Rosemary oil for hair: Benefits & uses

Most of us are used to popping a sprig or two of rosemary in our roast dinner, but aside from the cooking connection, it’s thought to be a very versatile herb with wellness and beauty benefits too.

There’s a lot of buzz online about the alleged benefits of rosemary oil for your hair, but what does it actually do, and how do you use it? We’ll dive into the details in this article.

Skip to: 

• What is rosemary oil?
• 3 benefits of rosemary oil for your hair
• How to use rosemary oil for your hair
• How often can you use rosemary oil?
• How to use rosemary oil safely?
• Rosemary oil side effects
• Other ways to use rosemary oil
• The final say

When it comes to your hair and scalp, rosemary oil could hold a host of great benefits, from encouraging healthy hair growth to soothing properties.⁵

Here are just 3 of the ways rosemary oil could help your hair and scalp:

1. Supports your hair growth journey: Using rosemary oil to support your hair growth journey is something that’s been widely researched.
2. It has soothing properties: Is your scalp feeling itchy and driving you mad? It turns out that rosemary oil may be able to help. The same study from 2015 found that those who used rosemary oil also felt an improvement in their scalp itchiness too.⁸
3. Supports circulation: It’s thought that, when massaged after being diluted with a carrier oil of your choice, rosemary oil can create a warm feeling that can help to support circulation.^9,10  These effects on your circulation may also be the reason that it benefits your hair.¹¹

There are so many ways you can use rosemary oil for your hair, from massaging it into your scalp to adding it to your shampoo, but you should always make sure that you follow the instructions on the label before using it.

Mix it with a carrier oil

One of the ways to use rosemary oil on your hair is to massage it into your scalp, but you should always mix your rosemary oil with a carrier oil first. Follow the direction on the label for dilution guidelines.

Diluting rosemary oil helps to reduce its potency and means it is less likely to irritate your skin. Carrier oils are plant oils like argan, jojoba and almond oil. They’re called carrier oils because they are used to dilute essential oils and ‘carry’ them to your skin.

Blend it with your shampoo

If you like to keep your haircare products natural, you can try adding a few drops of rosemary oil after diluting to your shampoo or conditioner before using it as normal. You only need a few drops of rosemary oil in your shampoo, and you should always wash your hair thoroughly to rinse it out well.

You’ll find a lot of rosemary oil hair products on the market, too, though. So, if mixing your own rosemary oil products isn’t for you, you could try these instead!

Since rosemary oil (when used with a carrier oil) is generally considered safe, it can be used daily. But it is best to build up to using it every day by starting with a small amount once or twice a week.

If you find you are experiencing some sensitivity, try using it less or check in with your hairdresser or a medical professional for personalised advice.

Whilst rosemary oil is safe for all hair types, there are some precautions you should take when using it.

For instance, as rosemary oil is a potent essential oil, it can cause irritation, so it should always be used with a carrier oil or mixed with another product. If you experience any irritation, even after diluting the rosemary oil, you should stop using it immediately.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should get confirmation from your doctor as to whether it is safe for you to use.

1. Apply it: Dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, and then apply it to the soles of your feet or other parts of your body.
2. Diffuse it: Put 8 to 10 drops into a diffuser and breathe in the herby, earthy, and slightly citrusy scent.
3. Bathe in it: Run a warm bath and add 4 to 6 drops of rosemary oil. Then relax in the bath for at least 10 minutes to allow the aroma to work.⁴

Rosemary oil has been used throughout the centuries for a range of different reasons. But even recent research suggests that it can have some benefits for your hair and even your mood.

And a reason that it has gained so much traction recently could be that it’s easy to use from the comfort of your own home – and it doesn’t cost the Earth. Browse our complete collection of essential oils online today.

Last updated: 23 June 2022