New research on rosemary oil for hair growth looks promising. (Getty Images)
Hair loss is alarming for anyone, but the problem is more common than you might think. By 50, 85% of men notice significantly thinning hair and, according to recent studies, and, also by 50, 40% of women shed enough strands that their hair loss is noticeable to observers. A multitude of issues play a role in hair loss — genetics, hormone changes, vitamin deficiencies and certain health conditions among them. The good news? The subject has gone from taboo to the topic of endless discussion on social media as hair-growth influencers — a real thing! — hawk what works, or at least what worked for them.
That’s why, over the past few years as a beauty editor, I’ve noticed an uptick of seemingly cockamamie solutions for how to grow hair fast. There’s so much bad information out there (onion juice, anyone?) that it’s hard to tell the follicular-fortifying wheat from the snake-oil chaff. Most medical experts I’ve spoken with agree that the fastest, most potent hair growth treatment remains oral or topical minoxidil like Rogaine, along with a combination of healthy lifestyle habits, doctor-prescribed supplements and a better understanding of your symptoms’ root cause.
However, science also shows that there are a few natural remedies that may yield actual results. Consider rosemary oil, which you may have seen touted as a “hair growth miracle” across social media. A 2022 study found that it helped instigate new hair growth in subjects within six weeks. A 2023 study showed that it can be an effective treatment for hair loss from alopecia. And yet one more report from 2023 may hold the most promise: Researchers tested concentrated 1% rosemary oil lotion against 2% minoxidil in mice and found “an escalation in the number and size of the hair follicles, in some cases as effective as minoxidil.” They also observed that the “herbal hair lotion showed a significant hair growth promoting activity.”
Bottom line? “Studies do show rosemary oil can help encourage new hair growth and slow hair loss,” says Dr. Morayo Adisa, medical director at Dermatology Physicians Chicago. While Adisa says more research is needed to fully evaluate how effective rosemary oil is for hair growth, “If you want to try rosemary oil, it certainly wouldn’t hurt,” she advises.
How rosemary oil may benefit your hair
Rosemary oil is an essential oil extracted from the spiky leaves of the rosemary plant. According to lab research, it includes substantial anti-inflammatory flavonoids, proteins, fats, amino acids and even steroids. In addition, it naturally contains ingredients like caffeic acid and camphor, known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This isn’t exactly news: Rosemary has been a potent health aid for centuries, used for everything from minor pain relief to boosting digestion.
In terms of hair loss, modern studies show that rosemary oil may work in similarly to minoxidil by “improving the vascularity and the circulation of blood, in addition to enhancing the regeneration of the hair follicles.” In lay person’s terms: Yes, rosemary may help your hair grow faster, especially as you age. It’s important to note that these studies use 2% minoxidil formulas, but higher concentrations are available — and often recommended for best results.
In addition, while research on rosemary oil for hair loss is promising (and ever-increasing), experts like Adisa advise that it’s still somewhat limited and that rosemary oil is not a be-all, end-all for growing hair, but a step in the journey. “The first thing a person who is noticing thinning hair should do is consult with a board-certified dermatologist for an appropriate evaluation and diagnosis,” Adisa says.
How to use rosemary oil for hair growth
If, after taking this advice, you want to try rosemary oil, here’s how to do it. Straight rosemary oil can be too harsh on your skin, so experts recommend diluting 2-3 drops into a tablespoon of coconut or jojoba oil, massaging the mixture into your scalp and leaving it on for at least a half hour before rinsing it out.
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Mielle Organics’ formula contains follicle-stimulating biotin, and it’s color-safe. It’s also paraben-free, highly concentrated and an Amazon bestseller with more than 90,000 five-star reviews.Â
If using a concentrated oil seems like too much of a hassle, here are a few easier-to-use oil-infused products to try:
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There’s a lot to recommend about Brigeo’s pre-wash rosemary oil. First, it’s somewhat diluted, which means you don’t have to handle that step yourself, and the product itself works to soften hair and decrease frizz. The applicator is ultra-easy to use, which negates mess, and it’s formulated as a pre-shower treatment, which means you can just apply, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then wash and go.Â
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The spray application makes this lightweight, highly rated mist the easiest of all rosemary oil products to use. Just spritz it on your roots once a day — no need to rinse!
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I’m a big fan of bar shampoos for thinning hair (they’re often made with fewer detergents and therefore gentler on strands). I also love that they’re packaged in a way that creates less waste. This rosemary-oil-infused shampoo from Kitsch smells fresh and grown-up, lathers well and makes my hair soft without weighing it down.