Always dilute it with a carrier oil or mix it into another product to reduce the risk of irritation before applying.

There is limited information about the safety of rosemary essential oil during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare provider before using rosemary or other essential oils if you are pregnant or nursing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply rosemary oil directly to my hair?

Never apply rosemary essential oil undiluted; mix it with a carrier oil like jojoba to prevent irritation and add moisture.

Does rosemary oil help hair growth?

Some evidence indicates rosemary essential oil may aid hair regrowth, though effectiveness likely depends on the underlying cause of hair loss.

Is it OK to leave rosemary oil in your hair?

You can leave rosemary essential oil in your hair if it is diluted in a carrier oil or another hair product. Discontinue use if you notice irritation.

How often should I apply rosemary oil for hair growth?

If diluted properly in a carrier oil or haircare product, rosemary oil can be used daily or as needed between washes. Avoid overusing it at once to reduce the chance of irritation.

Using it frequently between washes may result in oily hair if combined with a carrier oil.

The bottom line

Rosemary has a long history of use for encouraging hair growth. Applying rosemary essential oil might offer similar benefits for you.

Existing research suggests essential oils could help protect against hair loss, especially in cases of male or female pattern baldness, and may support regrowth in certain types of alopecia.

Rosemary essential oil is a straightforward home remedy that may rival commercial treatments while producing fewer adverse effects.