Nothing bonds people quite like the quest for better hair. And as of late, it seems that the TikTok evangelists are preaching that rosemary oil for hair growth is the answer. Intrigued by the healthy hair promises, I decided to put rosemary oil to the test and used it consistently for a month to see if the TikTok claims were true. I also spoke with hair experts to learn more about this natural oil and how it can support hair growth. TLDR; I noticed that my hair was smoother and shinier with small growth on my hairline.
What is rosemary oil, and how does it help hair grow?
Rosemary oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can support scalp health and, in theory, help support hair growth. “When a rosemary-oil blend is massaged directly on to the scalp, it can improve blood circulation, feed the follicle, and eliminate inflammation,” Kerry E. Yates, trichologist and founder of Colour Collective, tells Glamour.
Scalp health has a major impact on hair growth, and improving blood circulation is important for the anagen phase of the hair-growth cycle. This is the active phase, in which cells in the follicles of your hair rapidly divide to produce new hair, according to famed trichologists at scalp-care brand Philip Kingsley. In other words, supporting follicle health can help create the right environment for your best hair growth, says Yates.
How to use rosemary oil
Typically, it can take three to six months to notice much difference in hair growth. With hair only growing about a half-inch a month on average, results are sadly not instantaneous. However, you can often tell if you like a product after the first few uses, then the results will come in time—hopefully.
I decided to give rosemary oil a month and see how it went, and ultimately, it fit in well with my already robust hair care routine. In addition to washing weekly, I stay away from dry shampoo and avoid using heat, but do take a hair supplement (Divi in particular), and eat a healthy diet rich in protein and healthy fats. In the past I’ve had a few Hydrofacial scalp treatments to keep the surface of my scalp clean, allowing hair follicles to have ample space to grow.
I’d be lying if I said I was ecstatic at the thought of having to apply oil to my scalp. Typically, I try to avoid that scenario at all costs. For example, if I’m getting a full body massage, I make sure to tell the masseuse that my head is off-limits. But, for the sake of healthier hair, I’ll do anything. Which led me to testing our overall pick for the best rosemary-oil products for hair growth: Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil. I liked the sound of a lovely scent, easy-to-use applicator tip, soothing feeling, and shine-boosting formula, but the experts also recommend the below.
Hask Tea Tree & Rosemary Oil Scalp Care Shampoo
An ingredient match in heaven? tea tree oil and rosemary oil. “Tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties, making this shampoo a good solution for those with an itchy or flaky scalp,” says Dr. Saedi. “The tea tree oil can help rebalance the scalp and the rosemary oil may help hair growth.”
As its name implies, the brand recommends applying the formula directly to the scalp about 10 to 15 minutes before washing, but you can also apply it before bed and leave it in overnight for even better product absorption. It features not only rosemary oil, but also other natural oils for hair growth like tea tree oil, castor oil, and bisabolol.
For my first go, I went the prewash route and parted my lengthy strands down the middle before going in with the pointed applicator in two- to three-inch sections. After that, I thoroughly massaged it in with my fingertips. You can also use a scalp brush; even if you’re not using a scalp serum or oil, there are blood-circulation-boosting benefits of massages that can aid in hair growth. Then I let the oil sit ahead of my shower. Upon first application, the formula felt lightweight and I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t leave my hair feeling or looking like a greaseball. The scent is subtle but has a spa-like aroma, which I love for a zen experience.
After washing—I swap between Oribe and Dae shampoo and conditioner—my hair felt normal, but I did notice my scalp felt less squeaky clean, but in a good way. Dermatologists will tell you that that squeaky-clean or tight feeling you might get after cleansing your face, washing your body, and even your scalp is actually a sign that you’re stripping your skin, which is a big no-no. When you strip natural oils from your skin, it can lead to an impaired barrier, and in the case of your scalp, it makes for a less-than-ideal environment for healthy hair growth.
About a week later—I only wash my hair one or two times a week—I was ready to go all in, and this time, I applied the rosemary oil before bed. I parted my hair the same way and massaged the oil into my scalp with my fingers, but then I slicked it back into a bun and applied a shower cap to protect my pillowcase. But, even more importantly, I wanted to make sure the oil was concentrated where I wanted it—my scalp—and not getting absorbed by my pillowcase, or worse, making its way on to my face.
In the morning, I sudsed up as usual, and when it came to brushing my hair and how it felt after, I could see a noticeable difference in its smoothness. Because my hair is so long, the lengths can often get dry and feel brittle, but using the rosemary scalp oil—especially letting it sit on my scalp overnight—has changed that for the better.
The next few times I washed, I swapped off and on between applying the oil before washing my hair and leaving it in overnight for deeper penetration. Pro tip: I actually put some in before a workout once, too, because I know that heat can be a game changer in allowing a product to penetrate; the increased body heat opens the hair cuticle but also makes skin more permeable, so the active ingredients can really get to where they need to go for better absorption.
My results
While one month of use is still a bit early to see real hair growth, I’ve got some nice little sprouts coming in along my hairline that are undeniable—especially since I use heat when blow-drying my hair and frequently put it up in a ponytail. I can also tell that my scalp is healthier, and my hair looks and feels smoother and shinier. And with these visible and tactile signs that the rosemary oil is doing something, I feel compelled to continue on my healthy-hair journey.
The bottom line
Whether you’ve experienced hair loss from stress or aging, or you simply want to take preventative measures to maintain beautiful, healthy strands, rosemary oil can be a great addition to your hair care routine—if you have the patience for it. Although it won’t necessarily press fast-forward on hair growth, by smoothing the hair and injecting it with moisture at the root, it’s making the hair less brittle, damage-prone, and likely to split or break, which will allow hair to grow longer.
It’s also important to note that having an overall healthy-hair regimen is key. If you do use a lot of styling products, and especially dry shampoo, you’ll likely have to wash your hair more often. But incorporating an oil such as this one will ensure that you’re not drying out your scalp or strands, and preventing them from boarding a one-way trip to damage-ville. And if you’re a hot-tool lover, cutting back on straighteners and curlers will do wonders for the health of your hair.
Hair loss is completely natural as we get older, but if you’re experiencing more than normal hair loss, it’s always best to see a board-certified dermatologist to find the root of the problem.
