Why you should use Rosemary in your Natural Haircare Routine
I absolutely love rosemary! If you’re a fan of natural haircare and skincare, it’s almost impossible that you’ve never heard of the amazing benefits of using rosemary in your natural haircare routine.
Rosemary leaves have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help with scalp health, improve blood circulation and may even promote hair growth.
And the best part? You can grow rosemary at home and embrace natural hair care without expensive products.
My Experience with using Rosemary for Hair
When I first saw the trend of using rosemary for hair growth on social media, I was sceptical. Honestly, most of the beauty tips I see on social media don’t work for me, which can be so frustrating!
But since I have a rosemary plant in the garden, I decided to give it a try! I was so surprised when I tried using rosemary in my natural haircare routine and saw that it actually worked!
Over a few months, my fine hair became stronger, my scalp stopped itching and I noticed way less hair falling out. I couldn’t quite believe that I’ve found a natural and non-toxic home remedy that worked for me.
The History of using Rosemary for Hair and Skin
The rosemary plant (Rosmarinus officinalis) has been used as a natural home remedy since Ancient Egyptian times, which was more than 2000 years ago. It originates from Mediterranean countries where temperatures are ideal for rosemary to grow.
The ancient Egyptians used rosemary for hair growth but also for healing wounds and in cosmetics and perfumes.
And even in today’s modern world, the powerful properties of rosemary as natural haircare are still appreciated.
Given the fact that there are tons of effective haircare products on the market, I think it’s pretty impressive how rosemary is still a trusted remedy used to grow healthy and strong hair today.
After all, nature holds more power than we think it does!
The Benefits of using Rosemary in your Natural Haircare Routine
Healthy Scalp
A healthy scalp is the key to grow strong and healthy hair.
Applying rosemary oil or rosemary water to your scalp improves blood circulation. This helps your body transport essential nutrients for your hair to the scalp more easily making your hair strong and healthy.
In addition, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of rosemary keep your scalp clean. They prevent infections, dandruff, irritation and the buildup of dead skin cells and product residue that lead to clogged pores.
Helps with hair loss
I lost a lot of hair before I implemented rosemary into my natural haircare routine. So many, that my brush was literally full after every time I brushed my hair!
Then I tried massaging rosemary water into my scalp every day. And let me tell you: It absolutely works wonders! I can count the hair strands in my brush now.
Rosemary helps with hair loss by making the hair follicles stronger, which makes them hold on to hair strands for longer. Stronger hair follicles and improved blood circulation in the scalp prevent hair thinning and make the hair stronger and healthier.
Even my hairdresser noticed that my hair has become thicker!
Thicker and Stronger Hair
Rosemary doesn’t only strengthen the hair follicles, but it also prevents breakage and split ends when applied to the ends.
While it’s important to support our hair at their roots where they grow, the ends deserve care too!
Nourishing the hair ends with rosemary oil prevents them from drying out and, as a result, splitting and breaking off.
Might Boost Hair Growth
There is a lot of controversy on whether or not rosemary for hair growth really works.
But although there aren’t any serious scientific papers available that confirm this, a lot of people online are absolutely convinced that it helps their hair grow at a faster pace.
My advice? Try it out and see if it works for you!
I personally can’t evaluate whether rosemary helps my hair grow faster, since I haven’t measured my hair growth before and after using rosemary. But I can certainly confirm that my hair has become thicker, stronger and healthier!
Fights Dandruff and Scalp Irritation
The antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary leaves keep the scalp clean of dandruff, bacteria, which can lead to an irritated and itchy scalp.
I can only approve of that. After a few weeks of using rosemary in my natural haircare routine, my scalp was itching less frequently than it used to.
What to do before you use Rosemary in your Natural Haircare Routine
Dilute with a Carrier Oil
Rosemary essential oil should not be applied directly to the skin since it can cause irritation.
Always dilute with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or argan oil. Use 3-5 drops of rosemary essential oil per 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.
There are also ready-made hair oils with rosemary oil you can buy.
Do a Patch Test
Unfortunately, rosemary oil isn’t for everyone.
To make sure, it is safe to use for you, do a patch test before using it on your scalp. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm. After 24 hours, check your skin for redness, swelling or other allergic reactions.
As long as your skin doesn’t show any reactions, you’re good to go!
Check for Medical Conditions
If you have a medical scalp condition, you are pregnant or have certain health issues, you should consult a doctor before using rosemary oil in your haircare routine.
Reflect on other Factors of Hair Health
Your haircare routine might not always be the problem if you struggle with hair loss or thinning hair.
Vitamin deficiencies, your lifestyle, genetics or chronic diseases can also play a role in how strong and healthy your hair is.
I personally had an iron deficiency, so changing my diet and taking supplements made a huge difference to my hair health!
How to use Rosemary for Hair
How to use Rosemary Water for Hair
How: Apply rosemary water to your scalp (with a spray bottle) and massage it into your skin for 5-10 minutes. You can use your fingers or a scalp brush for that. Don’t wash the rosemary water out of your hair after that! I personally apply it before bed and leave it in overnight.
How often: Every day or a few times a week.
How to use Rosemary Oil for Hair
How: Apply about 1-2 droppers full of diluted rosemary oil to your scalp and massage it into your skin for 5-15 minutes. Make sure to wash your hair after 1-4 hours. If you leave it in for too long, you might lose hair!
How often: 1-3 times a week
Please note: Always dilute rosemary oil with a carrier oil and do a patch test before applying it to your scalp!
How to use a Rosemary Hair Rinse
How: After washing your hair like you normally do, rinse your hair with rosemary water or cooled rosemary tea. Either let it sit for 10-15 minutes and then rinse your hair with cold water or just leave it in your hair. You can also add apple cider vinegar to the hair rinse for extra shine.
How often: 1-3 times a week
How to use Rosemary Tea for Hair
How: Buy organic rosemary tea or make a DIY rosemary tea if you have a rosemary plant in the garden. Drink it or use it as a rosemary hair rinse to boost blood circulation and, as a result, promote healthy hair growth.
How often: 1-2 cups per day
Please note: Rosemary tea can potentially interact with certain drugs such as medications for blood thinning and lowering blood pressure! Check the package inserts of your medications and consult a doctor if you’re not sure drinking rosemary tea regularly is safe for you.
Tips for Maximizing the Results of using Rosemary for Hair
Be Consistent
It is unlikely that using rosemary in your natural haircare routine only once or twice a month will give you the results you wish to achieve.
Using rosemary regularly and over at least 4-6 months is crucial to see results. Overall, hair still grows really slowly.
So, don’t be disappointed if you don’t see results after two weeks and keep going!
Scalp Massages
Applying rosemary oil or water to your scalp isn’t always enough. Massage your scalp for 5-15 minutes after application to help it absorb the nutrients more effectively.
Scalp massages additionally promote healthy hair growth by improving blood circulation in the scalp.
Avoid Overuse
Don’t leave rosemary oil on your scalp for too long. And don’t use it every day!
Overdoing it can lead to scalp irritation or even hair loss.
Trust me, I’ve been there! The hair loss I experienced after leaving the oil in my hair overnight one time really wasn’t pleasant.
Final Thoughts
Would I recommend using rosemary in your natural haircare routine? Yes, absolutely!
But using it correctly and consistently is crucial for it to work. Find out which method of using rosemary for hair works best for you.
Have you ever tried using rosemary in your haircare routine? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
