Often used to season a variety of dishes, one particular herb has been gaining a lot of attention on TikTok lately, and not for food-related reasons: hair growth!

We’re talking about rosemary. Rosemary oils have very much been the talk of TikTok, with beauty enthusiasts, as well as doctors on there sharing how it can help accelerate hair growth.

Curious what the hype’s about? Read on for more details.

Does rosemary oil actually work?

Credit: Sephora

So, is this just another social media trend or is there really something to it?

Some may doubt whether rosemary oil is just another passing trend, especially when many claim it to help with conditions like alopecia and postpartum hair loss. Well, here’s the scoop – there’s actual science to back it up.

Back in 2015, a study found that rosemary oil could boost the hair count of people with alopecia after six months of use. According to hair surgeon Dr.Zayn Majeed from Harley Street Hair Clinic,  studies have also shown it to be effective at healing nerve endings and encouraging hair growth.

How does rosemary oil work?

@itzamelika

Everything you need to know about Oiling your Scalp🫶🏼 let me know if it is Helpful ✨ #hairoilingmistakes #hairoilingtutorial #oilingscalp #oilingthescalp #oilinghaircare #oilinghairroutine #hairtutorial #rosemaryoil #rosemaryoilforhairgrowth #rosemaryoilforgrowth

♬ The Greatest-Sia – Ellen’s Betta

Rosemary oil can help improve blood flow to your hair follicles, ensuring they get the nutrients they need. If these little follicles don’t get enough blood, it can lead to hair loss over time.

Plus, the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help soothe scalp irritation, dandruff, and itching, creating a better environment for healthy hair growth.

So, not only does it make your hair longer, it also helps keep it healthy.

As fantastic as rosemary oil is for promoting hair growth, it’s not a magic potion for stopping hair loss altogether. Dr. Majeed points out that there is no clinical cure for hair loss, although there are treatments and options like hair transplant that can help slow it down.

TikToker @itzamelika provided straightforward instructions for the dos and don’ts of hair oiling, specifically with rosemary hair oil. Her user-friendly tips make it simple for anyone to follow and achieve better hair care.

How to use rosemary oil for hair growth?

@jadesiian

Its my favourite day of the week HAIR OIL DAY 🧖🏽‍♀️✨ save this for your next hair wash day if you want long healthy hair👏🏼 #hairoil #rosemaryoil #hairwashday #rosemaryoiltutorial #rosemaryoiltips #hairgrowth #hairgrowthtips

♬ original sound – 🐐

There are numerous ways to use rosemary oil for hair growth, but one of the simplest methods involves dilution.

You can dilute rosemary oil with a carrier oil, also known as a base oil or vegetable oil. To do this, mix a few drops of rosemary oil with a “neutral oil” such as coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil.

Once you’ve thoroughly mixed them, apply the diluted rosemary oil directly to the roots of your hair, focusing on any bald patches, and give it a good massage (much like how you would massage butter onto chicken).

Furthermore, incorporating massage into this process can help increase oxygen supply to the hair follicles and improve blood circulation.

You can also use a scalp massager to give your scalp a thorough massage, which can be more convenient and less messy than using your hands, especially if you want to avoid getting excess oil on them.

This retails for RM15.90 on Watsons

What to consider when buying rosemary oil for hair growth?

rosemary oil

Credit: Freepik

Before you rush to buy rosemary oil for hair growth, it’s crucial to know what to look for.

When purchasing rosemary oil, make sure to check the product’s ingredient list, and opt for those where you see “Rosmarinus Officinalis leaf oil,” which is the botanical name for rosemary, listed near the top.

If it’s further down the list, it means there’s less of this beneficial ingredient in the product.

Rosemary oils for hair growth to look for

Aromatica Rosemary Root Enhancer

Aromatica’s direct-to-scalp spray features a formulation enriched with rosemary that delivers concentrated nutrition to nurture the scalp and fortify roots, promoting healthier hair.

This product is designed to enhance scalp conditions and supply essential nourishment, harnessing the power of ingredients like rosemary, a blend of essential oils, seven varieties of vitamins, and six extracts from black foods.

This retails for RM64 on Sephora

Claire Organics Lavender Rosemary Hair & Scalp Treatment Oil

This one from Claire Organics has the best of both herbs, lavender and rosemary.

Both these herbs are known to promote hair growth and acts as a valuable natural remedy for those experiencing hair loss due to conditions such as alopecia areata. Lavender oil not only aids in treating this condition but also offers the added benefit of inducing a sense of calm.

Rosemary, on the other hand, plays a significant role in combating premature greying and has the potential to gradually darken existing grey hair. It is particularly effective for addressing issues related to dry and flaky scalps. It is also widely recognised for its capacity to stimulate hair follicles, resulting in improved hair growth.

This retails for RM54 on Claire Organics

Nature Spell Rosemary Oil For Hair & Skin

Nature Spell Rosemary Oil for Hair & Skin is a UK best-seller, highly regarded for its incredible advantages. Expertly pre-diluted, it pairs rosemary with almond and sunflower oils in a perfect ratio, making it effortless for you to enjoy its full benefits.

This rosemary oil is a versatile treat for your hair and body. While it enhances your hair, it also brings great benefits to your skin. It hydrates your skin deeply, thanks to the sunflower and almond oils, keeping it nice and moisturised. Plus, the antioxidants in rosemary help fight signs of ageing, so you can look youthful for longer.

This retails for RM48 on Nature Spell

Nature Spell Natural Rosemary Oil Infused Jamaican Castor Oil

Another hair oil from Nature Spell is this rosemary oil infused with Jamaican black castor oil.

As we’ve shared, rosemary excels at enhancing scalp circulation and rejuvenating hair follicles, which leads to thicker and more vibrant hair.

Jamaican black castor oil, on the other hand, complements these effects by deeply moisturising the hair and scalp, reducing dryness, preventing breakage, and imparting a natural shine.

This lightweight, non-greasy formula is ideal for all hair types, emphasising the remarkable benefits of rosemary for healthier, stronger hair.

This retails for RM48 on Nature Spell

Weleda Revitalising Rosemary Hair Tonic

Weleda, with its long-standing history since 1921, has been providing relief from dandruff and strengthening hair strands through this rosemary and horseradish hair tonic. This water-based formula won’t make your hair appear oily, allowing for daily use without concern.

Apply it twice a day, in the morning and evening, and massage it into your scalp for a few minutes to enhance blood circulation.

Importantly, it’s recommended not to rinse it off after application. You can use it either after washing your hair or on dry hair, leaving it in until your next hair wash day.

This retails for RM68 on Weleda

Neal’s Yard Organic Rosemary Essential Oil

This rosemary essential oil from Neal’s Yard will require some diluting. However, if you enjoy creating your own personalised rosemary oil hair treatments, this would be worth your purchase.

Although it comes in a small bottle, it packs a powerful punch. This essential oil is carefully extracted using steam distillation, ensuring that the rosemary’s effectiveness is preserved.

You can easily mix it to your preferred hair oils or even shampoo. What’s more, it’s versatile enough to be used in body oils to enhance overall blood circulation, making it a versatile product for both hair care and wellness benefits.

The recommended amount for adults is five drops in bath oil, shower gel, or carrier oil. For children over two years old or adults with sensitive skin, two drops per two tablespoons are sufficient.

This retails for RM165 on Organic Lab