The Rosemary Trend: Is it the Holy Grail to Hair Growth?
If the latest TikTok rosemary oil hair trend’s got you scratching your head, we’re here to tell you that rosemary isn’t JUST something you add to soups or steaks— there’s actually been a wealth of studies advocating for its health benefits, including hair strengthening and growth. Not only can rosemary pack your dishes with some serious flavor, it also has scientific properties that make it effective in hair care.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the science behind this Mediterranean herb’s effectiveness in promoting hair growth and strength. We'll explore the different ways to easily incorporate rosemary into your hair care routine, from adding it to your shampoo to drinking it as a tea. And for those who prefer no hassle, ready-to-use products, we'll recommend the top rosemary hair products for achieving the strong, healthy goddess hair you’ve always dreamt of.
So, brew yourself a cup of piping rosemary tea, sit back, and let's explore the benefits of this amazing herb for your hair.
The Science of Rosemary, Unveiled
Rosemary’s scientific name is Rosmarinus officinalis (it’s quite a mouthful). This magical herb’s usage dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times, and was commonly used by Ancient Greek students to enhance their own memory functions.
FUN FACT: Rosemary is an ancient symbol for fidelity, love, and remembrance. Source
Fast forward to the present day, rosemary is often used as a natural remedy for a variety of health issues, including androgenetic alopecia– the most common hair loss disorder in both men and women. One study found that rosemary oil was just as effective as minoxidil, a widely used hair loss treatment, in increasing hair count after 6 months of continued use. In another 2013 study performed on mice, rosemary oil was found to inhibit up to 94% of testosterone 5α-reductase, which is the most effective treatment to reduce androgenic alopecia. This makes rosemary a promising natural alternative for those who are incompatible with minoxidil.
In addition to its hair care benefits, rosemary has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties, and are non-toxic to humans. Evidently, in a 2016 study, oral ingestion of rosemary has been shown to promote skin healing post-surgery in rats. Rosemary may have a positive effect on mental health as well, indicated by a recent 2020 study done on 22 research participants who ingested rosemary tea once a day for 10 days. The participants saw a significant reduction in anxiety and depression biomarkers.
Convinced yet? Next, let’s explore exactly HOW you can incorporate rosemary into your everyday routines to reap those health and hair benefits.
From Kitchen to Shower: How to Incorporate Rosemary into Your Hair Care Routine
⚠️ CAUTION: Before we dive into how you can use rosemary for your hair, it’s important to understand that improper use of this herb can actually irritate your scalp, and worst case– make your hair fall out. The idiom, “too much of a good thing” actually applies in this situation! Rosemary is a potent ingredient that needs to be diluted with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil, before applying it onto your scalp. If you’re thinking about buying ready-to-use rosemary oil blends, instead of making your own, be sure to do thorough research on them first.
As An Overnight Hair Oil Mask
Leaving oil in your hair overnight allows your hair and scalp more time to absorb the nutrients and strengthening benefits of the rosemary. Not only does it help to moisturize and hydrate your hair, it can also prevent breakages and promote healthy hair growth. Additionally, the warmth from your scalp can help to open up your hair follicles, allowing the oil to penetrate deeper into your hair and scalp.
Note: Be sure not to leave the oil on for any longer than 8-10 hours, as it may irritate your scalp.
Begin with towel-dried, freshly washed hair.
Using the glass syringe, apply approximately 3mL of your rosemary oil blend to your scalp.
Use your fingers to massage the oil into your scalp for about 5 minutes.
Apply more oil, if necessary.
Wrap your hair in a microfiber or satin hair towel to prevent the oil from staining your pillowcase.
Leave the oil in overnight.
The next morning, wash out the oil with your normal shampoo and conditioner.
Drink It As A Tea
If you’re a tea fan, this one's for you! Drinking rosemary tea is another popular way to reap the many health benefits of this herb. Rosemary tea has been shown to promote skin healing, elevate mood, reduce inflammation and swelling, and improve digestion. Additionally, rosemary tea may promote hair growth and strength when consumed regularly. Here is a simple 2-ingredient recipe for making rosemary tea at home. You can spice up this drink by adding cinnamon and ginger for even more added natural health benefits.
Simple and Low-Effort: Add It To Your Shampoo
If you’re constantly busy and have no time, we’ve got you covered. The simplest way to get your daily dose of rosemary is by adding it to your shampoo. Mix a few drops of the oil into your regular shampoo and/or conditioner. This can help to promote hair growth and strength while also giving your hair a pleasant scent.
In theory, leaving the oil on your hair for an extended period of time will maximize the benefits. So we recommend trying the 2 previously mentioned methods to see better results.
Alternatively, you can purchase a shampoo, conditioner, or hair mask that contains rosemary oil as an ingredient– which we’ll go into more detail about in the next section!
Get Your (Rosemary) Fix: The Best Products for Strong, Healthy Hair
We understand the importance of finding the right product that suits your specific needs. That's why we've done the research and compiled a list of our favorite rosemary oil and rosemary-infused hair care products that are sure to leave you with stronger and healthier hair.
Rosemary Oil Blends
Public Goods Rosemary Essential Oil – $10.95
Alvita Organic Rosemary Herbal Tea – $8.75
August Uncommon Tea Gold Rush Orange Rosemary Caramel Black Tea - $12.49
Rosemary-Infused Hair Products
Mr. Smith Blond Shampoo - $38.00
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Mr. Smith Mousse - $40.00
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Mr. Smith Dry Texture Spray - $40.00
Shop Now or Purchase At Our Salon
Don’t just take our words for it.
Rosemary has been shown to be a promising natural alternative to traditional treatments for hair loss and promoting overall health and hair growth. Whether you choose to incorporate it into your hair care routine through oils, teas, or shampoo, the science behind its effectiveness is undeniable. So, it wouldn’t hurt to give rosemary a try, and see the results for yourself!
Who We Are – Flirt Salon in East Village, San Diego, California
At Flirt Salon, we are dedicated to providing our clients in San Diego with the latest in hair trends and techniques. Our team of color experts and stylists are passionate about creating personalized looks that enhance your unique features and style. Located in Downtown San Diego's vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, our salon is just minutes away from iconic destinations like Balboa Park, Gaslamp, and Petco Park. Whether you're looking for a classic haircut or a trendy balayage, our team is here to help you achieve your dream hair. We offer a variety of services, including the much-loved lived-in haircut, as well as treatments like Olaplex and Keratin Treatment. Schedule an appointment and let us help you achieve your hair goals!
