You’ve used it in your food to add flavour and fragrance but the benefits of rosemary essential oil for hair are still unknown to many. From dealing with dandruff to promoting hair growth, this precious herb not only deserves a place in your kitchen but also in your beauty cupboard. With its earthy mystique and back-to-basic worldliness, rosemary has long been the go-to ingredient of eco-lovers looking for a transformative skin and hair care fix. Belonging to the mint family, this flavourful green has nutrients that make it rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. And while relying on creams and serums may do the job for you, using oils can be much easier on your wallet as well benefit your skin and hair too! So, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of rosemary oil.

How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair: The Basics
Rosemary oil, for centuries, has been known as an effective healing herb. It is also used in cooking. Its heritage can be traced back to the Mediterranean regions, where it has been used as a medicine for a long time. Available mostly in the essential oil form, it can be used for various purposes, and not just as a cooking ingredient or a herb. It is also known to boost skin, health and hair. In fact, rosemary essential oil for hair growth is one remedy that has skipped the attention of many for long. So, how is rosemary oil a boon for your mane? Let’s take a look at this magical oil and how you can incorporate it into your haircare regimen.
Tips on How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair

1. Detoxifies the scalp
Rich in antioxidants and antiseptic properties, rosemary essential oil for hair effectively eliminates scalp infections and dandruff. Boil a three-fourths cup of water and then add one fresh rosemary sprig to it. Once the water cools down transfer it to a spray bottle and add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Spray the mixture on your scalp. This calms inflammation and reduces dandruff with regular use.
2. Hair oil
Rosemary essential oil for hair can not only boost hair growth but also stop hair fall. Just combine half a cup of dried rosemary leaves and half a cup of a carrier oil like coconut oil in a saucepan and let it simmer for a few minutes on medium heat. Allow the oil to cool down for about 20 minutes and strain the leaves from the oil. Massage your scalp with this root-strengthening concoction before you wash your hair. Allow the oil to stay for at least 30 minutes to show results.
3. Natural fragrance
Summer can be pretty harsh for all parts of your body, including your scalp which can get sweaty and emit odour. This easy rosemary mask can curb odour-causing bacteria giving you smooth hair and fresh smelling scalp. To make the mask, mix one tablespoon of baking soda, a cup of water and five to 10 drops of rosemary essential oil. Apply it to your scalp for 20 minutes and then rinse it off. You can apply this once or twice a week.

4. Be cautious
- Do not apply too much of any essential oil to your scalp as it can irritate the skin.
- Do not apply directly or without diluting it first with a carrier oil.
- If it gets into your eyes, rinse immediately.
- If the irritation persists, consult a doctor.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your physician before applying the oil.
- If you are generally allergic to something or to certain medications, do a patch test first.
5. Use as a conditioner
Rosemary oil is a good hair conditioner, as it adds moisture to the hair and makes it soft. It can be added to your hair conditioner for extra strength and nourishment. It can also be added to lotions or creams to make the skin healthier and softer.
6. Use as a shampoo
You can mix about five drops of rosemary oil per ounce of shampoo. Further, you can even use rosemary oil as a base while creating your homemade shampoo.

Benefits to Using Rosemary Oil for Hair
1. Hair growth
Rosemary oil, when used along with another carrier oil, is known to add lustre to hair. It also works effectively towards promoting hair growth and makes the scalp healthier with its antifungal properties. You could use it with tea tree oil to help with an itchy scalp.
2. An aromatic indulgence for thick luscious hair
Rosemary oil's high nutritional value makes it an excellent product for nourishing and promoting the growth of thick and healthy hair, and soothing inflamed scalps. Rosemary oil stimulates the hair follicles, causing each hair strand to grow longer and stronger. Simply massaging a teensy amount of rosemary oil mixed with any carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil on your scalp can give you lustrous tresses.
3. A natural hair darkener to reverse premature greying
Starting to see some premature grey hair popping up? Nothing will do the job better than a hot herb oil treatment to control the spread of grey hair. We bet you didn’t know that rosemary oil is what can help you with this concern and help slow down premature hair loss and greying. Awesome, right?

4. Improves scalp health and counters hair loss
Rosemary oil is your best friend when it comes to tackling extreme hair loss, unclogging hair follicles and stimulating blood circulation in the scalp. Inflammation can affect your hair adversely as allergens and pollutants can get accumulated in your scalp and stunt its growth, among other things. Using rosemary oil for hair is great because it is anti-fungal in nature and not only soothes inflammation but also gives strength to hair follicles.
5. Gets rid of split ends
Using rosemary oil for hair is especially beneficial if you have split ends. This is known to repair your hair and make it stronger, thus getting rid of unhealthy split ends over time.
FAQs about How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair
Q. Can I use rosemary oil directly on my hair?
A. Rosemary oil is extremely beneficial for the hair. However, it should never be used directly. Rosemary oil should always be used as an essential oil, and only a few drops should be added to your carrier oil. The reason is that this oil is extremely potent in nature, and if applied directly, whether on the skin or on the hair, can cause burns and damage.
Q. Can I ingest rosemary oil?
A. No. Do not ingest rosemary oil in its essential oil form. There are other forms available, such as rosemary oil supplements. There are even rosemary teas available in the market that are quite beneficial and boost hydration.
Q. Can I apply it if I am pregnant?
A. You may, but only after consulting with your doctor. Pregnant women and breastfeeding women may suffer from certain sensitivities that may get aggravated due to the use of essential oils, including rosemary oil. So, use it only after asking your doctor if it is safe for you.
Rosemary essential oil for hair is majorly known for boosting hair growth and doing away with dullness. In today’s polluted environment and fast-paced lifestyle, issues like free radical damage and dryness due to sun exposure and bad lifestyle choices are what need to be dealt with and that’s where this oil can help you.
Written by Lopa K on Jan 16, 2023