For those looking for a natural, effective, and budget-friendly way to help encourage hair growth, here’s how to make rosemary oil at home. This DIY treatment is easy, quick, and can be made in under 2 hours.
Always dilute essential oils before applying them to your scalp, as they can be quite strong and cause irritation.
Ways to Make Rosemary Hair Oil: 5 Steps to Follow
1. Infuse the Rosemary Leaves
A time-tested remedy, rosemary stimulates hair follicles and encourages growth. It’s also a great scalp moisturizer, helping to soothe dry or itchy skin.
To make this simple DIY rosemary oil, combine dried rosemary leaves with your favorite carrier oil in a glass jar and leave it on the windowsill to infuse. (You could even call this solar-infused rosemary oil if you want!)
If you’re using fresh rosemary, you should heat the oil on medium-low heat every hour or so to help it infuse more quickly. Once the rosemary has infused into the oil, let it cool to room temperature. The homemade rosemary oil will last a few months if stored in a dark, cool place.
2. Mix the Rosemary Oil with the Carrier Oil
Rosemary oil promotes hair growth, soothes dry and itchy scalps, and even reduces hair loss. However, it can be a little harsh on the skin and scalp, so diluting it with a carrier oil before application is essential.
The best option for this is coconut or jojoba oil, but you can use any of your favorites. Once the leaves are fully infused, drain them from the jar and mix the rosemary oil with your chosen carrier oil.
Be sure to heat the mixture until it is warm but not hot to prevent nutrient loss. Once mixed, apply the rosemary oil to your scalp and gently massage it into the strands. Repeat this routine 2-3 times weekly to see the most benefit.
3. Massage the Oil into the Scalp
Rosemary oil effectively stimulates hair growth by increasing the blood flow to the scalp. This stimulates the hair follicles and encourages them to grow thicker and faster.
To use your rosemary hair oil, massage it into your scalp in the shower or bath. Be sure to dilute the oil with a carrier oil first because pure essential oils can irritate when undiluted.
Shab Caspara, trichologist and founder of Leona recommends that you start slowly, using the oil only a few times a week to ensure it doesn’t irritate your scalp or skin. Ideally, the oil should be heated to prevent it from cooling down before being applied. Once the oil is warmed, cover your head with a towel or shower cap and leave it on for about an hour. Repeat this process twice a week to achieve optimum results.
4. Wrap Your Hair in a Hot Towel
The oil can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to two months. However, using it within a few weeks is best for the highest potency and strongest aroma.
For the most beneficial results, gently massage the rosemary oil into your hair and scalp. This helps stimulate the hair follicles and promote growth while soothing itchy scalp and dandruff.
This recipe uses coconut oil as a carrier oil, which is high in saturated fat and low in unstable polyunsaturated fatty acids, making it ideal for heat infusion. Other oils, such as sunflower and argan, are higher in PUFAs and will quickly oxidize. This oxidized oil can clog pores and make them look greasy. By contrast, coconut oil stays hydrated even when heated.
5. Wash Your Hair
Rosemary oil has strong antioxidant properties and can stimulate hair growth and soothe dry scalp. It can also help increase blood flow to the scalp, leading to more beautiful and healthy locks.
The best way to use rosemary oil for hair is to mix it with a carrier oil and massage it into your scalp. Then, wrap your head in a hot towel or shower cap and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
Try this treatment twice a week to get the most benefit from rosemary oil for hair. But be sure to do a patch test before applying any new essential oil or hair product to your scalp, as it could cause an allergic reaction. This is especially important for people with sensitive skin or scalps.
