Rosemary Oil for Natural Hair: Benefits, Uses, and DIY Guide

Rosemary oil is one of the best essential oils for natural hair due to its many benefits. It nourishes and strengthens hair, promotes growth and thickness, reduces hair loss, and prevents dandruff and scalp irritation. It has become a favorite among many with natural hair.

In this article, I will show you everything you need to know about rosemary oil, including a step-by-step guide on how to make your own DIY rosemary oil.

What Is Rosemary Oil?

Rosemary oil is oil extracted from the rosemary herb, which serves as both a cooking ingredient and a healing medicine.

Rosemary contains calcium, vitamins A, B-6, and C, and iron, and has healing properties. Due to its healing properties, naturals are applying rosemary oil to their hair.

In addition to these healing properties, rosemary oil has many other benefits for natural hair.

Benefits of Rosemary Oil for Natural Hair

1. It prevents dandruff

Dandruff is a hair condition that causes flakes on the scalp and itching. Rosemary oil has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that can prevent and even get rid of dandruff.

It can also help relieve scalp itchiness and prevent hair breakage.

2. It promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss

Rosemary contains up to 94.6% 5-alpha reductase, which is effective for promoting hair growth.

In addition, rosemary can prevent hair loss and thinning. A 2015 study showed that it is more effective than minoxidil, a commonly used ingredient for preventing hair loss.

3. It improves blood circulation in the scalp

When you massage rosemary oil into your scalp, it opens and dilates your blood vessels, which increases blood flow to both your scalp and hair.

This strengthens your hair follicles, resulting in increased hair growth.

4. It relieves scalp irritation

Rosemary oil contains carnosic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This helps soothe scalp irritation and heal a damaged scalp, ultimately improving the overall health of your scalp.

How to Use Rosemary Oil for Natural Hair

Here are some simple ways to add rosemary oil to your hair care routine, to enjoy its benefits.

1. Add to your shampoo or conditioner

You can enhance the effectiveness of your store-bought or homemade shampoo or conditioner by adding a few drops of rosemary oil to it.

You can also add rosemary oil to your hair products before using them for an added boost.

2. Apply directly on your scalp

Rub a few drops of rosemary oil on your palm and apply it to your scalp. Massage it gently into your scalp after washing and drying your hair, then rinse it out after 10 minutes if desired.

3. Use it as a hair mask

Rosemary oil is very effective for hydrating and nourishing natural hair and can be used to make a DIY hair mask.

To make the mask, add a few drops of rosemary oil to two tablespoons of bentonite clay and rosewater to form a paste.

Apply the mask to clean hair, making sure to cover all sections of your hair. Leave it in for 30 minutes before rinsing it out with lukewarm water.

4. Use it for a hot oil treatment

A hot oil treatment can help to restore and maintain moisture on dry hair and scalp, among many other benefits.

To use rosemary for hot oil treatment, add it to a bottle along with any other essential oils of your choice (such as peppermint oil or lavender oil).

Then, place the bottle in a pot of hot water and let it sit for 5 minutes. Finally, apply the oils to your hair.

5. Use as a pre-poo treatment

A pre-poo treatment is a hair care routine you do before washing your hair. This helps to keep your hair and scalp moisturized, even after using shampoo, which can strip your hair of moisture.

To make a pre-poo treatment, mix two drops of rosemary oil with one tablespoon of honey and apply it throughout your entire hair.

Cover your head with a shower cap or plastic bag and leave it on for an hour or two before shampooing.

How To Make Rosemary Oil: A Step-by-step Guide

You can either buy a bottle of rosemary oil from the store or make your own. Follow our guide below to do it yourself (DIY):

What you need

2 stems of fresh rosemary leaves
2 cups of any carrier oil of your choice (olive oil, grapeseed oil, etc.)
A bowl
A pot
A strainer
Stockings (socks)
A pot of water
A clear jug
A small bottle

Step 1: Pluck the rosemary leaves

Pluck the rosemary leaves from its stem and put them in a bowl. It's best to store the rosemary in a warm, dark place before plucking.
This is because the rosemary needs to be completely dry in order to achieve the best results.

Step 2: Mix the rosemary leaves with oil

Pour two cups of your carrier oil in the pot and add the rosemary leaves to this.

Step 3: Boil the mixture on low heat

Leave the oil and rosemary leaves on low heat for between 10 - 15 minutes.

Step 4: Allow it to cool

The rosemary will begin to turn dark green. Take it off the heat and leave it to cool.

Step 5: Strain the mixture twice

Use your strainer to do the first strain. This will help separate the leaves from the oil. However, some rosemary particles may still find their way into your oil.
Use stockings to do a second strain to remove those stubborn particles.