Now more than ever, folks are flocking to stores (both online and IRL) to buy rosemary-infused hair-care products in hopes of obtaining healthier, thicker hair. In fact, on TikTok, board-certified plastic surgeon Anthony Youn, MD, went viral after posting a video in which he claimed the ingredient could be as effective as rogaine, citing this 2015 study as evidence. At the time of writing, #rosemaryoil has more than 112 million views on the app.
To get the inside scoop on rosemary oil and how it works, Allure reached out to Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, and Connecticut-based, board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, the Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine.
Put simply, Dr. Nazarian says, "rosemary oil has been shown to increase blood flow, and therefore nutrients, to hair follicles - which is the primary pathway thought to be responsible improv[ing] hair growth." Still not convinced? Just take it from cosmetic chemist Ginger King, who echoed these sentiments and offered even more insight into the benefits of rosemary oil. What's more, King previously told Allure that rosemary oil "works as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and most importantly, a microcirculation enhancer," the latter of which "will help to reenergize the scalp for better growth."
Need even more convincing? Research has also been conducted to back up these claims. In fact, Dr. Gohara explains that "some research also shows that rosemary oil can help to enhance the cuticle, giving the appearance of thicker hair and offering protection against breakage."
Additionally, both dermatologists note rosemary's anti-inflammatory properties, which can help decrease scalp irritation and dandruff. Similarly, Dr. Gohara previously told Allure that "rosemary oil eliminates dirt, strengthens follicles, provides moisture to the scalp, and minimizes breakage." She also credits rosemary oil with providing a "soothing quality" when applied to the scalp.
Long story short, if you suffer from a dry scalp, inflammation, and/or breakage, rosemary is definitely an ingredient to consider incorporating into your routine. Shop some of our top picks below, broken down by product type:
$5.00, Target
$4.00, Target
According to Dr. Nazarian, the Suave Professionals Rosemary + Mint Invigorating Conditioner is "great for sensitive skin" since it contains no added dyes or parabens, which may cause irritation. "I also like that it contains natural rosemary, and not [the] artificial [kind], or just [acts as] the scent," she says. And, at just $5 per 28-ounce bottle, it offers incredible value.
Dr. Nazarian describes the Dove Nourishing Secrets Volume Shampoo as "one of her favorites" since it features both rosemary and lavender oils to "build volume and fullness." Its creamy formula gently cleanses the hair without stripping it of essential oils.
$20.00, Nordstrom
$16.00, Amazon
Aveda's Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo gently yet effectively eliminates buildup without stripping your hair. Its 96-percent naturally-derived formula features a handful of noteworthy ingredients, including - spoiler alert - rosemary, glycerin, peppermint (which has been found to promote hair growth), and menthol (known for its cooling properties). The refreshing minty aroma is an added bonus.
Dr. Nazarian recommends Tresemmé's Color Revitalize Shampoo and Conditioner for people with color-treated hair looking to "improve hair density," or in other words, the "number of hair follicles per given area." The dermatologist attests that this shampoo and conditioner duo - which contains rosemary oil and antioxidant-rich green tea - is "gentle on the hair follicles while infusing the hair root with ingredients that can lead to hair growth." A win-win, in our book.
$10.00, Amazon
$8.00, Target
Waterless hair-care products have become increasingly popular in recent years, and we especially love this rosemary and mint-infused Shampoo and Conditioner Bar from Naturtint. This two-in-one shampoo and conditioner duo features a 99-percent naturally-derived formula that contains rosemary, eucalyptus, glycerin, meadowfoam, and cocoa butter.
L'Oréal Paris' EverStrong Thickening Sulfate Free Shampoo is especially ideal for those with thinning hair thanks to its hero ingredient, rosemary leaf. We'd also be remiss not to mention its delightful scent, which has notes of jasmine and juniper berry. Best of all, it clocks in at just under $10 per bottle.
$10.00, Amazon
$22.00, Nordstrom
Dr. Gohara recommends Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil for its cooling formula, which is "usable on all hair types when rubbed into [the] base of [the] scalp." Besides rosemary, additional ingredient highlights include nourishing castor oil, calming tea tree oil, and conditioning coconut oil. (P.S. Mielle has an entire lineup of Rosemary Mint products, including a hair mask and edge gel.)
If you love the lightweight feel of hair oils, consider incorporating Kiehl's Magic Elixir into your hair-care routine, stat. In addition to antibacterial rosemary leaf, the fatty acid-loaded treatment contains avocado oil and aloe. Additionally, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., previously told Allure, "Aloe vera has humectant properties, which means it can help hydrate the scalp and hair."
$17.00, Amazon
$28.00, Sephora
Despite how weightless Weleda's Rosemary Conditioning Hair Oil feels on the strands, it packs a powerful punch: its conditioning formula features anti-inflammatory rosemary oil and antioxidant-rich burdock root extract, leaving you with shiny, smooth, and nourished hair. Slather it on split ends for added hydration, or rub it into the scalp for some much-needed moisture.
The JVN Complete Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil is formulated to simultaneously clean and soothe the scalp. It's enriched with rosemary, basil root, and sunflower extracts, along with a slew of conditioning ingredients like bisabolol, coconut oil, and squalane. Meanwhile, vitamin E-rich moringa oil offers extra nourishment.
$3.00, Ulta Beauty
$32.00, Carter & Jane
$25.00, Sephora
Eliminate scalp buildup with the help of Hask's Tea Tree Oil & Rosemary Hair and Scalp Treatment Mask. The restorative hair mask, which just so happens to be a 2020 Best of Beauty Award winner, is infused with - you guessed it, soothing tea tree oil and rosemary - as well as moisturizing glycerin. Oh, and did we mention it's just $3?
Carter + Jane bills its Scalpfix treatment as a "more effective alternative" to dry shampoo, thanks to its soothing formula, which features a blend of rosemary, peppermint, and manuka oil, the latter of which is known for its antibacterial properties. Simply spray it onto your scalp and blow-dry your roots for 30 minutes or until they're dry.
However, Scalpfix can be used as a leave-in treatment to soothe any irritation right away. It's spiked with witch hazel, which Erin Gilbert, MD, has previously told Allure that "the [aid] of preparations made from its [witch hazel's] leaves and bark" has a slew of skin benefits, including "being soothing, acting as an anti-inflammatory [ingredient], and having antioxidant properties."
Pattern Scalp Serum is a satisfying tingly treatment that works across all hair types, including curly and coily styles, in order to give your scalp a much-needed breather. This cooling concoction includes lavender, peppermint, and rosemary oils to soothe your strained roots, along with antioxidant-rich green tea, aloe vera, and panthenol to provide additional nourishment and strengthening.
More scalp-soothing products for your consideration this way:
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