Should I Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth?

​Topically applied rosemary oil may help support hair growth and prevent hair loss. Applying too much can cause side effects.

Rosemary is a culinary and healing herb. This woody perennial is native to the Mediterranean region, where people have used it in food and traditional medicine for centuries.

You can also buy rosemary as an essential oil. Essential oils are highly concentrated and distilled extracts of volatile plant compounds used for:

• cooking
• cleaning
• health
• other purposes

Rosemary essential oil is a common variety you can purchase and use as a home remedy. The oil’s health uses range from antioxidant benefits and anti-inflammation to memory enhancement.
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Keep reading to learn about the evidence supporting rosemary essential oil for hair growth and how to use it safely.

Can rosemary oil treat hair loss?

The idea that rosemary oil encourages hair growth may come from the rosemary’s basic health benefits. Rosemary essential oil contains compounds that may:

• have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties
• support wound healing
• promote nerve growth
• improve circulation

Research suggests that rosemary essential oil may support hair growth for some people. However, additional research is still needed to support this further and determine in which cases it is and isn’t effective.

An older but often-cited study from 2015 suggests that rosemary essential oil directly helps protect against hair loss. One 2015 trial compared the essential oil and minoxidil (Rogaine).

The researchers divided 100 human participants with androgenic alopecia (also known as male or female pattern baldness) into two groups. They used either rosemary essential oil or minoxidil. The results suggested that rosemary essential oil was as effective as minoxidil. During the process, it helped the side effect of an itchy scalp more successfully than minoxidil.

A 2023 study in mice determined that applying a hair lotion containing 1% rosemary essential oil stimulated hair growth more than minoxidil. The researchers also found that the mice treated with the rosemary lotion also had benefits to hair:

• quality
• length
• weight
• appearance

​However, additional studies in humans are still needed.

What makes rosemary essential oil support hair growth?

​Rosemary essential oil may support circulation, which may prevent hair follicles from being starved of blood supply, dying off, and leading to hair loss.

Beyond stimulating hair growth, people use rosemary essential oil to prevent premature graying and dandruff. It might also help with dry or itchy scalp, though more research is needed.

According to research, rosemary may benefit nerve tissue by increasing nerve growth factor. This may support hair growth and skin health. This ability to heal nerve endings may also rejuvenate nerves in the scalp, possibly restoring hair growth.

How should I use rosemary oil for hair loss?

You can try using rosemary essential oil as a hair restorative and thickener in a few different ways. To start, you can try any of these treatments once or twice weekly. Use them more often when desired, or you’ve become comfortable with them.

1. Massage it directly into your scalp

Mix about five drops of rosemary essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil). Then, massage it evenly into your scalp after a bath or shower. Rinsing out the oil afterward is optional, though if you do rinse, let the oil sit on your scalp for at least 5 to 10 minutes beforehand.

2. Mix it into your hair products

You can add rosemary essential oil to hair products, including:

• shampoo
• conditioner
• hair masks
• styling products

Keep to about five drops per ounce of product. Afterward, use the product as usual.

3. Add it to homemade shampoo
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If you make DIY shampoo, you can also add essential oils for your preferred health and beauty benefits. Many recipes incorporate a mixture of baking soda, coconut oil, essential oil, and possibly other oils.

What should I know before using rosemary oil?

Avoid getting essential oil in your eyes. If contact occurs, quickly rinse your eyes with cold water.

Be careful not to apply too much to your scalp. Rosemary essential oil can potentially irritate the skin, which may cause discomfort. Always dilute the oil with a carrier oil or other product to avoid skin irritation before applying it.

Not enough is known about the safety of using rosemary essential oils while pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor before using rosemary essential oil and other essential oils if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply rosemary oil directly to my hair?When applying rosemary essential oil, you must dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil. This helps prevent irritation while also adding hydration.

Does rosemary oil help hair growth?

Research suggests that rosemary essential oil may help support hair regrowth. However, the effectiveness may depend on the reason for hair loss.

Is it OK to leave rosemary oil in your hair?You can leave rosemary essential oil in your hair if diluted with a carrier oil or hair product. If you experience irritation, stop using the oil.

How often should I apply rosemary oil for hair growth?If you dilute rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil or another haircare product, you can apply it daily or as needed between washes. Using too much at once may cause irritation.
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If you apply it along with a carrier oil, you may experience oily hair if you apply it too often between washes.

The bottom line

​Rosemary has been used by many to promote hair growth successfully. Using rosemary essential oil could very well do the same for you.

Research suggests that essential oils may protect against hair loss, particularly when related to male or female pattern baldness. They may also be effective for hair regrowth for people with certain types of alopecia.
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Rosemary essential oil is a simple remedy that you can use at home. It may even be competitive with commercial products while causing fewer side effects.

from Healthline

You'll want to check out this article, too.

Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial