Does Rosemary Oil Help With Hair Growth? Here’s What Experts Say

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Rosemary oil has been a hot topic of conversation lately on TikTok—and not for its aromatic fragrance. Rather, the oil is garnering attention for its potential with hair growth. But is there any truth behind all the social media chatter? Yes—well, probably.

“A 2015 study compared rosemary oil to Minoxidil for hair growth and at six months, both groups saw significant increases in hair growth,” board-certified dermatologist Hadley King tells Bazaar. “This effect could be due to rosemary oil's enhancement of micro-capillary perfusion.” However, King says that Minoxidil is still, “The most proven OTC option and works for both men and women.”

If you prefer to try rosemary oil, just know that more research is still needed. “The bottom line is that for oils, we need bigger, better studies in order to evaluate whether or not these ingredients may help with hair growth,” stresses King. Because of its growth cycle, any effects on hair may take up to six months to show King explains, adding that, “The 2015 study with rosemary oil showed results at six months.”

For more on the topic, we also tapped celebrity hair stylist and colorist Dominick Pucciarello, and L'Oréal Paris style and color creative director Jonathan Colombini for their expert thoughts and product picks for the best rosemary oil-infused options for hair growth.

Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo

Over 2,200 beauty lovers agree: Aveda's Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo is one of the best for a deep clean with hair health benefits. Its scalp balancing, shine enhancing formula sets the perfect foundation for growth.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"Love the smell and feel of the rosemary mint /conditioner. My hair is fine and thinning and it cleans my scalp and strands without weighing it down and theres no oily or weighed down feeling throughout the day. The subtle tingling sensation also lets me feel like my scalp is getting a little extra massage after my last rinse." —ShantellC

Magic Elixir Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment

Use this hair oil blend from Kiehl's before you lather up: It combines rosemary and avocado oils to nourish your hair and scalp while boosting shine and manageability.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"Great product! I swear I see progress already and I’ve only been using it for a couple of weeks. Seeing great hair growth and great heart health." —Ruby7796

Scalpfix

King recommends this scalp treatment, which contains both rosemary and peppermint oils, both of which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. “It's not oily, so that makes it easy to use on the scalp,” says the derm. “And it's also microbiome friendly!”

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"Absolutely blown away by this product, it is amazing! Works better than I expected! I will never use dry shampoo again!" —Jennifer D

Scalp Serum

In addition to rosemary, tea tree, and peppermint oils, this scalp serum also contains 3 percent Procapil, another active ingredient that promotes hair growth.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"This stuff really works. I haven't finished my first tube and already ordered a second. I am seeing the beginning of new hair growth. The balding spot on the left side is becoming less noticeable. Really pleased with I am seeing. It feels good on the scalp. Not greasy." —Greta

Rosemary Conditioning Hair Oil

This rosemary hair oil can be massaged directly onto the scalp, or applied to ends as a styling oil.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"I am have very dry hair and this oil provides a lot of moisture without having to use much of it, which is a good thing because this is a small bottle. I have been using it for about a year now and I really like it." —Rebecca

Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo

This rosemary-tinged shampoo has been a favorite of Colombini's for years, thanks to its sulfate-free, color-safe formula and pleasant fragrance. It's also ideal for hydrating dull, dry hair.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"My favorite affordable color-safe shampoo. I have coarse vibrant/fashion color hair. This is my fave affordable shampoo for moisture, cleansing and color protection. gets rid of build-up without stripping my color. Rosemary smell is lovely and herbal. Bottle is big and lasts!" —Simone

Scalp Serum

Ideal for natural hair, this tingly formula combining rosemary, peppermint, and lavender oils soothes irritated scalps. Plus, since the serum features a nozzle applicator tip, it's especially nice for those wearing protective hairstyles, like locs or braids.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"This serum not only smells amazing but also leaves my scalp feeling refreshed and hydrated and ready for a new week! My scalp can get dry fairly easy, especially after I clarify in the winter months. I feel like I'm getting a spa treatment on my scalp every time I use it." —Camille

Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil

This moisturizing oil is full of ingredients that soothe the scalp, including rosemary extract, squalane, bisabolol, and turmeric root extract.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"This product is amazing! I have horrible dandruff and the only product for years that worked was head and shoulders. This product has cleared up my dandruff and makes my hair silky smooth - highly recommend." —ngberg7

Caramel Cowash Cleansing Conditioner

Gently cleanse curls with this creamy co-wash, which is made with hydrating aloe vera and spiked with rosemary, organic coconut, and argan oil to help prevent breakage.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"This smells like pure heaven and really helps moisturize & seal my hair. I use this after using my shampoo and regular conditioner as the final step of my routine. Definitely recommend and will repurchase this." —AG

Tea Tree Oil & Rosemary Hair & Scalp Treatment Mask Packette

With rosemary, collagen, and tea tree, you can use this deep treatment from roots to ends.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"My hair lovesssss this stuff. I have curly virgin 3C hair and my hair loves it so much!" —Desiree

Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

In addition to rosemary oil, this best-seller from Mielle Organics also contains biotin and mint to fortify hair types 3A to 4C. Its lightweight formula is also ideal for smoothing split ends.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"My hair has been colored and bleached for 50+ years. For the past few years no amount of conditioner, hydrator or moisturizer helped with my basically dead hair. Thank goodness I found Mielle oil. I thought it would leave my hair oily, instead it was absorbed and now my hair is strong, thicker and silky. I use it each time I wash my hair, putting a few drops on my hands, I massage it in, comb it through, let my hair dry some and blow dry it. My hair looks like it did when I was a teenager. I have reordered and will continue to….it’s the only product that works." —Barbara W.

Scalp Conditioner

If you're looking for increased hair growth and deal with regular dandruff, we suggest adding Sachajuan's Scalp Conditioner to your regular hair care rotation. Its formula not only keeps it at bay, but also uses a combination of menthol, salicylic acid, and more to soothe scalp irritation.

What the Reviews Are Saying:

"I tend to get an itchy dry scalp during the winter months. I only use this about once a week, and my dandruff and itchiness is completely gone! It's also really lovely to use—it feels calming and has a great, fresh scent. I ended up ordering the entire line after trying this product." —Anonymous

What are the benefits of rosemary oil?

• It can help thicken hair. Research shows that rosemary oil may be as beneficial as Minoxidil—the active ingredient in Rogaine—for hair growth (but more on that in a minute).

• It’s antimicrobial. According to King, “Rosemary oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties" that can soothe the scalp.

• It helps minimize dandruff. Those antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, “Help to keep dandruff and scalp acne at bay,” King says.

• It helps prevent breakage. Some hair thinning is due to breakage. According to Pucciarello, rosemary oil helps to prevent thinning from aging or hormonal conditions.

• It’s safe for all hair types. Most everyone can use rosemary oil, although “If you have any allergic reactions, stop using the product and consult your dermatologist,” Pucciarello adds.

How should rosemary oil be applied?

Rosemary oil can be applied daily or after every wash, either directly or through a number of care products. "If you’re hoping to address hair growth, apply directly onto the scalp and massage in for a couple minutes," Colombini advises. "If you’re hoping to address hair breakage or dryness, apply to the hair to act as a conductor to help transfer sebum, hair’s natural oils, onto the hair shaft, which acts as a protector."

Meet the Experts

• Hadley King M.D., F.A.A.D, is a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist based in New York City.

• Jonathan Colombini is the L'Oréal Paris style and color creative director and owner of the John Henry Salon in Malibu.

• Dominick Pucciarello is a celebrity stylist and colorist based in Los Angeles.

Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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