These days, the internet is awash with products that claim to promote hair growth, from scalp serums to biotin gummies. They all tout fast results, but with little research to back up their big claims. But hair growth oils are perhaps the one that’s garnered the most attention in recent years. Specifically, rosemary oil, which has racked up hundreds of millions of views on TikTok and is backed by scientific studies.
That being said, it doesn’t work for everyone, so there are some important things to keep in mind when adding rosemary oil to your hair care routine.
Here’s what the research says about rosemary oil’s effects on hair growth, plus tips from a board-certified dermatologist and trichologist on how to give it a try.
Does rosemary oil really help hair growth?
It may have only recently become popular on TikTok, but rosemary oil has been used to treat hair loss for over 100 years.
As its popularity spreads by word of mouth, a growing number of studies are pointing out its potential as an effective hair growth alternative to minoxidil.
Interest in rosemary oil’s hair growth benefits dates back to a 2015 study in which participants with male pattern baldness, a common form of hair loss, were split into two groups: one group used rosemary leaf oil, and the other group used minoxidil (also known as Rogaine), a prescription treatment for hair loss. When researchers followed up with the groups three and six months later, they found that participants who used rosemary oil experienced the same level of hair growth as those who used minoxidil. Not only that, but participants who used rosemary oil reported higher satisfaction with their treatment than those who used minoxidil.
There are other studies supporting the effectiveness of rosemary oil in promoting hair growth, especially for people with alopecia, such as a clinical review from 2010. A 2011 review also found that rosemary oil can actually be used as a preventative measure, stopping hair loss before it becomes a problem.
However, most other studies have been conducted on animals.
A 2013 study on mice with testosterone-induced alopecia showed that rosemary leaf extract stimulated hair growth, suggesting that it may be helpful for people who were assigned male at birth and suffer from hormone-related alopecia.
Another 2022 study on rats found that rosemary oil was even more effective at promoting hair growth than cedarwood oil, which is also thought to have hair and scalp benefits.
What does rosemary oil do for your hair?
“Rosemary oil has multiple benefits for hair health,” says Meerika Khanna, certified trichologist and founder of Rthvi.
Here’s why experts believe rosemary oil is effective in promoting hair growth.
It may increase blood flow to the scalp.
Rosemary oil is rich in carnosic acid, a natural chemical that increases blood circulation and helps repair damaged nerves and tissues.
“Increased blood flow nourishes hair follicles, encouraging growth and potentially leading to thicker, healthier hair,” Khanna explains.
It has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
“Rosemary oil helps fight off yeast, bacteria, fungus, and parasites that live on your scalp, all of which can exacerbate most cases of hair loss,” says William Gaunitz, MD, certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology.
Poor scalp health, for example due to dandruff, can negatively impact hair growth. Seborrheic dermatitis is a more severe form of dandruff that’s thought to develop due to an overgrowth of Malassezia, a specific type of fungus that lives on human skin. A 2017 study found that rosemary oil can kill some bacteria and fungi, which Kana says can contribute to overall scalp health.
In a 2015 study comparing the hair growth effects of minoxidil and rosemary oil, participants who used rosemary oil experienced significantly less itchy scalp than those who used minoxidil.
It can calm inflammation.
Rosemary oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, a notable benefit considering inflammation is linked to a variety of scalp conditions that affect hair growth, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
“By reducing inflammation, rosemary oil improves hair follicle function and promotes thicker, stronger hair growth,” says Gaunitz.
It is rich in antioxidants.
A 2021 study found that people with thinning hair who used a leave-in scalp treatment containing antioxidants for 24 weeks experienced reduced hair loss and improved scalp health. They also saw an increase in total hair count at the end of the study. Luckily, rosemary oil is packed with antioxidants.
“The antioxidant properties of rosemary oil may also help protect hair from damage,” says Shoshana Marmon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at New York Medical College.
Rosemary oil and hair loss
There’s a difference between growing thicker, longer hair and recovering from hair loss, and experts agree that if you’re experiencing hair loss, the best treatment is to consult with your doctor or dermatologist.
Addressing the underlying causes of your hair loss (scalp infection, hormone imbalance, stress, thyroid issues, etc.) is an important first step in your hair growth journey. For example, if your hair loss is caused by a deficiency of iron, protein, or zinc, taking all the rosemary oil in the world probably isn’t going to completely solve the problem. You’ll also need to increase your intake of these nutrients.
Once you’ve taken this step, adding rosemary oil can help complement other treatments recommended by your doctor or dermatologist. In fact, a 2015 study found that those who used rosemary oil experienced a greater reduction in hair loss than the minoxidil group.
On the other hand, if you don’t have any hair loss or scalp health issues, rosemary oil alone can be a great hair growth supplement.
Rosemary oil for hair growth
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Marmon and Kanna love this affordable product because it contains more than 30 essential oils and nutrients.
Gaunitz recommends this serum as it’s the only dietary supplement brand endorsed by the American Hair Loss Association.
Infused with soothing tea tree oil and moisturizing castor oil, this treatment is perfect for overall scalp health.
Marmon says this scalp and hair oil won’t weigh down fine hair, and it also contains avocado oil for added moisturizing benefits.
Formulated with rosemary oil and rosemary extract to strengthen color-fast hair, this shampoo is effective in combating thinning hair.
This nourishing hair oil is great for sensitive skin and can also help treat split ends, Marmon says.
This concentrated treatment is suitable for daily use and works well on all hair types.
This versatile product can be used as a pre-wash scalp treatment or as a daily hair oil.
This serum contains a powerful combination of rosemary oil and scalp-stimulating thyme extract.
FAQ
How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth
There are several ways you can use rosemary oil for hair growth.
Boakye recommends mixing a few drops with a carrier oil and massaging it directly into your scalp, leaving it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing. You can also add it to your favorite hair growth shampoo or conditioner.
How to Make Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth at Home
Like other essential oils, rosemary oil is highly concentrated and may irritate the skin if applied directly to the scalp, says Marmon, so Khanna and Marmon recommend always diluting it with a carrier oil to get the full benefits without risking this.
According to Khanna and Marmon, the best carrier oils for rosemary oil include:
You can also use olive oil, sweet almond oil, or avocado oil.
How to Dilute Rosemary Oil for Hair
Khanna recommends diluting rosemary oil to 2%.
This is equivalent to approximately 2 drops of rosemary oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
Or, if you are adding rosemary oil to an 8 ounce bottle of shampoo or conditioner, add about 80 drops of rosemary oil.
How often should I use rosemary oil for hair growth?
For best results, Marmon, Kanna and Boakye recommend using rosemary oil two to three times a week.
“This frequency will vary based on personal preference and tolerance,” Marmon added.
Khanna says leaving it on overnight will allow the beneficial compounds in the rosemary oil to be fully absorbed into your scalp, making it even more effective.
Rebecca Strong
Freelance writer
Rebecca Strong is a Boston-based freelance writer and podcast host covering health and wellness, lifestyle, beauty, and travel. In addition to contributing to Business Insider Reviews, her work has also appeared on Health.com, Healthline, Men’s Health, Bustle, Well+Good, StyleCaster, PopSugar, Eat This Not That, and AskMen. In April 2024, she appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show to discuss one of her Business Insider articles for Drew’s “It’s Trending!” segment. Her podcast, Well-Bent, is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Twitter and Instagram. Read More Read More
