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If you're on a journey to grow your hair because you're experiencing postpartum hair loss, noticing thinning from menopausal changes, or you want luscious down-to-there hair (same), then you probably already know that it's a slow road. Experts say that boosting hair growth requires long-term, consistent effort using the combination of the right products and ingredients—and sometimes even in-office treatments.
Rosemary oil can be a worthy addition to your hair growth regimen. But here's the thing about the essential oil: While there are benefits to its use, "there are limited studies on its impact on hair growth specifically," says Philip Berkovitz, founder of Philip B haircare. "It's important to give you this disclaimer because there is no such thing as a miracle molecule. That said, each essential oil can be very healing and has many features and benefits for our skin, hair, and scalp when used properly and responsibly." Ahead, learn how to use rosemary oil for the most promising results.
What are the benefits of rosemary oil for hair growth?
Rosemary oil and rosemary extract (which Berkovitz says is the more potent form of the ingredient) contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, "which can help alleviate scalp concerns that hinder growth," explains Shab Caspara, a certified trichologist. "It's also a very potent antioxidant, which helps fight oxidative and aging stress on the hair follicles." The natural ingredient can help strengthen strands and reduce breakage and damage over time, which can make hair appear fuller, thicker, denser, and healthier, says Berkovitz.
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Research that shows that rosemary oil can increase hair growth is limited; most of its popularity comes anecdotally from fans who have tried it and seen positive results. But one strong scientific study conducted in 2015 "found rosemary oil to have similar effects to minoxidil, the only topical medication FDA approved for hair growth," says Candace Spann, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, hair loss specialist, and founder of ReTress.
That said, experts agree that rosemary oil does not act alone. "In a properly balanced and blended formula, it can enhance the moisture, balance, and vitality of the scalp along with supporting better hair growth and circulatory stimulation," says Berkovitz.
Are there any downsides to using rosemary oil for hair growth?
Like a lot of essential oils, rosemary can be irritating on the skin, says Gary Linkov, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, MD, hair restoration expert, and founder of Feel Confident. A bad reaction can have a negative impact on hair growth, or in some cases, such as with scarring alopecia, make it worse. This is why Linkov advises seeing a pro who specializes in hair loss: "You want to get a diagnosis and a medical treatment plan."
How to use rosemary oil for hair growth
You can apply a hair serum, shampoo, or conditioner that contains rosemary oil or, for a DIY approach, mix a few drops of rosemary oil with any carrier oil (argan, sweet almond, olive, or jojoba are recommended by experts) and massage into your scalp about 20 minutes before you jump in the shower to invigorate and nourish the scalp, says Caspara. Never apply undiluted essential oils on your scalp as it "can cause significant skin irritation and potentially even damage the hair follicles," says Linkov. And of course, as with trying any new product, start with a patch test to be sure your scalp will not be irritated, advises Berkovitz. Ahead, discover the best rosemary-infused products available.
Scalp Serum
Some scalp treatments weigh down strands, others can cause buildup, and then there are those too thick to spread evenly. This formula, however, comes with none of those drawbacks. It's suitable for everyone and is lightweight, water-based, easy to apply, and packed with good-for-you ingredients. A blend of copper peptides, caffeine, tea tree oil, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid helps to improve the look of fullness, density, and dryness. We are big fans.
Volumizing Conditioner with Rosemary and Peppermint
Caspara recommends this volumizing conditioner for those with fine or thinning hair. It will provide just enough hydration without causing strand flattening build-up. "Rosemary is a natural detoxifier that can help purify the scalp and peppermint can stimulate and create a cooling effect on the scalp," she says. While you should mainly focus conditioner on the mid-lengths to ends, you can and should apply a bit of this on the scalp to reap its detoxifying and moisturizing benefits.
Scalp Restore Miracle Calming Spray
Dealing with an itchy or irritated scalp is frustrating and downright uncomfortable. Fortunately, this calming formula (recommended by Caspara) has everything you need to rebalance your scalp and promote a healthy environment for hair growth. Beyond the peppermint and tea tree oils that give an instant cooling sensation, the mist contains seascalp, a biomarine synthetic ingredient that helps support skin function and reduce itchiness, flakes, and greasiness. Sunflower extract provides antioxidant protection and the anti-inflammatory properties in rosemary leaf extract help soothe a stressed scalp.
Peppermint Avocado Shampoo
Berkovitz recommends this best-selling shampoo from his brand for its moisturizing and clarifying benefits. "Our hair is a dead, keratinized protein and if it's not given the lipids it needs to stay strong and well moisturized, it can appear dull, dry, dehydrated, and eventually break," he says. In addition to rosemary leaf extract, this formula contains nourishing avocado oil, jojoba seed oil, and olive oil to moisturize and add shine. Peppermint oil helps gently clarify and invigorate the scalp. It's a great choice for flat, oily, or fine strands.
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Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil
This is a pre-wash treatment that deeply moisturizes scalp and hair to alleviate dryness and itchiness. Part the hair as you apply it evenly all over your scalp and on the strands and then leave it in for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it out—or leave it in as an overnight treatment. It contains rosemary oil, castor oil, and tea tree leaf oil to fortify strands, balance the scalp, soothe flakes and dryness, and provide antioxidant protection.
Serum Énergisant
It's a splurge, but it's also an effective treatment. The vegan and alcohol-free serum is gentle on the scalp and helps to protect and strengthen strands with green tea, a powerful antioxidant that fights off the damaging effects of pollution, as well as maca and rosemary extracts, which help calm the scalp. In a study conducted by the brand, users found that hair density is reinforced and hair loss is slowed after three months of use.
Rosemary Conditioning Hair Oil
Dryness and dullness go hand in hand. To help restore shine, try this budget-friendly conditioning treatment. Apply a few drops of this oil onto a clean scalp and massage it into wet or dry hair. The formula contains rosemary oil, clover, and burdock root extracts to promote shinier and smoother hair. Over time, it can also help soften split ends and broken strands. If you have very fine or thin hair, make sure to apply a small amount to avoid greasiness.
Rosemary Oil Strengthening Hair + Scalp Cleanser
This stimulating cleanser won a 2023 Oprah Daily Beauty Award for its ability to soothe flaking and irritation. It's a great option for all curl types, from waves to coils, because it defines and adds volume. The formula contains rosemary oil to soothe the scalp, peppermint oil to calm inflammation and balance oil production, horsetail leaf extract to strengthen and improve elasticity, and yucca leaf extract, which is rich in antioxidants to protect against environmental aggressors.
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Serum
When Spann started her brand, Retress, she was going through her own challenges with hair thinning. "By combining rosemary oil with peptides, licorice root extract, and natural herbs to reduce shedding, ReTress helps to improve circulation to the follicles, reduce shedding, and calm scalp inflammation," she says of her line. She especially recommends the serum because it's "clinically proven to help hair appear thicker, fuller, shinier, and more manageable." It's free of harsh ingredients like minoxidil, synthetic fragrances, and sulfates.
Rosemary Shampoo
Dealing with damaged hair requires a routine that's gentle yet hardworking enough to repair and minimize broken and worn-out strands. Whether you have color-treated, heat-damaged, or over-processed hair, this dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic formula can help, especially when paired with its matching conditioner. It contains strengthening plant proteins and ceramides to target damaged hair and repair the scalp barrier. It also contains rosemary oil to reduce inflammation and help with any potential thinning.
Supa Thick Scalp Serum
Isn't it unsettling when you're combing or stroking your head and a clump of hair comes out? This topical scalp treatment is clinically shown to address hair shedding thanks to redensyl, a patented follicle technology that stimulates growth by increasing the anagen (hair growth) phase of the hair cycle and decreasing the telogen (hair loss) phase. It also contains a blend of rosemary, clary sage, and peppermint essential oils to stimulate the scalp and probiotics to target dryness and dandruff.
Strengthening Scalp & Hair Oil
You can't go wrong with this scalp and hair oil. For a little over 10 dollars, it helps repair damage, strengthen hair, moisturize, and smooth split ends. It contains a blend of nourishing oils that help hair and scalp health but also makes it great at hydrating and defining curly and coily textures that tend to be dry. Apply two to three drops onto the scalp and massage it in from the root to the ends of the hair.
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How We Chose the Best Rosemary Oil Hair Products
Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with experts to learn about what to look for in a formula with rosemary and got their go-to recommendations. We also researched and tested top-rated and brand-new formulas that hit the market to help you find the best products out there.
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