Rosemary Oil for Hair Regrowth: My 90-Day Before and After Results

I still remember the day I noticed my hair was thinning—standing under the harsh bathroom lights, I could suddenly see my scalp peeking through at the crown. Talk about a gut punch! After the initial panic and some late-night research, I kept coming across mentions of rosemary oil being comparable to minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) for hair regrowth. Seriously? An essential oil working as well as a pharmaceutical? I was skeptical but desperate.

According to a 2015 study published in SKINmed Journal, rosemary oil performed just as effectively as 2% minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia, with fewer scalp irritation issues! That was enough to convince me to give it a serious try—not just for a week or two, but for a full 90 days with proper documentation and measurements.

I’m about to share my complete experience using rosemary oil for hair regrowth, including my exact application method, timeline of results, and honest before and after comparisons. If you’re weighing rosemary oil vs minoxidil for your own hair growth journey, my real-world results might help you make that decision.

Why I Chose Rosemary Oil Over Minoxidil

Before diving into my results, let me explain why I decided to try rosemary oil instead of going straight for minoxidil, which has decades of research behind it.

First off, I had tried minoxidil years ago for a thinning spot and experienced annoying side effects—itchy scalp, flaking, and even some facial hair growth (not exactly what I wanted!). The twice-daily application was also a pain to maintain with my busy schedule.

The breaking point came when my friend started using minoxidil and went through that infamous “dread shed” phase. If you’re not familiar, that’s when minoxidil initially causes MORE hair loss before regrowth begins. With my already thinning hair, I just couldn’t face losing more, even temporarily.

The research on rosemary oil looked promising enough that I figured I had little to lose:

• It stimulates blood circulation to hair follicles
• Contains antioxidant properties that protect follicles from damage
• Has anti-inflammatory effects that may help with scalp conditions
• Prevents DHT (dihydrotestosterone) from damaging hair follicles

Plus, it’s natural and smells way better than minoxidil solution. The deciding factor? No initial shedding phase reported with rosemary oil. Sold!

My Exact Rosemary Oil Regimen

Let me break down exactly what I did, because the details matter when it comes to seeing results:

The Preparation Method

I tried three different preparation methods before settling on the most effective one:

Method 1 (Weeks 1-2): 10 drops of rosemary essential oil mixed with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (I used jojoba)

Method 2 (Weeks 3-6): Infused oil made by simmering fresh rosemary sprigs in olive oil for 5 hours, then straining

Method 3 (Weeks 7-12): The winner! A combination approach:

• 3 tablespoons carrier oil (switched to argan oil)
• 20 drops rosemary essential oil (doubled the concentration)
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil (for enhanced circulation)
• 3 drops lavender essential oil (for its soothing properties)

The third method gave me the best results by far. I suspect the peppermint oil’s circulation-boosting effects created a powerful synergy with the rosemary.

The Application Technique

This part is crucial and where I think most people go wrong. I didn’t just rub oil on my scalp and hope for the best.

My technique:

1. Divided my hair into six sections using clips
2. Applied oil mixture directly to scalp using a dropper bottle
3. Used fingertips (not nails) to massage each section for 2 minutes (timed it!)
4. Focused extra attention on thinning areas
5. Wrapped hair in a warm towel for 20 minutes to help with absorption
6. Left the treatment on for at least 2 hours (overnight when possible)
7. Washed with sulfate-free shampoo, double cleansing to remove all oil

I did this twice weekly without fail. On one weekend application, I’d leave it overnight; mid-week was usually a 2-3 hour treatment.

The Supporting Regimen

I realized that rosemary oil alone might not be enough, so I implemented these supporting habits:

• Scalp massages for 5 minutes daily (even without oil) to stimulate blood flow
• Switched to a wooden wide-tooth comb instead of a brush
• Started using a silk pillowcase to reduce friction
• Took 5,000mcg biotin supplement daily
• Increased protein intake significantly
• Reduced heat styling to once weekly maximum

Week-by-Week Results: What Actually Happened

Let me walk you through what really happened during my 90-day experiment:

Weeks 1-2: The Adjustment Period

Nothing visible happened with my hair, but my scalp felt different—more “alive” somehow. The rosemary scent was strong but not unpleasant. The biggest challenge was finding the right washing technique to remove all the oil without over-drying my hair.

My scalp was slightly itchy after the first two applications, but this subsided by week 2. I took this as a sign that something was happening at the follicle level.

Weeks 3-4: The First Signs

Around day 24, I noticed something exciting—tiny baby hairs appearing around my hairline. These weren’t the typical breakage hairs I was used to seeing, but actual new growth. They were very short and fine, barely noticeable unless I was really looking.

I also noticed less hair in my shower drain, decreasing from what I’d estimate as 30-40 hairs per wash to about 15-20. Not a massive change, but enough to be encouraging.

Weeks 5-8: The Turning Point

This is when I switched to Method 3 with the addition of peppermint oil, and man, did that make a difference! The tingling sensation when I applied this mixture was intense—not uncomfortable, but you could definitely feel it working.

By week 6, those baby hairs were becoming more numerous, especially at my crown and temples. My husband commented that my part line seemed less wide, which nearly made me cry with relief.

Week 8 was when I first documented measurable progress:

• Hair density (using a hair check tool): 7% increase from baseline
• Hair count in thinning spot: 22 new hairs per square centimeter
• Hair fall during washing: Reduced by approximately 60%

Weeks 9-12: Visible Improvements

The final month is when other people started noticing. My hairdresser asked if I was doing something different because she could see significant regrowth, especially at the crown.

By the end of week 12:

• Hair density: 15% increase from baseline
• Hair count in thinning spot: 38 new hairs per square centimeter
• Hair quality: Noticeably shinier and stronger
• Scalp health: No flaking or irritation (which I’d had previously)

Rosemary Oil vs Minoxidil: Honest Comparison

Since I had previously used minoxidil, I feel qualified to compare the two approaches:

Speed of Results

• Minoxidil: Started seeing results around 6-8 weeks (after initial shedding)
• Rosemary oil: Started seeing results around 3-4 weeks (no initial shedding)

Ease of Use

• Minoxidil: Quick application but requires twice daily use without fail
• Rosemary oil: More time-consuming application but only needed twice weekly

Side Effects

• Minoxidil: Scalp irritation, dryness, initial shedding, unwanted facial hair
• Rosemary oil: Occasional mild itchiness first two weeks, none afterward

Cost Comparison

• Minoxidil: About $45/month for brand name, $25/month for generic
• Rosemary oil: Approximately $30 for 3 months of supplies (much cheaper!)

Long-term Commitment

• Minoxidil: Must continue indefinitely or risk losing gained hair
• Rosemary oil: Unclear, but I’m continuing maintenance applications

The Photographic Evidence

I wish I had taken more detailed photos at the beginning. My before pictures don’t fully capture how thin my hair had become because I was self-conscious and tried to hide it with styling. But the difference is still visible:

• Before: Hair at the crown was sparse enough that my scalp was visible in normal lighting
• After 30 days: New baby hairs visible but still very short
• After 60 days: Thinning areas starting to fill in, especially at temples and crown
• After 90 days: Significant improvement in density, especially noticeable when hair is wet

The most convincing evidence was my part line, which narrowed from about 3/8 inch to less than 1/4 inch at its widest point.

What I Wish I’d Known Before Starting

If I could go back and give myself advice, I’d say:

1. Take better “before” photos, including close-ups in good lighting
2. Start with the stronger concentration (Method 3) from the beginning
3. Be even more consistent with the supporting regimen
4. Measure more areas of my scalp for comparison
5. Try combining the rosemary treatment with dermarolling (something I’m considering now)

Is Rosemary Oil Right for You?

Based on my experience, rosemary oil might be worth trying if:

• You’re experiencing mild to moderate hair thinning
• You’ve had negative reactions to minoxidil
• You prefer natural approaches when possible
• You’re willing to be consistent for at least 3 months
• You can commit to the proper application technique

It might NOT be right for you if:

• You have severe or aggressive hair loss
• You need the fastest possible results
• You don’t have time for the application process
• You have sensitive skin that reacts to essential oils

Conclusion

After my 90-day experiment comparing rosemary oil vs minoxidil for hair growth, I’m genuinely impressed with the results. While it wasn’t a miracle cure that gave me Rapunzel-like locks overnight, the improvement was significant, measurable, and came without the side effects I experienced with minoxidil.

I’m continuing with my rosemary oil regimen, though I’ve scaled back to once weekly for maintenance. Six months in now, and my hair continues to improve gradually.

If you’re on the fence about trying it, I’d say go for it—but commit to the full 90 days and be methodical in your approach. Take photos, measure your results, and be patient. The regrowth journey is exactly that—a journey, not an overnight transformation.

Have you tried rosemary oil or minoxidil for hair growth? I’d love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions about my before and after results!

Disclaimer: I’m sharing my personal experience, not providing medical advice. Hair loss can be caused by various factors, including health conditions that should be evaluated by a doctor. Results may vary, and what worked for me may not work for everyone.