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You may have seen people online touting the benefits of using rosemary oil on their hair. Many people claim rosemary oil can help hair grow thicker.

That’s an exciting prospect for anyone who struggles with thinning hair. But is the hype too good to be true?

Research indicates rosemary oil may have some positive effects on hair growth. Here’s what you need to know about using rosemary oil on your hair.

What Is Rosemary Oil?

Rosemary is a Mediterranean shrub with needle-like leaves and a distinctive scent. Rosemary oil is the oil extracted from the twigs and fresh leaves of the rosemary plant.

People have used rosemary in various forms for centuries, both in folk remedies and to flavor food.

Rosemary has medicinal as well as calming properties. Recent studies show that rosemary in different forms can curb inflammation, boost memory, and soothe anxiety. It is also inexpensive and nontoxic.

Does Rosemary Oil Thicken Hair?

The short answer is yes. There is some scientific evidence that rubbing rosemary oil into the scalp can help hair growth.

One rosemary for hair growth study showed that rosemary oil was as effective as minoxidil at stimulating hair growth. Minoxidil is a lotion you apply to the scalp to boost hair growth. It is currently the only treatment for female pattern hair loss (FPHL) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The other good news? Using rosemary oil doesn’t cause an itchy scalp, which is sometimes a side effect of minoxidil.

Doctors aren’t exactly sure how rosemary oil works. It may improve circulation in the scalp. That in turn may lead to faster cellular turnover and hair growth.

Rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory properties, so it may also be beneficial in calming inflammation. Inflammation can contribute to some hair loss conditions like alopecia areata.

How Is Rosemary Oil Used for Hair Growth?

You can buy rosemary oil over the counter anywhere that sells essential oils.

It’s concentrated, so you need to mix it with a carrier oil to dilute it. Some carrier oils are argan oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil.

To use on your hair, mix about five drops of rosemary oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. Massage the oil into your scalp and leave it on for a few minutes before showering. Be careful not to get pure rosemary oil in your eyes, as it can be irritating.

Another option is to add a few drops of rosemary oil to your favorite shampoo. Or choose hair care products that incorporate rosemary oil in their ingredients. Many shampoos, conditioners, and other products list rosemary oil among their ingredients.

Women and Hair Loss

Why do you need rosemary oil in the first place? Two words: hair loss.

It’s normal to shed some hair every day. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most people lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day. But a receding hairline, bald spot, or overall thinning is a sign of more serious hair loss.

As a society, we’re accustomed to seeing hair loss in men. But many women also experience thinning hair.

A 2022 study published in the journal Menopause revealed that more than 50% of women have FPHL by age 50. FPHL often begins when a woman goes through menopause in her forties or fifties. That’s when hormonal changes cause hair to thin.

With FPHL, you lose hair all over your head. This makes it different than male pattern baldness, which results in a bald spot or receding hairline. If you have FPHL, you may notice that your part is getting wider or your ponytail is thinner.

Genetics can play a role in FPLH. So can autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata.

You may also shed more hair than normal if you recently:

• Gave birth.
• Had surgery.
• Lost a significant amount of weight (20 pounds or more) in a short time.
• Recovered from a major illness.
• Underwent chemotherapy for cancer.
• Used harsh hair care products.
• Went through a stressful situation (getting a divorce, losing your job, caring for an elderly loved one).

If you notice your hair thinning, you should see a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating skin, nails, and hair. They can help determine why your hair is thinning and how to slow down the process.

Your dermatologist may recommend using rosemary oil or other methods to make your hair look and feel thicker.

Tips for Healthier Hair

Using rosemary oil is one way to help your hair grow thicker. Here are some other hair care dos and don’ts for a full, healthy head of hair.

Do:

• Use a gentle shampoo.
• Apply conditioner after every shampoo. Conditioner coats the strands of hair to reduce breakage and split ends.
• Skip the hot blow dryer and let your hair air-dry when possible. When you must blow-dry your hair, use the lowest possible setting.
• Wrap hair in a microfiber towel to help it dry more quickly. You can eliminate or lower the time you need to use a hair dryer.
• Be gentle when brushing or combing your hair. Brushing too much can break delicate strands of hair.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Your hair is only as healthy as your body.

Don’t:

• Use harsh at-home hair treatments. Leave perming, chemical straightening, bleaching, lightening, and relaxing to the pros at the salon. Even hot oil treatments can heat your hair to the point of damage.
• Overdo it with curling irons, flat irons, and hot combs. They heat hair and weaken it.
• Wear your hair continually pulled back in a tight ponytail, bun, cornrows, or braids. A hairstyle that pulls on your hair can cause permanent hair loss.
• Twist or pull on your hair. This bad habit can weaken already fragile hair.
• Smoke. If you do smoke, try to cut down or stop. Smoking causes inflammation in your whole body, which can weaken your hair.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on May 2, 2023, and was last reviewed on March 11, 2024.