Rosemary Oil For Hair Growth: The Science Behind It, And All The Best Products To Use

Majeed tells us that massage application also enhances the absorption of rosemary’s active ingredients into the skin and hair follicles. “Allowing rosemary oil to remain on the scalp for at least 30 minutes enables it to better penetrate,” he says, “and keeping it on for a longer duration, especially when wrapped with a warm towel, can enhance absorption.” As for how often you should massage it onto the scalp, he advises “ideally, rosemary oil should be applied a couple of times a week for consistent exposure to its potential benefits.” So for the best results, apply, massage and let it sit as long as possible before washing it off with a mild shampoo to reduce excess grease.

What to consider when buying rosemary oil for hair growth:

According to Martin, a good rosemary oil formula will have rosemary (botanical name Rosmarinus
Officinalis leaf oil) high up on the list–the lower down it is on the list indicates a lower
amount of the ingredient inside.

If you’re buying an essential oil version, the key thing to know is it must be diluted before applying. “Rosemary essential oil is highly concentrated, and applying it directly to the scalp can lead to skin irritation or sensitivity. To avoid this, it’s essential to dilute the rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil–a mild, neutral oil like coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil.” says Majeed. Alternatively, you can add a few drops into your existing haircare, or save the faff altogether by buying pre-mixed oils or leave-in treatments.