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Does Rosemary Oil Help With Hair Growth? Here's What Experts Say
Plus, rosemary hair products you'll love.
Rosemary oil has been a hot topic of conversation lately on TikTok—and not for its delicious fragrance. Rather, the oil is garnering attention for its potential with hair growth. But is there any truth behind all the social media chatter? To learn more, we tapped New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, celebrity hairstylist Dominick Pucciarello, and celebrity hairstylist, colorist, and Creative Director of Style & Color for L'Oréal Paris Jonathan Colombini. Plus, we’re sharing the best rosemary oil hair products to try now.
What Are the Benefits of Rosemary Oil?
- It may 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 with dandruff. Those antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties “help to keep dandruff and scalp acne at bay,” says King.
- It helps with 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,” says Pucciarello.
Can Rosemary Oil Help Thicken Hair?
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,” explains King. “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.”
To get technical for a second, King explains that Minoxidil “is a potassium channel opener, causing hyperpolarization of cell membranes. Theoretically, by widening blood vessels and opening potassium channels, it allows more oxygen, blood and nutrients to reach the follicles.” 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.
So, how long does it take to work? “Because of the hair growth cycle, any effects on hair growth may take six months to show up,” says King, adding that “The 2015 study with rosemary oil showed results at six months.”
How Often Should Rosemary Oil Be Applied?
It can be applied daily, or after every wash, says Colombini. "You can use rosemary oil on the hair anytime you want to replenish the hair’s natural oils or address a problem area," says the pro.
How Should Rosemary Oil Be Applied?
"Rosemary oil can either be applied directly or via products," says Colombini. "If you’re hoping to address hair growth, apply directly onto the scalp and massage in for a couple minutes. 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." He also recommends using products with natural rosemary essential oils.
The Best Rosemary Oil Hair Products
Rosemary oil can be applied in various product forms, from simple oil formulations to serums, shampoos, and treatments. Here are some we recommend.
Pros
- Can be used as a dry shampoo alternative
- Helps with itchiness
Cons
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
| Size | 4 oz 120 mL |
|---|
Pros
- Patented formula
- Works in just 4 weeks
Cons
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
| Size | 2.0 oz |
|---|
Pros
- Great for dry hair
- Multipurpose
Cons
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
| Size | 1.7 oz. / 50 ml |
|---|
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Smells like a spa
Cons
This rosemary-tinged shampoo recommended by Colombini has been a favorite for years thanks to its sulfate-free, color-safe formula and pleasant fragrance.
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
| Size | 8.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Hair Types | Dry hair, Dull hair, Color-treated hair |
Pros
- Cooling on the scalp
Cons
Designed for natural hair, this tingly formula combining rosemary, peppermint, and lavender oils soothes tight scalps, and is especially nice for protective hairstyles.
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
| Size | 4 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Types | Those with protective styles, locs, and curls |
JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil
JVN 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
| Size | 1.7 oz/ 50 mL |
|---|---|
| Hair Types | All Hair Types |
Camille Rose Caramel Cowash Cleansing Conditioner
Camille Rose Caramel Cowash Cleansing Conditioner
Pros
- Smells great
- Extra moisturizing
Cons
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
| Size | 8 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Textured |
Hask Tea Tree Oil & Rosemary Hair & Scalp Treatment Mask Packette
Hask Tea Tree Oil & Rosemary Hair & Scalp Treatment Mask Packette
Pros
- Single-use packette
- Both hydrates hair and soothes the scalp
Cons
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
| Size | 1.7 oz |
|---|
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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.
Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.
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