Rosemary Water for Hair Health: Fact or Fiction?

Rosemary is an aromatic and flavorful herb widely used in culinary applications, traditional medicine practices, and cosmetic products. 

This perennial herb is a rich source of phytonutrients and antioxidants that may help stimulate new hair growth by promoting blood circulation and protecting the hair follicles and scalp from damage.

Discover the benefits of rosemary water for hair health and find out how to use it to promote hair growth naturally.

Rosemary water for hair 

Rosemary water is created by steeping fresh rosemary sprigs in water, which infuses the liquid with phytonutrients and antioxidants that offer potential benefits for hair and scalp health.

This natural remedy has been used for centuries to support hair growth and combat hair loss, especially in cases related to postpartum hormonal changes, pattern hair loss, or alopecia.  

Additionally, many people use rosemary water to maintain hair health or restore thickness, luster, and shine after the overuse of chemical hair products and harsh dyes.

Rosemary essential oil and extracts have been found to decrease hair loss, particularly in those with androgenetic alopecia (AGA), which causes pattern hair loss in men and women. 

This is likely due to its ability to lower blood levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent of testosterone that contributes to hair follicle shrinkage and eventual hair loss.

However, some remain skeptical about rosemary water's effectiveness in preventing hair loss and stimulating growth, noting that the potency of an infusion is far lower than the highly concentrated rosemary essential oil formulations used in scientific studies.

Watch the video below for more ways to regrow your hair.

Potential benefits of rosemary water for your hair

Though rosemary essential oil is more extensively researched, long-term use of rosemary water may offer benefits for those with brittle, dry, or thinning hair.

Here are five advantages of adding rosemary water to your hair care routine.

1. May reduce hair loss

Androgenetic alopecia, often associated with elevated levels of DHT, a byproduct of testosterone metabolism, is one of the most common causes of hair loss in aging men and women.

Rosemary may help reduce hair loss by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT, which can prevent or reduce hair follicle shrinkage.

A study published in Phytotherapy Research found that topical rosemary extract application displayed potent antiandrogenic activity, reducing hair loss and enhancing regrowth in animals treated with testosterone.

2. Promotes shine

Though more research is needed, rosemary contains several essential fatty acids, including linoleic and oleic acids, that may help moisturize brittle hair tresses. 

Dehydrated hair is more prone to splitting, resulting in breakage that can lead to patchy fallout. 

Conversely, hydrated hair shafts are protected from environmental stressors, resulting in improved hair elasticity, reduced frizziness, and shine.

3. May stimulate hair growth 

Rosemary oil has been shown to improve microcapillary circulation, boosting blood flow to the hair follicles. This enhanced circulation delivers essential oxygen and nutrients to the follicles and hair shafts, reducing the risk of damage and supporting hair regrowth.

Additionally, rosemary essential extracts are as effective as certain hair growth medications with fewer side effects, including scalp itching.

This has been confirmed by a study published in Skinmed that found that rosemary oil is comparable to minoxidil, a widely used pharmaceutical to promote hair growth in patients with AGA. 

4. Can improve scalp health

Regular scalp massages with rosemary water may help reduce flaking and itching associated with dry scalp and dandruff. 

These benefits are attributed to rosemary’s antifungal and antibacterial properties, which may reduce fungal and yeast infections on the scalp. 

5. Protects against sun damage

Rosemary contains various antioxidants that can help protect the hair from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV exposure has been shown to produce reactive oxygen species, which can damage hair follicles and lead to hair thinning

A study published in Plants found that “…rosemary extract inhibits UV-induced metalloproteinase-1, indicating that it may reduce the skin damage caused by sunlight…” 

The researchers also found that when combined with citrus extracts, rosemary provided up to 70 percent protection against UV rays. However, more research is needed on rosemary's effects on UV damage to hair.

Who should avoid using rosemary water 

Rosemary water is generally considered safe when applied topically to the scalp and hair. 

However, those with allergies to plants belonging to the mint family should avoid rosemary water, as it may lead to scalp inflammation or irritation. A patch test can help determine if you have sensitivities to rosemary.

Additionally, pregnant women and those prescribed hair loss medications should consult their healthcare provider before trying home remedies such as rosemary water or extracts to ensure they’re safe and have no contraindications. 

How to use rosemary water for your hair

There are several ways to use rosemary water for your hair, including mixing it into your shampoo or applying it during a scalp massage. However, the most popular method is using it as a hair spray.

Here’s how to prepare and use rosemary water hair spray. 

Preparation

To make your own rosemary water spray for hair, add five sprigs of fresh rosemary to a pot with five cups of water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

Remove the pot from the heat and let it steep for 30 minutes until the water darkens to an amber hue.

Once the rosemary water has cooled, strain it into a glass spray bottle and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Use

To use rosemary water as a hair spray, generously spritz it throughout your hair and massage it into the scalp. 

Rosemary water is safe for hair and can be left in until your next wash.

More tips for healthy hair growth

Rosemary essential oils and water may boost hair growth and help maintain overall hair health. However, growing luscious locks begins from the inside out.

Here are four ways to support healthy hair growth naturally.

1. Limit carbohydrate intake

The ketogenic diet aims to put the body in ketosis, a metabolic state of fat-burning, by reducing carbohydrate intake to no more than 50 grams of net carbs daily.

Keto has several impressive health benefits, including better glycemic control, increased insulin sensitivity, and enhanced hormonal balance.

High insulin levels, often caused by a high-carb diet, are linked to elevated DHT production. This explains why a nutritious keto diet can help reduce androgen imbalance and associated hair thinning.

2. Reduce stress

Chronic stress can increase the risk of significant mental and physical health problems, including hair loss. 

“Many people that experience too much stress develop alopecia and general hair loss,” explains Dr. Berg. “This is due to stress activating cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, which negatively affects hair follicle function.” 

Increasing sun exposure or supplementing with vitamin D3 can have neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects that may help reduce stress and lower states of mood, such as anxiety and depression. 

Additionally, exercise and getting adequate sleep help lower cortisol levels, which can promote healthier hair growth and reduce the risk of stress-induced hair loss.

3. Boost essential hair nutrients

A nutritious low-carb eating plan, such as Healthy Keto®, helps support optimal levels of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids for healthy hair growth. 

Trace minerals, such as zinc, iron, selenium, silica, and copper, are involved in enzymes that build collagen, preserve hair color, and produce structural proteins, such as keratin, the primary component of hair. 

Some of the best dietary sources of essential trace minerals include:

• Nuts and seeds

• Seafood

• Avocados

• Leafy green vegetables 

• Cruciferous vegetables

• Meat

• Eggs

Additionally, B vitamins, including biotin and vitamin B6, help metabolize amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein and crucial to strengthen and thicken hair. Nutritional yeast is an excellent natural source of the B vitamin complex. 

Consuming collagen-rich foods, such as bone broth, eggs, fish, chicken with skin, organ meats, and gelatin, can also help strengthen hair follicles and reduce the risk of breakage and damage.

4. Incorporate herbal remedies 

In addition to rosemary water, certain herbal remedies such as stinging nettle root, saw palmetto, and horsetail may help manage hair shedding when taken as an oral supplement. 

Stinging nettle root contains beta-sitosterol, which may reduce DHT production by inhibiting enzyme 5-alpha reductase activity and encouraging blood flow to the scalp.

Saw palmetto is another medicinal herb used to promote hormonal balance. When taken as a supplement, saw palmetto may reduce DHT concentrations in hair follicles, which can help minimize hair loss.

Horsetail is rich in silicon and antioxidants, which may reduce hair damage, breakage, and loss. Furthermore, horsetail has been found to help stimulate collagen biosynthesis, promoting strong hair follicles and robust hair shaft growth.

Key takeaways

Rosemary is a rich source of phytonutrients with potent antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that may help promote hair health and minimize hair shedding. 

Using rosemary water for hair may help reduce hair loss, promote regrowth, and manage conditions like dry scalp.

However, those with thinning or balding hair may consider additional methods, such as following a nutritious low-carb diet, reducing stress, and taking herbal supplements to promote hormonal balance critical to hair health.

FAQ

1. What are the pros of rosemary water for hair health?

Rosemary water may help reduce hair loss, stimulate growth, and promote scalp health. It has also been found to hydrate hair shafts and protect against ultraviolet radiation damage.

However, scientific studies typically use rosemary oil extracts, which may be more potent than rosemary water.

2. Does rosemary water help with hair growth?

Yes, rosemary water may stimulate hair growth, promote shine, and enhance hair's overall thickness and appearance. 

This is likely due to its antioxidant properties and antiandrogenic activity, which may help improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and inhibit the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss. 

3. Can I spray rosemary water on my hair every day?

Yes, spraying rosemary water on your hair daily is safe and may help promote healthy hair growth and shine.

4. How do you make rosemary water hair spray?

To make rosemary water hair spray, add five sprigs of fresh rosemary to five cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and allow the sprigs to simmer for 20 minutes. 

Remove the pot from the heat and let the rosemary steep for 30 minutes, then strain the cooled water into a glass spray bottle and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

5. How long can I leave rosemary water in my hair?

Because rosemary water is less concentrated than rosemary essential oil, it can be applied and left in the hair until the next wash. Leaving rosemary water in hair for extended periods allows for better absorption into the scalp and provides lasting nourishment to the hair strands.

6. Are there downsides of rosemary water for your hair?

Rosemary water is generally safe to use topically. However, those with allergies to plants from the mint family should avoid rosemary water, as it can irritate the scalp. A patch test can determine if you’re sensitive to rosemary water.

Additionally, those who are pregnant or prescribed hair loss medications should consult their healthcare provider before incorporating home remedies such as rosemary water. 

7. Is rosemary water safe for all hair types?

Yes, rosemary water is suitable for all hair types and may help thicken and add volume to hair. However, it’s particularly beneficial for those experiencing hair loss due to hormonal changes or inflammatory conditions such as dandruff.

Sources

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22517595/ 

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/ 

3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7284349/