Does Rosemary Really Help Beard Growth? What Science Says

Introduction

Rosemary is renowned for its culinary uses and minty evergreen fragrance. But did you know this aromatic herb may also boost hair growth? For centuries, rosemary has been used as a natural remedy to potentially stimulate stronger, healthier locks. Recently, DIY rosemary hair treatments have become a huge TikTok trend, with people touting benefits like increased thickness and shine. This has sparked interest in using rosemary to help facial hair grow faster and thicker too. But is there scientific proof rosemary actually supports beard growth? In this article, well explore what research says about rosemary for hair growth, assess how it may work for beards, and provide recipes to try rosemary beard treatments yourself.

How Rosemary May Promote Hair Growth

While human studies are still limited, early laboratory research suggests compounds in rosemary called rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid may encourage hair follicles. A 2013 mouse study in Phytomedicine found topical rosemary leaf extract improved hair regrowth comparable to minoxidil, a common hair growth medication. After application for 2 weeks, the rosemary group showed significant increases in hair follicles compared to controls. Another rodent study in Phytotherapy Research indicates rosemary oil stimulated faster hair growth than jojoba and grapeseed oils. Researchers observed rosemary oil appeared to inhibit DHT, a hormone causing hair loss. According to trichologist Dr. Adam Bodian, "The carnosic and rosmarinic acids in rosemary are believed to work by increasing blood circulation to hair follicles, stimulating growth factors, and possibly blocking DHT." However, keep in mind most evidence involves animal studies to date. More research is needed on rosemary for human hair growth, including beard growth effects. But the early findings are quite promising.

Rosemary's Potential Mechanisms:

• Improves scalp circulation
• Contains growth-stimulating compounds
• May help block DHT hormone
• Contains antioxidants

While not yet definitive, the existing laboratory research offers ample theoretical mechanisms for why rosemary may support thicker, faster growing facial hair when applied topically.

Using Rosemary Oil for Beard Growth

Rosemary essential oil is extracted from the rosemary plant's leaves and flowering tops via steam distillation. This highly concentrated oil contains beneficial phytochemicals like carnosic acid. According to research published in the Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, carnosic acid demonstrates antioxidant properties and stimulates hair growth by activating follicles. For beard growth, look for 100% pure rosemary essential oil. Dilute a few drops with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil. Massage into the skin under your beard once or twice daily. You can also add a few drops of rosemary oil to your favorite beard conditioner or balm. Be aware rosemary oil may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction for some people. Do a patch test before wider use. Stop using if any redness or itching develops. Using rosemary essential oil appears safe for most people and shows potential for invigorating beard hair follicles when applied regularly. But consult your dermatologist first if you have any hair or skin conditions.

Using Rosemary Oil for Beards:

• Look for 100% pure essential oil
• Dilute a few drops with a carrier oil
• Massage into beard area 1-2x daily
• Can add drops to beard products too
• Discontinue if irritation occurs

While research is still early, rosemary oil shows theoretical promise for stimulating faster beard growth. Use diluted and watch for skin reactions.

Making DIY Rosemary Beard Oils and Balms

You can easily create homemade rosemary oil blends and balms tailored for nourishing beard growth. Here are some simple recipes to try: Rosemary Beard Growth Oil Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons carrier oil (jojoba, grapeseed, coconut)
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil
• 3 drops cypress essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

1. Add the carrier oil to a small glass bottle or container
2. Add the essential oils
3. Shake or stir to fully mix
4. Use fingertips to massage several drops into beard skin 1-2x daily

Rosemary Beard Softening Balm Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops sandalwood essential oil

Instructions:

1. Melt oils, butter and beeswax in a double boiler
2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly
3. Stir in essential oils thoroughly
4. Pour into a container before mixture solidifies
5. Rub small amounts through beard as needed

Experiment with different essential oil combinations to create your own ideal rosemary beard formulas. But always do a patch test before wider application.

Trying Rosemary Tea for Beard Growth

Instead of topical oils, some people use rosemary internally for hair growth benefits. The most popular method is drinking rosemary tea. To make rosemary tea, add 1-2 teaspoons of dried rosemary leaves or flowers to hot water. Steep for 5+ minutes then strain out the herbs. Drinking 1-2 cups daily will provide the benefits of carnosic acid and other polyphenols. According to dermatologist Dr. Lindsey Bordone, "Some small studies show oral rosemary extract supplements improve hair thickness. So drinking rosemary tea may also be beneficial, though more research is needed." However, be cautious of consuming large amounts of rosemary. Taken internally, rosemary acts as a stimulant and diuretic. Excess intake can potentially cause side effects like:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Uterine contractions
• Skin irritation

Moderate amounts of rosemary tea appear safe for most people. But drink in moderation and avoid if pregnant. And consult your doctor before using rosemary supplements long-term.

Trying Rosemary Tea:

• Add 1-2 tsp dried rosemary to hot water
• Steep for at least 5 minutes
• Strain out herbs and drink 1-2 cups per day
• Avoid rosemary tea if pregnant
• Use dried, not fresh, rosemary

Rosemary tea may help provide beard growth nutrients when consumed in normal food amounts. But research is still needed on proper dosing, safety and efficacy for hair.

Using Rosemary Water on Facial Hair

Rosemary hydrosols are floral waters made by steam distilling rosemary leaves. These contain trace amounts of rosemary oil along with plant compounds. Many people use rosemary hydrosols as a gentle toner to cleanse skin and balance pH. Anecdotally, some individuals apply rosemary waters to their scalps and beards reporting growth benefits. However, no studies have specifically researched rosemary hydrosols for beard growth yet. And unlike concentrated essential oils, the active phytochemicals are fairly diluted. If you want to try it, place a few rosemary sprigs in a pot of boiling water. Turn off heat and let steep 15 minutes covered. Then strain the water into a spray bottle. Spritz on your face and beard area morning and night after cleaning. Use fresh rosemary water each day for maximum benefits. Discontinue if any irritation occurs. While not research-backed yet, rosemary water is very low risk and may offer some beard conditioning advantages.

Using Rosemary Water:

• Boil rosemary leaves in water
• Let steep 15 minutes
• Strain and collect water
• Store in spray bottle
• Spritz on beard area 1-2x daily

Rosemary hydrosols haven't been studied specifically for facial hair growth yet. But they are very gentle and easy to try at home with minimal risk.

Using Rosemary Hydrosol Sprays

For a more convenient option, you can purchase premade rosemary hydrosol sprays and mists. These contain the aromatic water derived from steam distilling rosemary. According to health coach Leah Groth, "Some people find success using rosemary water toners and sprays for hair growth. Applying it to the scalp, beard area or eyebrows may provide mild benefits, although research is lacking." If purchasing a product, inspect the ingredients list first. The spray should contain 100% pure rosemary hydrosol as the main component, with minimal added oils or chemicals. Avoid products labeled as "perfume water." Spritz a rosemary mist onto freshly washed and dried skin. Or use as a toner after cleansing your beard region. The convenience of hydrosol sprays makes it easy to incorporate into your grooming routine. But watch for any adverse skin reactions with regular use.

Using Rosemary Hydrosols:

• Check for 100% pure rosemary hydrosol
• Avoid products with added synthetics
• Mist onto your beard area 1-2 times per day
• May provide mild growth benefits
• Stop if skin becomes irritated

While evidence is still preliminary, premade rosemary hydrosol sprays offer a simple way to tap into this botanicals theoretical beard boosting abilities.

Are There Any Side Effects?

When used in moderation, topical rosemary oil, oral rosemary and rosemary hydrosols appear relatively safe for most people. However, some potential side effects to be aware of include: Skin irritation - Allergic reactions like redness and itching are possible with topical use. Discontinue rosemary products if this occurs. Sun sensitivity - Rosemary may increase photosensitivity. Wear sunscreen when using topical treatments regularly. Pregnancy risks - Large internal doses of rosemary may stimulate the uterus. Avoid consuming rosemary supplements and tea during pregnancy. Vomiting and diarrhea - Excess oral intake of rosemary may irritate the digestive tract. Drug interactions - Rosemary may interact with diuretic, blood thinner, and diabetes medications if taken internally. Speak to your pharmacist. Headache and skin rash - Ingesting high concentrations of rosemary essential oil or extract can cause adverse reactions in some cases. Always do a patch test before wider application of topical rosemary products. Start with diluted essential oil. Consult your doctor before using rosemary oil or supplements if you have any medical conditions or take medications.

Potential Rosemary Side Effects:

• Skin irritation and rashes
• Increased sun sensitivity
• Nausea and diarrhea if excess ingested
• Pregnancy risk if taken internally
• Drug interactions with medications

When used properly on the skin or ingested in normal culinary amounts, rosemary side effects are quite rare. Just take precautions and check with your doctor regarding optimal usage.

Other Potential Hair Health Benefits

In addition to possibly stimulating beard hair follicles, some other ways rosemary may support hair health include: Improving scalp circulation - Rosemary contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that may dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow to hair roots. Soothing dry scalp - Carnosic acid has antifungal properties that may help reduce dandruff flakes and itchy scalp caused by yeast and fungi. Slowing graying - Early research indicates carnosic acid may help delay the graying process by protecting hair pigment producing cells. Cleansing clogged follicles - Applying diluted rosemary oil can help clear pores and cleanse buildup from hair follicles. Reducing hair loss - Rosemary may strengthen capillaries feeding the follicles and limit thinning by blocking DHT hormones. However, human data is still limited. Further research on rosemary's effects on scalp health, graying, and hair loss is needed. But the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities of compounds like carnosic acid show promising potential.

Other Possible Rosemary Hair Benefits:

• Improves scalp circulation
• Anti-dandruff properties
• Helps delay graying
• Unclogs hair follicles
• May reduce hair loss/thinning

In addition to possibly stimulating new growth, rosemary offers other theoretical ways it may support scalp and hair health. But more studies in humans are still required.

Should You Try Rosemary for Your Beard?

Based on the existing early research, trying rosemary oil, tea, or hydrosols to potentially strengthen your beard appears quite low risk for most people. However, experts like trichologist Dr. Shapo Sheti caution that results will vary individually. "Some men may notice faster beard growth using rosemary treatments, while others see no difference," says Dr. Sheti. "It takes 3-6 months of consistent use to truly determine if rosemary works for you. And manage expectations, as research is still ongoing." Be patient and consistent when incorporating rosemary beard products into your grooming routine. Take progress photos monthly to assess any changes. And avoid potential irritation by doing a skin patch test before using any new botanical treatment. While not guaranteed, rosemary oil and hydrosols show promising theoretical potential for invigorating your beard. But always speak to your dermatologist first if managing any skin or hair conditions.

Who May Benefit from Rosemary?

• Those seeking natural beard growth remedies
• People experiencing mild thinning or patchiness
• Those looking to improve beard thickness and fullness
• Individuals wanting to reduce gray hairs
• People aiming to improve beard softness and shine

Rosemary likely won't work miracles. But incorporating it into your grooming routine shows potential for helping strengthen your beard naturally when used consistently over months.

Should You Avoid Rosemary?

Certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid using rosemary for beard growth purposes:

• People with rosemary allergies
• Those with sensitive skin prone to dermatitis
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• People taking medications that may interact
• Those with medical conditions like epilepsy or high blood pressure
• People undergoing surgery soon

Rosemary may interact with certain health conditions or medications. It's best avoided during pregnancy as well. If you have any concerns, consult your healthcare provider before trying rosemary treatments for beard growth purposes or using rosemary supplements.

The Bottom Line

While human research is still in early stages, initial laboratory studies suggest rosemary oil, tea and hydrosols may offer potential for stimulating stronger, faster beard growth when applied topically or consumed. Rosemary contains beneficial compounds that demonstrate hair-boosting mechanisms like improving circulation, reducing DHT, and anti-inflammatory effects. Anecdotally, many people report seeing thicker, faster facial hair growth from using rosemary. However, keep expectations realistic. Scientific proof is still limited, and results will vary individually. It may take 3-6 months of consistent use to notice any potential effects. Always do a patch test before wider use of rosemary treatments. And check with your doctor first if you have any underlying health conditions or take any medications. While not guaranteed, adding rosemary oil, teas, or hydrosols to your grooming routine shows promising theoretical potential for naturally invigorating your beard.

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.