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Oct 15, 2024

Rosemary Oil For Hair Growth: The Science Behind It, And All The Best Products To Use | British Vogue

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site. Recently, rosemary oil has emerged as an unlikely remedy for rapid hair growth. On TikTok you’ll find a veritable

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

Recently, rosemary oil has emerged as an unlikely remedy for rapid hair growth. On TikTok you’ll find a veritable rosemary oil fan club proclaiming its powers; regrowing edges, thickening hair and lengthening locks is the refrain of countless rave reviews. Spawning long hair might seem a significant ask of a supermarket herb, but the people swear by it – and they’ve got video proof.

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With testimonials touting its efficacy for alopecia and postpartum hair loss, sceptics might wonder whether there are hard facts to support what seems like another fad. As it turns out, there’s actually scientific evidence to suggest that rosemary oil can be as effective as the hair growth drug minoxidil – a research study from back in 2015 showed it increased the hair count of alopecia sufferers after six months of use. And according to Dr. Zayn Majeed, hair surgeon at Harley Street Hair Clinic, studies have shown it to be effective at healing nerve endings and promoting hair restoration.

“Rosemary oil can strengthen circulation and improve blood supply to hair follicles, preventing them from being deprived of essential blood supply,” he explains. “If hair follicles don’t get a sufficient blood supply, this may shorten the growth phase of the hair growth cycle, and lead to hair loss over time.” Not only does it help you achieve longer hair, but it’s also beneficial for hair health overall. “Rosemary oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce scalp irritation, dandruff, and itching, providing a more optimal environment for healthy hair growth,” Dr. Majeed adds. Alongside its circulation-boosting and antimicrobial properties, it’s a great ingredient for supercharged hair care.

But temper your expectations: while the cult oil can work miracles to increase hair growth, it’s not a cure for stopping hair loss completely. “There’s currently no clinical cure for hair loss, though it can be slowed with medications and treatments like hair transplants,” says Dr. Majeed.

You’ll find all kinds of rosemary remedies online, from homegrown herb/oil infusions to spiking haircare with essential oil drops. But the best way to incorporate it into your routine? Apply diluted rosemary oil directly to the roots or bald patches and massage it into the scalp. Massage increases the oxygenation of hair follicles through increased blood flow, and according to Claire Martin (brand educator at bestselling brand Mielle Organics) a large supply of oxygen is crucial for hair to grow at its full potential.

Amazon

Root Applicator & Scalp Massager

Amazon

Vegamour

GRO Revitalising Silicone Scalp Massager

Sephora

Read more: The Best Shampoos For Hair Growth, According To Experts

Dr. Majeed tells us that massage application also enhances the absorption of rosemary’s active ingredients into the skin and hair follicles. “Allowing rosemary oil to remain on the scalp for at least 30 minutes enables it to better penetrate,” he says, “and keeping it on for a longer duration, especially when wrapped with a warm towel, can enhance absorption.” As for how often you should massage it onto the scalp, he advises “ideally, rosemary oil should be applied a couple of times a week for consistent exposure to its potential benefits.” So for the best results, apply, massage and let it sit as long as possible before washing it off with a mild shampoo to reduce excess grease.

According to Claire, a good rosemary oil formula will have rosemary (botanical name Rosmarinus Officinalis leaf oil) high up on the list – the lower down it is on the list indicates a lower amount of the ingredient inside.

If you’re buying an essential oil version, the key thing to know is it must be diluted before applying. “Rosemary essential oil is highly concentrated, and applying it directly to the scalp can lead to skin irritation or sensitivity. To avoid this, it’s essential to dilute the rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil – a mild, neutral oil like coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil.” says Dr. Majeed. Alternatively, you can add a few drops into your existing haircare, or save the faff altogether by buying pre-mixed oils or leave-in treatments.

“This scalp serum from T.H.O.M has quickly stolen the top spot in my haircare stash – and beaten a slew of other great rosemary oils to boot. Its appeal? A fast-absorbing formula that leaves no greasy residue, making it ideal for daily treatments. Expertly combined for optimal follicle health, its blend of enzymes, stem cells and peptides instantly ease dandruff and leave my scalp feeling soothed. They’re also great for stimulating growth – this micrograph may not look like much, but look closely and you’ll see its proof I’ve had tiny new hairs sprout since starting the bottle. I’ll be updating on how much it helps the thinning edges of my hairline, but from the fuzzy new regrowth I’m seeing, it’s already a must-have in my book.” – Tracy Achonwa, beauty commerce writer

Read more: Best Beauty Advent Calendars Of 2024

Beauty writer Tracy Achonwa shows how to apply rosemary oil for hair growth, using Dr Majeed’s recommended technique – incorporating massage and letting rosemary sit on the scalp for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Four weeks in, Tracy tests T.H.O.M‘s serum by looking for signs of new growth under a hair microscope.

Every rosemary oil in our edit of the best comes tried and tested by Vogue editors, who have committed to using the product for a full hair growth cycle to properly assess their benefits. We looked for improvements in hair length and fullness, as well as differences in density to areas of hair that had previously been sparse, also considering the weight of the oil on the hair and whether it left any unwanted residue. Below, the options that passed our tests and garnered the best results, which you can trust to condition and lengthen your hair without excess grease or scalp buildup.

Champo

Harrods

Selfridges

Why we love it:

When Champo founder Kuldeep Knox consulted her grandmother on the secret to still having a head full of strong and lustrous hair in her seventies, she discovered ancient Indian hair oils were behind a lifetime of enviably long tresses. Bottling that wisdom and the best botanical actives for hair growth with the help of trichologists, her grandma’s recipe garners real results – so much so that it’s become a bestseller in stores such as Harrods and Selfridges. Best used on dry hair, it has a thin formula that doesn’t grease the scalp, smooths frizz and reduces hair thinning and greying over time. An excellent hair oil for everyday use.

Amazon

Why we love it:

If clean formulas are a priority for you, you’ll love Plantmade’s hair growth oil. Completely free of sulfates and silicones, it’s ideal for those with particularly sensitive scalps. Along with rosemary, it harnesses the power of pumpkin seed (a natural DHT blocker) to prevent hair loss, as well as vitamin E-rich henna, which smooths the cuticle in addition to helping curb premature greys. Great for improving the condition of both hair and skin, it’s got a loyal following who swear by its transformative effects, plus plenty of impressive before and afters for patchy beards and thinning edges in its rave reviews.

Read more: The Best Oils For Grey Hair That Keep Strands Vibrant & Hydrated

Sephora

Look Fantastic

Why we love it:

If you want to enjoy the benefits of rosemary oil but fret over a greasy scalp, Aveda’s shampoo is for you. It’s made with an invigorating blend of rosemary and mint, and is mild enough that it won’t strip the all-important rosemary oil extracts from your scalp as it gives hair a clarifying clean.

Amazon

Why we love it:

You’ll recognise this bestselling rosemary oil from pretty much every rave review – and with very good reason. Expertly blended with skin-loving ceramides, it works wonders for both hair and skin. Reviewers have praised its power to darken greying hair as well as rapidly increase hair growth, and it gives you a lot of bang for your buck at 150ml for under £10.

Amazon

Stylevana

Why we love it:

Korean beauty brand Aromatica offers a gentle formula that soothes the scalp for itch relief, and it comes in a convenient spray bottle. Designed to be left on, it’s also formulated with salicylic acid, so consider scalp build-up and dandruff sorted.

Amazon

Why we love it:

A big hit on Tiktok for restoring edges and giving a longer, fuller appearance to the hair, this is Vogue contributing beauty writer Tracy Achonwa’s rosemary oil of choice. “While this works on all hair types, it’s especially nourishing on my natural coils which are prone to tangling and dryness. Diluted in castor oil, which is also great for hair growth, it’s perfect for easing the tension of fresh braids. I’ve used it on areas that feel fragile and thinning and seen impressive results within weeks.”

According to Claire, what makes it so effective is the inclusion of mint and biotin, which aid in cell growth and improve keratin structure respectively. “It’s a recipe for success for healthy hair growth,” she says.

Read more: The Best Shampoos For Every Hair Type, Tried And Tested

iHerb

Amazon

Why we love it:

A veritable saviour for tresses prone to dryness, this new leave-in from Camille Rose works especially well on curly hair. Its melting balm consistency adds a healthy shine to brittle strands, featuring humectant glycerin, antibacterial honey, and castor oil to nourish hair and scalp. We love that the formula is the kind that hair just drinks up, absorbing fast to define your curl pattern and smooth frizzy ends. For a leave-in conditioner, it has none of the typical weighed-down, filmy feel thanks to its silicone-free blend.

Face The Future

Why we love it:

Weleda doesn’t just deal in food for the skin – its tonic is full of nutrients that nourish both the hair and scalp. A time-tested remedy that has been around since the brand’s birth in 1921, it eases dandruff and fortifies your strands with rosemary and horseradish extract. For thicker hair, spritz it into your roots, massage and leave it in – it’s a water-based formula that doesn’t grease up so is great for daily use.