Rosemary Water VS Rosemary Oil – Which Is Better For Hair?

Let's talk about rosemary water VS rosemary oil.

Which one do you think is better for hair growth and health?

Well, if you want to know the answer, you have come to the right article.

That's because we will discuss their most important aspects – like:

• results
• safety
• versatility
• costs

I'm sure you are eager to find this information out, so let's get started!

Note. This article is based on my own research on rosemary water and rosemary oil.

#1 – Results – WINNER: ROSEMARY OIL

One of the most important aspects related to rosemary oil and rosemary water is efficiency.

So before starting to use any of them, I'm sure you want to know which one works better.

In other words, let's see which one helps you grow your hair faster and improve its health.

After all, that's your main goal, right?

Moreover, you will discover how those two work and which is more suitable for you.

1. Rosemary Water

I'm sure you've heard of rosemary water before.

At this point, many people sustain this is a good remedy for hair growth.

However, what is rosemary water, how does it work and what are its benefits?

Well, the name itself is enough to deduce what actually it is.

In fact, it is the end result of cooking rosemary leaves in distilled water for several hours.

Recently, it was named “the new rice water” because it is as effective as rice water:

• stimulates hair growth
• improves circulation to the hair follicles
• decreases inflammation on the scalp
• strengthens the hair
• helps when dealing with thinning hair or pattern hair loss
• improves scalp health

As you can see – rosemary water is a pretty helpful remedy for hair loss.

More specifically, it is a great treatment for pattern hair loss or androgenic alopecia.

Moreover, if your hair is thinning with age, then rosemary water might be what you need.

Also, there are some other cases in which rosemary water can be useful:

• people who suffer from hair loss due to hormonal imbalances
• people with irritation and inflammation due to dandruff

This does not mean that rosemary water is not effective in other cases.

Yet, it is most effective in the cases above.

If you are not experiencing hair loss, you can use rosemary water to improve your hair health.

However, the question that remains is whether or not rosemary water is better than rosemary oil.

To give you an answer, we have to talk about rosemary oil as well.

2. Rosemary Oil

As I already said, rosemary oil has benefits for your hair as well.

As you will see in a minute, it has similar advantages to rosemary water.

They are made from the same herb after all, right?

Here's how rosemary oil works and improves your hair health:

• acts like a DHT blocker
• increases the blood flow to the scalp
• has anti-inflammatory properties 
• works as an antioxidant [1]
• gives your hair the nutrients it needs
• strengthens the hair

Moreover, rosemary oil is known as “natural minoxidil”.

Why? Because it is as effective as minoxidil, the so well-known treatment for hair loss. [2]

Compared to minoxidil, rosemary oil has some advantages:

• minoxidil can trigger many side effects, some of which are quite severe
• rosemary oil cause just few side effects
• the hair you manage to grow with minoxidil's help falls after you stop the treatment
• this is not the case with rosemary oil

Also, rosemary oil is a great remedy for pattern hair loss and thinning hair.

Moreover, it can work for those who suffer from telogen effluvium or alopecia areata as well.

Based on this information, I can conclude that rosemary oil is a better option than rosemary water.

This does not mean that rosemary water is not a good remedy for hair loss, though.

It just means that rosemary oil works better, which makes it the winner. 

Conclusion

Rosemary water and rosemary oil are both good remedies for hair loss and growth.

Also, their benefits are similar and their mechanisms of action are alike.

Yet, rosemary oil is known to be as effective as minoxidil.

That's why I consider that rosemary oil is more effective than rosemary water.

#2 – Safety – WINNER: ROSEMARY WATER

Another important aspect related to rosemary oil and water is the safety of these two products.

I anticipated this discussion when I said that rosemary oil doesn't trigger many side effects.

At least not as many and severe as minoxidil.

1. Rosemary Water

Rosemary water as well as rosemary oil are natural-based products.

So the chances to experience side effects are pretty low.

Actually, most people can use rosemary water without any problem.

The ones that should be cautious are people who are allergic to herbs in general.

That's because rosemary water can also cause an allergic reaction.

Thus if you have sensitive skin it is better to do a patch test before using rosemary water.

Here's how to do a patch test:

1. Place a small amount of rosemary water on your inner forearm.
2. Leave it on your forearm for 6-7 hours.
3. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.
4. The signs of an allergic reaction are burning, redness, irritation, or itching.
5. If those appear then it means you are allergic to rosemary water.
6. If this is not the case for you, then you are ready to use this product.

As you can see, people who are allergic to rosemary water should not use it.

Are there any other cases in which you should not use rosemary water?

Well, you should be careful with it in the following cases:

• you are using topical medications for hair loss
• you are pregnant 
• you are breast-feeding
• children should also be careful with it

Otherwise, you can confidently use rosemary water.

I'm sure it will help you grow your hair faster and improve its health.

So does rosemary water cause more side effects than rosemary oil?

Certainly not! That's why I consider that the winner of this section is rosemary water.

Let me prove that to you by talking about the side effects of rosemary oil.

2. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil definitely does not cause as many side effects as other products for hair loss.

For example, minoxidil, about which we already talked.

However, it does trigger more side effects than rosemary water, that's for sure.

One principal cause is the fact that rosemary oil is more concentrated than rosemary water.

In other words, rosemary oil is more potent than rosemary water.

So, the risk to experience side effects increases.

Among the side effects you might experience are the following:

• itching 
• burning
• mild irritation of the scalp
• allergic reactions

If you experience any of these, you should stop the treatment immediately.

Moreover, like in the case of rosemary water, it is advisable to do a patch test before using it.

The instructions are the same as in the case of rosemary water.

Are there any cases in which you should stay away from rosemary oil?

Well, the answer is yes. Here are some of them:

• you are using topical medication for hair loss
• your blood pressure is high
• you suffer from atopic dermatitis or you have very sensitive skin
• you are pregnant or breast-feeding 

If you can't relate to any of these cases, then you can confidently use rosemary oil.

Yet, before that make sure you do a patch test, as I said already.

If everything is fine, then remember to use rosemary oil on a regular basis. 

If you do that, you will notice the results, I'm sure.

Conclusion

Rosemary water and rosemary oil do not trigger significant side effects.

However, they can still cause some allergic reactions.

Also, when it comes to safety, rosemary water is the winner.

That's because rosemary oil is more potent and, as a consequence, it can trigger more side effects.

Yet, these drawbacks are insignificant in comparison to all the benefits it has.

#3 – Ease Of Use – WINNER: ROSEMARY WATER

Have you wondered which of the two rosemary versions is easier to use?

This is another important aspect that you should consider before you make your choice.

So, let's dive into this discussion and see which is the winner of this section.

1. Rosemary Water

As usual, we will start our discussion with rosemary water.

I think I don't surprise you when I say that rosemary water is quite easy to use.

Yet, before I tell you how to apply it to your scalp, I will teach you how to make rosemary water:

1. Take a few springs of rosemary leaves (dried or fresh).
2. Add 2 cups of water to a small saucepan.
3. Put the rosemary leaves in the water and boil them for 15 minutes.
4. Let the composition cool before transferring it to a spray bottle.

Basically, you make a concentrated rosemary tea, which is also called rosemary water.

Of course, there are other recipes too, but this is one of the most popular ones.

Moreover, rosemary water is easier to use if you put it into a spray bottle.

So, don't forget to do that! After you prepared the solution, follow these instructions:

1. Using the spray bottle apply the rosemary water to your scalp.
2. Leave the solution on your scalp overnight.
3. The next morning wash and rinse your hair as usual.

It's easy peasy, right?

Yet, make sure that you use this remedy whenever you wash your hair (or at least 2 times per week).

Only in this way will you have good results.

Can everyone use rosemary water, no matter what hair and scalp type one has?

Yes, even those who have greasy hair and scalp can use it.

For those reasons, I consider rosemary water the winner of this section.

Yet, remember that rosemary oil is also a great remedy for hair loss and growth!

2. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is easy to use too.

However, the instructions are not the same for all hair types.

First of all, rosemary oil needs to be diluted with a carrier oil.

This is necessary in order to avoid allergic reactions and other side effects. 

When rosemary oil is diluted, the risk of experiencing side effects decreases.

Here are some examples of carrier oils:

• jojoba oil
• coconut oil
• almond oil
• olive oil
• argan oil

Thus, pick one of these oils and mix it with rosemary oil.

You only need to mix 5-6 drops of rosemary oil with 20 drops of carrier oil.

After you prepared the mixture follow these instructions:

1. Apply the mixture of oils to your scalp.
2. Massage your scalp gently using your fingers.
3. Leave the oil on your scalp overnight or for 20-30 minutes.
4. After that wash and rinse your hair as usual.
5. Your hair already looks shinier and healthier, right?

As I told you in the beginning, the instructions are different according to the hair type you have.

If your scalp and hair are rather dry – you can leave the oil on overnight.

Yet, if your scalp is oily, it is better to wash your hair after 20-30 minutes.

That's because if you leave the oil on overnight, your hair might become even greasier.

In fact, this is the reason why I picked rosemary water as the winner of this section.

Conclusion

Both rosemary water and rosemary oil are pretty easy to use.

However, in the case of rosemary water – no matter what hair type you have, the instructions are the same.

This does not apply in the case of rosemary oil, which should be used according to your hair type.

That's because rosemary oil might make a greasy scalp even greasier.

For those reasons, I consider that rosemary water is easier to use than rosemary oil.

#4 – Versatility – WINNER: ROSEMARY OIL

Which of the two products do you think is more versatile?

What about availability?

In other words, which one is easier to find – rosemary water or oil?

This section will answer these questions, which are also important for our discussion.

1. Rosemary Water

How versatile is rosemary water?

Well, rosemary water can be used in several ways. You can use it for your hair or for your skin. 

Also, there are more ways in which you can make rosemary water.

In fact, you can make it with fresh or dried rosemary leaves or using rosemary oil.

Besides, if you don't want to make rosemary water at home, you can buy a product already prepared.

Yet, there is a limited range of products that I found.

So, let me tell you my conclusions:

• when you buy rosemary water, look for products for hair 
• those usually can be used for skin too
• a type of rosemary water you can buy is called rosemary hydrosol
• this can also be used for various purposes (for hair and skin care)

The disadvantage is that there aren't many brands that produce rosemary water.

So, it might be a little bit difficult to find those products in online or actual stores.

Yet, you can make your own rosemary water at home.

This is quite a big advantage, am I right?

However, for those that have a busy lifestyle, the limited range of products might be a problem.

That's the reason why I prefer rosemary oil over rosemary water.

At least when it comes to the versatility criteria. 

2. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil can also be used for various purposes.

In fact, like rosemary water, it can be used for both your hair and skin.

We've talked about its benefits for hair already.

So do you want to find out how it can help your skin?

I'm sure you do, so here are some of its benefits for your skin:

• reduces swelling
• heal burns
• soothes the skin
• is helpful if you suffer from psoriasis or dermatitis

Thus, rosemary oil is not only useful for your hair but also for your skin and scalp.

What's more, it is pretty easy to find.

That's because there are many brands that produce it.

Also, you can find it in different quantities or combined with other essential oils.

Besides, if you want to use other products that contain rosemary oil you can try those:

• shampoos
• conditioners
• hair masks

As you can see, rosemary oil is definitely more versatile than rosemary water.

Not only can it be used for both skin and hair, but you can also buy several products that contain it.

So it's pretty clear that rosemary oil is the winner of the versatility section.

That's why I definitely recommend you give it a go.

Conclusion

Rosemary water and rosemary oil are good for both hair and skin.

So, they both are pretty versatile.

However, there are more brands that produce rosemary oil than rosemary water.

Moreover, rosemary oil can also be found in products such as shampoos or hair masks.

That's why I consider that rosemary oil is more versatile compared to rosemary water.

#5 – Cost – WINNER: ROSEMARY OIL

I know the cost of the two products is one of the aspects you are more interested in.

So which of them will make you spend more money?

Well, in this section you will find the answer to your question.

What's more, you will find where you can buy the two products and this place is Amazon.

In other words, for our evaluation, we will use Amazon as a point of reference.

1. Rosemary Water

As I said already, there is a limited range of brands that produce rosemary water.

This can be observed on Amazon too.

As you will see, the results that appear when searching for rosemary water on Amazon are not many.

Yet, at least you know where to buy it if that interests you.

So how much money do you need to spend on a bottle of rosemary water?

Well, the prices that I found on Amazon are the following:

• $6.99
• $7.99
• $9.99
• $11.99

Indeed, rosemary water is pretty affordable, as you can see.

So you won't spend much money on this product if you decide to buy it.

However, rosemary oil is even more affordable, as you will see in a minute.

Thus, guess who's the winner of this section?

That's right! It is rosemary oil!

Yet, keep in mind that rosemary water is not expensive either. 

2. Rosemary Oil

As I already told you, rosemary oil is even more affordable than rosemary water.

Moreover, you will see a variety of products on Amazon.

Thus the prices vary as well.

Besides, you can pick the quantity that you want.

You don't need to buy a big bottle of rosemary oil if you don't need it.

To cut to the chase, the lowest prices that I could find are the following:

• $4.o7
• $4.95
• $4.99
• $5. 29

Of course, there are products that are even more expensive.

Yet, those are the lowest prices at which you can buy a bottle of rosemary oil.

So this remedy for hair loss and growth is indeed accessible to everyone.

For those reasons, I think it's right to consider rosemary oil the winner of this section.

What do you think? Is rosemary oil a suitable treatment for you?

Conclusion

The prices at which you can buy rosemary oil and water are pretty low.

This means that both are affordable remedies for hair growth.

Yet, if I were to pick one of the two based on their costs – I would choose rosemary oil.

That's because it is more affordable than rosemary water and you have a variety of products to choose from.

So the winner of this section is, by far, rosemary oil.

#6 – Research Studies – WINNER: ROSEMARY OIL

Last, but not least – let's see what research studies say about those two products.

As you know, researchers are the ones that study the efficiency of various remedies.

This applies to rosemary water and rosemary oil as well.

1. Rosemary Water

Are rosemary water's results supported by actual research?

I'm sure you've asked yourself this question several times already.

The answer to this question is no, unfortunately.

There are no research studies that show how effective it is for hair loss.

However, there are studies that show the potency of rosemary and rosemary oil.

As you know rosemary water and rosemary oil are similar in many ways.

That's why I can draw the following conclusions:

• rosemary water is useful for hair and hair loss
• yet, it is not potent as rosemary oil
• that's because there is a big difference between rosemary water and oil
• I refer here to the way in which the two products are produced

Thus, studies demonstrate that rosemary and rosemary oil can treat hair loss.

However, there isn't any scientific evidence that shows how effective is rosemary water.

We know it is effective because people who used it had good results.

So I recommend you give it a go, if that's what you want.

It is made from rosemary, so it must be a good remedy for hair loss and growth.

Yet, I prefer rosemary oil over rosemary water, as you probably knew already.

2. Rosemary Oil

As you probably know by now, researchers indeed investigated the efficiency of rosemary oil.

Thus, in comparison to rosemary water, there are few studies about rosemary oil.

So what do those studies say?

Well, they say pretty much the same things that I already told you about rosemary oil.

Here's a brief summary of those studies:

• rosemary oil can be as effective as minoxidil
• that applies especially in the case of androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata [3]
• yet, further trials need to be done

The conclusion is that up to now – rosemary oil is considered a good remedy for hair loss.

Also, it seems that it works best for the types of hair loss already mentioned.

This does not mean that it can't work for other types as well.

Yet, this needs to be further investigated.

So who do you think is the winner when it comes to research studies?

Well, it's pretty obvious, right?

It is rosemary oil – because there are some studies that show its efficiency.

That's why I think it deserves a try.

Conclusion

When it comes to research studies, there is a big difference between rosemary water and oil.

While there are no research studies about rosemary water, there are few about rosemary oil.

Those studies prove that rosemary oil is as effective as minoxidil in treating hair loss.

That's why rosemary oil is a better option than rosemary water.

Yet, as those two are similar products, I'm sure rosemary water is also good for your hair.

Final Conclusion

What's my final verdict?

Which of the two options, rosemary water vs. rosemary oil, is better for your hair?

Well, after analyzing both products – I can say that rosemary oil is our champion.

However, rosemary water is also a good remedy for hair growth.

So you can also try it. Yet, make sure you first try rosemary oil.

To convince you of that, let me enumerate again the benefits of rosemary oil:

• works as a DHT blocker
• is as effective as minoxidil
• doesn't cause significant side effects
• can treat various types of hair loss
• is quite available and versatile
• is affordable 

It is true that rosemary oil can cause more side effects than rosemary water.

Yet, those side effects are not significant and can easily be avoided.

In order words, if you dilute rosemary oil with carrier oil, the risk of experiencing side effects decreases.

Moreover, keep in mind that even research studies sustain that rosemary oil is potent.

That especially when it comes to androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata.

Of course, rosemary water can also improve the health of your hair:

• boosts hair growth
• strengthens the hair
• soothes scalp inflammation
• sustains the health of your hair and scalp

The problem is that there aren't research studies that prove its potency.

We know it is effective because people who used it demonstrated that.

Moreover, rosemary water is not as available as rosemary oil.

That's why I prefer rosemary oil over rosemary water.

However, rosemary water is still worth trying.

So which of the two products do you like most?

References:

1 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/-25002023/

2 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/-25842469/

3 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/-35044013/