You might know rosemary as a kitchen herb, but rosemary oil has become one of the most talked-about ingredients in hair care. Is the hype justified? Here's what we know, what the research actually says, and how to use it safely.
In our quest for healthier-feeling, shinier hair, it's easy to get lost in a maze of products and remedies. We're here to make that a little simpler.
In this guide, we'll cover what rosemary oil is, what one well-known study found, how to use it, and how it compares to other popular hair oils.
Index
Is Rosemary Oil Good For Your Hair?
Rosemary oil is one of the most popular essential oils in hair care, and there's some early research behind the interest.
Rosemary contains compounds that have been studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and one of its main components, 1,8-cineole, is often mentioned in connection with scalp circulation. Most of the research is still early, though, so it's worth keeping expectations realistic.
The study that gets the most attention compared rosemary oil with minoxidil, and we cover it in detail below.
Rosemary Oil for Hair: What We Know
Here's why so many people are reaching for rosemary oil, and where the evidence stands.
Hair Growth: Early Research
The main reason people turn to rosemary oil is its link to hair growth. In one small study of people with androgenetic alopecia, rosemary oil applied to the scalp showed results similar to minoxidil 2% after six months. It's promising, but it's one study, and more research is needed.
Hair Loss and Thinning
If you're dealing with hair loss or thinning, start with a dermatologist. Hair loss has many causes, and finding the right one matters more than any single ingredient.
Scalp Care
The condition of your scalp matters for how your hair looks and feels. Many people enjoy rosemary oil as part of a relaxing scalp massage. If your scalp is dry, flaky, or irritated, though, check with a dermatologist first, since essential oils can irritate sensitive skin.
Shine
Like many oils, a small amount of diluted rosemary oil can leave hair looking shinier and feeling smoother.
Rosemary oil can be a nice addition to your hair care routine, as long as you use it the right way.
How To Use Rosemary Oil For Hair
How To Use It on Your Scalp
- Always dilute it. Essential oils are concentrated. Mix a few drops into a carrier oil like jojoba, argan, or coconut oil before applying.
- Patch test first. Apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours to check for irritation.
- Massage it in. Gently massage the diluted oil into your scalp, then wash it out with a gentle shampoo.
- Skip it if it stings. If you notice redness, itching, or burning, stop and rinse.
What About Supplements?
Goldie Locks® Hair Supplements include rosemary extract as part of an essential oil blend with lavender and peppermint. One thing to know: the research on rosemary and hair looked at rosemary oil applied to the scalp, not rosemary taken as a supplement. Our customers love making our supplements part of their daily routine, and if you'd like to try them, the serving is 4 capsules once daily.
How Long Does It Take?
Hair grows slowly, so patience is key. In the study we mention below, researchers measured results after six months of consistent use. Everyone's hair is different, and results vary based on your health, hair condition, and genetics.
Comparing Rosemary Oil To Other Popular Hair Oils
One question we hear often is how rosemary oil compares to other popular hair oils. Here's a quick look at castor oil, peppermint oil, coconut oil, and argan oil.
Castor Oil vs Rosemary Oil
Castor oil is a thick oil that's popular for its moisturizing feel, though research on it for hair growth is limited. Its thick texture can make it harder to apply and wash out. Diluted rosemary oil is lighter and easier to work with.
Peppermint Oil vs Rosemary Oil
Peppermint oil is loved for its invigorating scent and cooling feel on the scalp. Like rosemary, it's popular in hair care, but research on peppermint oil and hair growth in people is still limited. Both need to be diluted before use.
Coconut Oil vs Rosemary Oil
Coconut oil is well-known for its deep conditioning feel and is often used as a pre-wash treatment. Rosemary oil is more often used as a scalp oil. Many people combine the two, using coconut oil as the carrier.
Argan Oil vs Rosemary Oil
Argan oil is popular for smoothing frizz and adding shine to the lengths. Rosemary oil is usually used on the scalp. Argan oil also works well as a carrier oil for rosemary.
Each of these oils has its own place in hair care, and the right choice depends on what you're looking for.
Rosemary Oil vs Minoxidil: What One Study Found
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved, over-the-counter medication for hair loss. It's one of the most studied hair loss treatments, though some people experience side effects like scalp irritation or unwanted hair growth in other areas, and its results tend to fade once you stop using it.
In a 2015 randomized study of 100 people with androgenetic alopecia, researchers compared rosemary oil with minoxidil 2%. After six months, both groups showed a similar increase in hair count, and scalp itching was more common in the minoxidil group.
That's an interesting result, but it's one small study, and rosemary oil can also irritate the skin, especially if it isn't diluted. If you're dealing with hair loss, talk to a dermatologist before choosing between them.
Final Thoughts
Rosemary oil has been used for centuries, and early research makes it one of the more interesting oils in hair care. Used diluted, with a patch test first, it can be a lovely addition to your scalp care routine.
If you'd also like a hair supplement, Goldie Locks® Hair Supplements include rosemary extract along with vitamin A, biotin, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, iodine from organic kelp, selenium, and zinc. Our customers love making them part of their daily routine.
Whatever you choose, consistency is key. And if you're dealing with hair loss, a dermatologist is always the best place to start.