How Long Should You Leave Rosemary Oil In Your Hair? (2024)

How Long Should You Leave Rosemary Oil In Your Hair? (1)

Medically reviewed by
Dr Ahmad Moussa (FRCS)
Updated on January 12, 2024

Rosemary oil is an essential oil that can be used to promote hair growth. Multiple studies have shown it has strong potential as a treatment for male pattern baldness [1-3].

Like all hair loss treatments, using rosemary oil for hair growth takes time to work. For each application, you can apply the rosemary oil to the balding areas of your scalp for up to 12 hours before washing it off. The longer you can leave it, the greater the chance that it will have a positive impact on your hair follicles.

Here, we’ll explore how long you should leave rosemary oil in your hair, how to use it, and how often you should apply rosemary oil for best results.

Table of Contents

  • How does rosemary oil work for your hair?
  • How to prepare rosemary oil for scalp application
  • Can I leave rosemary oil in my hair all day?
  • Is it OK to leave rosemary oil in your hair overnight?
  • What happens if you don’t wash rosemary oil out of your hair?
  • How long should you use rosemary oil for?
  • Can too much rosemary oil damage your hair?
  • Should you use rosemary oil for hair loss?

How does rosemary oil work for your hair?

Rosemary oil is a natural DHT blocker. That means it can stop dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from binding to receptors in your hair follicles [3].

DHT is a key hormone that contributes to male pattern baldness. By preventing DHT from binding to your follicles, you can slow hair loss and possibly promote regrowth.

How to prepare rosemary oil for scalp application

As a pure essential oil, rosemary oil can cause skin irritation if it’s applied directly. If you find rosemary oil irritates your scalp, consider using a diluted rosemary oil for hair. Find out more about how to dilute rosemary oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) before application on the scalp or hair.

Studies have shown that applying up to 2ml of rosemary oil to your scalp per day is safe and effective [2]. By comparison with 2% Minoxidil, rosemary oil causes less itchiness, and similar levels of scalp dryness, dandruff, and greasiness.

If you haven’t used rosemary oil before, perform a patch test before you apply it in larger volumes. Wait 24 hours to see if you have a reaction to the oil.

Want to use premixed rosemary oil blends? Check out the best rosemary oil for hair in our expert review.

How Long Should You Leave Rosemary Oil In Your Hair? (3)

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Can I leave rosemary oil in my hair all day?

Yes — as long as it doesn’t irritate your skin, there’s no reason why you can’t leave rosemary oil in your hair all day.

In one study, patients were advised to apply 1ml of rosemary oil to their scalp every 12 hours and massage it into their thinning areas [2]. This led to some regrowth after six months of twice-daily application:

How Long Should You Leave Rosemary Oil In Your Hair? (4)

If you have any irritation or sensitivity, reduce application time. Leaving rosemary oil on your scalp for just an hour may help with hair growth (though you might need to use it for several months before you see visible improvements).

See more rosemary oil for hair before and after images.

Is it OK to leave rosemary oil in your hair overnight?

Yes. Provided you don’t have any adverse reactions to rosemary oil, you can leave it on your hair overnight.

If you decide to leave rosemary oil on your scalp, protect your pillowcase by wearing a shower cap or sleeping on a towel.

What happens if you don’t wash rosemary oil out of your hair?

Not washing out rosemary oil can leave your hair prone to greasiness and scalp buildup. So while it’s OK to leave rosemary oil in your hair for as long as you’re comfortable, it’s still a good idea to wash your hair regularly.

How long should you use rosemary oil for?

Studies have shown that rosemary oil can improve hair count with just three months of daily application [2]. It doesn’t work overnight; you’ll need to apply rosemary oil to your scalp consistently to see results.

Can too much rosemary oil damage your hair?

There’s currently no evidence that rosemary oil can damage your hair. While long-term use without washing it out can lead to cosmetic problems like greasiness, this is easily resolved by washing your hair regularly.

More studies are needed to conclusively prove that rosemary oil doesn’t harm your hair or scalp.

However, rosemary oil for beard growth may have a detrimental effect. Rosemary oil blocks DHT, which is needed for facial hair growth. So avoid applying rosemary oil to your face if you’re concerned about this.

How Long Should You Leave Rosemary Oil In Your Hair? (5)

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Should you use rosemary oil for hair loss?

Rosemary oil hasn’t been officially licensed as a hair loss solution, but evidence suggests it can be a safe, effective treatment for those with androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness). As long as you’re not allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients, you can safely try using rosemary oil for hair loss.

Other DHT blockers may be more effective at stopping or slowing your hair loss, such as Finasteride and Dutasteride. To find the right hair loss treatment for you, book a free consultation at the Wimpole Clinic.

Teams at our nationwide clinic locations can help you establish the best hair loss treatment for women or the right male hair loss treatment.

The Wimpole Clinic offers FUE Hair, Beard & Eyebrow Transplants & Trichology.
Talk to a specialist ☎ 020 7935 1861.

How Long Should You Leave Rosemary Oil In Your Hair? (2024)

FAQs

How Long Should You Leave Rosemary Oil In Your Hair? ›

Choose a carrier oil to dilute the rosemary essential oil and massage carefully and evenly into the scalp. Leave it to soak into your hair and scalp for at least two hours – although to enjoy maximum effect it is recommended it is left to settle for 4-6 hours.

How long can you leave rosemary oil on hair? ›

For each application, you can apply the rosemary oil to the balding areas of your scalp for up to 12 hours before washing it off. The longer you can leave it, the greater the chance that it will have a positive impact on your hair follicles.

How long does rosemary oil take to grow new hair? ›

Even the most effective hair loss solutions still take time to see results. "There are no great studies to know exactly how long it takes improvement, but usually it will probably take 4-6 weeks to help with hydrating the scalp, and about three months to see results, as it takes time to have hair grow out," says Dr.

How long should you leave oil in your hair? ›

amount of oil to your lengths and ends. your hair should be fully saturated in oil. leave in for at least 10 minutes. or better sleep in it overnight. now your ends. will be protected while you shampoo.

Does rosemary oil thicken hair? ›

Does Rosemary Oil Thicken Hair? The short answer is yes. There is some scientific evidence that rubbing rosemary oil into the scalp can help hair growth. One rosemary for hair growth study showed that rosemary oil was as effective as minoxidil at stimulating hair growth.

Can too much rosemary oil damage hair? ›

Rosemary oil is highly concentrated. Using too much of it may damage the hair follicles, causing hair loss instead of hair growth. Anyone with a skin condition or skin sensitivity should use caution when using essential oils. They can cause allergic reactions or worsen symptoms of skin conditions.

Does hair fall after stopping rosemary oil? ›

Discontinuing rosemary oil after hair regrowth may not necessarily cause hair to fall out like with Rogaine. However, individual responses vary. It's essential to maintain a consistent hair care routine for sustained results.

Can rosemary oil regrow hair on a bald head? ›

Rosemary has been used by many to promote hair growth successfully. Using rosemary essential oil could very well do the same for you. Science and personal experience together both strongly suggest the essential oil does protect against hair loss, particularly that related to male or female pattern baldness.

How successful is rosemary oil for hair growth? ›

Studies have shown that rosemary oil for hair has promising positive effects for people with male pattern baldness and alopecia areata [1-3]. In one study, 38% of men saw increases in hair growth after using rosemary oil for male pattern baldness after six months, while 100% of people saw decreased hair loss [1].

Can I use rosemary oil on my hair every day? ›

Can I put rosemary in my hair every day? You can put rosemary oil in your hair every day. A recommended number of times that work for most people is 3 to 4 times a week. The high concentration of essential oils can sometimes disrupt the pH level of the skin which results in irritated skin.

Is 2 hours of hair in oil enough? ›

You can leave hair oil in your hair all day or use it as a protectant against styling tools, heat, and other environmental aggressors. If you're oiling your hair with natural oil, leave it in for 1-2 hours max. Wearing the oil in your hair overnight can clog your pores, leaving your hair greasy.

Is leaving oil in hair for 1 hour enough? ›

The longer, the better — that may be true for some hair treatments but not for hair oiling as the oil can block your hair follicles. Unless an ayurvedic doctor or expert has asked you to leave a medicated oil overnight, wash out the oil within 3-4 hours. Personally, I keep it on for 30 mins to 1 hour.

What happens if I keep oil in my hair for 3 days? ›

Hair and scalp care experts recommend limiting the duration you keep oil in your head because it can attract dust and impurities. So even if your traditional knowledge suggests that the longer you keep your oil the better, it may not be right.

How long does rosemary oil take to regrow hair? ›

Garshick notes that it can take several months to see an improvement — the same as with any other hair treatment — so consistency is key. She also warns those with sensitive skin to patch test rosemary oil on a small area prior to using it all over the scalp.

Is it okay to leave rosemary oil in your hair overnight? ›

Yes, you can leave rosemary oil in your hair overnight to reap the benefits while getting some well-deserved rest. However, it is important not to leave directly-applied rosemary oil on the hair overnight, as this can cause irritation. Only ever use diluted rosemary oil or products infused with rosemary oil.

Do you put rosemary oil in your hair everyday? ›

“Everyone can use rosemary oil, but you might need to modify how often you use it depending on your hair type,” suggests Dr. Khetarpal. “Some people might be able to use it daily. Others may see that one or twice a week works best.”

Can I leave rosemary water in my hair overnight? ›

To make rosemary infused water, Dr Abhishek Pilani, MD Dermatologist, Founder- Assure Clinic, says “Take a few sprigs of rosemary leaves, boil it in water 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Let it cool before transferring to a spray bottle.” This concoction can be applied to your scalp and left overnight for best results.

Can I leave nature spell rosemary oil overnight? ›

How to use: Gently massage the oil into your scalp and through the lengths of your hair. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deep conditioning.

References

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