Rosemary Water for Hair Growth: Does it Really Work?

The Benefits of Using Rosemary Water for Hair

Rosemary water has recently exploded in popularity thanks to TikTok and other social media platforms. Many influencers and DIY hair care enthusiasts have claimed that rosemary water can help hair grow faster, become shinier, and feel softer. But is there any scientific evidence to back this up? Let's take a deeper look at the proposed benefits of rosemary water for hair.

What is Rosemary Water?

Rosemary water is simply water that has been infused with rosemary leaves. To make it at home, all you need to do is boil fresh rosemary sprigs or dried rosemary leaves in water for 10-15 minutes. Then let the mixture cool and strain out the solid rosemary parts. What's left is a liquid that contains the oils, nutrients, and compounds that were extracted from the rosemary. Some people also make large batches of rosemary water and store it in the fridge for convenience.

The resulting rosemary hydrosol can either be applied directly to the hair and scalp, or diluted down and used as a rinse after shampooing. Many DIY haircare recipes also incorporate rosemary water as an ingredient. The simplest method is to pour some into a spray bottle and spritz it onto your hair and massage it in after washing. Proponents of rosemary water claim that doing this can help boost hair growth, add shine, prevent dandruff and itchy scalp, and more.

Rosemary's Bioactive Compounds

So why does rosemary water have this effect on hair? Rosemary leaves contain many beneficial bioactive compounds including:

• Carnosic acid - A powerful antioxidant that can protect hair follicle cells from damage.
• Carnosol - Also an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects.
• Rosmarinic acid - Another antioxidant compound that helps fight free radicals.
• Ursolic acid - Stimulates circulation which improves blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles.

When rosemary is steeped in hot water, these compounds are extracted into the water where they can then be applied topically. The antioxidants in particular are thought to remove buildup from hair follicles, stimulate growth, and protect from environmental damage.

Studies on Rosemary for Hair Growth

There have been a handful of scientific studies that seem to support using rosemary for hair care. For example:

• One study found that rosemary leaf extract helped prevent hair loss in mice. After 6 weeks of treatment, the mice had a significant increase in the number and size of hair follicles.
• In another study, rosemary leaf extract was shown to stimulate faster hair regrowth comparable to the drug minoxidil in people with alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss).
• Research on human hair follicles found that rosemary extract was able to stimulate hair growth similar to the medication minoxidil after only 6 days.

While these studies show promising results, more research is still needed to determine the efficacy and optimal methods of using rosemary for hair growth in humans. But many doctors believe rosemary does have beneficial effects on hair and approve of it as a natural complement to traditional treatments.

Other Hair Benefits of Rosemary

In addition to growth promotion, rosemary water is also believed to provide other benefits for hair health and appearance including:

• Adds shine - The carnosic acid in rosemary is thought to help remove sebum and product buildup from hair, leaving it looking shinier.
• Prevents dandruff - Rosemary's anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties can help soothe and treat dry, itchy scalp and dandruff.
• Strengthens strands - Antioxidants may protect hair follicles and strands from damage from free radicals and environmental stressors.
• Balances pH - Rosemary is slightly acidic (pH of 6) and can help restore hair's natural pH balance.
• Enhances dark hair - Some claim the carnosic acid interacts with hair pigment to make dark hair even darker and richer.

These benefits are mostly anecdotal but many people do report positive effects on the health and appearance of their hair after using rosemary water treatments. More research is needed to determine exactly how rosemary works on hair and its limitations.

Is Rosemary Water Safe for Hair?

When used topically, rosemary water is considered very safe for most people. Some tips for safe use include:

• Doing a skin patch test to check for allergic reaction.
• Avoiding use on babies and young children.
• Rinsing eyes immediately if rosemary water gets in them.
• Being aware that rosemary may interact with some medications.
• Not ingesting rosemary water.

Always diluted rosemary water down before applying it to hair. And stop using it if you experience any irritation, redness or reaction. Check with your doctor before trying rosemary water if you have any medical conditions or take medications.

How Often to Use Rosemary Water for Hair

There's no strict rule for how often to use rosemary water on your hair. Many people like to apply it 1-2 times per week as a rinse after shampooing. Using it more frequently than that risks over-drying your hair. Here are some general tips:

• Normal to thick hair - 1-2 times a week
• Dry, damaged hair - 1 time a week
• Oily hair - 2-3 times a week
• Itchy, dandruff-prone scalp - 2-3 times a week
• Severely damaged or thin hair - Avoid using

Make sure to adjust the frequency based on how your hair responds. Be on the lookout for dryness or irritation, which are signs you should use rosemary water less often. Pay attention to any changes in growth, shine, or smoothness as well.

Rosemary Water Hair Rinse Recipes

Here are some simple recipes to make your own rosemary hair rinse at home:

Basic Rosemary Water

• 1 cup loosely packed fresh rosemary leaves
• 4 cups water

Bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and add rosemary. Let steep 15 minutes then strain. Pour into a spray bottle or applicator. Spritz on clean, damp hair then massage in. Let sit 1-2 minutes before rinsing out and styling as usual.

Rosemary Tea Rinse

• 4 cups water
• 4 rosemary tea bags or 2 tbsp dried rosemary
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Steep the rosemary in boiling water for 15 minutes. Remove tea bags or strain out rosemary. Mix in apple cider vinegar. Cool completely before using on hair. Apply to damp, clean hair and let sit for 2-5 minutes before rinsing.

Rosemary & Lavender Hair Rinse

• 1 cup dried rosemary leaves
• 1/2 cup dried lavender buds
• 4 cups water

Boil herbs in the water then turn off heat. Let steep 20 minutes before straining. Allow to cool fully then pour into a bottle. Spray liberally on hair after shampooing. Leave on for 5 minutes then rinse out thoroughly. Lavender adds a pleasant aroma and aids in conditioning.

Should You Drink Rosemary Water?

While safe for external use on hair and skin, drinking rosemary water is not recommended. Consuming essential oils and very concentrated herbals can be hazardous. Using rosemary water occasionally in cooking is likely fine for most people. But drinking large amounts of rosemary water every day could have negative side effects.

Some potential risks of ingesting rosemary water include:

• Upsetting the digestive system
• Interactions with medications such as blood thinners
• Kidney damage or failure
• Liver toxicity
• Allergic reactions in some individuals

Pregnant women are advised to avoid consuming rosemary as it may stimulate uterine contractions. If you want to ingest rosemary for potential health benefits, adding some fresh or dried leaves to food is likely a safer option than drinking rosemary water.

Conclusion

Rosemary water is showing promise as a natural way to help strengthen hair, enhance growth, and improve scalp health. Its beneficial bioactive compounds likely contribute to these effects when applied topically. While more research is still needed, using rosemary water as a hair rinse appears to be generally safe and easy to prepare at home.

When used in moderation, rosemary water may be a useful addition to your haircare routine. Pay attention to how your hair responds and adjust the frequency accordingly. And be sure not to ingest rosemary water which could lead to negative side effects. A simple rosemary rinse could be worth trying for natural hair growth and improvement.

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.