What are the benefits of Rosemary for the hair?

Rosemary, the aromatic plant with the sweet notes of the South, is much more than just a condiment to spice up our dishes. For centuries, it has been recognised for its many medicinal properties. As well as its general health benefits, Rosemary is also an ideal ally for hair beauty. Its ability to revitalise, strengthen and beautify hair makes it a popular ingredient in many hair products. In this article, we explore the effectiveness of Rosemary for hair care and see how we can incorporate it into our beauty routine. Discover all our tips for revitalising your hair with Rosemary!

By The Aroma-Zone editorial team

Updated on 5/21/2026Reading time: 0 min.

What is rosemary?

Rosemary_(Rosmarinus officinalis_) is a shrub that can grow to between 1 and 2 metres in height. Native to the Mediterranean region, its flowers are small, purple and grouped in clusters. Rosemary is not only a popular condiment in cooking, but is also recognised for its medicinal and cosmetic properties.

Use in cosmetics

The first traces of its use in cosmetics date back to ancient times, when it was first distilled to obtain essential oils. In ancient Greece, rosemary was mainly used for its clarifying and purifying properties, while in ancient Rome it was added to public baths for its cleansing properties.

The first written records of its use in perfumery date back to the Middle Ages, with eau de Hongrie, a perfume in which rosemary flowers were one of the main ingredients.

In modern cosmetics, rosemary is generally used in its oily form or as a hydrosol.

What are the properties of Rosemary?

The benefits of rosemary for the hair

Strengthens and promotes hair growth: good blood circulation ensures that oxygen and nutrients are transported to every part of the body. Rosemary can help stimulate circulation, particularly in the scalp. Improved scalp circulation can lead to better hair health as hair follicles receive more essential nutrients which promotes hair growth and improves hair vitality.
Antioxidants: antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting our bodies from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for premature ageing and various diseases. Rosmarinic acid and carnosol, in rosemary, are powerful antioxidant compounds. They help to neutralise free radicals and prevent cell damage.
Anti-dandruff: rosemary helps to soothe the feelings of irritation and itching that often come with dandruff. Its anti-fungal effects also help to purify the scalp.
Sebo-regulating : rosemary helps balance sebum production in the sebaceous glands and is widely recommended for improving the condition of oily hair.

How do I use Rosemary for my hair?

In recent months, the effectiveness of Rosemary for haircare has been widely promoted on social media. Rosemary is a precious ally for haircare, and can be used in its various forms to look after your hair. Here are the different ways you can use Rosemary in your haircare routine:

Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil is obtained by infusing rosemary leaves in a carrier oil, such as olive oil orcoconut oil.

To do this, place the oil of your choice and your fresh rosemary sprigs in a clean container. This oil can be kept for around 6 months in a cool, dry place.

Discover rosemary oil

How to use :

Hair mask: mix rosemary oil with another oil (such as coconut oil) and apply to your hair. Leave on for at least 30 minutes before washing with a mild shampoo.
Growth stimulant: gently massage rosemary oil directly into your scalp to stimulate blood circulation and promote hair growth.

Rosemary hydrosol

Discover our Aroma-Zone organic rosemary verbenone hydrosol, ideal for skin and hair care, health and well-being treatments and even for your food. 100% pure and natural, with a French origin and Ecocert certified.

Discover rosemary verbenone organic hydrosol

How to use:

Hair tonic: spray the hydrosol directly onto your hair to refresh, condition and give it natural shine.
Soothing lotion: if you have an irritated scalp or dandruff, spray rosemary hydrosol to soothe and balance your scalp. Rosemary's cleansing effects will help reduce excess sebum and means you can space out your shampoos.

Rosemary water

How do I make Rosemary water for hair?

You can make Rosemary water by boiling fresh or dried Rosemary leaves in a large volume of water. In general, we recommend boiling about ten fresh branches in a large pan of water until the water turns brown.

Once your Rosemary water is ready, transfer it to a clean bottle and close with a spray pump to make it easier to apply to the scalp.

You can keep your Rosemary water in the fridge for 2 weeks.

How to use:

Hair rinse: After washing your hair, rinse it with Rosemary water to strengthen it and give it shine.
Growth treatment: Every evening, spray Rosemary water onto your scalp and gently massage it in. This treatment cleanses your scalp, boosts hair growth and regulates sebum levels.

What types of hair should it be used on?

Oily scalps: rosemary is particularly beneficial for oily scalps thanks to its sebum-regulating properties, which help to prevent excess sebum.

For more sensitive scalps: its anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe irritation and redness.

Dandruff scalps: rosemary is also ideal for those suffering from dandruff, as it stimulates blood circulation and helps strengthen hair follicles.

Our rosemary recipes

Ingredients (with scale)

Rosemary Oil

9.2 g

SCI Surfactant

40 g

Mineral water

20 g

Essential Oil - Organic Rosemary Cineole

1.3 g or 45 drops

Ingredients (without scales)

Rosemary Oil

10 ml

SCI Surfactant

40 ml

Mineral water

20 ml

Essential Oil - Organic Rosemary Cineole

45 drops

Preparation

Place the SCI surfactant, rosemary macerated oil and water in a bowl, then heat the bowl over a bain-marie.

Stir while heating until you obtain a homogeneous sticky paste, then remove from the heat and stir in the essential oil.

Pour the mixture into a mould, then place the mould in the freezer for 20 minutes before unmoulding.

Tip: lightly oil your mould before adding your mixture for easier unmoulding.

Leave your shampoo bar to dry at room temperature for at least 48 hours before use.

Precaution: avoid contact with the eyes; in the event of contact, rinse with clean water.

Store your bottle away from light and heat.

* Storage: if stored properly and manufactured under optimum hygiene conditions, your product will keep for at least 6 months.