Rosemary oil is believed to have many wellness and beauty benefits. Although it's best known for its use in aromatherapy, rosemary has also been said to moisturize skin and bring hair back to life—specifically repair damage, combat pesky dandruff, and even promote hair growth. You've most likely seen countless TikTok & Instagram users touting the benefits of rosemary for your hair. Whether its rosemary water rinses or rosemary oil scalp treatments you can't escape everyone from celebrities to influencers to regular folks swearing by it. 

What Are the Benefits?

Can prevent hair loss

Rosemary oil is a potent antioxidant, meaning it can help fight against free radical molecules. Free radicals are damaging molecules that destroy cells over time, and they can ultimately lead to hair loss by damaging the hair follicle.

Improves Hair Growth

Can rosemary oil help with hair growth? Experts say yes. The plant contains carnosic acid, which has healing properties that can help nerve damage and improve blood circulation to the follicles. This encourages nerve growth and improves blood circulation. Improving blood circulation is important for hair growth because without a proper blood supply, the follicles do not get nutrients they need to grow hair and they can die off.

One study published in 2015 compared rosemary oil specifically to minoxidil (commonly known as Rogaine) and found the results after six months were similar.

Reduces scalp irritation

From the same study, it was found that the majority of people who used rosemary oil also had less itchy scalps. As an essential oil, rosemary is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. This would be especially beneficial for soothing distressed scalps.

Prevents dandruff

Rosemary oil is said to be an ideal solution to combat dandruff. In addition to improving blood circulation to the scalp, rosemary oil eliminates bacteria that clogs hair follicles and can help prevent dandruff. It is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps reduce itching and irritation of the scalp. It also works as an antiseptic and keeps your hair clean by killing any bacteria that may be causing your dandruff.

May help reduce gray hair

The key to preventing gray hair is protecting your cells from oxidative stress, which can cause them to age faster and even die off prematurely. Environmental aggressors like pollution, smoke and chemicals in the air can cause our cells to oxidize. When they do, they speed up the aging process and can contribute to hair graying. Rosemary oil may slow down this process by fighting against the free radicals that cause it.

How Do I Use It?

Rosemary Hair Oiling

You can apply Rosemary oil directly to your scalp. If you are using pure rosemary essential oil, use only five drops and dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil before massaging into the scalp. Wash it out after five to ten minutes, or leave it on overnight before washing it out in the morning. You may combine pure rosemary oil with most other essential oils. However It's important to note that whenever applying oils directly onto the scalp (as opposed to those in carefully prepared hair care formulations like a shampoo, conditioner, mask, or treatment,) that you thoroughly cleanse the scalp to remove the oily residue. Unprepared essential oils, like any oil, can clog the hair follicles of the scalp. So be sure to cleanse the scalp thoroughly after the DIY treatment to gain the best results.

Rosemary Hair Rinsing 

Rosemary water is a popular hair rinse that can be made at home. To make rosemary water, add a handful of dried or fresh rosemary leaves to boiling distilled water and allow it to steep for two hours. Once cooled, the mixture can be diluted either in water to form a rinse or in shampoo. In either case, create a 4-to-1 ratio (4 parts rosemary water to 1 part other liquid). Use your new rosemary water hair rinse after you’ve shampooed your hair; then rinse out.

Add Rosemary oil to your shampoo or conditioner

Add a few drops of rosemary oil to your shampoo or conditioner to get the benefits while washing your hair. Be sure to wash your hair well—it takes a few shampoos for the product to fully rinse out.

Are There Any Hair Types That Should Avoid Using It?

It is not recommended that rosemary oil be used in conjunction with oral or topical medications for hair loss. There is no data on the safety of combining rosemary water or oil with other hair growth treatments such as minoxidil, so it is probably best to avoid doing so. Someone already using an oral or applied medication for hair loss should not also use rosemary water without consulting a physician.

Those who are pregnant, breast feeding, or children should avoid using rosemary oil. Additionally, those with sensitive skin should be cautious when using rosemary water on their hair. Anyone who is allergic to rosemary or has sensitive skin should patch test (apply a small amount to the jawline nightly for five nights) before applying widely on the scalp.

What Are Some Alternatives To Rosemary Oil?

Tamanu Oil

While rosemary oil is a well-known hair treatment, Tamanu oil is another great way to nourish your locks. Tamanu oil is an essential oil when it comes to beauty. We have included the oil in our conditioners because when applied to the mid-lengths and ends of hair it encourages healthier hair growth by hydrating the strands and bringing out natural luster resulting in stronger, longer hair. It's a natural, lightweight oil that is absorbed quickly and easily leaving no excess residue, gently conditioning the hair and protecting it from damage without making it feel heavy, in turn, making hair more manageable. 

Tamanu oil comes from the seeds inside the fruit of tamanu nut trees, which grow in Southeast Asia and Polynesia. These trees have long been considered sacred in their native South Sea Islands, and their oil has been coveted for its beauty benefits for centuries.

Much like rosemary oil, Tamanu oil is highly regarded for its anti-inflammatory properties which help to soothe scalp irritation and eliminate fungal infections when applied directly to the scalp in the form of a shampoo. The gentle, yet effective, cleansing properties are sought out to improve overall scalp health by eliminating dirt, sweat, and excess sebum from hair and skin. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that can help control dandruff and soothe scalp irritation. It also helps with dryness and flaking issues.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is rich in antioxidants, which help protect your hair from damage and make it shinier. It also helps reduce split ends and prevent breakage.

Lavender Oil

If you're looking for something that smells just as good as rosemary but with less of an herbal scent, try lavender oil. The two share many of the same benefits (like having anti-fungal properties), but lavender has a softer smell that makes it easier to wear out in public.

What Else Can I Do To Benefit Hair Health? 

 

Wash Hair Daily

Healthy hair starts at the scalp. We recommend washing your hair daily. Washing your hair daily is a good way to keep it healthy and looking great.

Your hair can get dirty even if you don't think it is. Even if you wear a hat or a bandana, the sweat and oil from your scalp still seeps through the fabric and onto your hair. And even if you don't sweat, there are other things that can cause your hair to get dirty: dust, pollution, pollution, dirt, and more.

These things can build up on your hair over time and make it look dull and feel dry. They also make styling harder because they weigh down the cuticles of each strand of hair so that they do not sit properly against one another when you style them. This makes styling difficult—you might have trouble getting waves or curls to stay in place.

If you are having trouble deciding which TO112 formulations are right for your hair, we've made it easy. Take this 2-minute quiz to get your ideal combination.

Use a Shampoo Brush

Using a shampoo brush as part of your shower routine can increase blood flow to your scalp, which will help keep your hair healthy and strong. A shampoo brush is a simple way to achieve that goal. The TO112 Shampoo Brush soft silicone bristles massage the scalp, which helps to improve circulation. The increased blood flow is also important because it brings oxygen and nutrients to the root of your hair follicles, which helps them grow stronger and healthier. This means you'll see fewer split ends, less breakage, and less overall damage to your hair over time.

Use A Hair Mask 

Using a hair treatment is the best way to keep your hair healthy and shiny. We recommend using a hair mask two to four times a month to keep your hair in tip-top shape.

If you colour your hair regularly or are experiencing graying, our TO112 Collagen Hair Mask will be your best friend. It's specially formulated with ingredients like collagen and keratin to give your hair the nourishment it needs.

If your hair is dry and dehydrated, we recommend our TO112 Mega Moisture Mask. This mask contains natural ingredients that hydrate the hair without weighing it down, so you can keep looking fresh after styling!