DIY Rosemary Water for Hair Growth - The Science Behind the TikTok Trend

The Rosemary Water for Hair Growth Trend - Understanding the Benefits and How to Use

Homemade rosemary water has blown up on TikTok and Instagram as part of the latest hair care trend. Uses stem from historicalhair traditions to modern influencer hype promising improved hair growth, shine and health.

But does rosemary water actually work magic on hair - what does the science say? And if the benefits are legit, what’s the right way to make and use rosemary water at home?

What is Rosemary Water?

Rosemary water refers to an infusion made from rosemary leaves steeped in hot water. It can be used alone or blended into combinations with other beneficial botanicals.

Rosemary is known for having cleansing, purifying properties and being rich in plant compounds. Traditionally used both internally and topically for holistic health purposes due to its therapeutic benefits.

For hair specifically, historical and anecdotal use of rosemary includes:

• Stimulating circulation in the scalp to spur hair growth
• Cleansing hair follicles to prevent buildup and clogging
• Controlling excess oil production on the scalp
• Neutralizing skin damaging free radicals
• Antimicrobial effects to boost scalp health

Does Rosemary Water Work for Hair?

These traditional uses combined with viral social media testimonials showing inches of “growth” after using rosemary water make it all sound too good to be true.

So what does the actual scientific research say in terms of proven rosemary water benefits for your hair?

The Latest Rosemary Hair Research Reviewed

In recent years, modern studies have put historical rosemary hair care anecdotes to the test - with promising results!

For starters, rosemary contains a variety of active plant compounds including rosmarinic acid, camphor and carnosol. These powerful antioxidants fight cellular damage from free radicals which contributes to hair aging.

Additional key research takeaways proving rosemary’s hair healing potential include:

• Increased microcirculation of blood flow to the scalp by up to 7% within just a few minutes of applying rosemary essential oil.
• Improved hair growth comparable to the leading prescription minoxidil 2% after 6 months of rosemary oil treatment.
• Significant reduction in hair loss and thinning from alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia when testing essential oil and leaf powder preparations.
• Prevention of graying and darkening of hair color which supports role in melanogenesis.

Skeptics argue minimal robust clinical trials, small sample sizes or short duration of testing for some conclusions. However the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and follicle stimulating activity demonstrated in studies is quite convincing there’s something to rosemary’s hair healing hype!

How to Make Your Own Rosemary Water Hair Rinse

Ready to tap into rosemary water benefits yourself to revive damaged strands or thick locks suffering from breakage? Let’s go through an easy DIY preparation method.

Simple Homemade Rosemary Water Recipe

Just 2 core ingredients needed:

• Fresh rosemary leaves or dried rosemary (1⁄4 cup or small handful)
• Hot distilled or purified water (4 cups)

Step 1 - Remove rosemary leaves from stem if using fresh. Pack loosely into a clean mason jar until filled one-quarter full.

Step 2 - Boil 4 cups of water then pour over rosemary leaves to fill jar. Stir gently with a wooden spoon.

Step 3 - Steep jar with lid on for 30+ minutes until rosemary infuses the hot water and develops a rich, aromatic flavor.

Step 4 - Strain liquid through cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove leaves.

Step 5 - Pour finished rosemary tea into bottles or jars. Store in fridge up to 1 week.

For best results, warm back up to use as a final hair rinse after shampooing. Apply liberally and massage into entire scalp. Let sit 5+ minutes before rinsing out and styling as usual.

Tips to Boost Benefits

Take your homemade rosemary rinse up a notch by incorporating other hair healthy botanicals like:

• Lavender - Soothes scalp irritation
• Green tea - High antioxidant content
• Chamomile - Anti-inflammatory for scalp conditions like dandruff
• Peppermint - Stimulates follicles to grow thicker hair
• Lemongrass - Lightens hair naturally
• Fenugreek - Blocks hair thinning DHT hormone

Many herbal combinations promise synergy by blending rosemary with other plants. Test out your own formulations!

Ready to Use Rosemary Hair Products

For those lacking time to DIY or just want guaranteed potency, shop for pre-made rosemary hair items like:

Shea Moisture Strengthen and Restore Shampoo

This sulfate-free natural shampoo combines certified organic shea butter and moisturizing jamaican black castor oil with rosemary leaves to cleanse hair without stripping natural oils.

The formula targets damaged, processed and coarse hair types to increase smoothness and manageability while preventing breakage and split ends.

The Innate Life Rosemary Mint Scalp Oil

Formulated specifically for treating scalp concerns, this hydrating serum blends certified organic rosemary, peppermint and lavender essential oils to unclog follicles, neutralize follicle killing toxins and stimulate growth.

Also provides relief to itchy, irritated scalps or those suffering from dandruff, dermatitis or thinning.

Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub

Exfoliate and invigorate the scalp with this innovative solid scrub from haircare brand Ouai.

Granulated sugar gently buffs away dead skin cells and buildup while rosemary, peppermint and eucalyptus refresh.

Prep scalp for optimal hair growth and increased volume by improving blood circulation.

Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Hair Volumizing Shampoo

Briogeo relies on a proprietary NOVA Complex containing rosemary and other botanicals to support follicles and optimal hair growth.

This best selling formula also combines biotin and ginseng to thicken fine, limp hair prone to shedding. Leaves locks full and lifted.

How Long to See Rosemary Water Hair Benefits?

Patience is critical when evaluating results for rosemary water or any new hair care regimen.

You likely won’t wake up to overnight miracle hair growth despite some Tik Tok clips implying otherwise. Standard hair growth rate is about 1⁄2 inch per month as strands renew from root through tip.

For improving growth velocity, scalp circulation and volume - consistently use your rosemary rinse 2 to 3 times per week for at least 3 months before assessing any noticeable changes.

However other benefits like removing scalp buildup, excess oil control and reducing damage from UV rays, heat styling or chemicals happen more immediately with each use.

The Bottom Line on DIY Rosemary Hair Treatments

Modern science and viral trends now back up rosemary’s historical hair healing potential. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties offer a holistic approach by targeting scalp health and follicle function from root cause.

While not a rapid magic bullet, rosemary does dynamically improve hair growth rate, thickness and overall condition over time. Especially powerful against common scalp conditions like dandruff, dermatitis and follicular clogging.

Implement as a complementary boost a few times per week on top of your daily hair care system. Combine with other stimulating botanicals to further enhance benefits.

Going the DIY rosemary water route lets you control quality ingredients, potency and integrate into your personal hair care rituals.

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.