4 Benefits of Rosemary Oil for Hair

Ingredients always come into the beauty world promising to do this and that. Green tea is a holy grail – and so are argan and tea tree oils. Jojoba can boost volume, while cherry blossoms build stronger strands. The latest must-have beauty find may be something you’re already familiar with. Everyone knows rosemary is good for chicken, but the herb’s oil has been making TikTok rounds. Here, discover the reason behind the brouhaha over rosemary oil for hair – and whether you should jump on the trend, too.

Before you start collecting the leftover grease from your rosemary-marinated roast chicken, well, don’t. Rosemary oil comes after steam-distilling the leaves, flowers, and twigs of the Rosmarinus officinalis. As an essential oil, it’s pretty much a compact version of the herb’s best bits.

Perhaps rosemary oil’s most popular beauty promise is that it promotes hair growth. However, numerous studies and experts clarify that instead of stimulating hair density, it protects the hair from triggers of hair fall or hair thinning. Here’s how:

Any hair oil, from coconut to castor, will increase the sebum levels of your hair. The right amount of sebum smoothens and strengthens hair strands, preventing them from breakage.

Anti-inflammatory properties help soothe scalp irritation, which could potentially harm your skin and hair follicles. While an itchy scalp doesn't exactly provoke hair loss, its consequences – such as scratching and pulling – could cause some of your tresses to fall out.

According to a 2018 study, rosemary has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties thanks to its carnosic acid content. Antioxidants are an especially plum factor in beauty products since they combat havoc-wreaking free radicals, which can break down amino acids, peptides, and protein – components responsible for hair strength.

Proper scalp care can decelerate hair loss. As a vasodilator, rosemary improves blood circulation – yes, all the way up to your scalp. It means your head and hair are getting the right nutrients they need to flourish.

Despite the hype, Dr. Riza Milante-Taruc, FPDS, DDSP-PDS, ICDP-UEMS, cautions against overly relying on rosemary oil for hair growth. The 2015 study in SKINmed Journal, which is the research the trend is riding on, is limited.

“In this study, they saw an effect after six months, but note that in terms of evidence, this is still small because only 50 patients tried [rosemary oil for hair],” she explains.

In February 2023, University of Oklahoma-based dermatologist Dr. Aaminah F. Azhar also published a paper in Cutis reviewing evidence on TikTok-trending hair loss remedies. She states that the 2015 study has no “statistically significant difference in mean hair count.” That said, essential oils, including a mixture of thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood, proved better at treating alopecia than the placebo.

Dr. Taruc also reminds TikTok dabblers that rosemary oil isn’t the same as boiling herbs in water. Using essential oil directly on your hair might also cause an adverse reaction. She advises first turning to more tried-and-tested hair-boosting aids, such as topical and oral minoxidil and oral finasteride, complemented by a healthy diet, reduced stress, and skipping harmful hair practices, such as tying hair too tightly or dyeing too often.

You can also try strengthening shampoos, such as Sunsilk Strong & Long Shampoo, which has aloe vera and biotin to nourish your hair, letting it grow freely and vigorously. If brittle and damaged strands cause your hair to thin, use Sunsilk Damage Reconstruction Shampoo. It has vitamin C and keratin that protect and save your tresses from damage, making your hair strong and shiny.

You can also consult with a specialist to figure out the proper solution for your haircare concerns.

TikTok trends always look fun, but as far as your tresses are concerned, err on the safe side. Test other methods first before checking if the benefits of rosemary oil for hair could work on you, too.