13 Rosemary-Infused Hair-Care Treatments That’ll Soothe Your Scalp

Now more than ever, folks are flocking to stores (both online and IRL) to buy rosemary-infused hair-care products in hopes of obtaining healthier, thicker hair. In fact, on TikTok, board-certified plastic surgeon Anthony Youn, MD, went viral after posting a video in which he claimed the ingredient could be as effective as rogaine, citing this 2015 study as evidence. At the time of writing, #rosemaryoil has more than 112 million views on the app.

To get the inside scoop on rosemary oil and how it works, Allure reached out to Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, and Connecticut-based, board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, the Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine.

Put simply, Dr. Nazarian says, “rosemary oil has been shown to increase blood flow, and therefore nutrients, to hair follicles — which is the primary pathway thought to be responsible improv[ing] hair growth.” Still not convinced? Just take it from cosmetic chemist Ginger King, who echoed these sentiments and offered even more insight into the benefits of rosemary oil. What’s more, King previously told Allure that rosemary oil “works as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and most importantly, a microcirculation enhancer,” the latter of which “will help to reenergize the scalp for better growth.”

Need even more convincing? Research has also been conducted to back up these claims. In fact, Dr. Gohara explains that “some research also shows that rosemary oil can help to enhance the cuticle, giving the appearance of thicker hair and offering protection against breakage.”

Additionally, both dermatologists note rosemary’s anti-inflammatory properties, which can help decrease scalp irritation and dandruff. Similarly, Dr. Gohara previously told Allure that “rosemary oil eliminates dirt, strengthens follicles, provides moisture to the scalp, and minimizes breakage.” She also credits rosemary oil with providing a “soothing quality” when applied to the scalp.

Long story short, if you suffer from a dry scalp, inflammation, and/or breakage, rosemary is definitely an ingredient to consider incorporating into your routine. Shop some of our top picks below, broken down by product type:

Shampoos & Conditioners

Suave Rosemary & Mint Invigorating Conditioner

Dove Nourishing Secrets Volume Shampoo

According to Dr. Nazarian, the Suave Professionals Rosemary + Mint Invigorating Conditioner is “great for sensitive skin” since it contains no added dyes or parabens, which may cause irritation. “I also like that it contains natural rosemary, and not [the] artificial [kind], or just [acts as] the scent,” she says. And, at just $5 per 28-ounce bottle, it offers incredible value.