Experts Explain If Rosemary Oil Really Helps with Hair Growth

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Alix Earle swears by it.

There are so many reasons to love hair oils. Argan oil softens brittleness, while castor oil fights inflammation and dandruff on the scalp. And then, there's the Holy Grail. Enter, rosemary oil. Known for its nourishing properties, rosemary oil is also believed to strengthen strands and promote hair growth.

If you've scrolled through social media lately, then I'm sure you've seen all your favorite influencers raving about how well rosemary oil works. Seriously. The words 'rosemary oil' has brought in 204.9 million views on TikTok, and if that's not enough, the clock app's leading beauty influencer, Alix Earle, even gushed about Mielle Organics' Rosemary Oil in her top 2022 Amazon purchases recap. The product legit flew off shelves, largely because the TikTok star said she noticed tremendous growth after using rosemary oil for a few weeks. There are tons of before and after videos showcasing the results of applying rosemary oil to your hair and scalp.

By now, you're probably wondering if rosemary oily really lives up to the hype. If you are, then same, bestie, same. Seventeen chatted with two experts — double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp and hairstylist to the stars Kieron Fowles — to find out if rosemary oil is safe for your hair and if it can help with hair growth.

Hailing from the Mediterranean region, rosemary oil is extracted from the leaves of the rosemary plant. A fragrant oil, rosemary oil is commonly used to add flavor to food dishes, and it's even found in skin and hair care products. "Rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce scalp irritation related to skin conditions like dandruff," the New York-based derm says. Enriched with nourishing properties, Dr. Camp says rosemary oil also helps strengthen dry and damaged hair by coating it with fortifying antioxidants like carnosic acid and carnosol, which create an environment where your hair can thrive.

You can snag rosemary oil in its raw state or find it as a key ingredient in products like shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks. Fowles recommends mixing pure rosemary oil with carrier oils like jojoba or argan oil to dilute and prevent irritation if you're applying it directly to the scalp. Dr. Camp says rosemary oil can be applied directly to the scalp and left temporarily or for a few hours before washing out. He also suggests adding a few drops to shampoo, allowing the lather to sit on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing.

By now, we all know that a healthy scalp is vital to hair growth and length retention. According to Dr. Camp, rosemary oil is a "vasodilator, meaning it increases blood flow in the scalp." Increased circulation maintains "hair in the growing phase and prevents shedding." So, yep. Rosemary oil is believed to aid in hair growth. Dr. Kseniya Kobets previously dished to Seventeen about a 2022 review that attributed hair growth to rosemary oil. "A recent review in Derm Ther 2022 reported some evidence for several natural ingredients in growing hair, including rosemary oil, caffeine, and pumpkin seed oil," she said.

Achieving long, flowing hair overnight would be a dream come true, but unfortunately, hair doesn't grow that quickly. Since hair typically grows about 0.5 inches per month, Dr. Camp suggests applying rosemary oil daily for four to six months before deciding if it is effective or not.

Rosemary oil can strengthen, nourish and encourage growth in all hair types and textures. Known for styling Gigi Hadid's mane, Fowles recommends rosemary oil when his clients are experiencing hair and scalp conditions, including hair loss, dandruff, and fungal and bacterial irritations. If you have sensitive skin and scalp irritations, the stylist suggests talking with your dermatologist before incorporating rosemary oil into your haircare routine.

If you're looking for a hair oil to help with thinning or promote growth, you should add rosemary oil to your hair care routine. Along with reducing scalp irritation and dandruff, rosemary oil improves blood circulation, prevents hair shedding, and is believed to aid in hair growth.

Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.

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