Rosemary Water Hair Growth: Scientific Evidence and Results

What is Rosemary Water?

Rosemary water is a simple homemade preparation made by infusing rosemary leaves in water. It has become a popular hair care ingredient thanks to claims that it can help promote hair growth, add shine, and improve scalp health.

Rosemary is an aromatic herb that belongs to the mint family. It contains a number of beneficial phytochemicals and compounds like rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, ursolic acid, carnosol, and carnosic acid. These compounds are thought to be responsible for rosemary's therapeutic effects.

When rosemary leaves are steeped in hot water, the plant compounds infuse into the water, creating a light tea-like preparation. This rosemary infused water can then be applied topically to the hair and scalp for potential benefits.

How is Rosemary Water Used for Hair?

There are a few different ways rosemary water can be used as part of your hair care routine:

• As a rinse after shampooing - Rinse hair with rosemary water instead of plain water after shampooing. Let it soak in for a few minutes before rinsing out.
• As a scalp treatment - Apply rosemary water directly to the scalp and massage it in. Leave it on for 30 minutes or longer before rinsing out.
• As a spray - Put rosemary water in a spray bottle and spritz onto hair between washes. Focus on the scalp and lengths of hair.
• As a hair bath - Soak hair in rosemary water to deeply condition strands and stimulate the scalp.

Using rosemary water as a rinse or scalp treatment a few times per week is recommended for seeing benefits. It can be used alone or paired with other ingredients like aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, or essential oils.

Does Rosemary Water Really Work for Hair Growth?

Rosemary water has generated buzz for its potential to increase hair growth, but does the science back it up? Right now, evidence is limited but promising.

A few small studies have shown that rosemary leaf extract applied topically may help stimulate hair growth. One study found that a rosemary leaf extract solution led to significant hair growth after 6 months of use in people with androgenetic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness. The growth effects were similar to the prescription hair loss drug minoxidil.

Researchers believe the rosemary compounds rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid may be responsible for increasing blood circulation to the scalp and stimulating hair follicles. However, more clinical studies are needed to determine efficacy and optimal preparations.

Benefits of Rosemary Water for Hair

Here are some of the ways that rosemary water may benefit hair health:

May stimulate follicles and increase growth

Thanks to its circulation boosting and antioxidant compounds, rosemary water used topically may help stimulate hair follicles leading to faster hair growth.

Helps remove buildup and cleanse scalp

The antiseptic qualities of rosemary water can help remove oil, dirt, and product buildup from the scalp and unclog hair follicles when used as a rinse.

Adds shine and softness

Regularly rinsing hair with rosemary water can help add shine and condition strands leaving them softer and smoother.

Improves scalp health

Rosemary water may help balance the scalp's pH, regulate oil production, and prevent infections that can lead to dandruff or hair loss.

Prevents free radical damage

The antioxidants in rosemary neutralize free radicals that can damage hair follicles and cause oxidative stress inhibiting healthy growth.

How to Make Rosemary Water at Home

It's simple and inexpensive to make rosemary water yourself at home. Here is an easy DIY rosemary water recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh rosemary leaves, tightly packed
• 4 cups boiling water
• Resealable glass jar or bottle for storage

Instructions

1. Remove rosemary leaves from the stems. Rinse well and pat dry.
2. Pack rosemary leaves tightly into a clean, glass jar or bottle.
3. Pour the boiling water over the leaves, filling the jar to the top.
4. Let the jar or bottle steep for 30-60 minutes or up to overnight.
5. Strain the rosemary water through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve to remove the leaves.
6. Pour the finished rosemary water into a resealable glass bottle for storage.
7. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
8. Shake well before each use.

Tips

• Use more rosemary for a more potent preparation.
• Steep for longer to make the water extra strong.
• Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil for more aroma.
• Start with less water for a more concentrated infusion.

Other Ways to Use Rosemary for Hair

In addition to rosemary water, there are a few other ways you can use rosemary for hair health and growth:

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary essential oil can be diluted and applied to the scalp to boost circulation, remove buildup, and condition hair.

Rosemary Rinses

An easy DIY hair rinse can be made by steeping rosemary leaves in apple cider vinegar or black tea and rinsing through hair.

Rosemary Hair Masks

For an intensive conditioning treatment, you can make masks with rosemary leaves, oils, yogurt, avocado, honey, or eggs.

Dried Rosemary

Adding some dried rosemary to your shampoo or conditioner can infuse hair with rosemary's beneficial compounds.

Rosemary Scalp Scrub

Gently exfoliate and stimulate your scalp by massaging in a scrub made with rosemary, oil, and sugar.

Other Benefits of Rosemary

In addition to being used topically on hair, rosemary has a number of other health benefits when consumed or used aromatically:

May boost memory and concentration

Studies show smelling rosemary essential oil may improve memory recall and enhance focus.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Rosemary contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help fight disease and cell damage.

May support immunity

Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers, rosemary may help strengthen the immune system.

Aids digestion

Rosemary has long been used in folk medicine to ease digestive issues like upset stomach, constipation, and bloating.

Improves circulation

By increasing blood flow, rosemary may boost heart health, alleviate muscle cramps and headaches, and improve cognition.

Is Rosemary Water Safe?

For most people, using rosemary water externally on the hair and scalp is considered safe and generally well-tolerated. However, some precautions apply:

• Do a skin patch test before wider use to check for allergic reactions.
• Avoid getting rosemary water in eyes as it can cause irritation.
• If you experience skin redness or itching, discontinue use.
• Rosemary has been associated with allergic reactions and seizures when ingested in large amounts, so drinking rosemary water is not recommended.
• Rosemary may interact with certain medications like Lasix (furosemide), lithium, and ACE inhibitors.
• Pregnant women should exercise caution, as the safety of rosemary for expecting mothers has not been established.

It's always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before trying new herbal remedies like rosemary water while pregnant or if you have any medical conditions.

Conclusion

Rosemary water is a simple, all-natural preparation that may offer a number of benefits for hair health and growth. Its unique antioxidant compounds show promise for stimulating follicles, preventing damage, and improving scalp circulation.

While more research is still needed, rosemary water is easy and inexpensive to make at home and worth trying as part of your hair care regimen. When combined with healthy hair habits, rosemary water may just give your strands the boost they need.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.