Is Rosemary Water Good for Hair Growth? What the Experts Say

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On July 31, 2025

So, is rosemary water a miracle potion for shinier, healthy-looking hair? Here’s what a dermatologist and an esthetician told us.

For Hair Growth

There is some research supporting rosemary’s power to potentially promote hair growth. Rosemary oil was found to be just as effective as 2 percent minoxidil, a medication used to treat hair loss, after six months of use.

In addition, rosemary leaf extract was shown to promote hair regrowth in people with androgenetic alopecia, a common type of hair loss in men and women.

But Michelle Ornstein, an esthetician and the founder of Enessa Skincare in Los Angeles, says there is a big difference in the potency of essential oil or extract used in the studies, and a DIY water.

“The process of making an essential oil is to use professional, sterile equipment at controlled temperatures to achieve effective results, as opposed to boiling a plant that has the nutrients cooked out of it with high temperatures and evaporation under conditions that are not uniform,” Ornstein says.

With essential oils, the process of extracting the highly concentrated oil from the plant involves steam distillation, which is done without overheating or creating a “burned” oil. “The by-product of the essential oil is the hydrosol or hydrolat, which although less concentrated and a water-based product, contains much of the same benefits as the essential oil, but is in a less concentrated form,” she says.

Additionally, the effectiveness of rosemary water or oil is also dependent on the quality of the ingredients. “In other words, they must be organic or wildcrafted and from reliable sources,” she adds.

But even when looking at the benefits of the more potent rosemary essential oil, Dr. Henry says more research is needed to establish a direct relationship. To date, the studies available are small and still preliminary, which does not suggest any long-term definitive benefits. And there are no existing studies that specifically evaluate rosemary water for hair care.

It’s also important to note that essential oils generally are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Pure essential oils are very strong and can cause an allergic reaction when applied directly to the skin. It’s important to dilute them with a carrier oil before using topically. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before using an essential oil-based product, even a DIY potion, to your hair and body.

For Scalp Health

Healthy hair usually starts with a healthy scalp, and rosemary oil may have some possible benefits.

People who use rosemary oil may be less likely to experience scalp itching than those who use minoxidil for hair growth.

Ornstein says that rosemary oil is known to be high in antifungal and antibacterial properties, and it may be useful to combat dandruff, among other scalp concerns.

Scientific studies specifically focused on the impact of rosemary oil on scalp health are limited and focus on rosemary oil, not rosemary water. Research is needed to better understand the potential relationship between rosemary water and scalp health.

For Hair Hydration

According to Henry, there isn’t much validity in the claim that rosemary water hydrates the hair. “Rosemary itself doesn’t have inherent hydrating properties,” she says. But “when used in combination with carrier oils or hair products, it may contribute to overall hair and scalp moisturization.”

Use a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, or add a couple of drops to your shampoo or conditioner to dilute the rosemary oil and prevent irritation.

For Shiny Hair

Anecdotal reports suggest that rosemary oil may temporarily provide shine to the hair when applied. But Henry isn’t convinced that rosemary water can enhance hair shine in the long run, and no research exists on the subject. “It may enhance the hair’s appearance by adding a lustrous sheen, but the effect is temporary and can vary based on individual hair characteristics,” she says.