Five Ways to Use Rosemary for Noticeable Hair Growth
Photo via Pinterest.
Following the pandemic, hair loss emerged as one of the side effects of having COVID-19. My family and I personally experienced this frightening phenomenon both during and after having the virus. This, coupled with my decision to temporarily dye my hair ice blonde last year, caused me to experience a tremendous amount of hair loss. I was alarmed and desperate to restore my hair to its full volume.
Needless to say, I was ecstatic when I recently learned that the Internet’s hottest new self-care trend is using rosemary to help your hair grow faster. Anthony Youn, a popular plastic surgeon, claims that rosemary may be as effective for hair growth as minoxidil, the main ingredient in Rogaine, a widely-recommended treatment for hair loss.
Now one month into diligently using rosemary in my everyday routine, I believe that it’s the perfect natural remedy for hair loss. Here are the five ways I’ve incorporated rosemary into my daily life.
Note: Those with sensitive skin may find that essential oils like rosemary irritate their skin more than they help, so exercise caution before using any of these methods. Be sure to seek the advice of your doctor regarding the use of rosemary oil if you’re currently pregnant or being treated for any health-related conditions.
1. Rosemary Water Rinse in the Shower
The use of rosemary-infused water as a rinse for your hair in the shower was popularized by Lilly Van Brooklyn on TikTok. Her tutorial shows viewers how to properly cook the water and then use it to help their hair grow.
Cooking Directions: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil on high heat on your stove and add in 5 sprigs of rosemary. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes, or until water is greenish or reddish in color. Let cool, then transfer the water into a spray bottle and store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.
Pro Tip: Use a glass spray bottle to store the water, like this one from Target.
Use Directions: Shampoo your hair in the shower, rinse, then generously spray rosemary water all over, lifting various sections of hair so that the water goes directly on your scalp in addition to your hair. Gently massage for about 30 seconds to stimulate blood circulation. Let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse and condition.
Pro Tip: Spray water directly onto your scalp, on top of your head, along your hairline, and all over your hair (from roots to ends) for maximum effect. Your hair should be dripping rosemary water when you’re finished applying.
2. Pure Rosemary Oil ($15)
Mediterra’s Pure Rosemary Oil is my favorite hair growth product that I’ve found because of its purity. The fact that the oil is “pure” means that it’s not diluted and it’s free of additives and preservatives. Because of this quality, the oil also tends to make your hair feel less greasy after you apply it when compared to other similar products on the market.
Use Directions: Apply a few drops to your hands, rub together, and massage into your hairline and through your scalp. You can leave it in overnight or, if you don’t want to wake up smelling like rosemary, just for an hour. Use at least once per week.
Pro Tip: Use this oil the night before a hair-washing day because it has a potent smell and will cause your hair to look slightly greasy.
3. Pacifica Rosemary Purify Shampoo and Conditioner
This duo is free of silicone and sulfates and received a score of 72/100 (“Good”) on the Yuka app. They smell like mint and leave my hair feeling clean and soft. You can find them at Ulta, Target, Amazon, or on Pacifica’s website.
Pro Tip: Use Pacifica’s Rosemary Purify Shampoo, rinse, then apply homemade rosemary water. Leave in for 5 minutes, then rinse and use Pacifica’s Rosemary Purify Conditioner.
4. Pacifica Scalp Love Rosemary Mint Serum
I love using this serum because it’s not an oil and will dry in your hair overnight. The directions on the bottle say to apply 2 to 4 droppers (I typically use more than this), and then massage into your scalp. This serum is sold at Ulta, Target, Amazon, and on Pacifica’s website.
5. Eat (or Drink) Rosemary Daily
Rosemary oil is known to promote hair growth by stimulating blood circulation to the scalp. It’s also used as a preventative measure for dandruff and premature graying.
A quick and easy way to incorporate rosemary into your daily life is to chop it and put it on salads, or use it to season your favorite food. You can also make rosemary tea by chopping a sprig of rosemary and steeping it using a tea strainer.
Summary
There are a wide variety of other rosemary products on the market, as well as purported methods of using the herb to help your hair grow. If you think you’ve found a promising item, I recommend reading through the product’s online reviews before purchasing it (and start by reading the one-star reviews).
I recently tried one of Amazon’s bestselling oils, since it was recommended by my favorite influencer. After I used it, however, I experienced additional hair loss rather than growth. Although the product has thousands of raving five-star reviews, a majority of the one-star reviews indicated that others also experienced hair loss after using the oil.
I’ve found the items and methods included above to be tried and true. Although I’ve only been using them for a month, I’ve already noticed hair growth. Rosemary really is more than just a seasoning.
