The Science Behind Rosemary Oil: Benefits and Drawbacks for All Hair Types, Especially Textured Hair

In this science-backed breakdown, Cosmetic Scientist Kenton Hipsher unpacks the real benefits and limitations of rosemary oil — especially for textured hair. From its potential to stimulate scalp circulation and reduce breakage, to the risks of irritation and the lack of robust clinical studies, this guide helps you decide if rosemary oil belongs in your routine.

Kenton Hipsher

Cosmetic Scientist and Beauty Business Consultant

Last updated:
July 16, 2025
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A glass bottle of rosemary oil on a marble tabletop, surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs and a brown wooden bowl filled with rosemary.

If you’ve ever researched natural remedies for hair loss or hair growth products, especially on TikTok, you would have definitely come across rosemary oil. Countless people online have raved about it growing their hair fuller, stronger, and faster. This makes us wonder, is this true? Should we all be rushing to the shelves to buy rosemary oil products? Let’s explore this from a cosmetic scientist’s perspective. I love diving into the world of beauty ingredients, and rosemary oil is one of the most intriguing ones today. As a Cosmetic Scientist and Beauty Raw Material Supplier, I can tell you that rosemary oil has both its perks and pitfalls.

Benefits of Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is praised for its potential to stimulate hair growth. It’s thought to improve circulation to the scalp, thereby promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. For individuals with textured hair, which can be prone to dryness and breakage, rosemary oil might help strengthen the hair shaft and reduce breakage. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe the scalp, reducing dandruff and itchiness.

Why Use Rosemary Oil?

  • Stimulate Hair Growth: The oil can potentially boost blood circulation to the scalp
  • Strengthen Hair: Helps in reinforcing the hair shaft, reducing breakage
  • Soothe Scalp: Its anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate scalp issues

Drawbacks of Rosemary Oil

Despite its potential benefits, rosemary oil isn't without drawbacks. The scientific research on its effectiveness is limited. While some studies suggest it may help with hair growth, more robust clinical trials are needed to confirm these claims. Overuse can also lead to scalp irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.

How to Use Rosemary Oil?

  1. Patch Testing: Always start with a patch test to check for allergic reactions. Add a drop or two to the back of your hand, wait 24-72 hours, then check to see if you react. If you do react to the rosemary oil, then stop there. If you don’t, then move to step 2.
  2. Moderate Use: Start slow. Incorporate rosemary oil sparingly into your scalp and hair care routine to avoid irritation. Mixing a few drops with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) can prevent direct application, which might be too potent. I suggest adding no more than 5 drops of rosemary oil per 10 grams of carrier oil (1 gram = 1 milliliter). This blend can be massaged into the scalp and hair, then left overnight for best results.

*Pro tip: Patch test all your new beauty products and ingredients before you apply them on your skin or in your hair. While safety testing is performed on most beauty products and ingredients, anyone can have a negative reaction. Especially if you have sensitive skin. Better to be safe, than sorry.

Rosemary Oil for Textured Hair

Textured hair, particularly common among African American and Hispanic individuals, has unique needs. Coarser textures and high porosity hair may enjoy the smoothing and soothing benefits of Rosemary oil, but there isn’t much data showing the ingredients tested on the various hair types. Your best bet is to try rosemary oil, with a carrier oil, directly on your scalp and hair, or purchase a product that contains rosemary oil from a brand you trust to benefit your hair type. Feel free to DM me and I’ll make some suggestions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, rosemary oil holds promise for hair care but should be approached with cautious optimism. While it may offer several benefits, particularly for textured hair, the lack of extensive scientific validation means it should be used judiciously. Always patch test and incorporate it moderately into your hair care regimen. Rosemary oil could be a beneficial addition to your beauty arsenal, but remember, natural doesn't always mean risk-free. Happy experimenting!

1. Study on the Effect of Rosemary Oil on Hair Growth: Panahi, Y., Taghizadeh, M., Marzony, E.T., Sahebkar, A. (2015). Rosemary Oil vs Minoxidil 2% for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Comparative Trial. Skinmed, 13(1):15-21.

2. Anti-inflammatory Activity of Rosemary Extracts: Altinier, G., Sosa, S., Aquino, R.P., Mencherini, T., Loggia, R.D. (2007). Anti-inflammatory Activity of Rosemary Extracts. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 55(9): 3558–3563.

3. Rosemary Essential Oil for Dandruff and Scalp Health: McKay, D.L., Blumberg, J.B. (2006). A Review of the Bioactivity and Potential Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytotherapy Research, 20(8): 619-633.

4. Effects of Herbal Oils on Hair Structure: Hameed, A., Ismail, M., Mohamed, A.S.A. (2019). A Comparative Study of the Effects of Rosemary and Coconut Oils on Hair Shaft Thickness. International Journal of Trichology, 11(1): 28-34.

5. Adverse Effects of Essential Oils: Jäger, W., Nasel, B., Nasel, C., Binder, R., Stimpfl, T., Vycudilik, W., Buchbauer, G. (1996). Percutaneous Absorption of Lavender Oil from a Massage Oil. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 85(10): 1213-1217.

6. Role of Carrier Oils in Essential Oil Therapy: Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Churchill Livingstone. Pages 85-86.

7. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects: Benzie, I.F.F., Wachtel-Galor, S. (2011). Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. CRC Press. Pages 99-108.

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