Rosemary oil for hair growth and care may offer benefits due to the plant’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and other properties.Rosemary oilis extracted from the rosemary leaves and flowery tops ofRosmarinus officinalis, the plant’s scientific name.
When applied to the hair, you can mix a few drops of the rosemary oil with a carrier oil, like olive oil or avocado oil. You can buy products with the oil or mix a few drops of the oil with your shampoo or conditioner, but never apply the undiluted essential oil directly to the hair or scalp.
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Using Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth
Rosemary oil, as well as its leaves, is often used for medicinal reasons. A 2024 study of 407 people responding to a questionnaire found that 48% of them had used rosemary for a health purpose. Of these, most had chosen the oil and 82% had chosen rosemary to improve their hair.
Rosemary serves as a vasodilator (to open blood vessels), and some researchers suggest that its ability to improve blood flow boosts the ability of hair to become thick, healthy, and well attached to the scalp. It is thought to:
Carrier oils, like argan oil, coconut oil, or sunflower oil, can help you use rosemary oil safely.
Whether rosemary oil can help with hair health may depend on the underlying cause of hair loss or damage. A hereditary pattern of hair loss is likely genetic in nature, for example. Or, with hair loss due to anemia or infection, the underlying diagnosis would need to be treated.Keep in mind that nutrition, or cancer treatments likechemotherapy, also can be the reason for hair loss.
The Surprising Benefits of Rosemary Water for Hair Growth
Using Rosemary Oil for Hair Loss
One 2015 study found that rosemary oil could help treatandrogenic alopecia(a common type of hair loss associated with sex hormones, including testosterone) and reduce the hair loss associated with the condition.
In a similar 2022 study in animals, researchers blended rosemary oil and/or cedarwood oil into vegetable oil gels (oleogels). For six weeks, they treated rats with hair that had been removed with creams.They compared the oleogel results with minoxidil 2%, the main ingredient in popular hair growth products such as Rogaine. The rosemary oelogel was found to have similar effects as minoxidil.
If you do massage rosemary oil into your hair, you do not have to rinse out. If you choose to rinse it out, do so after the solution is on the scalp for at least a few minutes. The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy recommends no more than 20 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier.
Rosemary and Hair ColorSome evidence suggests rosemary oil might help prevent premature graying of hair.The research has been limited and more studies are needed to determine rosemary oil’s effects on hair color.
Rosemary and Hair Color
Some evidence suggests rosemary oil might help prevent premature graying of hair.The research has been limited and more studies are needed to determine rosemary oil’s effects on hair color.
Other Uses for Rosemary Oil
Researchers identify a number of hair conditions associated with hair loss, including:
Heat damage and other problems are common. The other uses of rosemary oil may include improving texture, moisture, and shine with regular use. Using essential oil-carrier oil solution daily in your hair or scalp is generally safe, provided you do not use too much rosemary oil.
Hair growth is high on the list, but rosemary oil also is used for skin care, wound healing, anxiety and stress relief, and other purposes. In most cases, the oil is applied topically (on the skin or hair). People also report using rosemary oil for:
Keep in mind that rosemary oil may present risks to people who take medications for other conditions, such as blood thinners or high blood pressure treatments.It’s also possible to experience skin irritation or an allergic reaction. Talk to your healthcare provider about rosemary oil.
Dandruff and Rosemary OilIn addition to reducing hair loss and stimulating hair growth, rosemary has been linked to other hair and scalp benefits, including reducing dandruff, a common scalp condition that causes the scalp to flake. According to a 2022 research review, essential oils have a strong potential to be developed as anti-dandruff products.Rosemary oil can also limit scalpinflammation.
Dandruff and Rosemary Oil
In addition to reducing hair loss and stimulating hair growth, rosemary has been linked to other hair and scalp benefits, including reducing dandruff, a common scalp condition that causes the scalp to flake. According to a 2022 research review, essential oils have a strong potential to be developed as anti-dandruff products.Rosemary oil can also limit scalpinflammation.
Summary
Rosemary essential oil has been used to promote hair growth, and research shows that it may be as effective as some commercial hair growth products. It might also help prevent hair loss, dandruff, and premature graying. You should dilute the oil with a carrier oil before using it in your hair, or purchase products that already contain rosemary oil.
Topical use of rosemary oil is generally safe, although allergic reactions and skin irritation are possible. Some people should check with their healthcare providers whether it is safe to use rosemary oil topically. This includes pregnant and breastfeeding people and people with certain health conditions or who take certain medications.
A Word From VerywellIf you are experiencing hair loss or hair thinning, it is always best to see a board-certified dermatologist to evaluate the type of hair loss. This can help guide the best treatment options.—MARISA GARSHICK, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
If you are experiencing hair loss or hair thinning, it is always best to see a board-certified dermatologist to evaluate the type of hair loss. This can help guide the best treatment options.—MARISA GARSHICK, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
If you are experiencing hair loss or hair thinning, it is always best to see a board-certified dermatologist to evaluate the type of hair loss. This can help guide the best treatment options.
—MARISA GARSHICK, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Singletary K.Rosemary.Nutr Today. 2016;51(2):102-112. doi:10.1097/nt.0000000000000146Thiab S, Nassar RI, Alamleh SA, Aboqubo A, Aljebori A.Investigation of the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding the utilization of rosemary among the population in Jordan.PLoS One. 2024 Aug 26;19(8):e0307575. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0307575Khairnar RP, Dube SB, Pinjarkar RN, Aher RB.Rosmarinus officinalisL.: Used for the treatment of hair loss.Int J Pharm Sci. 2023;1(12):524–33.Head & Shoulders.Rosemary oil and its effects on dandruff.Orchard A, Kamatou G, Viljoen AM, Patel N, Mawela P, van Vuuren SF.The influence of carrier oils on the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of essential oils.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:6981305. doi:10.1155/2019/6981305Panahi Y, Taghizadeh M, Marzony ET, Sahebkar A.Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial.Skinmed. 2015;13(1):15-21.Uronnachi E, Atuegwu C, Umeyor C, et al.Formulation and evaluation of hair growth enhancing effects of oleogels made from Rosemary and Cedarwood oils.Sci. Afr. 2022;16:e01223. doi:10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01223National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.Methods of application.Kashyap N, Kumari A, Raina N, Zakir F, Gupta M.Prospects of essential oil loaded nanosystems for skincare.Phytomed. Plus. 2022;2(1):100198. doi:10.1016/j.phyplu.2021.100198Mount Sinai.Rosemary.Jain S, Arora P, Nainwal LM.Essential oils as potential source of anti-dandruff agents: a review.Comb Chem High Throughput Screen. 2022;25(9):1411-1426. doi:10.2174/1386207324666210712094148
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Singletary K.Rosemary.Nutr Today. 2016;51(2):102-112. doi:10.1097/nt.0000000000000146Thiab S, Nassar RI, Alamleh SA, Aboqubo A, Aljebori A.Investigation of the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding the utilization of rosemary among the population in Jordan.PLoS One. 2024 Aug 26;19(8):e0307575. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0307575Khairnar RP, Dube SB, Pinjarkar RN, Aher RB.Rosmarinus officinalisL.: Used for the treatment of hair loss.Int J Pharm Sci. 2023;1(12):524–33.Head & Shoulders.Rosemary oil and its effects on dandruff.Orchard A, Kamatou G, Viljoen AM, Patel N, Mawela P, van Vuuren SF.The influence of carrier oils on the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of essential oils.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:6981305. doi:10.1155/2019/6981305Panahi Y, Taghizadeh M, Marzony ET, Sahebkar A.Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial.Skinmed. 2015;13(1):15-21.Uronnachi E, Atuegwu C, Umeyor C, et al.Formulation and evaluation of hair growth enhancing effects of oleogels made from Rosemary and Cedarwood oils.Sci. Afr. 2022;16:e01223. doi:10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01223National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.Methods of application.Kashyap N, Kumari A, Raina N, Zakir F, Gupta M.Prospects of essential oil loaded nanosystems for skincare.Phytomed. Plus. 2022;2(1):100198. doi:10.1016/j.phyplu.2021.100198Mount Sinai.Rosemary.Jain S, Arora P, Nainwal LM.Essential oils as potential source of anti-dandruff agents: a review.Comb Chem High Throughput Screen. 2022;25(9):1411-1426. doi:10.2174/1386207324666210712094148
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Singletary K.Rosemary.Nutr Today. 2016;51(2):102-112. doi:10.1097/nt.0000000000000146Thiab S, Nassar RI, Alamleh SA, Aboqubo A, Aljebori A.Investigation of the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding the utilization of rosemary among the population in Jordan.PLoS One. 2024 Aug 26;19(8):e0307575. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0307575Khairnar RP, Dube SB, Pinjarkar RN, Aher RB.Rosmarinus officinalisL.: Used for the treatment of hair loss.Int J Pharm Sci. 2023;1(12):524–33.Head & Shoulders.Rosemary oil and its effects on dandruff.Orchard A, Kamatou G, Viljoen AM, Patel N, Mawela P, van Vuuren SF.The influence of carrier oils on the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of essential oils.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:6981305. doi:10.1155/2019/6981305Panahi Y, Taghizadeh M, Marzony ET, Sahebkar A.Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial.Skinmed. 2015;13(1):15-21.Uronnachi E, Atuegwu C, Umeyor C, et al.Formulation and evaluation of hair growth enhancing effects of oleogels made from Rosemary and Cedarwood oils.Sci. Afr. 2022;16:e01223. doi:10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01223National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.Methods of application.Kashyap N, Kumari A, Raina N, Zakir F, Gupta M.Prospects of essential oil loaded nanosystems for skincare.Phytomed. Plus. 2022;2(1):100198. doi:10.1016/j.phyplu.2021.100198Mount Sinai.Rosemary.Jain S, Arora P, Nainwal LM.Essential oils as potential source of anti-dandruff agents: a review.Comb Chem High Throughput Screen. 2022;25(9):1411-1426. doi:10.2174/1386207324666210712094148
Singletary K.Rosemary.Nutr Today. 2016;51(2):102-112. doi:10.1097/nt.0000000000000146
Thiab S, Nassar RI, Alamleh SA, Aboqubo A, Aljebori A.Investigation of the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding the utilization of rosemary among the population in Jordan.PLoS One. 2024 Aug 26;19(8):e0307575. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0307575
Khairnar RP, Dube SB, Pinjarkar RN, Aher RB.Rosmarinus officinalisL.: Used for the treatment of hair loss.Int J Pharm Sci. 2023;1(12):524–33.
Head & Shoulders.Rosemary oil and its effects on dandruff.
Orchard A, Kamatou G, Viljoen AM, Patel N, Mawela P, van Vuuren SF.The influence of carrier oils on the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of essential oils.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:6981305. doi:10.1155/2019/6981305
Panahi Y, Taghizadeh M, Marzony ET, Sahebkar A.Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial.Skinmed. 2015;13(1):15-21.
Uronnachi E, Atuegwu C, Umeyor C, et al.Formulation and evaluation of hair growth enhancing effects of oleogels made from Rosemary and Cedarwood oils.Sci. Afr. 2022;16:e01223. doi:10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01223
National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.Methods of application.
Kashyap N, Kumari A, Raina N, Zakir F, Gupta M.Prospects of essential oil loaded nanosystems for skincare.Phytomed. Plus. 2022;2(1):100198. doi:10.1016/j.phyplu.2021.100198
Mount Sinai.Rosemary.
Jain S, Arora P, Nainwal LM.Essential oils as potential source of anti-dandruff agents: a review.Comb Chem High Throughput Screen. 2022;25(9):1411-1426. doi:10.2174/1386207324666210712094148
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