If you're a big fan of wellness, chances are you've heard of using rosemary oil for hair.

The simple yet effective phenomenon of applying a bit of diluted rosemary oil to your locks has not only skyrocketed amongst aromatherapists and beauty fans alike, but also has a real sturdy bit of weight behind it.

Unlike some wellness fads that claim more than they can prove, the research behind rosemary oil is only getting stronger.

In fact, one infamous 2015 study successfully measured the effects of rosemary against the common hair regrowth product minoxidil, and concluded that the oil was just as effective as its pharmaceutical competitor.

But, what exactly is rosemary oil? And how exactly does it help hair to grow? We'll be deep diving into some facts, tips, and techniques for this latest wellness craze, as well as how to make rosemary oil at home.

How can rosemary oil help with hair growth?

Most hair-growth remedies don't impact the hair so much as they do the scalp.

Have a healthy and happy scalp is the key to thicker, longer, and shinier hair, and rosemary oil has been known to provide just the right environment for all these factors to thrive.

Aside from its comparable components to minoxidil, rosemary oil is also a natural anti-inflammatory, meaning it can prevent irritation and itchiness on the scalp as well as reduce signs of dandruff.

It has also gained traction for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can increase hydration in the scalp and help clean it out overall.

Another important factor in the health of your hair is blood flow. Lack of circulation around your body, and particularly on your head, can lead to sad and limp-looking hair over time.

While factors like bleaching or sunlight can certainly play a role too, the main component for keeping your hair growing at a faster rate is to increase the speed of blood flow in your body.

Rosemary oil is known to help with this, with one 2013 study noting its effects on heart rate and circulation when inhaled and topically applied.

This increase helps to stimulate the hair follicles and facilitate a more effective environment for hair growth.

Learn more about the benefits of rosemary oil for hair.

How do I use rosemary oil for hair growth?

To make a basic rosemary for hair solution, dilute 2-3 drops of rosemary oil with 2-3 tablespoons of carrier oil. Apply to the scalp as a hair mask for up to an hour before showering and washing out or alternatively keep on overnight. Just make sure to wrap up your hair to save your pillows!

As with many natural remedies, there are a number of ways to implement rosemary oil into your haircare routine.

The main ingredient you'll need before getting started is a carrier oil. Using essential oils without first diluting them with a carrier oil can lead to quite a few safety issues that will only slow hair progress down - not to mention add more problems to the list.

Since essential oils are so naturally potent, it's also a good idea to patch test them before bringing them anywhere near your scalp, just in case your skin reacts negatively to their presence.

With that in mind, some of the most popular ways to use rosemary oil for hair growth are:

1. Massaging into the scalp

Gentle massaging your rosemary and carrier oil mixture into the scalp after a hot shower or bath can help with increasing blood flow, leading to more thick and luscious locks over time.

Add 5 drops of rosemary per teaspoon of carrier oil to a small bowl, or directly to your hand, and massage evenly into damp hair. Then, leave in for around 15 minutes before rinsing out.

2. Creating a hair mask

Following on from the massage technique, creating a hair mask out of your oil mixture is also an effective choice for helping your hair grow.

Aim for around a 3% dilution rate - so 3 drops of rosemary oil per tablespoon of carrier oil - as the oils will be in your hair for much longer and are therefore more likely to cause irritation if made too strong.

Smooth the mixture all over your damp hair, from root to tip, and leave in for at least half an hour. Some people prefer to leave the oils in for 2-3 hours, while others like to let it soak overnight.

Whichever time limit you choose, make sure you're always checking for signs of irritation or itchiness - if something doesn't feel right, rinse the oils out as soon as possible.

3. Adding into your shampoo or conditioner

This is possibly the easiest way to incorporate rosemary oil into your routine, though it may not be as immediately effective as some other methods.

That being said, adding rosemary to your existing haircare products ensures its frequent use, which is very key to achieving results in a good amount of time.

Add 10-12 drops of rosemary oil into your chosen product and shake well. You can also squeeze some product out onto your hand and add a drop or two this way.

How to make rosemary oil for hair

If you don't feel like jumping straight into using steam-distilled rosemary oil right away, or if you have a few spare rosemary twigs lying around that you don't want to go to waste, you could also try your hand at making your own rosemary infusion right at home.

While it won't necessarily be as powerful as the commercial rosemary oils that require special equipment to extract, it can still pack a punch if you're set on a bit of DIY.

You will need:

• Three to four dry rosemary springs (any additional water may make the oil spoil quicker)
• 500ml of carrier oil
• A large glass jar
• Wax paper lined jar lid

Method:

1. Once your rosemary sprigs are completely dry, pack them into your glass jar and fill it to about half an inch from the top with your chosen carrier oil. Some popular choices for hair include argan and jojoba, but you can use any carrier oil you see fit.
2. Seal your jar with a wax paper lined lid and leave to sit out in a sunny spot for about 30 days. The heat will then gradually infuse the oil with enriching benefits over time.
3. After this time, your rosemary oil should be ready. Drain it through a muslin cloth into a new, clean container and apply in any way you see fit.
4. It's important to note that, unlike essential oils, homemade rosemary infusions will only have a shelf life of a few months when stored in a cool, dry place - so try not to leave it sitting for too long!

Ultimately, whether you choose to make your own rosemary oil or go for the professional stuff, your hair will still thank you for all the incredible benefits you're putting into it.

Learn more about the benefits of rosemary oil.