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

The essential oil has been compared to minoxidil.

Fact checked by Emily Peterson

Hair oils have been touted as a game-changer for your hair care routine—they’re believed to have a variety of benefits, from strengthening the hair and preventing frizz to protecting against heat damage and even promoting hair growth.

One oil that ticks off all four is rosemary oil—TikTok can't get enough of the essential oil for hair growth and overall hair health, with the #RosemaryOil tag garnering more than 3.0B views and countless videos showcasing users' success stories. Some are even experiencing hair growth of record speeds, with a noticeable difference in length in just three weeks.

We spoke with hairstylists to see if—and how—rosemary oil can help promote hair growth.

Rosemary Oil Benefits

Rosemary oil comes from the rosemary plant, native to the Mediterranean region. The fragrant sprig is used throughout beauty—including skin care, hair care, and perfume—and has been hailed as a healing herb for centuries.

“It's best known for its antiseptic properties on the scalp, which means it's excellent for eliminating dandruff,” says Darrius Peace, hairstylist and natural hair expert. “In fact, because it can be used on the scalp, the absorption can also aid in muscle relief, providing mental clarity.”

Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth

In short, yes! Rosemary oil has a definite track record of supporting healthy hair growth and regrowing hair.

According to William Gaunitz, certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology, a 2015 study compared minoxidil (an FDA-approved treatment for hair loss) to rosemary oil over a period of six months. The findings? Both products had comparable results, but the rosemary oil was actually more beneficial, as it was less irritating to the scalp.

Before we continue to sing the praises of rosemary oil, let’s take a step back to talk about hair health. “The scalp is the organ that houses the hair follicle where hair formation begins on a cellular level, resulting in the production of the hair fiber. Retaining the delicate balance of the scalp's microbiome should be a priority when discussing hair growth,” explains New York City trichologist Bridgette Hill. “Rosemary oil is good for hair growth because it's anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, increases blood circulation, and [contains] fatty acid.”

Side Effects of Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is generally safe to use. But if your scalp is on the sensitive side and you’re worried about how your skin may react, Wes Sharpton, hairstylist and Hairstory Lead Brand Educator, recommends doing a patch test first.

“Take a small amount of your rosemary oil mixture and apply to a small portion of the scalp that's visible to you," says Sharpton. "Observe the skin where you applied the oil to see if there's any itchiness, burning, redness, or inflammation, which might indicate an allergy to rosemary oil or other oils in the mixture." And if you have sensitive skin, he advises, check with your dermatologist to see if rosemary oil is a good option for you..

How to Make Rosemary Oil

To reduce the risk of skin irritation, essential oils are usually diluted with a gentle oil such as coconut or olive (both good options for hair), known as a carrier oil. Just add a teaspoon of rosemary essential oil (found in most health food stores or at Amazon) to 1/2 cup of your carrier oil, and presto!

How to Apply Rosemary Oil to Hair

Rosemary oil contains fatty acids, so use it conservatively, lest you wind up with an oily scalp and greasy hair.

“The best way to use rosemary oil for hair retention is to lightly apply it to the scalp and massage it throughout the hair," says Peace. "The amount you use will depend on the density of your hair."

Apply directly to the scalp about three times a week, gently massaging in with your fingertips to help increase blood flow and absorption. Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist and Philip Kingsley Brand President, recommends rosemary oil be “applied as a leave-on product, so it has a greater chance of exerting its effects.”

Or you could opt for the quick and easy method recommended by Mamina Turegano, MD, a certified dermatologist in Metairie, Louisiana. "You can add three to five drops of rosemary essential oil to your shampoo. Massage it into the scalp, leave it for about five minutes, then rinse."

Best Rosemary Oil Products to Try

If you'd rather buy than DIY, check out these rosemary oil products recommended by Real Simple beauty director Heather Muir Maffei.

Allpa Botanicals Rosemary Hair Oil

Made with organic, ethically sourced ingredients, Allpa Botanicals Rosemary Hair Oil can be massaged directly into the scalp for a stimulating yet smoothing overnight treatment.

To buy: $19 and up; allpabotanicals.com

Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil

Apply gentle, non-tingly Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-wash Oil before you shampoo—it's like giving your hair a luxurious mini-spa treatment.

To buy: $32; briogeohair.com

Pacifica Scalp Love Rosemary Mint Serum

Pacifica Scalp Love Rosemary Mint Serum not only detoxifies and hydrates your scalp and hair with sage, thyme, and witch hazel—it lifts your spirits with its light but heavenly smell.

To buy: $14; pacificabeauty.com

More Scalp-Treating Products

If you’re really looking to promote hair growth and get the luscious hair of your dreams, you can pump up the effects of rosemary oil with some scalp-benefiting products. Try Philip Kingsley’s Density Preserving Scalp Drops, which are clinically proven to help slow hair loss and reduce hair shedding, and René Furterer Forticea Energizing Shampoo, which promotes microcirculation.

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