Why TikTok-trending rosemary oil is great for your hair – the natural herb can

Not only did rosemary oil help stimulate hair regrowth, but it also made people’s scalps less itchy than Rogaine did several months into the study.

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“The bottom line is, yes, it does seem to work,” Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal, a dermatologist, told Cleveland Clinic. “The study really prompted people to look at rosemary oil for hair growth. It became much more common in over-the-counter products after that, too.”

The key ingredient in rosemary oil is carnosic acid, which has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and appears to heal damaged nerves and help with blood circulation – fostering new hair growth when applied to the scalp, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Increased blood flow “delivers oxygen and nutrients and prevents damaged hair follicles that lead to hair loss,” Dr. Michelle Green, a dermatologist, told Popular Science.

Rosemary oil may also help reduce dandruff and prevent premature greying, according to Cleveland Clinic, but more research in these areas is needed.

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Noticeable results

Using rosemary oil a couple times a week can lead to noticeable improvements within six months. Rosemary oil can benefit people of all hair types, according to Khetarpal.

To effectively incorporate rosemary oil into your routine, Khetarpal told Cleveland Clinic that she recommends massaging the oil into the scalp and leaving it to soak in for a few hours – preferably overnight – two to three times a week, and then washing it out. You only need a few drops, she said.

Rosemary oil can make hair look greasy, especially in those with already fine hair, so it’s key to focus the oil on the scalp – not the strands. Khetarpal also recommends looking for products that are 100 per cent rosemary oil, and testing the product out on a small patch of the scalp first, to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction.

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Alternatively, you can make rosemary water at home. Rosemary water can work as well as rosemary oil, according to Popular Science, is cheap, and may make hair look less greasy than rosemary oil.

Finally, Khetarpal said that it’s important to be patient. “You’re going to need to use it two or three times a week for six months to see a meaningful improvement,” she said. “Stay consistent and give it time.”