Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!
I’m here to tell you why I use rosemary for hair and what are its benefits for hair. I’ve also explained why rosemary helps hair growth. Check it out!
If you are one of those people who are quite confused seeing the title and wondering “rosemary for hair?” since rosemary has always been used as a culinary condiment, well you have read it right. Rosemary can also be used for hair!
So, if you are on the lookout for a remedy to help get rid of all your hair problems like hair thinning, lack of hair growth, and excessive hair fall rosemary is your IT girl.
And I also love effective it is on dandruff and scalp conditions like eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.
Also, if you lack hair lustre and shine and have many more such hair problems, then you’ve clicked on the right page.
Using rosemary for hair is one of the most trending all-natural hair remedies in the present day. It can help boost hair growth, reduce scalp conditions, increase hair thickness and improve hair lustre and shine.
This article will talk about what rosemary actually is, how using rosemary benefits the hair and also will give you simple ways to use rosemary for your hair.
Here’s everything you must know!
What exactly is rosemary?
Rosemary is an herb (also scientifically called rosmarinus officinalis) which is very often known for its distinct smell.
It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been in use over the years in culinary preparations as a condiment to add flavour to the food.
But in the past few years, rosemary has gained a lot of attention in the public, as people started using it for the hair and learnt how beneficial rosemary actually is, as it worked as a solution to solving multiple hair issues.
Rosemary For Hair Benefits
I have been using rosemary for my hair for a long time now. Traditionally rosemary has been associated with a lot of benefits and today, these benefits are also scientifically proven. A study shows rosemary to be as effective as Minoxidil 2% for hair growth.
Here are certain (good) changes I saw in my hair after using rosemary in my hair care routine.
It helped boost my hair growth
Many a time, people experience lack of hair growth because the nerve endings of their hair follicles are damaged.
Rosemary contains ‘carnosic acid’, its active ingredient. This ingredient is a plant compound that helps heal these damaged nerve endings and can help rejuvenate the damaged hair follicles and restore active hair growth.
Rosemary also has properties of vasodilatation. This means that it can dilate the blood vessels, allowing better blood flow to the hair follicles to get stimulated and increase hair growth
- Related: How To Use Peppermint Oil For Hair
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My scalp no longer feels itchy, flaky or inflamed
A lot of people suffer from dandruff, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and other scalp conditions.
These scalp conditions can irritate the skin by causing inflammation. Rosemary has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce this inflammation.
It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help heal and provide the scalp relief from this irritation.
I have lesser hair fall
When people suffer from scalp conditions, they tend to itch their scalps.
Also, when excessive heat (from hot water showers or use of heat styling tools) is used on the scalp, the hair follicles can get inflamed or damaged. This could be a cause for hair loss.
Rosemary can help rejuvenate dormant and damaged hair follicles, by supplying sufficient blood flow to the scalp and stimulate blood circulation in the scalp to help strengthen the hair follicles and thereby reduce hair fall.
Rosemary can keep the hair away from premature greying
Using rosemary for the hair is known to help fight premature greying of hair because rosemary has hair darkening properties that can help darken greys.
Apart from premature greying of hair, it helps slow down the natural process of hair greying as well, to a large extent.
How to Use Rosemary Oil For Hair
Rosemary infused hair oil
Rosemary infused hair oil is easy to make at home and can be stored for a long time. All you need to do is heat up a wok with a cup of coconut oil and add in a cup of rosemary stalks (or ½ cup of rosemary leaves) into it and let it simmer for around 8 minutes.
Soon you will notice the change in the colour of the oil.
After 8 minutes you can turn off the heat, let the oil cool a little and strain the freshly made rosemary infused oil into a storage container.
The oil is ready to use. You can generously apply it all over your hair and scalp, massage it in and leave it on for around 30 minutes before rinsing it off. Lastly, shampoo your hair and condition it after.
Caution: Patch testing is always recommended before complete application, to check for any allergic reactions.
Rosemary hair rinse
The rosemary hair rinse can be used in two ways, either as an after-shower leave-in rinse or even as a pre-shower hair rinse.
To make the hair rinse, you will require to heat up a litre of water in a pot and add in 10 rosemary stalks.
Let it simmer for 5 to 6 minutes before turning off the heat. Let it cool, before you strain the water and it is ready to use on the hair.
You can pour this water all over your hair and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before having a head bath. This is one way you could use this rosemary hair rinse.
Another method would be to pour this rosemary infused water into a spray bottle and spray it all over your damp hair after your head bath and let it dry naturally thereafter.
Rosemary essential oil
Since rosemary essential oil is highly potent, it should always be diluted with a carrier oil before it is used on the hair.
You can choose to use any carrier oil of your choice like coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, almond oil etc, to dilute the rosemary essential oil with.
If you are using a tablespoon of carrier oil, you can use 2 to 3 drops of rosemary essential oil in it. If you wish to make a bigger quantity, you can proportionately increase the ratio.
Once you have diluted the rosemary essential oil in the carrier oil, mix it well and then apply it all over your scalp and hair generously.
Massage it in well and leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes. Lastly, rinse off with any shampoo and make sure to condition your hair thereafter.
Caution: Patch testing is always recommended before complete application, to check for any allergic reactions.
Rosemary infused shampoo
A lot of people use rosemary essential oil in their shampoos too. The ratio of dilution is the same as you would do while diluting an essential oil with a carrier oil.
So for every tablespoon (approximately) of shampoo you use, you could add in 2 to 3 drops of rosemary essential oil. Mix it well and then use it to shampoo your hair as usual. Gently massage it in and leave it on for a few minutes. Rinse off and condition after.
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How to create rosemary water for hair growth
Sure! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create rosemary water for hair growth:
Step 1: Gather the ingredients and materials you’ll need. You’ll need fresh or dried rosemary leaves, distilled water, a pot with a lid, a strainer, a spray bottle (optional), and a glass container for storage.
Step 2: Measure out the rosemary leaves. For every cup of water, you’ll generally need around 1-2 tablespoons of rosemary leaves. Adjust the quantities based on the amount of water you plan to use.
Step 3: Rinse the rosemary leaves. If you’re using fresh rosemary, give the leaves a gentle rinse to remove any dirt or impurities. If you’re using dried rosemary, there’s no need to rinse.
Step 4: Boil the water. Pour the distilled water into a pot and bring it to a boil.
Step 5: Add the rosemary leaves. Once the water reaches a boil, add the rosemary leaves to the pot. Stir them gently to ensure they are fully immersed in the water.
Step 6: Simmer the mixture. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the rosemary leaves to simmer in the water for about 15-20 minutes. This will help extract the beneficial compounds from the rosemary.
Step 7: Let it cool. After simmering, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down completely. This allows the rosemary water to infuse with the beneficial properties of the herb.
Step 8: Strain the mixture. Place a strainer over a clean container or bowl, and carefully pour the cooled rosemary water through the strainer to separate the liquid from the leaves. Gently press the leaves with a spoon to extract any remaining liquid.
Step 9: Transfer to a storage container. If you’re not using the rosemary water immediately, pour it into a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. It’s recommended to use the rosemary water within 1-2 weeks.
Step 10: Optional: Transfer to a spray bottle. If you prefer, you can pour the rosemary water into a spray bottle for easy application. This allows you to spritz it directly onto your scalp and hair.
To use rosemary water for hair growth, apply it to your scalp and massage gently. You can leave it on for a few hours or overnight before rinsing it out with water or continuing with your regular shampoo and conditioner routine. Repeat this treatment regularly to potentially promote hair growth and improve scalp health.
Remember, while rosemary water may have potential benefits for hair growth, individual results may vary. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist for personalized advice regarding your hair care and specific concerns.
Rosemary Vs Minoxidil: Which Is More Effective For Hair Growth
Both rosemary and minoxidil have been studied for their potential effects on hair growth, but it’s important to note that minoxidil is an FDA-approved medication specifically designed for hair loss treatment, while rosemary is a natural herb that has been traditionally used for hair care. Here’s an overview of the two:
- Minoxidil: Minoxidil is a topical medication that is available over-the-counter and in stronger formulations by prescription. It is commonly used for treating androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). Minoxidil is believed to prolong the hair growth cycle, increase the size of hair follicles, and potentially promote hair regrowth. It is typically applied directly to the scalp twice a day.
- Rosemary: Rosemary is an herb that has been used for centuries for its potential benefits to hair and scalp health. Some studies suggest that rosemary oil may have stimulating effects on hair growth by improving circulation to the scalp and providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used topically in the form of infused oil or water, which can be applied to the scalp.
In terms of effectiveness, minoxidil has been extensively studied and proven to be effective in many cases of androgenetic alopecia. It has been shown to promote hair regrowth in both men and women.
On the other hand, the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of rosemary for hair growth is limited and primarily based on laboratory or animal studies.
While some anecdotal evidence and small-scale studies support its potential benefits, more research is needed to establish its efficacy and compare it directly to minoxidil.
It’s worth mentioning that individual results may vary, and the effectiveness of any treatment can depend on various factors such as the underlying cause of hair loss, genetics, and overall health.
If you’re experiencing significant hair loss or concerns about hair growth, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist who can provide personalized advice and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about using rosemary on the hair
1. Is there a difference between rosemary oil and rosemary essential oil?
Yes, there definitely is a big difference between rosemary oil and rosemary essential oil.
Rosemary oil is just a carrier oil (base oil) which is boiled along with rosemary stalks in order to gain its medicinal properties for the hair. Therefore, the carrier oil becomes infused with the properties of the rosemary herb.
On the other hand, rosemary essential oil is the oil extracted directly from the rosemary plant, by processing it in a steam chamber and is then condensed. It is highly potent and therefore it is called essential oil, not to be confused with any regular rosemary oil.
2. Can I use rosemary essential oil directly on my scalp?
Well, using undiluted rosemary essential oil directly on the scalp or hair is not recommended because the essential oil is highly potent and can lead to scalp irritation, itching and can also cause allergic reactions in some.
Therefore, you can use rosemary oil or dilute a few drops of rosemary essential oil in any carrier oil of your choice before using it on your scalp and hair.
3. Is rosemary safe to use for everyone?
As mentioned as a disclaimer, as a precautionary measure patch testing any product with rosemary before complete application is always recommended. But pregnant women and lactating mothers could avoid using rosemary, for safety purposes.
4. What do I do if rosemary essential oil comes in contact with the eyes?
Make sure not to rub your eyes, but simply keep rinsing it with cold water for a few minutes to reduce the irritation. If the irritation persists, visit a medical professional immediately.
5. How often do I need to use rosemary on my hair?
If you are using rosemary in the form of rosemary infused hair oil or diluting it in your shampoo or along with any carrier oil, then you can use it around 2 times a week.
If you are only using the rosemary hair rinse, then you can even use it thrice every week.
If you wish to use different remedies with rosemary, you can alternate and use these remedies up to 3 times a week.
Always remember that consistency is important and using rosemary on your hair for at least 6 months consistently is essential for the results to successfully show.
6. Can children use rosemary for their hair?
No, using rosemary is not advisable to be used on children’s hair.
The final takeaway
Well you guys, I hope this article was able to answer all your queries about how and why you should use rosemary on your hair.
Using rosemary on the hair as a remedy to solve almost all hair problems is gaining quick popularity, so make sure to give it a try and see how it can work wonders on your hair!
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
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To Summarize
