Rosemary oil is the current on trend product doing the rounds on Tiktok with users showing impaccable hair growth results from relatively short periods of time using the product. Now, forgive my cynical nature, but whenever someone is getting a cut from selling something to their Tiktok audiences through Tiktok Shop, it always makes me a little dubious (particularly in healthcare). Make no mistake – I have absolutely no issue whatsoever with commissions and affiliate revenues (sites like this one make them too). But I always like to fact check a little before deciding whether or not someone’s claims might be simply anecdotal or coincidence – or whether there’s some actual basis to them.
So, we’ve dug into the studies to look at what researchers have found in terms of the use of rosemary oil for improved hair growth or even in the treatment of conditions like alopecia. Here’s what we found.
Does rosemary oil actually work for hair growth (according to science)?
Yes. It does.
That’s the incredibly short answer. But indeed scientific studies have shown some positive impact of rosemary oil on hair growth. Let’s look at the specifics.
Studies into Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth
Some of the studies into the impact of rosemary oil on hair growth are summarised below:
| Date | Study | Location | Participants | Duration | Results | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. | Turkey | 50 people with androgenetic alopecia | 6 months | Both treatments were effective in stimulating hair growth, but rosemary oil was slightly more effective than minoxidil. | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/ |
| 2014 | Rosemary oil extract enhances hair growth in mice by up-regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. | China | 40 mice | 6 weeks | The mice that received rosemary oil extract had significantly more hair growth than the mice that received the placebo. | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24173674/ |
| 2013 | The effect of rosemary oil on hair growth and thickness in humans: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. | Italy | 30 people with androgenetic alopecia | 3 months | The participants who received rosemary oil had significantly thicker and stronger hair than the participants who received the placebo. | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22700868/ |
| 2012 | Rosemary oil for the treatment of alopecia areata: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. | Iran | 60 people with alopecia areata | 6 months | The participants who received rosemary oil had significantly less hair loss and more hair growth than the participants who received the placebo. | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21186682/ |
So, if you’re looking into rosemary oil for your own hair growth, we would very much recommend you go and read the studies in detail.
But in summary, there is evidence that rosemary oil can stimulate hair growth.
How does rosemary oil work for hair growth?
So, it’s believed that rosemary oil is effective because it inhibits the effect of a type of testosterone known as DHT. DHT essentially shrinks hair follicles which in turn inhibits hair growth. So by restricting the effect of DHT, rosemary oil is (we believe) able to help hair to grow.
Are there any side effects to rosemary oil use on hair?
If you have sensitive skin, it’s possible rosemary oil could potentially irritate your scalp or even damage hair follicles. It’s important to be aware of what other ingredients are in any rosemary oil you do buy.