Are there any side effects of rosemary oil on hair?

Author: Prof. Adalberto Wolf IV  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 13, 2025

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.

What are the side effects of rosemary oil on hair?

Rosemary oil is a powerful antioxidant and can be used to treat many skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. However it has also been known to cause damage to your scalp and follicles if used incorrectly. Rosemary oil can cause inflammation which can lead to hair loss in some cases.

Will my hair fall out if I stop using rosemary oil?

If you have an underlying condition contributing to hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia or telogen effluvium, stopping rosemary oil may allow the hair loss to resume or even accelerate temporarily.

Is it bad to leave rosemary oil in your hair for a day?

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.

Can too much rosemary damage hair?

Rosemary oil is highly concentrated. Using too much of it may damage the hair follicles, causing hair loss instead of hair growth.

Rosemary Oil On Hair Loss

What happens if you don t wash rosemary oil out of 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.

Why is my hair falling out after using rosemary water?

When using rosemary or products infused with it, initial shedding may occur as the scalp transitions and the hair follicles become more active. This shedding is typically part of the natural process as weaker hairs fall out to make room for stronger, healthier hair.

Can rosemary oil really regrow hair?

Rosemary hair growth oil is quite effective in curbing hair loss and promoting blood circulation in the scalp, which helps improve hair growth. However, it should never be used in a concentrated form but should be diluted using Coconut Oil or any other hair oil that suits your hair to offer better results.

What happens if I don't dilute rosemary oil?

Rosemary oil, like all essential oils, is naturally very potent. If applied onto the skin or hair without first being diluted, it can cause irritation that could end up being severe if left untreated.

Who should not use rosemary oil?

Because higher doses of rosemary may cause miscarriage, pregnant and nursing women should not take rosemary as a supplement. But it is safe to eat as a spice in food. People with high blood pressure, ulcers, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis should not take rosemary.

What are the side effects of minoxidil?

The most common side effects of topical minoxidil application are redness and irritation of the skin. Rarely, patients have reported headaches, palpitations, and dizziness. Oral minoxidil side effects include palpitations, dizziness, low blood pressure, chest pain, headaches, and swelling of the legs.

What is the best oil for hair loss?

Best Value

And another study found that the aromatherapeutic effects of rosemary oil (just smelling it while massaging it onto the scalp) helped patients with alopecia areata.

Why is my hair falling out after rosemary oil?

You may see some light hair shedding a few weeks after you start using rosemary oil on your scalp. That's because rosemary oil can push your hair through the hair growth cycle, leading to more hair falling out at the same time. This is a normal reaction to many hair loss treatments.

What are the disadvantages of hair growth oil?

The Drawbacks of Using Oils for Hair Growth

"A word of caution: Some oils can cause dandruff and when exposed on the face from hair contact, cause acne," says Dr. Kormeili. Castor and coconut oils, for example, can clog your pores, and clogged pores can result in a zit.

How do I know if I'm allergic to rosemary oil?

The skin prick test is a common method used to diagnose rosemary allergies. During this test, a small amount of rosemary extract is applied to the skin using a tiny needle. If a raised bump or hive develops at the test site, it indicates an allergic reaction to rosemary.

How to stop hair fall and regrow hair naturally?

How can I prevent hair loss?
  1. Eat a healthy diet that includes enough calories, protein and iron.
  2. Find ways to cope with stress.
  3. Manage thyroid disease or other medical conditions that could result in hair loss.
  4. Avoid hairstyles that pull hair tightly.
  5. During chemotherapy treatment, try a cooling cap.

How long should I leave rosemary oil in my hair?

Rosemary oil for hair FAQs

You can leave rosemary oil in your hair overnight if the thought of leaving it to soak in for 4-6 hours isn't too appealing. Letting the oil settle overnight may also be more beneficial as it allows longer time for the natural properties to get to work.

Which is better for hair growth rosemary or olive oil?

However, if you have a greasy scalp then instantly stop using olive oil, because it has a thick consistency. If you wish to seek hair growth with strong shine then opt for rosemary oil. Rosemary oil not only promotes hair growth, strengthens the hair strands, controls dandruff, and improves the overall shine.

How long is the shedding phase of rosemary oil?

Detox or Shedding Phase

However, this shedding should subside within a few weeks if the rosemary oil is being used correctly.

Is it okay to spray rosemary water on hair every day?

Can you use rosemary water on a daily basis? You can apply rosemary water as a spray for quicker hair growth and to reduce hair loss as often as you like. But it's recommended that you use the rinse in your shower or bath no more than once or twice a week.

What happens if you put too much rosemary oil in your hair?

Because it's a pretty potent ingredient, for some, excess use of rosemary oil may lead to some itching and burning, says Holdsworth. “It can cause mild irritation of the scalp and should be discontinued if this is experienced,” adds Dr. Garlapati.

What is the best hair care routine for hair growth?

Here's a recap:
  • Stimulate and exfoliate your scalp.
  • Choose natural shampoo with nourishing ingredients that support hair growth.
  • Condition to prevent breakage.
  • Avoid terry cloth towels.
  • Use a leave-in conditioner and hair oil to keep your hair hydrated in between styling and wash days.

Are there any side effects of rosemary oil?

Taking large amounts of rosemary can cause vomiting, sun sensitivity, and skin redness. When applied to the skin: Rosemary oil is possibly safe for most people. It might cause allergic reactions in some people. When inhaled: Rosemary is possibly safe for most people when used as aromatherapy.

Previous article
What kills acne quickly?
Next article
Will plucking chin hair stop growth?