Now, we don’t want to make any heavy claims about the life-changing effects of rosemary oil, but we are going to go through exactly what it is, its benefits and how to make it yourself. Let’s go!
What is Rosemary Oil?
As we mentioned, rosemary oil is having its turn in the spotlight thanks to TikTok. But what is it and what is it used for? Rosemary oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the rosemary plant, a woody herb native to the Mediterranean region. To make the oil, the fresh leaves of the plant are typically steam-distilled (but we’ll tell you how to make it at home yourself later) and then the evaporating oil is collected.
With its strong, herbal scent, rosemary oil is commonly used for aromatherapy and in beauty products. It’s also used in traditional medicine for muscle pain, headaches and even respiratory issues. Most recently, it’s gained popularity in the haircare world as it’s believed to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health. Sounds like it does it all!
The Benefits of Rosemary Oil for Hair
Now you know a little bit about the wonder oil, we’re going to go into its benefits, but first, a little disclaimer. There is some scientific evidence to support the following benefits of rosemary oil and while these findings are super promising, larger and more rigorous studies are needed to confirm them. Serious stuff over, onto the benefits.
Its main claim to fame is that it's believed to promote hair growth and thickness by stimulating blood circulation in the scalp and it encourages the delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles. Lovely stuff. This can also help to reduce hair loss and dandruff, since the scalp becomes healthier and better nourished from all that blood flow.
Not only that, rosemary oil is said to potentially reduce the appearance of grey hairs, as it has an effect on the pigmentation of hair. Now, we’re not saying that there’s anything wrong with grey hairs - if you’ve got them, we’re all for flaunting them but if you’d rather disguise them, rosemary oil could do the trick. This one might need a bit more research though. As with any essential oil, use it with caution and consult a healthcare professional before using it to treat any serious health conditions.
How to Make Rosemary Oil for Hair
Want to make your own rosemary oil at home? It’s pretty simple, just follow this easy step-by-step guide:
You will need:
- Fresh rosemary leaves
- A carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil
- A glass jar with a lid
- Cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer
- A funnel
Instructions:
- Start by washing and drying the rosemary leaves to remove any dirt.
- Finally chop the leaves, or crush them with a mortar and pestle, to release their essential oils.
- Fill the glass jar with the carrier oil. Make sure you leave a bit of space at the top!
- Add the rosemary leaves to the jar and stir to combine.
- Seal the jar tightly with the lid and place it in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard.
- Leave the mixture to infuse for at least a week, shaking the jar occasionally to distribute the oils.
- After a week, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer into a clean jar or bottle. A funnel makes this part easier!
- And voila! Store the rosemary oil in a cool, dark place until it’s ready to use.
To use the rosemary oil, you can either massage a small amount into your scalp and hair, focussing on the roots, leaving the oil in for at least 30 minutes or overnight, then shampoo and condition as usual, or add it to your shampoo and conditioner to give them an extra boost. For best results, apply it once or twice a week consistently.
How Tangle Teezer Works with Rosemary Oil
This is where we step in. So far you’ve learned the benefits of rosemary oil and how to apply it - by gently massaging it into the scalp - and our Scalp Exfoliator & Massager is the tool to do just that. Designed specifically for scalp care in mind, the Scalp Exfoliator & Massager features flexible teeth that gently massage the scalp, increasing blood flow and removing dirt and build-up from the scalp. When used with rosemary oil, these benefits increase, promoting healthy hair growth. The dream team.
To add rosemary oil and the Scalp Exfoliator & Massager into your routine, follow these easy steps:
- Apply the rosemary oil to your scalp in sections, making sure the entire scalp is lightly covered.
- Using the Scalp Exfoliator & Massager, gently massage the oil into your scalp for 5 minutes (this is our favourite step).
- Once you’ve finished massaging the oil into your scalp, use the Ultimate Detangler to gently detangle your hair and distribute the oil evenly through your hair.
- Leave the oil in your hair for at least 30 minutes or overnight, then shampoo, condition and style as normal.
Using the Scalp Exfoliator & Massager and rosemary oil in tandem not only benefits your scalp and hair health, but it’s a nice little relaxing moment for you too. If you’re new to using a scalp brush, watch our tutorial below.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve given you a lot of rosemary oil info but we thought we’d quickly answer some frequently asked questions for you.
1. How long does rosemary oil take to grow hair?
There is no set timeframe as results can vary from person to person. But remember, consistency is key.
2. How often do you use rosemary oil for hair growth?
It’s recommended you use it 1-2 times a week. We like to do it the night before wash day and sleep in it.
3. Where to buy rosemary oil?
You can get it from health food stores, online and some supermarkets.
4. Can I add rosemary oil to my conditioner?
Yes you can!
5. Can I apply rosemary essential oil directly to my scalp?
It’s best not to, as it can be irritating to the skin on its own. It’s recommended to dilute it in a carrier oil like we mentioned in our step-by-step guide above.
6. Can I dilute rosemary oil with water?
Definitely! It can be diluted with water and used as a hair rinse or mist.
And we’ve made it to the end! Hopefully you’re so clued up on rosemary oil now, that the next time you see a rosemary oil video pop up on TikTok, you’ll feel like the pro.
To quickly recap, using rosemary oil (especially with our Scalp Exfoliator & Massager) can provide a heap of benefits for hair and scalp health. This includes promoting hair growth and thickness, reducing hair loss and dandruff, stimulating circulation in the scalp and potentially reducing grey hair. It’s important to remember to dilute the rosemary oil before applying it to your scalp to avoid any irritation.
While the results will vary from person to person, consistency is key in this hair growth game and adding rosemary oil and scalp massages to your haircare routine can be a simple and effective way to improve the health and appearance of your hair. We love to see it.