Does Homemade Rosemary Water Really Make Your Hair Shinier, Healthier, and Faster Growing?

There is no shortage of tips on social media for how to get healthier-looking locks. Some influencers claim that applying plant extracts to your scalp and hair strands can improve hair health and contribute to growth and shine. One plant-based potion for hair growth? Rosemary water.

“Rosemary water is created by steeping rosemary leaves in water, resulting in an infused liquid, says Michelle F. Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Many online clips depict people showing off their shiny, healthy, long locks, attributing their hair health to this simple recipe of boiled water and rosemary leaves. But while rosemary water may have some anecdotal benefits for improved hair growth and shine, there is little clear scientific evidence or long-range research to prove its efficacy for all hair types or hair loss conditions. And using social media for hair-care advice, as opposed to consulting a board-certified dermatologist, isn’t advisable.

So, is rosemary water a miracle potion for shinier, healthy-looking hair? Here’s what a dermatologist and an esthetician told us.

For Hair Growth

But Michelle Ornstein, an esthetician and the founder of Enessa Skincare in Los Angeles, says there is a big difference in the potency of essential oil or extract used in the studies, and a DIY water.

“The process of making an essential oil is to use professional, sterile equipment at controlled temperatures to achieve effective results, as opposed to boiling a plant that has the nutrients cooked out of it with high temperatures and evaporation under conditions that are not uniform,” Ornstein says.

With essential oils, the process of extracting the highly concentrated oil from the plant involves steam distillation, which is done without overheating or creating a “burned” oil. “The by-product of the essential oil is the hydrosol or hydrolat, which although less concentrated and a water-based product, contains much of the same benefits as the essential oil, but is in a less concentrated form,” she says.

But even when looking at the benefits of the more potent rosemary essential oil, Dr. Henry says more research is needed to establish a direct relationship. To date, the studies available are small and still preliminary, which does not suggest any long-term definitive benefits. And there are no existing studies that specifically evaluate rosemary water for hair care.

For Scalp Health

Healthy hair usually starts with a healthy scalp, and rosemary oil may have some possible benefits.

Scientific studies specifically focused on the impact of rosemary oil on scalp health are limited and focus on rosemary oil, not rosemary water. Research is needed to better understand the potential relationship between rosemary water and scalp health.

For Hair Hydration

According to Henry, there isn’t much validity in the claim that rosemary water hydrates the hair. “Rosemary itself doesn't have inherent hydrating properties,” she says. But “when used in combination with carrier oils or hair products, it may contribute to overall hair and scalp moisturization.”

For Shiny Hair

Anecdotal reports suggest that rosemary oil may temporarily provide shine to the hair when applied. But Henry isn’t convinced that rosemary water can enhance hair shine in the long run, and no research exists on the subject. “It may enhance the hair's appearance by adding a lustrous sheen, but the effect is temporary and can vary based on individual hair characteristics,” she says.

If you’re interested in trying rosemary water for yourself, there are many recipes available online. The TikTok influencer Katya Niomi (@katyaniomi) breaks down one recipe for how to make rosemary water at home.

1. Start by adding 5 cups of water and 5 sprigs of rosemary (1 sprig for every cup of water) to a pot over medium-high heat, she says. “Once the water is boiling you are going to leave it for 15 minutes.”
2. Then, turn off the heat and let the mixture sit in the pot for 25 minutes until it has a “pinkish-reddish hue.”
3. Next, strain the finished product into a bottle, removing the rosemary twigs. The solution can be refrigerated and used for one to two weeks if stored properly.

As for how to use it, some TikTokers suggest pouring it over the head, saturating the roots and scalp, while others recommend spraying it on. “Use as a last step rinse in shower hair-care routine,” says Niomi.

1. Apply a quarter-size amount of the product or DIY water to an area of skin where it’s less likely to be rubbed up or washed away.
2. Leave it on your skin for as long as the intended use or the instructions advise. For example, if you’re looking to use rosemary water as the last step of your shampooing routine, let it absorb for a minute or two before rinsing it out.
3. Watch for signs of irritation, such as redness or itching. If you experience any discomfort, immediately wash it off and stop using it.

Before trying anything new, whether it’s a new product or DIY potion like rosemary water, it’s important to consult a certified aromatherapist, integrative doctor, or dermatologist for guidance. This is especially true if you have specific hair or scalp concerns or sensitivities, says Henry.

• While rosemary oil has been associated with certain hair-related benefits, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited. And there is no scientific evidence of rosemary water’s impact on hair health.
• Rosemary water may have some positive anecdotal effects on scalp health, hair growth, and the appearance of hair. But results may vary, and it’s important to consider any allergies or negative reactions before you use it.
• If you’re concerned about hair loss or any changes to your hair or scalp, consider speaking with a dermatologist. They can recommend evidence-backed treatments to promote growth.