Using rosemary water for hair is promoted in online forums and on social media. While it hasn’t been studied scientifically for this purpose, there may be a connection between the rosemary water trend and evidence that rosemary may help scalp health and hair growth stimulation.
Research on Rosemary Water for Hair
There is some scientific evidence that rosemary water (steeping rosemary plant leaves in water) is beneficial to your scalp, hair texture, and hair growth. These findings include the following:
- Study results suggest rosemary may improve blood flow to blood vessels in the scalp, reduce inflammation, and create a positive environment for hair growth.1
- Study results suggest that rosemary oil applied to the scalp increased hair strand count more effectively than 2% minoxidil (the main ingredient in the hair loss product Rogaine).2
- It could be a promising natural remedy for hair growth in people with androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss.3
Some participants in the minoxidil study who used rosemary oil were less likely to experience an itchy scalp than those who used the Rogaine ingredient. This might be reflective of rosemary’s antifungal and antibacterial properties, which could allow it to help treat dryness, itchiness, and dandruff on the scalp.
It should be noted that the minoxidil study used a 2% minoxidil solution, which is not as effective as a 5% solution for male pattern hair loss.4 Rosemary oil hasn’t been compared to this more effective solution.
In addition, the study only included men, and hair loss in women occurs differently and can have different causes compared to men.5 Therefore, the study results may not apply to women.
Keep in mind that existing research has used scientific-grade essential oils for the studies, which is different from mixing up a concoction of rosemary leaves and water at home. Researchers also note that larger clinical trials are needed to identify and confirm benefits of rosemary water.
Health Benefits of Rosemary
Rosemary has been used in traditional medicine to help with a variety of health ailments. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other properties have been anecdotally said to help treat pain, inflammation, mood, anxiety, sleep, and other health issues.6
For hair, there’s some evidence that rosemary extracts can protect against sun damage due to ultraviolet light exposure in addition to boosting hair growth. Researchers think this is due to the polyphenol antioxidants in rosemary.7
Some nutrients in rosemary, including iron and vitamins A and C, do play a role in hair growth.8 A healthy diet and the use of supplements may offer systemic benefits that help to keep hair healthy.
How to Make the Recipe
Rosemary water is created by steeping rosemary leaves in water as you would a tea. A number of popular recipes exist, and you can try the following:
- Add 5 cups of water to five rosemary buds.
- Boil the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the heat until the water turns pink or red.
- Strain the twigs and leaves from the cooled water.
How long you leave rosemary water in your hair will vary depending on what is best for your hair and scalp, and your preferences.
Ways to use rosemary water:
- Final rinse: Pour rosemary water on your hair after washing and conditioning. Massage it in gently and leave it in for a few minutes before rinsing with cool water.
- Leave-in treatment: Store rosemary water in a spray bottle to spray on your hair daily as a gentle and natural spritz to refresh and moisturize hair.
- Overnight treatment: Apply rosemary water to your scalp and hair before bed; cover your hair with a shower cap; leave it on overnight; rinse your hair in the morning.
- Pre-rinse soak: Apply rosemary water to your scalp and hair, massage it in, and let it soak for several minutes before shampooing.
When buying rosemary to make your hair tonic, choose rosemary leaves from a reliable source; the way that plants and herbs are harvested and processed can make a difference in their efficacy.
While rosemary essential oil is considered by some experts to be safe for minor skin conditions like a dry scalp, it’s still possible to experience an allergic reaction or irritation.9
Seek medical attention if you experience discomfort, itchiness, or irritation in the area where the rosemary water was applied. If you’re pregnant, check with your healthcare provider before trying rosemary water to be sure it’s safe for you.
Hair Growth Alternatives
Depending on the underlying reason for hair loss and thinning hair, consider checking with a healthcare provider about the following treatment strategies:1011
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): An over-the-counter (OTC) hair loss treatment for pattern baldness
- Prescription medications: Finasteride (Propecia) or spironolactone, which are oral drugs used for certain types of hair loss
- Microneedling: An in-office procedure that involves a controlled injury with tiny microscopic needles to encourage hair growth on the scalp
- Laser treatments: Applies light to the scalp to trigger hair regrowth
- Hair transplant procedure: Moves hair follicles from one part of the body to the scalp for severe hair loss cases
Some other self-care steps you might take to help support overall hair health include:1213
- A gentle hair care routine that includes using nourishing shampoo and conditioner, and avoiding heated styling tools or tight hairstyles
- A healthful diet with plenty of key nutrients supportive of healthy hair, such as iron, zinc, biotin, niacin, fatty acids, selenium, vitamin D, and amino acids
- Stress reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, breathwork, acupuncture, and visualization to help prevent hair thinning, loss, and damage
Key Takeaways
- There is some scientific evidence that the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of rosemary might help scalp circulation and hair growth, but there is no research evaluating rosemary water for hair.
- Seek medical attention if you experience discomfort, itchiness, or irritation in the area where the rosemary water was applied.
