Why Rosemary Oil Makes Hair Grow Faster And Thicker (And All The Best Products To Use)

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Weleda

Rosemary Revitalising Hair Tonic

$27

AMAZON

• Why we love it: The non-greasy yet deeply conditioning oil enhances shine and acts as a smoothing balm on wet or dry hair. Plus, it’s versatile: It can be massaged into the scalp as a moisturizing treatment, or applied to split ends to hydrate and mend.
• Key ingredients: Rosemary leaf oil, horseradish extract
• How to use: Apply a few drops to the scalp, comb it through to the ends of wet or dry hair, and style as usual. The tonic can also be massaged directly into split ends, or used sparingly for a calming head massage.
• Expected benefits: According to the brand, the tonic will nourish the scalp, smooth hair shafts, and add shine back to parched strands.

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JVN Hair

Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil

$29

AMAZON

• Why we love it: Loaded with sustainably sourced nutrients, the oil works clarifying wonders on the scalp in 15 minutes. Apply it before washing the hair to remove dirt and product buildup instantly—see less hair fall and breakage in the long run.
• Key ingredients: Rosemary extract, bisabol, hemisqualane, basil root extract
• How to use: Before shampooing, apply two to three full droppers of the salve to the scalp. Massage it in and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it out; if the scalp feels oily after one wash, do a double shampoo. The brand recommends using the treatment two times per week.
• Expected benefits: Regular use of the oil can lead to less hair fall, reduced hair breakage, and healthier, more moisturized hair.

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Aromatica

Rosemary Root Enhancer

$20 $18 (10% off)

AMAZON

• Why we love it: The K-beauty product cleanses the scalp while feeding it with nourishing ingredients that boost the hair’s volume and protect the health of its roots. Spray it on and leave it in for easy, all-day benefits.
• Key ingredients: Caffeine, rosemary, salicylic acid
• How to use: Apply the leave-in spray by spritzing it close to the roots of wet or dry hair. Then, use the fingertips to massage it into the scalp and style the hair as usual.
• Expected benefits: Strengthens roots and supports hair health with seven types of vitamins. It also relieves itching and flakiness on the scalp.

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Nature Spell

Rosemary Oil for Hair & Skin

$13

AMAZON

• Why we love it: The multipurpose oil has soothing, health-boosting benefits that extend beyond the hair and scalp. It can be used on the face to impart a dewy glow; on the body, it serves as an aromatherapeutic massage oil.
• Key ingredients: Sweet almond, sunflower, and rosemary oils
• How to use: Apply a few drops directly to the scalp and massage the product in. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and up to four hours before rinsing it out with shampoo. Alternatively, use it as a pre-styling oil, leave-in conditioner, or an overnight hair treatment.
• Expected benefits: The oil promotes hair growth while preventing split ends; it also treats dry and damaged hair to relieve hair loss.

You’ll find all kinds of rosemary remedies online, from homegrown herb/oil infusions to spiking haircare with essential oil drops. But the best way to incorporate it into your routine? Apply diluted rosemary oil directly to the roots or bald patches and massage it into the scalp. Massage increases the oxygenation of hair follicles through increased blood flow, and according to Claire Martin (brand educator at bestselling brand Mielle Organics) a large supply of oxygen is crucial for hair to grow at its full potential.

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Vegamour

GRO Scalp Massager

$18

SEPHORA

• Why we love it: The petal-pink massager is packed with bristles that stimulate blood flow in the scalp, boosting its overall health.
• Who it’s for: Those who want to add a massage to their shower routine — the tool can be used on wet or dry hair.
• Material: Silicone
• How to use: After applying oil to wet or dry hair, grip the massager by the handle, press the tips lightly into the scalp, and massage for as long as you wish.
• Expected benefits: The tool promotes circulation in the scalp, which supports healthy-looking hair.

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Ceremonia

Scalp Massager

$16

SEPHORA

• Why we love it: Suitable for all hair types, the exfoliating tool gently lifts sebum and product buildup. Its unique bristles are designed to follow the curve of the head, so every usage feels like a delightful, scalp-tingling massage.
• Who it’s for: Those with thinning hair or dry, flaky scalps will quickly feel relief.
• Material: Silicone.
• How to use: Apply hair oil to the scalp, then use the bristles on the handheld tool to gently massage it in.
• Expected benefits: It exfoliates and massages the scalp to promote blood flow and encourage hair growth.

Dr. Zayn Majeed, hair surgeon at Harley Street Hair Clinic, tells us that massage application also enhances the absorption of rosemary’s active ingredients into the skin and hair follicles. “Allowing rosemary oil to remain on the scalp for at least 30 minutes enables it to better penetrate,” he says, “and keeping it on for a longer duration, especially when wrapped with a warm towel, can enhance absorption.” As for how often you should massage it onto the scalp, he advises “ideally, rosemary oil should be applied a couple of times a week for consistent exposure to its potential benefits.” So for the best results, apply, massage and let it sit as long as possible before washing it off with a mild shampoo to reduce excess grease.

With testimonials touting its efficacy for alopecia and postpartum hair loss, skeptics might wonder whether there are hard facts to support what seems like another fad. As it turns out, there’s actually scientific evidence to suggest that rosemary oil can be as effective as the hair growth drug minoxidil–a research study from back in 2015 showed it increased the hair count of alopecia sufferers after six months of use.

Dr. Neera Nathan, Vegamour’s chief dermatological advisor, shares more about the benefits of rosemary oil for hair and scalp.

• Hair growth: “There is one clinical study in people with androgenetic alopecia that suggests that rosemary oil was as effective as 2% minoxidil for hair growth after six months of use,” Nathan says. “There is also some non-clinical data that supports that rosemary may block DHT, which is a hormone that is linked to hair loss. However, there is more data needed to confirm that rosemary oil is effective for hair growth. If using rosemary oil for hair growth, I recommend you apply it directly to the scalp and massage it in for several minutes. It should be used one to two times a day for best results. It is also worth noting that massage alone increases blood flow to the scalp and may help promote healthy hair growth.”
• Stronger hair: According to Nathan, there is no direct evidence to suggest that rosemary oil in particular can strengthen the hair. However, she says, “Hair oiling does have benefits.” For instance, “hair oiling with certain oils, like coconut oil, can strengthen hair and potentially prevent or reduce breakage and protein loss.” 
  Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick adds: “Rosemary oil can help to condition and strengthen the hair and it can also work to reduce hair damage and breakage, making the hair appear stronger.”
• A healthier scalp: “Rosemary oil may help fight dandruff, dry scalp, and inflammation, promoting a healthier scalp,” Nathan suggests. “However, more research is needed to confirm this. Diluted apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, and aloe vera are other natural options that may promote a healthier scalp.”

According to Majeed, studies have shown rosemary oil to be effective at healing nerve endings and promoting hair restoration.

“Rosemary oil can strengthen circulation and improve blood supply to hair follicles, preventing them from being deprived of essential blood supply,” he explains. “If hair follicles don’t get a sufficient blood supply, this may shorten the growth phase of the hair growth cycle, and lead to hair loss over time.” Not only does it help you achieve longer hair, but it’s also beneficial for hair health overall. “Rosemary oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce scalp irritation, dandruff, and itching, providing a more optimal environment for healthy hair growth,” Majeed adds. Alongside its circulation-boosting and antimicrobial properties, it’s a great ingredient for supercharged hair care.

According to Martin, a good rosemary oil formula will have rosemary (botanical name Rosmarinus
Officinalis leaf oil) high up on the list–the lower down it is on the list indicates a lower
amount of the ingredient inside.

If you’re buying an essential oil version, the key thing to know is it must be diluted before applying. “Rosemary essential oil is highly concentrated, and applying it directly to the scalp can lead to skin irritation or sensitivity.

To avoid scalp irritation, it’s essential to dilute the rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil–a mild, neutral oil like coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil.” says Majeed. Alternatively, you can add a few drops into your existing haircare, or save the faff altogether by buying pre-mixed oils or leave-in treatments.

• Dr. Marisa Garshick is a New York City–based and board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University.
• Dr. Zayn Majeed is a hair surgeon at Harley Street Hair Clinic.
• Dr. Neera Nathan is Vegamour’s chief dermatological advisor.