Benefits and How To Use

Rosemary oil is an essential oil made from the woody shrub rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L). Rosemary has been used as a healing herb for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Topical application of rosemary oil to the hair and scalp is a popular hair growth remedy. 

Rosemary oil offers a natural alternative to treatments like Rogaine (minoxidil) for hair loss or growth. Rosemary oil may help hair grow due to compounds that improve blood flow to the scalp and stimulate hair follicles, similar to how minoxidil works to enhance hair growth. Studies on rosemary’s effectiveness for hair growth are limited. 

Apply rosemary oil by massaging it into your scalp with a carrier oil or hair product. Rosemary oil is very concentrated and should be diluted to help avoid irritation. Use rosemary oil once or twice a week to help aid hair growth. Gradually increase to daily use if your hair and scalp react well to rosemary oil.

Rosemary Oil Scalp Treatment

Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite hair-friendly carrier oil, such as argan, coconut, or jojoba. Gently massage the oil mixture into the scalp using your fingertips. Leave it on or rinse it out in the shower. Let the treatment sit on your scalp for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.

Rosemary Oil Shampoo

Add a few drops of rosemary oil to your shampoo and wash your hair as usual. Lather the mixture into your scalp and let it run down your hair before rinsing. Shampoo with rosemary oil daily or whenever you wash your hair. Add rosemary oil less frequently if any irritation or dryness occurs on your scalp or hair.

Rosemary Oil Root Spray

Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with 2 teaspoons of carrier oil, like jojoba or argan, in a small spray bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water. Spritz the mixture and gently work it into your scalp once a day or as needed.

Rosemary oil likely stimulates hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp. More blood flow helps keep hair follicles healthy and functioning. Medications, like minoxidil, also aid hair growth.

Loss of blood circulation to hair follicles is also linked to androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern hair loss), a common and progressive hair loss condition caused by genetics and hormones called androgens.

Rosemary oil’s antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory compounds may help improve scalp health and hair growth in a few different ways:

• Stimulates hair follicles: Rosmarinic acid, a compound found in rosemary oil, can help relax and widen blood vessels. Increasing blood flow helps deliver nutrients to hair follicles necessary for hair growth.
• Regenerates hair follicles and blocks androgens: Increasing blood flow to the scalp may also help regenerate hair follicles for improved growth in people with male-pattern hair loss. 12-methoxycarnosic acid in rosemary oil may have an anti-androgenetic effect. 
• Improves male-pattern hair loss: A 6-month study found rosemary oil as effective as minoxidil 2% for hair growth in men with male-pattern hair loss. An animal study also found rosemary oil lotion had similar results to minoxidil 2%. Hair growth medications with 5% minoxidil have not been tested against rosemary oil.
• Reduces dandruff: While not a proven remedy for dandruff, rosemary oil appears to have antifungal properties, reducing fungal growth caused by dermatophytes. This type of fungus is linked to dandruff and other fungal infections that can affect the scalp.  
• Relieves itchy scalp: Rosemary oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe a dry, red, or irritated scalp. Its antifungal properties may curb itching caused by fungal infections. 

If you’re experiencing hair loss, consult your healthcare provider before trying rosemary oil. They can determine if you have an underlying health condition that requires a different treatment. 

Rosemary oil is generally safe and has fewer side effects than hair growth medications. It is a highly concentrated oil that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Signs you’re having an allergic skin reaction to rosemary oil include redness, itching, burning, and open sores. 

Always do a patch test before applying rosemary oil to your scalp. If you’re not using a pre-made product, make sure to use a few drops of rosemary oil and dilute it with a carrier oil or hair product. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the quality of essential oils. Some rosemary oil products may contain additives, very little rosemary oil, or no rosemary oil at all. For a quality rosemary oil product, look for rosemary oils that contain “100% pure essential oil,” include the common and Latin name of the plant oil, and list the volume of product included. 

Rosemary oil may help hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp and stimulating hair follicles. This effect is similar to how hair loss medications like minoxidil work, but with fewer side effects like itching. Research also shows rosemary oil may have anti-androgenetic effects to combat male-pattern hair loss and antifungal properties, improving dandruff and itchiness.

Talk to your healthcare provider or a dermatologist if you are experiencing hair loss and are concerned about hair growth.