Rosemary tea for hair: does this TikTok-favorite herb actually work?

Time to peruse your garden: rosemary tea for hair is a new beauty phenomenon gaining a like a minute on social media. 

Similar to the TikTok beauty hacks that came before it, the rosemary hype is particularly well-received for its perceived restorative effects. Those who have been curious about how to repair damaged hair feel as though the simple but effective trick is a godsend.

So, should you relocate your herbs from the kitchen windowsill to the bathroom? Is it time to season your strands rather than your steaks? Trending hashtags on TikTok can skew towards questionable activities, so where does this fall on the list? We spoke to a pro hairstylist to give you the scoop. 

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Rosemary tea for hair on TikTok

TikTok user @kaligirly just earned viral status—a cool, casual four million views and counting—for a super-simple practice. She lets rosemary tea cool in the fridge for about an hour before spritzing it in her hair. 

Whether app users are experiencing stress hair loss or perhaps COVID-related hair loss, they're keen on using rosemary to get their hair mojo back. The good news? The experts say it actually works.

"Rosemary is 1,000% one of my favorite herbs—for everything," admits Merita Ibrahimi a New York-based hairstylist and a member of the Bridal By Alexandria team. "It truly does help with thickening the hair. I love that it is becoming such a trend because the results are so much more effective."

@kaligirly

♬ original sound - Kali

Medical News Today and Healthline, two of many sources, both confirm that rosemary is helpful for those who are shedding strands.

Rosemary tea for hair: how to use it

Although the tea trend is worth pursuing, Ibrahimi takes a slightly different, but equally efficient, approach to rosemary. 

"I personally use rosemary water as a rinse after my shower," she says, noting that she lets water boil in her crockpot for two to four hours with sprigs of rosemary and a few leaves of mint.

Once the goods have finished brewing, she transfers the water to a spray bottle, puts it in the refrigerator and uses it after washing her hair. (No, you won't have to worry about smelling like dinner—the hint of rosemary is not overpowering.) 

Not only does she recommend this trick to clients who are experiencing hair thinning, but she insists it works well for those who are experiencing an itchy scalp or dandruff. We love a versatile herb! (Speaking of versatility, don't be surprised if you can also use the ingredient for a few TikTok recipes—multitasking at its finest.) 

Rosemary tips and tricks:

"Like anything else in life, it's about consistency. Once you make it part of your routine, you will start seeing results," Ibrahimi says. 

When using rosemary tea or DIY spray, be sure to play around with the amount. Everyone is different, and not all those who attempt this hair hack will require the same number of spritzes. As Ibrahimi notes, if you feel you need a little more after one week, try adding a few more sprigs, and vice versa.

One thing to note? Like washing your hair, using a rosemary rinse is not something you should be doing daily. Only attempt it once you've done a deep clean and need a little pick-me-up for your locks. 

So, who else is giving this trick a whirl? We'll see you in the herb aisle at the grocery store!