If you've found yourself on the endlessly frustrating journey of trying to grow your hair longer, whether it be from a past bob haircut, a fringe that has finally reached that awkward length or a medical condition causing hair fall, you'll likely be familiar with the rosemary oil trend.
Brought to the mainstream by TikTok in 2022, rosemary has long been hailed for its ability to encourage thick, trailing tresses, with #rosemaryoil amassing millions of views on the app. More recently, rosemary water, a diluted, gentler alternative to the traditional concentrate version, has also stepped into the spotlight promising similarly shining results with a minimised risk of irritation.
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Here, we ask expert trichologists Annabel Kingsley and Hannah Gaboardi to break down the benefits and limitations of rosemary water for hair growth, including whether the homemade elixir can really secure you longer lengths in 2025.
Does Rosemary Water Actually Help Your Hair To Grow?
The first thing to note is that there is no way to physically grow your hair faster. While anecdotal evidence suggests that rosemary water can encourage your hair to grow due to increased scalp circulation, many experts agree that scientific studies still leave much to be desired.
'The rosemary oil ‘trend’ was based on a small and flawed study done in 2015. The study was conducted on 50 men and compared the effects of topical rosemary oil to 2% minoxidil, the ingredient found in Rogaine, on male pattern hair loss,' explains Annabel Kingsley, leading trichologist and brand president at Philip Kingsley.
'The first thing to note is that no women were in the study,' she says. 'Women’s hair loss is different than men’s; often being multifactorial and more complex. The second thing is that 2% minoxidil is not effective for male pattern hair loss. Men generally need a 5% solution. So, the study is basically saying that rosemary oil is as effective as a solution that is ineffective.'
There are some studies that suggest rosemary oil may be effective for stimulating circulation to the scalp, says trichologist and Viviscal ambassador Hannah Gaboardi, however, there are other methods she recommends trying as a bigger priority, such as hair supplements or improving your diet.
In short, while many social media users have shown impressive results via social media, research around rosemary water for hair growth is still in its infancy and you're far safer visiting an expert trichologist to understand the root cause of your specific scalp and hair concerns.
Should You Make Your Own Rosemary Water For Hair Growth At Home?
While the risks associated with rosemary itself are minimal, sensitivity, contamination, or improper storage could cause issues when it comes to creating your own topical formula.
'Compounding products at home that you apply to your scalp, which is skin, carries the risk of scalp irritation,' says Kingsley. 'Products brought to market have been put through rigorous safety tests. If you do make your own solution at home, make sure that the pans/mixing tools you use are clean, that the ingredients you use are fresh, and that you store your solution in the fridge – preferably keeping it for no more than a few days.'
She notes that as male and female pattern hair loss are progressive conditions, using an ineffective product can waste essential time when it comes to seeking medical attention, which in turn can be hugely psychologically distressing.
If you have concerns about hair loss, visit a certified trichologist or a dermatologist with an interest in hair loss to find out more. 'There are many types of hair loss, and different possible causes – and each requires a different treatment approach.'
What Are The Alternatives?
Hair loss in women is often multifactorial and it’s best to take a holistic and multi-pronged approach. Those with a medical condition impacting their hair growth will need a specific treatment plan, as outlined briefly below.
'If you have female pattern hair loss, a core part of your treatment plan, as long as you have no medical or scalp contraindications, should always be daily application of minoxidil – preferably at a 3-5% strength,' explains Kingsley. 'Alongside this, eat a balanced, nutrient dense diet and address any underlying contributing factors that may be present, like vitamin and mineral deficiencies and hormonal/thyroid imbalances. Stress management is also very important, as is looking after the health of your scalp and the condition of your hair.'
She notes that for those with telogen effluvium (excessive daily hair fall), minoxidil is not effective as it is a reactive type of hair loss, usually due to an underlying imbalance. 'In order to treat it you need to find the cause and address it – usually this is done with blood tests. You can also use daily scalp drops containing peptides and other hair supportive ingredients, like caffeine, to help normalise your hair growth cycle. I love our Density Scalp Drops which are clinically proven to reduce hair fall,' she shares.
For those simply trying to achieve longer, thicker lengths in 2025, opt for a professional formulated scalp serum with clinic studies to support it, rather than a homemade elixir like rosemary water.
ELLE Edit: Best Hair Growth Treatments
Philip Kingsley Density Preserving Scalp Drops
Chāmpo Pitta Growth Serum
Kérastase Genesis Serum Anti-Chute Fortifiant
Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum
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Katie Withington (she/her) is the Beauty Writer, at ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar. Working alongside the ELLE UK Beauty Team, she covers all things beauty for both print and digital, from finding backstage make-up trends at London Fashion Week and investigating buzzy skincare ingredients, to unzipping the beauty bags of Hailey Bieber and Margot Robbie. Prior to joining ELLE UK in 2022, Katie studied (BA) Fashion Journalism at London College of Fashion and has previously contributed to Red, Good Housekeeping and Prima.
