Derived from the Latin words ‘ros marinus’, meaning ‘dew of the sea’, rosemary oil has made major waves on social media for its beneficial effects on hair. From incorporating sprigs into shampoos, to lathering lengths in its essential oil, this trending herb has more advantages than making the perfect roast dinner...
Whether you’ve dabbled in making your own concoctions or want to incorporate it into your hair wash routine, Cult Beauty tackles all the ingredient’s myths and magic, from how to use rosemary oil for hair care to uncovering the correlation between rosemary oil and hair growth, in this ultimate guide.
WHAT EXACTLY IS ROSEMARY OIL
If Sally Owens inspired you to keep rosemary by your gate for luck, or you’ve watched a million and one TikTok videos on its healing properties, it’s more likely than not you’ve heard about the benefits of rosemary oil. Extracted from the herbaceous plant, Salvia Rosemarinus, this fragrant floral shrub derives from the Mediterranean. Aromatic and infused with an earthy flavour, it’s commonly used in savoury cooking (hello roasties), spiritual circles (to ward off evil spirits), and of course hair treatments...
But what are the actual benefits of using rosemary oil on your hair? Get ready to put on your white lab coat, while we delve into the science behind this aromatic leaf...
HOW DOES ROSEMARY OIL WORK ON THE SCALP
A proven vasodilator, rosemary oil works to improve hair health and length thanks to the fact it contains carnosic acid – which is known to heal nerve damage, tissue damage and improve cell turn over. Not only does this mean that rosemary oil may encourage nerve growth , this healing herb allows your blood vessels to open, increasing blood circulation and in turn is able to deliver more nutrients to your scalp too. Research has proven that rosemary oil actually breaks down the effects of DHT (a type of testosterone) normally responsible for shrinking hair follicles. The result? It stops your strands from being starved of oxygen, becoming dehydrated and falling out...
HOW TO USE ROSEMARY OIL
So, now we’ve learnt about the rosemary oil benefits for hair, it’s time to uncover the best ways to incorporate it into your routine...
Directly on the scalp
One way to infuse rosemary into your washday regime is to combine it with a neutral carrier oil (jojoba or coconut oil work great). Mix up to five drops of the blend and massage it straight onto your scalp. We suggest letting the concoction sit for a minimum of 10 minutes before washing it out. Oh, and leaving it on overnight is also an option.
SHOP ALL SCALP TREATMENTS >>>Mix up a magical shampoo potion
Alternatively, add up to five drops of rosemary oil per 30ml of your favourite shampoo. Then lather up your lengths as usual and enjoy the earthy scent from the rosemary addition.
SHOP ALL SHAMPOOS >>>Add some directly to your preferred hair care product.
Last, but by no means least, add two to three drops directly onto your palm and mix with your hair styling products — creams, mouses, whatever you love using.
SHOP ALL HAIR STYLING PRODUCTS >>>HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU INCORPORATE ROSEMARY OIL IN YOUR ROUTINE
Consistency is key... Let’s be real, one use isn’t going to get you the luscious locks of your dreams. To actually notice results we suggest using rosemary two to three times a week for at least six months.
THE BEST ROSEMARY OIL PRODUCTS
The Nue Co’s Supa_Thick Hair Treatment is an ideal indulgence for bouncier, thicker looking lengths. Formulated with patented probiotic technology, this super serum has been shown to reduce dandruff and flakiness while resurrecting lifeless locks. Boosting the health of your scalp's microbiome, it strengthens strands from root to tip. Plus, being a member of our Cult Conscious line up, it’s certified vegan and Peta Cruelty-Free too,
SHOP ALL THE NUE CO. >>>Melding rosemary oil, tamanu oil and honey, Innersense’s Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories for a serious dose of hydration. Scalp soothing, strand strengthening and with a calming scent (thanks to the addition of lavender), this featherlight formula leaves tresses shiny and silky smooth.
SHOP ALL INNERSENSE >>>A serious multi-tasker, Larry King’s Spoilt for Choice Hair Oil is not only vegan and blended with a balanced collection of plant-oils, but can be used as not only a scalp treatment but a hair mask, split-end sealer and style finisher! Ultra nourishing – thanks to its blend of rosemary, jojoba and squalane – it soothes the scalp, smoothes your strands and tames your flyaways for catwalk approved tresses.
SHOP ALL LARRY KING >>>Leaving your locks feeling squeaky clean and clarified, Aveda’s Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo is a hair wash day essential. Powered by micelles that gently lift product build up (without disrupting the microbiome of your scalp), the invigorating addition of rosemary and mint not only awakens your senses, but aids in the stimulation of your strands too.
SHOP ALL AVEDA >>>Ideal to use pre-wash or as an overnight moisturising treatment, Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Oil for Hair and Scalp balances out dried scalps and nourishes thirsty tresses instantly. Enriched with a rosemary, castor oil and tea tree fusion, the hair hero indulges all types and textures in antioxidant protection, essential hydration and serious scalp comfort.
SHOP ALL BRIOGEO >>>And there you have it, not only will you get longer more luscious looking locks with rosemary, but you’ll be protected from negative energy, have an abundance of luck and will be tucking into the most fragrant roast potatoes too... We call that a win, win.
SHOP ALL ROSEMARY HAIR CARE >>>>
