Rosemary water for hair growth has been trending for a while on Tik Tok with everyone claiming it’s a magical hair growth formula. Even Henry Cavill (Superman to you) is a big fan of rosemary water.
However, does rosemary water for hair growth live up to the hype?
I break down the science behind rosemary and its ability to promote hair growth in this article.
Even though this is just becoming a trend on TikTok, rosemary as an ingredient in hair care has been covered several times in the Healthy Hair Care Series.
It’s also one of the herbs featured prominently in Feed Your Hair with Herbs & Spices (30% off pre-orders).
What is Rosemary?
Rosemary is a fragrant herb from the mint family that’s cultivated around the world for culinary, medicinal, and aromatic uses.
The plant boasts needle-like leaves and flowers of various colors from blue to purple. The rosemary plant is used as fresh sprigs or dried.
Is Rosemary Water Good for Hair Growth?
Rosemary is one of the ingredients I use regularly in my DIY concoctions because of its stimulating properties.
Using rosemary water, rosemary oil or rosemary extract in your regimen is very good for hair growth.
But as always, it depends on how you incorporate it into your regimen and the other ingredients you mix with it.
Rosemary Water Benefits for Hair
The many benefits of rosemary water for hair growth can be broken down to the active compounds in the plant itself.
1. Ursolic and Rosmarinic Acid
These two compounds in rosemary have been studied for their potential benefits for hair.
Both compounds have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that stimulate hair follicles and improve hair growth.
In this study on mice, topical application of rosemary leaf extract was shown to improve hair regrowth.
2. Rosemary Water Promotes Scalp Circulation
The vasodilatory properties of rosemary can help dilate the blood vessels and promote blood flow to the scalp area.
Improved scalp circulation means more nutrients are delivered to the hair follicles and hair growth is optimized.
3. Rosemary Water Protects the Scalp
The antioxidant properties of rosemary help protect the hair and follicles from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors.
4. Inhibits DHT
In addition to ursolic acid, rosemary also contains carnosic acid; a compound believed to inhibit the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.
Enzyme 5-alpha reductase activity converts testosterone into DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that has been linked to hair loss.
5. Rosemary Water Strengthens Hair
Rosemary’s antimicrobial, antiseptic, antifungal, and antioxidant properties help strengthen weak hair and improve overall hair texture.
6. Beneficial for Treating Androgenic Alopecia
Androgenic alopecia is pattern baldness in men and some studies show promise in treating this pesky issue with rosemary.
In this study, the effects of rosemary oil versus 2% minoxidil (a topical medication) for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia were compared and found a similar increase in hair counts with both treatments after six months.
7. Rosemary Water Eliminates Itching
The antimicrobial, antiseptic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary help eliminate scalp itching and dryness naturally.
8. Suitable for All Hair Types
Rosemary water is suitable for all hair types and gentle enough for sensitive skin but good to conduct a patch test before full application.
Rosemary Water for Hair Growth Recipe
This recipe will help address common scalp issues as it gently promotes healthier hair growth and retention.
For this rosemary water for hair growth recipe, you will need:-
- Dried rosemary
- Dried lavender flowers – great for scalp invigoration and relaxing the senses plus provide relief from itching and dryness.
- Dried chamomile flowers – restore shine and brighten dull tresses. Also improves hair density and reduces excessive oiliness.
- Vitamin E oil – softens and nourishes hair plus acts as a mild preservative.
- Distilled water
You can find exact measurements in the recipe card at the end of this article.
Step 1 – Prep Ingredients
Bring the distilled water to a boil then remove from stove.
Measure the dried rosemary, lavender, and chamomile into the boiling water. Stir and cover. Leave to steep for 45 minutes – 1 hour.
Afterward, strain the rosemary water and pour it into a spray bottle.
Add in the vitamin E oil. Close and shake the bottle.
Step 2 – Apply to Hair
To use, spray into hair after deep conditioning. Don’t rinse out. Style as usual.
If the mix is too strong or drying, add some distilled water to the rosemary water to dilute its strength.
You can use this rosemary water as a braid spray. Consider combining it with this DIY Braid Spray recipe.
For more herbal recipes for hair, check out Feed Your Hair with Herbs & Spices.
For over 30 herbal hair rinses and more, head over to Tea Rinsing Secrets for Healthy Hair Growth.
Rosemary Water vs. Rosemary Oil: Which is Best?
Both rosemary water and rosemary oil offer immense benefits but they are used in different ways on hair.
Rosemary water is a diluted mix while rosemary oil is a concentrated oil with an intense aroma that cannot be used directly on skin.
Rosemary water is a leave-in spray while rosemary oil works as a pre-poo and scalp massage treatment.
Rosemary water is best for a light refreshing treatment for hair and scalp. For a more intense treatment and targeted benefits, then rosemary oil is your best bet.
Rosemary water is also great for people with sensitive skin.
Choosing between rosemary water and rosemary oil depends on your hair needs, your hair goals, preferences, and sensitivities.
Feel free to use a combination of the two as well. A rosemary oil mix as a pre-poo and rosemary water at the end of your regimen.
Rosemary Water for Hair Side Effects
Rosemary water is well tolerated by most people for topical applications.
However, if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, it doesn’t hurt to conduct a patch test before application.
You should also consult your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before you start using rosemary water for hair growth.
Does Rosemary Water Actually Help Your Hair Grow?
Yes, rosemary water does assist with healthier hair growth when used correctly in combination with other healthy hair care practices.
Can I Spray Rosemary Water on My Hair Every Day?
I do not recommend using rosemary water on your hair every day as excessive use can cause skin irritation and scalp imbalance.
The best practice is 1 – 2 times a week to start with then increase usage to 2 – 3 times a week max.
How Long Should I Leave Rosemary Water in My Hair?
Rosemary water is a leave-in treatment so feel free to leave it in your hair without rinsing it out. However, you should wash your hair at least once a week either way.
If you’re in a protective style and using rosemary water frequently, shampoo hair at least every 2 weeks and rinse once a week between shampooing.
How To Store Rosemary Water For Hair Growth?
Store your rosemary water for hair growth in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before spraying it into your hair.
If you’re in a hurry, put the bottle in a cup of warm water to bring to room temperature faster.
What To Mix With Rosemary Water For Hair Growth?
Apart from the ingredients recommended in this water, other ingredients you can mix into rosemary water include dried peppermint, lemon balm, and ginger.
For more on mixing herbal rinses together for hair growth, I recommend Books 3 and 6 in the Healthy Hair Care Series:-
Rosemary Water for Hair Growth Recipe
This rosemary water for hair growth recipe helps eliminate pesky scalp issues and optimize hair growth. It also refreshes hair and scalp while wearing protective hair styles and it suitable for all hair types.
Materials
Tools
- Saucepan
- Cosmetic bowl
- Funnel
- Spray bottle
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
- Bring the distilled water to a boil then remove from stove.
- Measure the dried rosemary, lavender, and chamomile into the boiling water. Stir and cover. Leave to steep for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the mix has completely cooled down.
- Afterward, strain the rosemary water and pour it into the spray bottle.
- Add in the vitamin E oil. Close and shake the bottle.
- To use, spray into hair after deep conditioning. Don’t rinse out. Style as usual.
Notes
- If the mix is too strong or drying, add some distilled or plain water to the rosemary water to dilute its strength.
- You can also use this rosemary water as a braid spray.
- Excessive use of rosemary water can cause skin and scalp irritation.
- Keep rosemary water out of your eyes to prevent irritation.
- Keep your rosemary water in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks after preparation.
References
- Promotion of hair growth by Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract
- Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial
Abi is a curly hair expert, researcher, product tester, and author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She is also the founder of Ade Ori Hair Care, Healthy Natural Hair Products, and Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty. HNHP has strict editorial standards and ensures all the information on Healthy Natural Hair Products is the best for natural hair care. Learn more about our Editorial Policies
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