According to Dr Darwish, rosemary water is better for an oily scalp, and for dry scalp, oil can be used, and should be applied once to twice a week for at least three months.
Though rosemary water does help with hair growth, there are some who will notice more benefits from using it than others. Dr. Batra shares that those dealing with “hair thinning due to hormonal effects or advanced age may benefit the most from using rosemary oil.
Rosemary has long been known for its ability to promote hair growth and improve scalp health. In addition, it's packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation, which can lead to hair loss. If hair growth is your goal, I recommend choosing rosemary oil over rosemary water.
Hailed as the new rice water, rosemary water is gentle, effective and incredibly good for your hair. It mitigates hair loss and stimulates growth with every use. Not only can you make this product at home using rosemary essential oil or rosemary leaves, but it's also safe for all hair types too.
This hair rinse is a very mild herbal remedy, so you can leave it on your hair for a long time. Many people add their rosemary water to a spray bottle and use it as a leave-in conditioner. You can also use it as a hair rinse and leave it in until your next shower.
Rosemary oil is a powerful antioxidant and can be used to treat many skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. However it has also been known to cause damage to your scalp and follicles if used incorrectly. Rosemary oil can cause inflammation which can lead to hair loss in some cases.
But, if you're using a pure rosemary essential oil, yes, you should dilute it with a carrier oil, such as grapeseed oil or coconut oil, or in another product, like shampoo, instead of applying it directly to your hair or scalp.
Put 4-5 drops of rosemary essential oil on your scalp with the help of a dropper and gently massage it in your scalp. Massage it in circular motions to increase the blood flow in your scalp and hence, promote hair growth. Don't apply more than 5 drops of rosemary oil as too much of it can cause your scalp to itch.
A 2015 study compared rosemary oil to minoxidil, a popular hair regrowth treatment. People with DHT-related hair loss received either rosemary oil or minoxidil for 6 months. At 3 months, neither group had more hair. By 6 months, both groups saw significant increases in hair growth.
Rosemary water can also be created by diluting rosemary oil with water. You can add a few drops of rosemary essential oil with water and use it to spray on your hair or apply it on your skin. You can apply rosemary water directly to your hair and scalp and also use it on your skin.
What are the side effects of rosemary oil on hair? Because it's a pretty potent ingredient, for some, excess use of rosemary oil may lead to some itching and burning, says Holdsworth. “It can cause mild irritation of the scalp and should be discontinued if this is experienced,” adds Garlapati.
You must use rosemary oil at least two to three times a week for great results. You can even apply it more times if your routine allows you to. Mix four to five drops of rosemary oil with other essential oils and massage it evenly on your scalp.
One of the best natural conditioners, rosemary oil will leave your hair feeling soft, lustrous, and strong! There are plenty of anti-inflammatory uses of rosemary oil. Applying rosemary oil to the hair and scalp not only soothes the inflammation but also prevents infections.
While it's not harmful to leave rosemary oil in your hair overnight, it may cause irritation to your scalp if you have sensitive skin. Adding a few drops of rosemary oil to a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, can help to dilute it.
“Everyone can use rosemary oil, but you might need to modify how often you use it depending on your hair type,” suggests Dr. Khetarpal. “Some people might be able to use it daily. Others may see that one or twice a week works best.”
Mix with a carrier oil
They transport the essential oils into the skin in a gentle manner. Diluting pure rosemary oil means that it will reduce the potency of the oil. This will be beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
To make rosemary infused water, Dr Abhishek Pilani, MD Dermatologist, Founder- Assure Clinic, says “Take a few sprigs of rosemary leaves, boil it in water 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Let it cool before transferring to a spray bottle.” This concoction can be applied to your scalp and left overnight for best results.
The main thing with rosemary water is to use it regularly. Some say it takes up to 6 months to notice any hair condition or scalp health improvement. It's best to store your rosemary water in its bottle in the fridge. It'll last up to 2 weeks, by which time you'll probably have used it all anyway!
Rosemary oil and peppermint oil for hair growth
Take two tablespoons of any carrier oil (jojoba oil) and add three drops of rosemary oil and three drops of peppermint oil to it. Mix them well, apply the mix all over the scalp and hair strands and leave it for at least one hour before washing.
Although rosemary oil is not harmful, James warns against leaving it in hair overnight. “Leaving any kind of oil on the scalp for a prolonged period of time will upset the microflora of the scalp,” she says. “This can cause itchiness and redness, and it applies to all oils—not just rosemary oil.”
“Rosemary oil is good for hair growth because it is anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, increases blood circulation, and [contains] fatty acid.”
Because of their volatile oil content, large quantities of rosemary leaves can cause serious side effects, including vomiting, spasms, coma and, in some cases, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
Boiling rosemary leaves creates a fragrant herbal tea with a variety of benefits for your hair and scalp. Not only does rosemary water stimulate hair growth and thickening, but it also helps reduce dandruff, combat oil, relieve an itchy scalp, and can even naturally dye your hair.
After shampooing and conditioning, pour the mixture over your hair evenly, working into your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes and rinse it out. Rosemary water can slightly darken your hair over time if used regularly. It can also cover your gray hair.