The Rising Popularity of Rosemary Water for Hair
Rosemary water has become an increasingly popular natural hair care ingredient in recent years, thanks largely to viral trends on TikTok and other social media platforms. Many influencers and natural hair enthusiasts have claimed that rosemary water can leave your hair shinier, healthier, and stimulate growth. But is there any truth to these claims?
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 5-10 minutes. This allows the aromatic oils and other beneficial compounds like rosmarinic acid found in rosemary to be extracted into the water.
You can then allow the rosemary water to cool and strain it to remove the leaves. You're left with a fragrant, herbal water that contains the essence of rosemary.
Rosemary Water for Hair Care
Applying rosemary water to the hair and scalp has become a popular DIY hair care strategy. Many of the claimed benefits relate to rosemary's traditional uses and established antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Some of the potential benefits of using rosemary water for hair care include:
- Increased scalp circulation - Rosemary is believed to dilate blood vessels when applied topically, which may boost circulation in the scalp and stimulate hair follicles.
- Reduced inflammation - The anti-inflammatory action of rosemary may help soothe irritation and flaking on the scalp.
- Dandruff relief - Rosemary's antimicrobial effects make it useful against fungal infections that can cause dandruff.
- Stronger hair - Rosemary is thought to help strengthen existing hair strands.
- Enhanced shine - The essential oils in rosemary can give hair extra gloss and radiance.
Despite these traditional uses and anecdotal evidence, scientific research specifically on rosemary water for hair growth and health is lacking. Most studies have focused on rosemary oil orextracts, not the water-based infusion.
Does Rosemary Water Really Boost Hair Growth?
One of the most popular claims about rosemary water is that it can accelerate hair growth. Many social media influencers and natural hair blogs tout rosemary water rinses and scalp massages with rosemary water as ways to fill in thinning spots, increase growth rates, and grow longer, thicker hair.
These hair growth claims stem primarily from limited evidence on rosemary essential oil and extracts:
- One study found that rosemary leaf extract helped increase hair count in people with alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss.
- In rat studies, rosemary extracts have been shown to extend the growth phase of the hair cycle.
- Rosemary oil applied to mice has been observed to increase hair growth by stimulating follicle proliferation.
R.S. Ramot et al, Randomized Double-Blind Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Rosemary Leaf Extract in Treating Androgenetic Alopecia, SKINmed 13(5): 284-289, 2015.
S. Murata et al, Effect of Rosemary Extract on Hair Growth in Mice, Phytotherapy Research, 27(5): 775-779, 2013.
Hosseinimehr SJ, et al. In vitro and in vivo effects of Peganum harmala extract on hair growth by stimulating the proliferation of dermal papilla cells and preventing hair loss. Arch Dermatol Res. 2018;310(7):551–562.
However, no studies have specifically analyzed rosemary water. It's unclear whether simply infusing rosemary into water would provide the same benefits as concentrated extracts and essential oils.
More research is still needed to conclusively determine if rosemary water alone can accelerate hair growth.
How to Use Rosemary Water for Hair
If you want to give rosemary water a try, here are some simple ways to incorporate it into your hair care routine:
As a Scalp Rinse
After shampooing, pour or spray rosemary water onto your scalp and massage it in. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing out. Some people like to do this daily or a few times per week. The antimicrobial action may help keep the scalp clean and healthy.
As a Final Rinse
Rinsing your hair with rosemary water as a last step after shampooing is thought to help strengthen strands and enhance shine. Make sure to concentrate mostly on the ends rather than directly on the scalp.
In a Spray Bottle
Fill a spray bottle with rosemary water to spritz onto your scalp and hair whenever you want an infusion of nutrients. This can be done on wet or dry hair. Shake well before each use.
DIY Hair Mask
For an intensive conditioning treatment, mix rosemary water with ingredients like olive oil, honey, yogurt or avocado. Apply it to damp hair and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before rinsing out.
Where to Buy Rosemary Water
While making your own rosemary water at home is simple, some people prefer the convenience of buying it pre-made. Here are some options for purchasing rosemary water:
Natural Grocery Stores
Check the hair care aisle at your local health foods store or natural grocer. Several brands now sell pre-made rosemary waters marketed specifically for hair in spray bottles or containers.
Online
There are many options for buying rosemary water online:
- Amazon - Lots of hair-focused rosemary sprays and rinses.
- Etsy - Handmade rosemary waters from independent sellers.
- Natural hair sites - Brands like Carol's Daughter, Shea Moisture, Camille Rose sell rosemary hair products.
- Aromatherapy sites - Sell food-grade rosemary hydrosol mists.
Herbal Shops
Stores that sell dried herbs often carry rosemary sprigs, leaves or powder that you can use to brew your own water at home.
Essential Oil Brands
Many essential oil companies like Edens Garden, Plant Therapy and Now Foods sell food-grade rosemary hydrosol sprays that can be used on hair.
Should You Try Rosemary Water for Hair?
Rosemary water is a simple, all-natural ingredient that may provide some benefits related to scalp health, hair shine and hair strength when applied topically. It's generally considered very safe, with little risk of side effects.
While the science is still preliminary, the use of rosemary-based hair products is grounded in centuries of traditional practices. Many people swear by rosemary water for faster growth, thicker hair and dandruff relief.
Trying rosemary water rinses costs little and may be worthwhile if you want to enhance your natural hair care routine. Look for high-quality products and monitor how your hair responds. Any changes in growth from rosemary water will likely happen gradually over weeks and months of consistent use.
Rosemary water isn't guaranteed to make your hair grow faster or longer. Manage expectations, be patient, and consider combining it with other lifestyle factors like a healthy diet, scalp massage and minimizing damage from heat styling for best results.
FAQs
How do you make rosemary water?
Making rosemary water at home is easy. Just boil fresh or dried rosemary leaves in water for 5-10 minutes. Let it cool, then strain to remove the leaves.
Can I use rosemary essential oil instead of the water?
Rosemary essential oil is much more concentrated than the water, so it should be diluted before applying to hair. Add a few drops of oil to water or mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil before use.
How often should I use rosemary water on my hair?
For maintenance, using rosemary water 1-2 times per week is sufficient. For targeting specific issues like growth or dandruff, some people use it daily for a set period of time.
How long do I leave rosemary water in my hair?
As a rinse, leave rosemary water on your hair for 1-2 minutes before washing out. For a deep conditioning treatment, leave it on for 15-30 minutes before rinsing.
Can I use rosemary water if I have color-treated hair?
Yes, rosemary water is generally safe for color-treated hair. It's best to avoid applying it directly to your roots since it can potentially stimulate growth.
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.
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