Rosemary is very common and easily accessible herb. It is green in appearance with thin, needle-like leaves with a deep, pungent smell. When it comes to its contributions to hair it seems to be all purpose. Here is a brief list of its uses and benefits to hair…

-Stimulates and improves circulation to the scalp thus encouraging hair growth

-Gently cleanses hair (due to it’s antibacterial quality)

-Increases shine

-Fights premature graying (*yet to be seen lol, I’m 50% gray if not more!) 

-Relieves irritated, dry, flaky, dandruff ridden scalps

As with all herbs, there are many different ways that rosemary can be applied externally unto your hair and scalp. These processes can be used with both fresh and dried herbs. But as with cooking, it is always recommended to use fresh ingredients. (If you don’t use all of your herb initially, you can dry them and store for next time!) Here are the most common processes for external use of rosemary.

• Simply boil water and add your rosemary to the water.
• Allow it to steep for 15-30mins and then sift away the leaves. You are left with rosemary infused water.
• The water can then be used for a rinse for any of the following; cleansing rinse, treatment for shine, treatment for graying, treatment for dandruff and scalp irritation.
• DO NOT RINSE OUT! (Remember to accompany rinses with a nice scalp massage as well). *See HERE for how I rinse my hair with tea. 

Rosemary Oil- There are two ways that you can achieve an oil infused with rosemary.

• The first which is the quickest but not necessarily the cheapest, is purchasing rosemary essential oil (which is a highly concentrated) and adding a few drops to your oil which you use daily (*I prefer jojoba oil or an argan x castor oil blend).
• The second option is to buy fresh rosemary and crush it within your hands to bring out the aroma. Put the crushed herb into a GLASS bottle (beer bottle, jelly, jars etc) and pour your choice of oil (olive, jojoba etc) over top the herbs.
• Try to pick an oil that is not temperature sensitive like grapeseed oil.
• Put the bottle in a cool, dark space and allow it to sit for 2-4 weeks. You can then apply this rosemary infused oil to your hair and scalp for the following; dandruff, scalp irritation, stimulate hair growth, scalp massage, added shine and luster.

Rosemary Vinegar

• Crush fresh rosemary and add to a jar of apple cider vinegar. 
• Follow the same steps as the oil and store in a cool, dark space for 2-4 weeks.
• After shampooing hair, combine 1/4 cup of your rosemary vinegar to 1-2 cup of water and rinse hair with it.
• DO NOT RINSE OUT. This is best used for the following; gentle cleanser, hair treatment for Ph balance, shine and conditioning.

source: “Back to Eden” written by Jethro Kloss

Which one do you think you’ll try?! If you’ve tried one, share your results below! 

Nikki Says: To preserve my curls overnight, I loosely secured the front half in a pineapple at the top of head, near my hairline using a medium sized claw clip (scrunchies pull my curls straight or leave a dent), and lightly pulled the back half down into a low pony near my nape, using a claw clip. I  slept with it out on my satin pillow case. I massaged the Mielle oil into my scalp before bed and this morning as well, fluffing the roots as I went. I just purchased a new, thickening hair care line in the mail and will try over the weekend and report back! I Love you!!!!! Chat soon!