Can You Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth?

Possible benefits, side effects, and how to use

Medically reviewed by Marisa Garshick, MD

Rosemary's benefits have been promoted for centuries. The benefits are endorsed due to the plant's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurological properties. One such benefit is its use in promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss.

Rosemary essential oil is a potent oil extracted from rosemary leaves and flowery tops. The plant's scientific name is Rosmarinus officinalis.

When applied to the hair, you can mix a few drops of the rosemary oil with a carrier oil (i.e., olive oil or avocado oil). Another option is to mix a few drops of the oil with your shampoo or conditioner. Never apply the undiluted essential oil directly to the hair or scalp.

This article will review the possible benefits of rosemary oil for hair growth, its side effects, and how to use it safely.

How Rosemary Oil May Help Hair Growth

A study from 2022 found evidence that rosemary oil can help with hair growth. Here, researchers looked to formulate oleogels (gels made from vegetable oil) containing two essential oils (cedarwood and rosemary) alone and in combination to evaluate their effects on hair growth in rat models.

The experimental animals were treated with a hair-removal cream, and the oleogels were applied over six weeks. Some rats were given the oleogels separately, some were given the oleogels in combination, and others were given minoxidil 2%, the main ingredient in popular hair growth products such as Rogaine.

Hair growth results showed that the oleogel continuing rosemary oil had higher effects than cedarwood. The rosemary oil oleogel was found to have similar effects as minoxidil.

One 2015 study found that rosemary oil could help treat androgenic alopecia (a common type of hair loss associated with androgen sex hormones, including testosterone) and reduce the hair loss associated with the condition.

Researchers believe rosemary oil works by stimulating hair growth and blocking the effects of a type of testosterone, which shrinks hair follicles and leads to hair loss. In this study, participants used rosemary oil for six months. The results showed effects similar to those of minoxidil.

Related: What Causes Hair Loss and Thinning in Women and Men?

In addition to reducing hair loss and stimulating hair growth, rosemary has been linked to other hair and scalp benefits, including reducing dandruff and limiting premature graying.

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. According to a 2022 Combinatorial Chemistry and High Throughput Screening review, essential oils have a strong potential to be developed as anti-dandruff products. Rosemary oil can also limit scalp inflammation and irritation.

Some evidence suggests rosemary oil might help prevent premature graying of hair. The research in this area has been limited, and more studies are needed to determine rosemary oil's effects on hair color.

Related: How to Grow Your Hair as Fast as Possible

How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth

One of the easiest ways to use rosemary oil for hair growth is to purchase shampoo with rosemary oil already in it. You will want to pick a shampoo with a higher rosemary oil concentration.

Additional ways to use rosemary oil for hair growth are:

Add to Your Favorite Shampoo

When you wash your hair, add a few drops of rosemary oil to your shampoo. Do not add too much to avoid skin irritation. Start with two or three drops per application of the shampoo product (such as a sample of the shampoo the size of a U.S. quarter).

Make a Homemade Shampoo With Rosemary Oil

You can find recipes for homemade shampoo bases online. Once you decide which recipe base to use, you can add rosemary oil to the homemade shampoo.

Massage Directly Into the Scalp

You can apply rosemary essential oil directly to the scalp, but you must dilute it using a carrier oil first. Carrier oils, like argan oil, coconut oil, or sunflower oil, can help you use the essential oil safely.

Add a few drops of rosemary oil to the carrier oil to make the oil for massaging into hair. The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy recommends using no more than 20 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.

Once you mix the rosemary oil with the carrier oil, massage it into the scalp. You do not have to rinse out. If you choose to rinse it out, do so after the solution is on the scalp for at least a few minutes. Using essential oil-carrier oil solution daily in your hair or scalp is generally safe, provided you do not use too much rosemary oil.

Related: Rosemary Water: Hair Growth Alternative or Trendy Speculation?

Avoiding Risks and Side Effects of Rosemary Oil

Rosemary essential oil is considered safe when applied to the scalp or skin after being diluted with a carrier oil. However, it is possible to experience skin irritation or an allergic reaction. Therefore, you should be careful not to apply too much to the scalp. Dilute it with a carrier oil and only use a few drops of rosemary oil.

Avoid getting the rosemary essential oil solution in your eyes. If it gets into the eyes, quickly rinse them with cold water.

Not much is known about rosemary oil's safety in pregnant and breastfeeding people. Even though rosemary oil is used topically, confirming risks and side effects with your healthcare provider is a good idea.

People with certain health conditions, including high blood pressure, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease, should not use rosemary essential oil.

Rosemary oil may also interact with some medications, including:

• Blood-thinning drugs, including warfarin and Plavix (clopidogrel)

• Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure), including Vasotec (enalapril) and Zestril (lisinopril)

• Diuretics (water pills), including Lasix (furosemide)

• Antidiabetic drugs (since it can affect blood sugar)

• Lithium (mood stabilizer)

While side effects are rare with topical use, check with your healthcare provider before using the oil topically.

Rosemary oil can be given to children topically. However, you will want to do a patch test (applying it to a small area to observe for a reaction) before applying it more generally to the skin. You will want to dilute the rosemary oil. Never apply the undiluted essential oil directly to the skin.

Consumption of rosemary essential oil is considered unsafe. Even in small amounts, it can have toxic effects.

Where to Find Rosemary Oil for Hair

You can buy rosemary-infused hair products at your favorite store or online retailer. This includes shampoos, conditioners, scalp and hair oils, and hair masks. You can also find rosemary essential oil drops at your favorite retailer or herbal store.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal products like essential oils for purity or potency. That means you will want to do your due diligence when purchasing essential oils for use in your hair and on your scalp.

Check the label to ensure the product is 100% pure and undiluted. To prevent skin irritation or other side effects, avoid oils that contain fragrances and other artificial ingredients.

Always follow the product's labeling information for dosage and dilution of the rosemary essential oil. Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil when using it on the hair and scalp.

Related: 10 Best Places to Buy Essential Oils

Summary

Rosemary essential oil has been used to promote hair growth, and research shows that it may be as effective as some commercial hair growth products. It might also help prevent hair loss, dandruff, and premature graying.

Topical use of rosemary oil is generally safe, although allergic reactions and skin irritation are possible. You should dilute the oil with a carrier oil before using it in your hair.

You can also purchase products for the hair that already contain rosemary oil. When purchasing rosemary essential oil drops, choose 100% pure and undiluted products that do not contain fragrances and additives.

Some people should check with their healthcare providers whether it is safe to use rosemary oil topically. This includes pregnant and breastfeeding people and people with certain health conditions or who take certain medications.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.