Research shows that rosemary oil for hair growth can be as effective as Minoxidil in curbing hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia [1]. But does rosemary water grow hair as well? Many cosmetic blogs claim that it can and also attribute a variety of other positive hair health properties to it. However, it appears that some of these assertions may be little more than beauty myths.
Unfortunately, there are presently no studies to show the efficiency of rosemary water on hair growth or health. The best rosemary oil for hair growth is scientifically proven to help increase hair density, reduce oxidative stress and possess some antimicrobial properties [1][2][3].
However, the infusion obtained from boiling rosemary leaves is less likely to have the same concentration or chemical composition, so it is difficult to assess its effects. Keep reading this article to learn more about:
Rosemary water is an infusion obtained by boiling or seeping rosemary sprigs in hot water for a certain amount of time. Basically, it is a herbal tea which is believed by some to possess a variety of health properties, ranging from cognition and memory improvement [4] to psychological stress relief. In the cosmetic field, it is often used for skin toning, hair growth and strengthening and dandruff reduction. Although, these uses are based on the general properties of rosemary extract and oil rather than the particular benefits of rosemary water.
At this time, no studies have been conducted to demonstrate the effect of rosemary water on hair growth. The rosemary plant indeed contains substances which can be beneficial against hair loss or damage, such as natural DHT blockers, antioxidants and fatty acids. However, it is unclear how many of these substances make their way into an infusion obtained by simply boiling or steeping its leaves in hot water for a short time. That is mainly because most of these components are insoluble in water (which is why it is also a bad idea to try making rosemary water using the essential oil).
Rosemary oil and leaf extracts have been scientifically proven to stimulate hair growth and curb male pattern baldness through mechanisms similar to Finasteride or Dutasteride. That happens because they contain components which reduce the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in your blood. When produced in excessive amounts, this male hormone binds to androgen receptors in your hair follicles, preventing them from producing healthy hair and causing androgenetic alopecia.
Nonetheless, the rosemary products used in studies have been obtained through specific methods of extraction and dilution and used in particular concentrations. Simply making a water-based rosemary infusion is unlikely to have the same effects, as it may be significantly more diluted.
Making rosemary water at home is easy, but with so many recipes out there, you’ll find various ingredient amounts, boiling times, and usage tips. The rosemary plant can possess various characteristics, depending on the geographic area from which it was harvested [2]. This can also influence the qualities of the resulting product and the effect it could have on your hair. So, the assertion that rosemary water can help your hair grow should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Unlike the effects of rosemary oil, those of rosemary water have not been sufficiently studied. So when speaking about the benefits this infusion can have on your hair, beauty bloggers normally extrapolate from the hair properties of the plant itself and the oils extracted from it.
The effect of rosemary water depends on the amount of beneficial substances transferred to the infusion from the plant, as well as its capacity to penetrate the scalp and hair when applied topically. If it is too diluted, its impact on your hair will also be negligible.
Although scientific evidence is needed to confirm this, based on what is known about rosemary oil and leaf extracts, expertly prepared rosemary water may help your hair in the following ways:
The fatty acids contained by rosemary, such as linoleic acid and oleic acid, can help keep your strands moisturised and hydrated [5]. If there are sufficient of them in the rosemary water you are using, your hair may become better nourished and thus shinier and more beautiful.
Moisturised strands are also more flexible and less likely to break than dry, brittle hair, so these acids could also help reduce hair breakage and make your strands stronger. However, keep in mind that these fatty acids are insoluble in water, so the quantities that make their way into the infusion are likely to be very small.
Your hair and scalp are exposed to oxidative stress every day, from sunlight, air pollution and lifestyle choices such as smoking. This can damage your hair strands, as well as their follicles.
Rosemary contains several antioxidants which help reduce this process and protect your hair and scalp from this kind of harm [6]. However, even if rosemary water may provide some UV protection (more research is needed), you still need to cover your head when out in hot weather, as sunlight is not good for your hair.
While rosemary has been shown to possess certain antimicrobial and antifungal properties [5], it is still debated whether or not it can help against Malassezia furfur, the fungus that usually produces dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis in humans. However, while it is still unclear whether and to what extent rosemary water can reduce these yeast infections of the scalp, it may help with a different kind of dandruff, caused by a dry scalp.
Since it has moisturising properties, using it regularly can keep the skin from drying up, preventing the resulting itching and flaking. For increased effect, you can try adding tea tree oil to the infusion, as it is known to be effective against dandruff [7].
Rosemary is believed to have components that can dilate the small blood vessels in your scalp, improving the amount of blood that reaches your hair follicles. This increase in oxygen and nutrients can keep your hair healthier and increase the duration of its growth phase.
However, the concentration of rosemary water may be too low to achieve this effect on its own, so it is a good idea to combine it with a scalp massage for hair growth to enhance its effect.
If you are experiencing a scalp condition that manifests with inflammation (e.g. eczema, scalp psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis), your head may feel itchy, tender and you may experience hair loss. Rosemary contains phenolic acids [8], which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. So using it abundantly on your scalp may have a soothing effect and may help reduce these symptoms [9].
It is very easy to make your own rosemary water if you would like to do so. All you have to do is follow a few simple steps:
Alternatively, you can also use a slow cooker to prepare this infusion, which may help increase its concentration. All you need to do is add the desired amount of rosemary to the pot, cover it in water and set it to the 4-hour cooking setting.
Most people prefer to use a spray bottle to apply the rosemary water easily and uniformly to their strands and scalp. You can start with a few puffs to your hair roots, gently massaging the infusion into the skin. Then, you can spray the entire length of your locks, using a comb to distribute it evenly towards the tips.
This can help keep your hair moisturised and shiny. If you engage in this routine shortly after washing your hair, there is no harm in applying the rosemary water to wet strands, but be gentle while combing, as moist hair breaks more easily.
Another way to use rosemary water is as a rinse after having shampooed and conditioned your locks. It doesn’t encumber your scalp and you can leave it in if you would like. You can keep some in your fridge for this purpose, as it can stay fresh for weeks if it is stored properly.
Yes, unless you are allergic to rosemary, you can safely spray rosemary water on your hair on a daily basis. This infusion is largely safe and should not lead to any negative outcomes for your hair and scalp.
In fact, frequent use may increase its effects on your hair health, especially when it comes to its moisturising properties. You can try using it as is or in combination with other plants that can be beneficial for your locks, such as blackseed, peppermint or lavender.
Rosemary water is normally safe and gentle on your scalp. However, if you are allergic to rosemary, you may experience contact dermatitis. This means your scalp may swell and become red and very itchy. However, this is a rather rare occurrence. To be on the safe side, it is best to try the rosemary water on a small patch of skin before applying it to your scalp.
While the effects of this infusion on pregnant women are yet to be studied, it is good to know that rosemary products are not recommended to expectant mothers, as they may cause foetal malformations.
If you are experiencing hair loss and are looking for effective ways to grow hair quickly, you can try one of the following evidence-based treatments:
If you are experiencing male or female pattern baldness, popular and effective treatments such as Minoxidil or Finasteride can help you increase your hair density and curb your hair loss. Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to your hair follicles, ensuring they are receiving all the necessary nutrition. Finasteride reduces the levels of DHT in your blood (however, it is not recommended for premenopausal women, as it can cause foetal malformations and hormonal imbalances).
However, if you are experiencing autoimmune hair loss, such as alopecia areata, you may need to treat it with corticosteroids. Your trichologist may recommend a topical steroid cream or if your hair loss is more severe, steroid injections to reduce the inflammation and curb the hair shedding it produces.
Whatever medication you choose to take for your alopecia, be sure to have the recommendation of a medical professional. That is because, like all drugs, they can have some unwanted side effects, interact with other drugs you are already taking or be contraindicated for certain patients.
Alongside medication, you can also try some proven therapies, such as PRP hair treatment. This involves harvesting the platelet-rich plasma from a small sample of your blood and injecting it into your balding areas. The abundant growth factors it contains can help repair your damaged hair follicles and stimulate hair production.
Low-level laser therapies, such as red-light therapy for hair growth, can also increase your hair density over time. This works by improving mitochondrial function in the cells of your hair follicles and transporting more energy to them.
Derma rolling for hair growth and scalp massages are good treatments to try in the comfort of your home, with no clinical-grade equipment needed. They can help improve scalp blood flow and stimulate hair follicles for growth.
If you are looking for ways to grow thicker hair naturally, you can try one (or more) of the best essential oils for hair growth. Rosemary oil is not the only natural remedy that can reverse hair loss. Pumpkin seed oil for hair has been proven effective against male and female pattern baldness, while black seed oil can help curb telogen effluvium.
Moreover, lavender oil has relaxing and soothing properties, which can reduce stress and anxiety-induced hair loss and the menthol in peppermint oil for hair can soothe an itchy, inflamed scalp.
You can use these hair growth oils as they are, by pouring a few drops on your palms or comb and spreading them all over your scalp and hair. Or you can combine them into hair masks which can deeply nourish and moisturise your locks.
If you are experiencing advanced hair loss that does not respond to non-surgical treatments, you could be a good candidate for a hair transplant. This simple, outpatient procedure involves harvesting some healthy hair from the back of your head and reimplanting it in your balding areas.
The reason more and more celebrities are getting hair transplants is that these procedures have very high success rates (bordering on 100%), low complication risks and outstanding results. And unlike temporary treatments, hair transplants are permanent so they are as close as you can get to a baldness cure with today’s technology. Here is how you can expect a hair transplant to look after 10 years.
Hair thinning can be extremely distressing and it can have a lasting negative impact on your levels of self-confidence and psychological well-being. However, the solution may not be making your locks grow faster, but treating the condition that is making them shed excessively.
Don’t waste any more of your precious time searching online for universal hair loss remedies. Book a consultation today with one of our experienced trichologists and get professional treatment for your specific type of alopecia. Our hair doctors will perform all the necessary trichology tests to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and the most effective, scientifically proven treatment.
While no scientist has compared the properties of rosemary water and rosemary oil so far, it is safe to assume that the oil is more effective for hair growth and hair health. It is normally more concentrated and there is evidence to showcase its results for increasing hair density and thickness [1].
You can dilute rosemary oil for hair yourself in your favourite carrier oil, making sure to reach the desired concentration (normally 2-3% should suffice, but never exceed 10% without a trichologist’s recommendation). Or you can get one of the best blends of diluted rosemary oil for hair growth, to save some time.
You can leave this infusion in your hair for as long as you feel comfortable doing so, it is not likely to cause any harm. Ideally, it needs to remain on your scalp and hair for at least 30 minutes to have any chance of producing effects.
If you notice scalp itching or discomfort after applying rosemary water, wash your hair thoroughly and consider using a different remedy, as you may be sensitive or allergic to rosemary.
Yes, you can combine this infusion with other plant teas or essential oils of your choice (just make sure that they are water-soluble or apply them separately). This can help enhance its effects on your hair health, as the best hair growth oils have documented beneficial properties in curbing alopecia and making your hair stronger and healthier.
Yes, you should be able to safely use this infusion on your hair even if it is coloured. In fact, it may even help condition your locks, as hair dye can cause hair loss by making your strands brittle. Some people believe that rosemary can darken your hair shade – this may sometimes happen, but the effect is normally barely noticeable and temporary.
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