Essential oil of the rosemary herb.
Why it’s used: Traditionally used on the scalp to support healthy-looking hair.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is the woody, needle-leaved herb that thrives in sunny British gardens and on Mediterranean hillsides. Rosemary oil is the essential oil obtained from the above-ground parts of the plant, with a fresh, herbal, camphor-like scent.
Rosemary has been used on hair and skin for centuries, and rosemary oil is traditionally used on the scalp to support healthy-looking hair. European herbal regulators also recognise rosemary oil preparations applied to the skin for minor muscular aches. In hair care you will see it listed as Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil or rosemary essential oil, usually diluted in a carrier oil such as jojoba, almond or grape seed oil.
Interest in rosemary oil for hair grew after a 2015 randomised trial of 100 people with pattern hair loss compared it with 2% minoxidil. After six months both groups had more hair than at the start, with no significant difference between them, and the rosemary group reported less scalp itching. Nothing much changed at three months. It was a single, fairly small study, so it is an interesting signal rather than a settled answer.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
A randomised trial assigned 100 people with androgenetic alopecia to rosemary oil or 2% minoxidil for six months. Both groups had significantly more hair at six months, with no difference between them, and scalp itching was less frequent with rosemary.
A double-blind three-arm trial randomised 90 healthy adults to rosemary-lavender oil, rosemary-castor oil or coconut oil for 90 days. Both rosemary blends improved growth rate, thickness and density and reduced hair fall; the study was manufacturer-funded.
A double-blind trial randomised 86 people with alopecia areata to daily scalp massage with thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood oils in jojoba and grapeseed oil, or carrier oils alone, for seven months. Improvement was seen in 44% versus 15%.
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Rosemary oil is traditionally used on the scalp to support healthy-looking hair. One 2015 trial found similar hair count changes to 2% minoxidil after six months, but it was a single small study. Results took around six months to appear.
Always dilute it. Mix a few drops into a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil, or use a ready-made blend, and massage into the scalp. Patch test first and stop if your skin becomes red, itchy or sore.
No. Undiluted essential oils can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. Rosemary oil should always be blended with a carrier oil or used in a formulated product, and kept away from the eyes.
Videos from doctors, research scientists and registered dietitians, for general education. They are independent of Nutra Formulations, do not refer to our products and are not medical advice for you.
Rosemary Oil for Hair Loss? Hair Surgeon's Advice
Dr Kopelman (Ross & Joel Kopelman), MD, hair restoration surgeon · Dr. Kopelman on YouTube
Friday Favorites: Caffeine Shampoo and Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth
Dr Michael Greger, MD, FACLM · NutritionFacts.org on YouTube
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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