Key Takeaways
- Research shows that rosemary, the primary ingredient in rosemary water.
- Experts say that rosemary water can benefit people experiencing the early stages of hair thinning, but it shouldn’t be the primary treatment for people experiencing advanced hair loss.
- Our experts agree that medications, such as minoxidil 5%, are generally more effective for promoting hair growth.
It can be frustrating to deal with any type of hair concern, whether that be scalp health, hair loss, or early signs of thinning. Fortunately, there are lots of options to help. Recently, rosemary water has received a lot of attention on social media, with claims that the ingredient can promote hair growth and lead to thicker and fuller hair. But is this true?
To help settle the debate, we asked two experts to explain everything there is to know about rosemary water. Ahead, learn how they define the ingredient, the potential benefits, and how it should be used in your hair routine.
Meet the Experts
- Gabriela Soza, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Pfrankmd by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank.
- Ross Kopelman, MD, is a hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery.
What Is Rosemary Water?
Rosemary water is produced by steeping rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) sprigs or leaves in water. The process is similar to making tea. Once the product has been made, the water is transferred to a jar or spray bottle.
“Rosemary water has been used in traditional remedies and haircare for centuries. It’s particularly popular because of its potential to stimulate the scalp and improve circulation,” says hair transplant surgeon Dr. Ross Kopelman. “This creates a healthier environment for hair growth, making it a great natural option for those looking to boost scalp health.”
The Benefits
Curious whether it’s worth giving rosemary water a try? “Rosemary water has some great benefits for the scalp and hair,” Kopelman says. “It helps improve blood flow to the scalp, which can encourage healthier hair growth. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help soothe the scalp and keep it clean.”
Research shows that rosemary might also prevent hair loss and help with hair growth in a similar way to the medication minoxidil. However, it’s important to note that these studies looked at the benefits of rosemary oil rather than rosemary water.
Who Should Use It?
“Rosemary water is a great option for anyone who’s just starting to notice hair thinning or wants to support their overall scalp health,” Kopelman says. “It’s a natural, more gentle option for those who might be hesitant to jump into using stronger treatments right away.”
However, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gabriela Soza stresses that while rosemary water has some benefits, people with advanced hair loss may benefit from more intense hair loss treatments like 5% minoxidil. “While safe for all patients, I only recommend [rosemary water] if used in combination with a full treatment regimen from your dermatologist,” she explains. “Rosemary water may or may not help with hair loss, and I would hate to see a patient lose hair and precious treatment time because they tried an ineffective at-home treatment for much too long.” She confirms that there’s no harm in using rosemary water alongside treatments recommended by your dermatologist.
How to Use It?
If you are reaching for rosemary water to help with hair growth, Soza suggests applying it topically twice a day with a spray bottle, focusing on your scalp rather than the ends of your hair. You can also apply it as a rinse after washing your hair. “For best results, massage it in for a few minutes to get the circulation going,” Kopelman says. “Consistency is key here—applying it a few times a week can help improve scalp health, which is an important step toward supporting hair growth.”
While you can make rosemary water, purchasing a pre-made product formulated by professionals can help avoid irritation or the risk of using an ineffective product. “When you make it yourself, you might not use the right concentration of rosemary or miss adding the correct carrier oils, which are crucial to avoid irritation,” Kopelman says. “Using a product that’s been formulated by professionals ensures that the balance is right and that it’s safe and effective for regular use.”
Finally, Soza shares an important reminder: If you’re making your own rosemary water, be sure to let the product cool completely before you apply it to your scalp.
Research shows that rosemary, the primary ingredient in rosemary water, may benefit hair growth. However, most of the existing research focuses solely on rosemary oil. Additionally, both experts agree that medications, such as minoxidil 5%, are generally more effective for promoting hair growth. They also noted that while rosemary water can benefit people experiencing the early stages of hair thinning, it shouldn’t be the primary treatment for people experiencing advanced hair loss.
