You may know rosemary as an aromatic herb used in flavoring a variety of cuisines or perhaps you know it from the rosemary bush growing in your yard. But did you know that rosemary’s benefits stretch beyond seasoning foods and being an attractive shrub? Rosemary has components that make it an invaluable resource to your hair, from increasing growth to improving shine and scalp health. Keep reading to discover more about the impacts rosemary can have on your hair.

How does rosemary improve the quality of my hair?

Rosemary has played a role in hair care for centuries, but you’re probably wondering how exactly it works. According to research published on the National Library of Medicine, rosemary has three distinct qualities that make it a relevant hair care product. Rosemary is:

1) an anti-inflammatory

2) an analgesic, and

3) an antimicrobial.

As an anti-inflammatory, rosemary reduces inflammation which helps with a variety of medical conditions, some of which result in a loss of hair. Rosemary is also an analgesic, meaning that it reduces pain. When working in conjunction with rosemary's anti-inflammatory properties, these two qualities may help provide treatment for a variety of medical conditions that might otherwise result in hair loss.

Finally, rosemary's antimicrobial nature means that it reduces the number of bacteria, fungi, or other microbes present. In the context of hair, this means that rosemary can help prevent dandruff which is a common hair fungus that results in itchiness and flaking from the scalp. Anecdotally, rosemary has been shown to also improve shine and general hair quality as well although this has yet to be scientifically proven. 

Can rosemary help my hair grow faster?

The short answer is yes! The basic reasoning behind it is that rosemary increases circulation to the scalp, which in turn causes the hair follicles to grow and reproduce faster. Research is currently ongoing to determine to exactly what extent rosemary stimulates hair growth and how fast these changes can occur once one starts to utilize rosemary. 

To test out rosemary’s benefits on your own hair growth, try adding rosemary essential oils to your hair care routine. You can do this by steeping rosemary in water and then using it as a rinse for your hair. You can purchase rosemary essential oil directly or buy a fresh rosemary bundle, depending on your preference.

Can rosemary reduce hair loss?

As established in the previous question, rosemary can help reduce hair loss by promoting hair growth. However, it can also help prevent hair loss and thinning in the first place. Rosemary has actually been used in hair rinses and treatments for centuries, dating all the way back to early Mediterranean cultures that used it to combat hair thinning and loss of hair. In modern times, Research has shown that the use of rosemary on the hair promotes thicker hair than even some medicines - such as Rogaine - designed to target hair loss and thinning! Furthermore, by using rosemary, you do not have to worry about any side effects that may come with using prescription drugs to treat your hair. 

One of the most common causes of hair loss is male pattern baldness. While rosemary has not been conclusively proven to halt the effects of male pattern baldness, experts are currently studying whether it may have a positive effect in stopping, or slowing, the loss of hair that results from the condition.

Rosemary also prevents hair loss through its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which can help combat the medical conditions that cause hair loss in the first place. Essentially, rosemary reduces hair loss in two ways: by encouraging and stimulating hair growth as well as through its other benefits that can help prevent hair loss in the first place. 

How can I use rosemary to help my hair?

After reading about all of rosemary's benefits for your hair and beyond, you're probably ready to give it a try and wondering how to incorporate it into your routine. The good news is that there are plenty of options that you can personalize to fit your routine.

First, you can add rosemary essential oil to your shampoo. Be careful not to add too much; roughly 2-3 drops per usage is advisable or 5 drops per ounce if you are mixing it directly into the bottle. Another option involving rosemary essential oil is to use a carrier oil and apply it directly to your scalp. Make sure you are using a carrier oil, and not directly applying it, as that may have adverse effects if the dosage is too high. 

You may also want to add rosemary to your showering experience with a rosemary and eucalyptus bundle. At Self-Care Shower, we sustainably grow and harvest rosemary here in the U.S. that is the perfect fresh addition to your showering experience. You may choose to hang up your bundle in the shower and inhale the satisfying aroma of eucalyptus and rosemary or you may decide to steep your fresh rosemary in water creating a rosemary rinse that is perfect for bringing the hair benefits you're looking for to your own scalp. For more information on creating a rosemary rinse, check out these ideas and directions from Naturally Curly. 

Whether you are looking for relief from dandruff, hair loss, or just some all-natural benefits to your hair and body, rosemary is a crucial natural ingredient to enhance your scalp and hair. No matter how you choose to use it, remember to keep rosemary and Self-Care Shower in mind as you look to improve both your hair and quality of life. 

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