When applied topically, Rosemary Essential Oil should be used in dilution – a carrier oil such as Almond, Coconut, Jojoba, Olive, or Hemp is recommended – and in small amounts, as using the oil directly or in high concentrations can potentially cause skin irritation.
According to Dr. Harth, the optimal dilution ratio is 15 drops of rosemary oil for every 6 teaspoons of your carrier oil (olive oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil make great options, too). Once combined, massage it into your scalp and leave it for 10 minutes before washing it out.
"To prevent over-sensitizing the skin or scalp, a concentrated essential oil like rosemary oil should be mixed with a lighter carrier oil like argan, sweet almond or jojoba oil instead of being applied directly onto your hair and scalp," Reslan recommends.
Topical Use
Rosemary and other essential oils are readily absorbed into your bloodstream when you apply them to your skin. It's generally advised to dilute essential oils with a neutral carrier oil, such as jojoba oil. This helps prevent potential irritation of your skin and premature evaporation of the oil ( 43 ).
Rosemary essential oil blends well with most spice and citrus oils and can be used to great effect with Lavender. Oils we like to blend with Rosemary are Basil, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lemongrass, Lime, Mandarin, Orange, Peppermint and Tangerine.
Dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, and then apply it to the soles of your feet or other parts of your body. (Tip – use 1 drop of rosemary oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil for children and 3 to 6 drops of rosemary per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil for adults).
While it's not harmful to leave rosemary oil in your hair overnight, it may cause irritation to your scalp if you have sensitive skin. Adding a few drops of rosemary oil to a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, can help to dilute it.
Remember, you don't want to apply rosemary essential oil directly on your scalp. Always use a carrier oil to dilute the potency (hair care products—oils, shampoos, leave-ins—work fine as well).
One of the best ways to use rosemary oil for your hair is to directly apply it to your hair and scalp. You can massage your hair and scalp with rosemary oil and leave it in for a few minutes. Rosemary oil will help with hydrating your scalp and hair. A hydrated scalp means that your scalp will be less itchy and flaky.
Like any other essential oil, rosemary hair oil for hair growth too should be mixed with a carrier oil and then applied. You can use any of the usual carrier oils such as coconut oil or even jojoba oil.
A number of essential oils including lavender, rosemary, thyme, and cedarwood are effective in boosting hair growth. Some carrier oils like jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, castor oil, etc. can also be used to improve hair growth.
Popular carrier oils used in hair care include Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Castor Oil, Argan Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, and Olive Oil. Each of these oils displays special benefits for the hair based on the fatty acid profile, the presence of other active compounds, and their observed properties.
The maximum dilution rate of rosemary essential oil is 3%.
For a tablespoon of carrier oil, 3% equates to around 3 drops of essential oil.
Take two tablespoons of any carrier oil (jojoba oil) and add three drops of rosemary oil and three drops of peppermint oil to it. Mix them well, apply the mix all over the scalp and hair strands and leave it for at least one hour before washing. Leave the oil mixture overnight and use it twice a week for best results.
To make a rosemary oil solution, people can try diluting a drop or two of rosemary oil in a carrier oil, then applying it to the scalp overnight. To make rosemary concentrate at home, a handful or two of dried rosemary leaves can be added to a quart of distilled water that has been boiled.
To use, simply add a few drops to wet or dry hair and comb through. You only need to use a little at a time, so reviewers add that one bottle will last for a while.
"For example, if you wash your hair twice per week, use it twice per week after the shower," he says. You don't have to rinse out the oil after applying it, but if you do choose to rinse it out, make sure you let it sit on your scalp for at least 10 minutes first, advises Dr. Wang.
Application of rosemary oil on the face has been known to reduce the inflammation caused by acne due to its antibacterial qualities. But wait there's more! It helps to reduce undereye puffiness and also improves circulation, giving you healthy and glowing skin. It also helps fight sun damage and signs of ageing.
Rosemary oil is often used as a home remedy for hair growth, although research is still underway in regards to its effectiveness in treating hair loss. However, direct application of rosemary oil on the scalp is not recommended because it may cause itching and irritation in some people.
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.
Rosemary oil is most effective for hair restoration when used consistently for at least 6 months. You can also use treatments a minimum of 1 to 2 times per week. While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn't monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils.
Can I leave rosemary oil on my hair overnight? Yes, a rosemary hair oil treatment can be applied overnight. All you have to do is mix a few drops of rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil, like coconut, jojoba, argan oil etc. Apply this combination to your scalp and hair.