Last Updated on July 3, 2025 by Nico
Humble rosemary is a wonderful herb to help boost hair health. Making a rosemary infused oil is a simple way to apply the plant’s benefits directly to the skin. And it only takes two ingredients and a bit of patience to make.
Rosemary-infused oil is having a moment—and for good reason. This simple culinary herb isn’t just for salad dressings and roasts; it’s also a powerhouse in your hair care routine. Whether you’re dealing with hair loss, itchy scalp, or just want a natural way to boost shine and support healthier hair growth, making your own rosemary oil is a good thing to try.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is super simple to grow in a pot or backyard garden. I grew our bush from a clipping I took from a local community garden!
Medicinal benefits of rosemary for hair
Stimulates blood flow – Compounds like carnosic acid in rosemary improve blood circulation, especially in the scalp. This helps deliver nutrients to hair follicles and supports hair strand growth.
Reduces inflammation – Rosemary’s anti-inflammatory properties can soothe scalp irritation, especially in sensitive skin. It can also help soothe a dry scalp.
Antimicrobial and antibacterial – These properties in rosemary help to manage greasy scalps, dandruff, and other mild scalp conditions.
How to make homemade rosemary oil
Tools
Glass jar with a lid – I use these
Cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer – Here’s an unbleached source.
Supplies
Carrier oil of your choice – I like using fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or cold pressed olive oil.
Dried rosemary – Here’s an organic bulk source if you don’t grow your own
Optional – Tea tree or peppermint essential oil for added cleansing benefits
Instructions
If you have sprigs of fresh rosemary, wash and dry it, and remove the leaves from the stems. Leave them to sit until they are dried. This usually takes me about a week.
Once the leaves are dried, you can chop them up. You can skip this step (I often skip it) and use the whole leaves instead if you’re short on time.
Add the dried rosemary to a clean glass jar. You should fill a pint jar about ¾ full with rosemary.
Cover the leaves with your carrier oil and leave about 1 inch of headspace above the rosemary.
Add a lid and set the oil in a sunny windowsill for 2-3 weeks. Try to shake the jar every day or so to keep the rosemary fully submerged in the oil.
After 3 weeks, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the rosemary from the oil. Strain it off into a clean glass jar and add 5-10 drops of essential oils if you choose to use them.
Compost the leaves and store your strained oil in a cool, dark place.
Make sure to date and label it so you know what it is and when you made it.
How long does diy rosemary oil last?
Homemade rosemary-infused oil typically lasts up to 6 months if stored properly. Here are some tips to help it last as long as possible:
- Store in a cool, dark place – away from direct sunlight or heat.
- Use a clean, dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Strain out all plant material thoroughly to prevent mold or spoilage.
How to use homemade rosemary oil for hair
For hair growth and overall hair health, start by applying a few drops of rosemary oil (I use about 10) directly to your scalp using your fingertips.
Massage it in gently for 5–10 minutes to help stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, which can encourage growth and improve overall scalp health.
You can leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a deep treatment—just be sure to cover your pillow or wear a shower cap.
Rinse it out with your regular shampoo, and repeat this 2–3 times a week.
For added benefits, you can also mix a few drops into your conditioner or blend it with a few drops of castor oil or peppermint. Consistent use is really important for seeing long-term results.
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How To Make Rosemary Infused Oil For Hair Growth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If you have sprigs of fresh rosemary, wash and dry it, and remove the leaves from the stems. Leave them to sit until they are dried. This usually takes me about a week.
- Once the leaves are dried, you can chop them up. You can skip this step (I often skip it) and use the whole leaves instead if you’re short on time.
- Add the dried rosemary to a clean glass jar. You should fill a pint jar about ¾ full with rosemary.
- Cover the leaves with your carrier oil and leave about 1 inch of headspace above the rosemary.
- Add a lid and set the oil in a sunny windowsill for 2-3 weeks. Try to shake the jar every day or so to keep the rosemary fully submerged in the oil.
- After 3 weeks, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the rosemary from the oil. Strain it off into a clean glass jar and add 5-10 drops of essential oils if you choose to use them.
- Compost the leaves and store your strained oil in a cool, dark place.
- Make sure to date and label it so you know what it is and when you made it.
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