Does Rosemary Water Help Hair Grow? The Facts Behind the Viral TikTok Trend

The Rosemary and Hair Growth Connection

Rosemary has long been associated with hair health. From its aromatic scent to its purported ability to stimulate follicles, this herb packs a punch when it comes to tresses. Recently, rosemary water has become a viral self-care trend, with people creating their own DIY versions at home. But is there any validity to the claim that rosemary water can help your hair grow?

Rosemary's Effects on Hair Follicles and Growth

There are several reasons why rosemary is hypothesized to improve hair growth:

• It is anti-inflammatory and antioxidative, which reduces scalp irritation and damage to hair follicles
• The main chemical component, carnosic acid, may stimulate blood flow to the scalp and encourage resting follicles (hair in the telogen phase) to start growing again
• It blocks DHT, the hormone that causes genetic hair loss
• The aroma of rosemary essential oil has been shown to reduce stress, which can disrupt the hair growth cycle

Studies on Topical Rosemary for Hair Growth

Most of the current research on rosemary for hair growth looks specifically at topical applications of rosemary leaf extract or essential oils. For example:

• One study in mice found that topical treatment with rosemary leaf extract improved hair regrowth comparable to the FDA-approved medication minoxidil after shaving
• A 2015 review of studies concluded that rosemary oil helped significantly increase hair count in people with alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder causing hair loss)
• Several studies show rosemary essential oil promotes faster hair growth and thickness when massaged into the scalp

So far, research indicates topical rosemary shows promise for improving hair growth. But what about rosemary water?

Examining the Rosemary Water and Hair Growth Connection

Rosemary water contains water-soluble compounds from rosemary, creating an aromatic, tea-like liquid. Making your own is simple: steep fresh or dried rosemary in hot water for 10+ minutes, then strain out the plant material. But can this DIY concoction really deliver the same hair benefits as oil or extract?

The Limitations of Rosemary Water

There are a few important limitations of rosemary water compared to other preparations:

• It does not contain fat-soluble compounds that likely contribute to rosemary's hair benefits
• Steeping does not extract as many bioactive compounds as alcohol/oil extraction
• The convenience of TikTok recipes means less standardization of dosage and quality

In short, though rosemary water contains some beneficial compounds, it likely does not contain concentrated enough active ingredients to reproduce the hair growth results from studies.

Other Benefits of Rosemary Water

While rosemary water may not live up to the viral hype about hair growth specifically, it can still benefit your scalp and locks. Other advantages include:

• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to support scalp health
• Lightly exfoliating and cleansing hair and scalp when rinsed through the hair
• Softening and adding shine when used as the liquid in a DIY hair mask
• Refreshing aroma that can aid stress relief

How to Use Rosemary Water for Healthy Hair

Here are some easy ways to incorporate homemade rosemary water into your hair care routine:

• Scalp massages: Gently massage diluted rosemary water into your scalp to stimulate circulation and reduce irritation
• Leave-in conditioner: Lightly mist hair with rosemary water to refresh second-day styles or add shine
• Deep conditioner: Mix rosemary water with your favorite hair mask and let sit for 15+ minutes before rinsing out
• Shampoo and rinses: Use as the liquid base for DIY hair products to infuse them with rosmary's scent and benefits

The Takeaway: A Healthy Addition, But Not a Growth Miracle

Based on currently available research, there is limited evidence that rosemary water provides exceptional hair growth or thickness results. However, adding some homemade rosemary water into your hair care routine is an easy way to take advantage of this herb's scalp health and conditioning qualities.

So while downing or spraying rosemary water likely will not create a sudden hair transformation, incorporating it alongside other healthy hair habits can support the best environment for your locks to thrive.

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.