Rosemary Water for Thick Hair Growth: 4 Benefits and How to Make
Do you lose a lot of hair?
And are you looking for natural remedies to regain your crowning glory?
Then you need rosemary water.
Hailed as a new elixir for hair on social media, it’s one of the easiest home remedies you can make at home. In this article, we will look at the benefits of rosemary water, how to make it and ways to use it. Also, we will look at the research behind it and does it live up to the hype.
I like bees and dragonflies visiting my garden. When I was growing up, the wild spaces and gardens used to be teaming with these lovely insects. We don’t see them that much. So in a bid to attract more insect life, I sowed some wildflowers seeds. And to my surprise, multiple colours wildflowers grew and grew quite fast. But what about the bees… did they come? I will tell you in a bit.
Now about hair growth. If you are looking for natural remedies to grow hair fast and thick, you may find your solution here.
Rosemary is a promising herb for the health and growth of your hair.
Although the ‘rosemary for hair growth’ trend must have picked up now, it has been used since ancient times as a hair and scalp tonic.
There are hundreds of ways you can use this herb. I will talk about a very effective way to use it as rosemary water.
What is Rosemary Water?
Rosemary water is nothing fancy. It’s water and rosemary cooked together. So you can also call it rosemary tea.
This rosemary tea is rich in bioactive compounds that does all sorts of good things for your hair and scalp. From improving blood flow to the scalp to protecting your hair follicles from free radical damage, as well as soothing scalp irritation.
Let’s see each benefit one by one…
Rosemary Water Hair Benefits
When I started using rosemary water on my hair, my goal was to reduce hair loss. I had read wonderful things about rosemary, both rosemary oil and rosemary water. And because I had the herb handy, I tried the tea first. It really worked for me. It reduced hair shedding, as well as I could see the hair density increase over time.
Rosemary has worked for me and thousands of other people. However, would it work for you? Maybe. You will only know after trying it on yourself.
Rosemary is rich in several bioactive compounds. And these compounds have direct or indirect effects on the hair. Here are the nutrients and science behind rosemary’s working…
1. Rosemary helps Reduce Hair Loss
Rosemary is rich in potent antioxidant compounds such as: carnosic acid and carnosol. And if you are a regularly reader you would know that antioxidants get rid of free radicals – which can cause damage to the hair follicles, eventually causing hair loss.
This is supported by a study done on 100 men with androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness. The study compared the effect of rosemary oil to minoxidil, a commercial drug for hair loss. Results showed that rosemary oil was just as effective as minoxidil in reducing hair loss and increasing hair density (2).
So if you are looking for natural options for hair loss, rosemary may be your answer versus minoxidil which comes with its share of side effects such as itching and hair growth elsewhere in the body.
You may also like:
Why Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth (Helps with Androgenic Alopecia )
2. Rosemary can Accelerate Hair growth
Rosemary does this by boosting blood flow to the scalp. And that means more oxygen and vital nutrients are delivered to hair follicles (2). And when hair follicles are thriving, they will produce strong and healthy hair growth.
3. Rosemary Darkens Hair
It will not transform your hair overnight. But with repeated use over time, your hair will get darker hues. Rosemary also has a mild tinting effect on grey hair.
4. Rosemary will enhance Shine and Volume
This herb is conditioning and nourishing for your hair. It adds shine and texture to your hair and improves manageability.
You see, rosemary is superb for hair. Now that you know its benefits, let’s find out how to make and use rosemary water aka tea.
How to Make Rosemary Water
As I said before, this recipe is very easy to make. All you need is rosemary and water to make fragrant tea water. You can also add other herbs, such as lavender flowers, flaxseeds or amla, for extra boost.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 sprigs of fresh Rosemary leaves or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary leaves
- 2 cups Water
Optional add-ins
- 1 teaspoon fresh Lavender or 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers (conditions hair and balances scalp oils)
- 5 drops of peppermint oil (Stimulates growth)
Instructions:
1. Place rosemary leaves (lavender flower, amla, etc.) in a pan, add water and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat, and simmer, covered (to avoid the loss of volatile oils in the steam) for about 5 minutes.
2. Remove from the heat and let it sit in the pot to cool. The water will turn reddish-brown, as you can see in the above picture. You may see an oil film on the surface, and that’s ok — it’s the rosemary oil.
3. Strain out the rosemary tea, then add the peppermint oil if you wish and stir to combine.
How to Use Rosemary Water
You can use rosemary water in several different ways. I like to use it as a hair rinse, after shampooing, instead of conditioner. If I notice excess shedding, I spray rosemary water as a leave-in tonic. So you can decide how you want to use it according to your requirement.
Here are some of the ways you can use it:
1. Use Rosemary Water as a Hair Rinse
After shampooing, slowly pour the rinse over your hair and catch the drippings in the mug/pot and keep pouring them through your hair until they are all used. Massage the infusion into your scalp and hair and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly.
2. Use it as a Leave-in Hair Tonic
If you are having excess hair fall, spray the rosemary water on your scalp and hair and leave it in until the next wash. This helps reduce hair loss.
3. Post-exercise Hair Rinse
Washing hair with shampoo too often can be damaging to your hair. So, if you exercise frequently, or sweat a lot due to hot weather conditions, skip the shampoo and use this rinse to refresh your hair.
Tip: You can use a squeeze bottle for easy pouring. .
How to Store Rosemary Water
The above quantity should suffice at least 2 applications depending on the length of your hair. Store the remaining in the fridge, it will keep for up to two weeks. When using from fridge, slightly warm before use.
Where to Find Rosemary
Native to Mediterranean region, rosemary is grown in many parts of the world now. So you will not have difficulty finding rosemary: either fresh or dried around you. You can also buy rosemary online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I put rosemary water on my hair? Can I apply it every day?
If you use rosemary water as a leave-in treatment, you don’t have to reapply it every day. Rosemary water will continue benefiting your hair until your next wash. Applying too often can cause scalp dryness.
How long does it take for rosemary water to boost hair growth?
You should see some notable hair growth in 3-4 weeks. However, it’s also possible that you don’t see any changes in your hair loss or growth because rosemary is not a ‘magic herb’ that works for everyone. And don’t switch between too many ingredients, as you won’t know what is working and what is not.
Is rosemary water safe for everybody? Who should avoid using it?
The good thing is rosemary water is generally safe to use. However, if you are using rosemary water for the first time, do a patch test on your forearm before applying it. Rosemary may irritate a small percentage of people.
Let’s summarise what we have seen so far
1. Rosemary is deemed the new Holy Grail for hair on social media.
2. One of the most effective ways to use rosemary is in the form of rosemary water. And making rosemary water is like making a cup of tea.
3. Rosemary is rich in bioactives that have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, rosemary also increases scalp circulation.
4. It reduces hair loss, stimulates growth, and it’s also found to be as effective as the commercially sold minoxidil.
5. So if you want your hair to grow healthy and dense, give rosemary a chance.
And if you are still wondering… yes, the bees came effortlessly attracted to the pretty-wild-flowers. It’s a nice sight to watch. And I have not been stung so far, which is good.
Do you use rosemary water on your hair? What benefits have you seen? Please share in the comment box below.
Next Rosemary Article:
How to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth: Useful in Pattern Hair Loss
can we add fenugreek to this ? i feel my scalp becomes sticky and frizzy hair with this combo
I will try back again using rosemary for my hair I have stop using it but I will try it again thank you so much
Is the use of this composition allowed for breastfeeding women?
Thank you for the information
Is it okay to combine Rice Water and Rosemary Water for Hair Rinse?
You could, I have seen people do that. Let us know how it goes for you.
I tried the rosemary water on my hair. I must’ve made it too strong or something. First it burnt my scalp. It made my hair extremely dry and so itchy I had to go to the doctor. He gave me a perscription for Clobetasol which is mainly alcohol that dried it even more, but it cleared up the itch. I haven’t used rosemary water since for fear I’d have to go thru that again.
That’s very unfortunate because rosemary is such an amazing herb. You could be allergic to rosemary, there are a small percentage of people who are.
Do I use rosemary rinse instead of conditioner? Or do I apply conditioner first then use rinse after?
Hi… I have low porosity type of hair. I have used the rosemary rinse but it made my hair dry and frizzy… Please tell me what to do?
Hi there!! When making the small batch of Rosemary Water that Minaz has so generously posted for us all, try experimenting by adding an 1/8 tsp of black castor oil or pure vitamin E oil while the tea is still warm. My crazy curly hair loves it and the vitamin E also acts as a natural perservative. Some people have problems with oily hair so they could try adding jojoba oil instead. And take your time massaging it in before you rinse. Your scalp will thank you!! Personally, I like to leave it in and don’t have to wash my hair for 3 days however, not all scalps are alike. I do lightly spray a combo of rosemary and rose water combined on day 2. I love this website!! Thanks so much Minaz!!
How long can we store rosemary water? I made rosemary water and then forgot about it for like 2 months, is it okay to use it?
Don’t use it. You can store any herbal teas in the fridge for a couple of weeks.
I used this for the 1st time today for hair loss and never thought it would really do much to the white in my hair..I am flabbergasted !!! It worked!! The only bad thing about this is I liked my white hair..can’t wait to see if it helps with the hair loss too!! Amazing!
using rosemary organic essential how to apply to scape. what oil to add to
You can mix it with coconut oil or olive oil. See the article: Why Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth (Helps with Androgenic Alopecia )
Hi Minaz,
I am a huge fan of your site, and looking forward to trying this rosemary rinse. I was wondering, how frequently do you use this rinse? Thanks!
Hi Ann, you can use it 2-3 times a week or every time you wash your hair. Let me know how it works for you.
Hi minaz,
I recently came across your page and I’m already in love with it.
Thanks to you for introducing usinto such beautiful and natural ways
I am grateful for the kind feedback. Glad I was able to help.
I only just started using this rinse. I leave it in and my hair looks great. I was worried because my hair gets weighed down easily but I think it is improved. Slight darkening of grays. Very soft. No residue feeling.
Super glad that it was helpful. Appreciate the feedback!
Very informative…
I spent 2 years growing gray out but like some dark added, will this permanently stain? If I don’t like it I don’t want another grow out session
Has anyone used black tea to darken their hair? If so, what type and how much? Thanks
I love this Rosemary Hair Rinse! I do not rinse it out, and it smells great.
Thanks for this recipe and great info! I’m wondering if you know the ‘shelf life’ of rosemary and ACV hair rinse? How long does it keep for?
🙂
Hi Freya, it will keep for 4-6 months.
I definitely will try the rinse
Love your Article while ago did spray with water I used everyday thank you for Article
Hi Minaz,
My hair care routine seems to be improving my hair texture (shikakai shampoo). Thanks a lot again. Just wanted to check… I made rosemary hair rinse but the concoction was light unlike the one shown in ur picture. I used dry rosemary & no additives. What could be the issue ?
Hi Sudha, I wouldn’t worry too much about the colour.
Sudha, yours was a light brown because you just used the dried rosemary leaves. The collie turns like the one in the picture when boiled with the stalk.
Hi there how are used ladies and guys and I just real want to know if rosemary really work 100%to stop loss hair and regrown your hair back and thank you god bless used all amen 777. can call me or send me a email .
How long before you saw results, I’m super worried cuz my hair is falling by tons. I already have entries on my forehead well all you see of me is my forehead😔, so that’s why I’m trying this hoping it’s really works. And I don’t try something else because breastfeeding and I don’t want to affect my baby in any way
Awesome!!!
Tons of grey hair and always wondering how to reduce the rate:) Will make a batch and use and try to use it after workouts and leave it in and let you k ow the results! Having long hair makes it difficult to wash them out after every excercise session and so sweat and grime make it greasy, smelly and i am left with an itchy scalp.
So excited to try it out.
Happy to know you like it! Do share how rosemary works for you.
I have hereditary thinning hair all over, is it possible for the black pepper seed treatments possibly work for this?
Hi! Love your article. I tried this rinse for the first time today and will continue to do so. I would like to know if you have any knowledge about using tomato as a hair mask. My mother and grandmother highly recommend it, but can I alternate it with the rosemary rinse?
Hi Cyndi, I have heard of tomato hair mask, but never really tried it. If you do use it let us know, it will help other readers as well 🙂
Hey! Wow what a great combination, I am going to try them, what I know is tomatoes mask is good for face but I didn’t know they can be used as hair mask, I wonder if they hair color will not turn red 🤔
I have devoted sticky hair, ends sticky, diagnosed as age and hot water related sebbhporia dermatitis, Sick of using the allopathic shampoos, a homeopath recommended Rosemary rinse, Any ideas and info.
Does this mean it will eb chronic because I am over 70 and being in climate eased up California
Hello Robin, I would try rosemary hair rinse. The medicated shampoos don’t work for everyone. You can also give this homemade shampoo a try.
Is rosemary oil safe to use on color treated hair? I recently darkened my hair and I don’t want to strip the color so soon. Thanks!
I read to add cedar wood oil to the rosemary rinse, do you recommend and what is the benefit of it?
Grey hair…i have read that prunes, ha…help delay the onset of grey hair also…as well as estrogen foods for females and testosterone foods for males and the u.s.a government pyramid diet…they forgot, drink plenty of water and exercise and salt and pepper and good oils, perhaps.
Hi mihnaz, I have a question.
Is it possible that rosemary bring back lost hair?
I am becoming bald and want to use rosemary for regrowth.
Hi Hossein, give it a try, rosemary is one of the top herbs for hair growth.
Also, here are some hair masks that promote growth.
Hi Minaz, woudl the addition of fresh lemon help as well? Thank you.
Hi Mike, do you want to darken your hair or stimulate growth. What is your hair like?
Can I mix essential oil with any organic hair serum, and then apply on hair?
My hair is white and I don’t want to darken it. Will this rinse make it too dark?
Yes it can darken your hair. Other herbs that don’t affect the hair colour are: lavender, marshmallow root, horsetail grass, thyme, nettle, basil, elder flower.
I accidentally boiled dried Rosemary for 1 Hour when preparing a hair rinse. Are there any problems with this – health, nutrient value etc.
Hi David, I am replying late. But it’s okay to use it. What did you do in the end?
Is it fine to combine sage and thyme? I have sage, thyme, lavender, and rosemary but I noticed the hair serum doesn’t include sage? In fact I haven’t found any combinations that do? I am trying to maximize hair growth
Hi I just wanted to confirm that it is ok to mix rosemary, thyme, lavender, and sage together. I grow those herbs but haven’t found combinations of thyme and sage together for hair rinses. Hoping to do a hair rinse that will maximize hair growth. Thanks!
Hi Sarah, Yes you can try that combination. You can also add some lavender to it.
The best way to decide what rinse is best for your hair is to try various combinations 2-3 times. And record every time how your hair feels. Put date, combination and amounts. And you will soon know what works best for your hair.
Thanks so much! I will add thyme in today. I hope I am able to grow hair back. I also wanted to ask what you think of high frequency treatments?
so when I used fresh rosemary i got a light yellowish color when I was done. Should i have left it in longer to get the deep red in the picture?
Hi great job .. i wont to use rosmary for hair loss so what you think ? any advice will be good .. thanks any way
see here
Hi, great article! I have very thinning hair and a hair dresser recommended I try using Rosemary Oil. Can I buy this from you? Is it called Majestic Pure Rosemary Essential Oil? Can I also purchase the Rosemary Rinse from you as well? Thank you for sharing this information and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Monica
hey , Minaz. How are you ?
i want to darken my hair plus want to increase my hair length.
plz suggest me some tips.
Hi Minaz. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Can I just use rosemary oil which is available in stores like vitamin shoppe etc.. instead of preparing rinse.. Thank you for your time.
Hi PHM
Yes do give it a try, although it will not have the same effect.
how can i get my hair darken , plus want to increase my hair length … need some tips…
Hema Das, did you even read the article?
Hi dear. Do you think it will be equally effective if instead of using this as a rinse I use this water to make some hair pack like hibiscus or amla hair pack? Thanks in advance
I think this is a very good idea.
Yes, try local herbs and see what works best for your hair.
I made some rosemary water from my plant in yard. How long will it last. Does it become rancid?
It will last about a week. You can freeze the remaining in ice cube tray.
hi! i use rosemary oil on my hair and i’m very happy with it. problem is i don’t want my hair to get darker. is there some oil or something i can mix with rosemary oil so that it’ll syop darkening my hair?
Chamomile oil can be used to lighten your hair so maybe mix it with that
Yes rosemary can be drying for your scalp. You can use licorice (jeshtamadh/mulethi) or marshamallow tea to rinse your hair.
Yes, I read 10-12 articles about Rosemary and they said that Rosemary is astringent in nature, so it can be drying. So it is recommended to use ACV in it. That is in ratio 2:2:1 (water, dry rosemary and acv).
Also, can you please suggest the best brand for dry rosemary leaves? And reply to the lemon peel and water part too(I know I asked in wrong post, then even).
Can Rosemary in anyway be drying to scalp? And I have dried Rosemary leaves they give a yellow-greenish kind of brew not black. Which brand would be the best for buying Rosemary leaves? As fresh aren’t present in my locality. I am using just organik right now.
I read your post regarding using lime peel rather than the lime juice( if using on regular basis) , right? So, how regular you were talking about there?
Ps. Lemon juice did make my hair kind of rough.
How to treat hot water affected scalp? I mean I have got a flaky dry scalp because of hot water. So how to treat it?
Pps I love your blog. Reply?
Nice post dear. Can you please tell which are the best herbs for hair rinses that can support regrowth of hair?
green tea, rosemary, and licorice (mulethi) are good.
Hi,
Just switched to your home made shampoo.
I am finding it difficult to get black tea leaves but have seen black tea bags.can I use tea bags or can I use regular tea leaves.
Thanks,
Marianne
Hi Marianne, yes you can use regular tea leaves.
Hi Hair Buddha, good and easy recipe for hair rinse. I’m desperate to regrow the hair I lost and started to use Rosemary e.o. with Castor oil and massage it into my scalp. Unfortunately I kept losing even more hair and finally stopped when my doctor friend warned me about applying oils on the scalp. She explained that OILS open hair pore and weakens the hair follicle, thins existing hair, and thus causes more hair loss. She warned me to stop using the oil on my scalp. I do remember my mom and grandmother swearing that Rosemary treated hair loss so I am hopeful that a water rinse won’t dilate my hair pore and loosen it. I even thought about making a puree with fresh rosemary and applying a hair mask on my scalp to get the benefits. What is your advice? Thank you.
Hi, Castor oil is very thick and that can cause a drag and stretch your hair roots. You can instead use almond or jojoba oil.
Alternatively, make an herbal infusion/rinse with herbs such as green tea, rosemary, marshmallow, licorice, chamomile, horsetail or nettle. Use this to massage your scalp. (Try one herb at a time.)
Thanks for your reply Minaz. I put my hair tonic in a spray bottle and apply it to my scalp with a gentle massage and also spray length of hair after I shampoo and towel dry my hair. I also like to spray my hair with it before & after I go the gym and at bedtime. I added Rosemary E.O. and Lavender E.O. to my hair tonic as well and omitted the other oils in the recipe. In the future, I will add the horsetail too because it contains Silica. Thanks again.
Black tea powder instead of leaves. Whenever u talk amla, is it fresh or dried or powder? Which is the best concoction for use as shampoo to totally avoid shampoo but still need clean and fresh scalp and hair!
Can you use rosemary, black tea leaves,amla powder, sage powder, orange peel powder & licorice powder? What is the quantity for each and if I am using some of this in the powder form, when do I mix it after the water cool or before? Thank you.
Sumy, that’s a good combination. But, don’t use orange peel powder if your aim is to darken hair colour.
Also, start with just 2 or 3 herbs, and keep adding, so you know which is working and which is not.
You can take 1 tsp each and mix everything together.