The 8 Best Rosemary Shampoos of 2024


In the world of hair care, shampoos are perhaps the most essential products in your arsenal. Not only is a good shampoo necessary for proper hygiene (using one rids your hair of oil, dirt, and product buildup), but one laden with rosemary oil or extract can promote hair growth, strengthen your strands, and soothe the scalp from itchiness and flakes. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. James Kilgour, MD, rosemary oil (a common ingredient in clarifying shampoos) can function as an anti-inflammatory, which can help calm the scalp and, thus, create an environment where hair (and hair growth) can flourish. 

To help you narrow your search for the best rosemary shampoos, I’ve done the research, taking into account customer reviews, expert insights, and my experience with rosemary oil-infused products. I’ve considered ingredients, intended use, and critical elements like feel and scent. Without further ado, let’s get into it.

PHOTO:

Sephora


Key Ingredients: Pure rosemary oil, ceramides, plant proteins  | Size: 8.4 oz 

Cousin to our favorite shampoo, Nécessaire’s The Shampoo, this formula is designed to minimize hair thinning and protect hair from breakage. It’s filled with rosemary oil (surprise, surprise), proteins, and ceramides, which the brand says helps to restore the scalp, stimulate the hair follicles, and strengthen each strand of hair. I used the shampoo with its complementary conditioner for over a month and noticed that my scalp felt less itchy than usual (a huge win), and my thin hair felt stronger, softer, and was generally easier to style. It has a pretty strong scent, but if you like herby, grounding smells that turn the shower into a relaxing spa vibe, you won’t mind. (However, if you’re not a fan of strong scents, you may want to skip this one.) Plus, the sleek hunter-green bottles are a minimalist’s dream, so they won’t add to the clutter in your shower.

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Conditioner

PHOTO:

Mielle


Key Ingredients: Peppermint oil, rosemary oil, babassu oil, coconut oil, castor oil  | Size: 12 oz 

You’ve likely heard about Mielle Organics from social media—the brand’s Rosemary Mint Oil has been all over TikTok for its impressive hair-strengthening, growth-boosting effects. The shampoo includes the same transformative ingredients (shoutout rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and biotin) that nourish, clean, and strengthen weak and brittle hair. Some online reviewers note that after using the shampoo, their thinning hair feels reinforced and their sparse patches have regrowth. As for the scent, it’s earthy yet mild (so it’s not overpowering). You really can’t go wrong here; it feels luxurious, is made with natural ingredients, and costs under $10.

Bread Clear-Wash Dexotifying Shampoo

PHOTO:

Ulta


What We Like

  • Deeply cleans product buildup

  • Hair feels fresher after use

  • Clarifying without being harsh

Key Ingredients: Peppermint oil, rosemary oil, babassu oil, coconut oil, castor oil  | Size: 12 oz 

If you’re a frequent user of dry shampoo, hair gel, hair mousse, or pomade, chances are you have a bit of product buildup on your scalp. Having too much for too long can impact the appearance and overall health of your scalp and hair. Thankfully, removing scalp buildup isn’t too taxing; experts recommend washing your hair more often, making sure to exfoliate as you wash (i.e., getting in there with your fingernails or a scalp massager), and enlisting the help of a clarifying shampoo, like this one from Bread. Loaded with a slew of hydrating and detoxifying oils, this formula gently washes away build up to create a clean slate while reinforcing the scalp. The result: A scalp that’s clean but not squeaky clean. Some with very dry hair say it can leave their hair feeling straw-like at the ends, so we recommend keeping the product focused on the scalp (instead of bringing it down to the ends).

Amazon Pacifica Rosemary Purify Clarifying Shampoo

PHOTO:

Amazon


What We Like

  • Can help with itchiness and flaking due to dryness

  • Effectively removes product buildup and refreshes the scalp

  • Feels invigorating to the touch

Key Ingredients: Rosemary oil, peppermint oil, spirulina extract | Size: 12 oz

Flaky scalps can be the result of a plethora of scalp issues, and while it’s certainly not the worst, it’s not fun to deal with. While we recommend checking with an expert to figure out what’s causing the irritation, a good rosemary shampoo might be able to help manage a dry scalp at home. This formula from Pacifica is designed to get the surface-level flakes off the scalp, leaving the skin fresh, clean, and flake-free over time. While the brand says it’s gentle enough for every day, in my experience, it can be too drying if you use it day in and day out (especially on the lengths of the hair). To get the best results, I recommend using it directly on the scalp and the crown of the head (trying not to bring it down to the lengths of the hair) once or twice a week.

Rahua Voluminous Shampoo

PHOTO:

Rahua


What We Like

  • Adds body and shine to fine and limp hair

  • Naturally derived ingredients

  • Gently but effectively cleanses the scalp

Key Ingredients: Rahua oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil | Size: 9.3 oz

Many times, shampoos designed to clarify the scalp can leave hair slightly dry. That’s not the case with Rahua’s Voluminous Shampoo. It’s formulated with naturally-derived ingredients to boost body and shine while also removing product buildup and oil production. How? Well, ingredients like rahua oil (which is rich in omega fatty acids) fortify hair and prevent breakage, while eucalyptus and rosemary oils refresh and clarify. In my experience, it’s best for those with fine and/or oily hair and works on color-treated strands, too. The only downside is that it doesn’t lather well, but when you consider all of the pros, it’s something I’m willing to deal with.

Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo

PHOTO:

Aveda


What We Like

  • Feels refreshing on the skin

  • Resets the scalp by removing product buildup and oil

  • Comes in three convenient sizes

Key Ingredients: Rosemary leaf extract, sunflower seed oil, peppermint oil, menthol | Size: 1.7, 8.5, 33.8 oz

A hallmark of rosemary shampoos (and peppermint, for that matter) is that they tend to be tingly and cooling. Of all the options on the market, this one, in my opinion, makes me feel invigorated in ways that others don’t. Perhaps that’s due to the combination of organic rosemary, peppermint, spearmint, and menthol, which tingles and creates an awakened feeling on the scalp. (Plus, the strong scent can be an energizing aromatherapy moment while in the shower.) It’s ideal for fine to medium hair and helps to reset the scalp by removing product buildup and oil.

Bumble and bumble Sunday Shampoo

PHOTO:

Ulta


Key Ingredients: Ginseng root extract, rosemary leaf extract, sage leaf extract | Size: 8.5, 33.8 oz

Intended to be used once a week for a truly deep clean, this formula from Bumble and Bumble is an everything shower materialized. The deep cleanser gently lifts product residue and excess oil to give the scalp a fresh, clean finish that’s ready for the week ahead.  Extracts like ginseng root, rosemary leaf, and sage leaf work in tandem to stimulate the scalp, clean it, and calm it down from any potential stressors that it may have come into contact with. Though it works for all hair types, I love it, especially for those with fine hair. (Those with thick hair might find that it’s not rich enough to reach all of their hair.) Consider yourself warned: It’s not for color-treated hair, so for those with highlights or hair dye will want to avoid this one, as it can strip the color.

Pattern Beauty Cleansing Shampoo

PHOTO:

Sephora


What We Like

  • Maintains curl pattern and hair color

  • Great for coming out of a protective style

  • Contains very hydrating ingredients

Key Ingredients: Ginseng root extract, rosemary leaf extract, sage leaf extract | Size: 7.8 oz

Folks with curly hair: When it’s time for a deep clean, reach for Pattern’s Cleansing Shampoo. It’s designed especially for those with curls and coils to achieve a deep clean without stripping the scalp of its necessary moisture. Plus, according to the brand, this formula is especially helpful for those with low porosity hair wanting to keep their cuticle open to moisture or those coming out of a protective style. Also nice: It’s color-safe, so you can protect the integrity of your dyed hair.

What to Look for in Rosemary Shampoos 

  • Rosemary oil concentration: Look for a shampoo with a higher concentration of rosemary oil for a stronger effect. If you have a sensitive scalp, you may want to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase the percentage as your scalp acclimates to the ingredient. 
  • Ingredients: In addition to rosemary oil, consider the other ingredients in a shampoo before buying and how they can help you with your hair goals. If you’re looking to achieve hair growth, consider a formula with ingredients like biotin, peppermint oil, or saw palmetto, which have hair growth benefits. If you’re looking for more hydration, choose something that has moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, or shea butter. If you have an itchy, flaky scalp, look for ingredients like tea tree oil, colloidal oatmeal, or aloe vera to soothe the irritation.
  • Scent: As with any shampoo or cosmetics product, the scent matters. If you don’t like the scent, you won’t use the product as often. Rosemary has a strong, earthy, and herbaceous fragrance. If you’re sensitive to smells, check out a shampoo with a milder scent or one with other scents (like mint essential oil, for example) to counteract the smell.

FAQ

  • Rosemary oil is a natural, fragrant essential oil that, interestingly, does have some evidence for hair growth, says Dr. Kilgour. “Scientific research suggests that hair care products with rosemary oil or extract may offer numerous benefits for the scalp,” he explains. “Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help promote hair growth by reducing stress within the scalp, reducing dandruff, and soothing irritation, and can improve circulation within the scalp, enhancing hair thickness.”

  • According to Dr. Kilgour, more research is needed, but a recent study compared minoxidil (also known as Rogaine) against rosemary oil. At the end of the study, both groups found increased hair counts. “This study demonstrates that rosemary oil may be effective in helping with hair growth, although studies in larger populations are needed,” he says. 

Why Trust Byrdie

Caitlyn Martyn is an experienced beauty writer, editor, and product tester. She’s on staff at Byrdie, where she covers all things skincare, hair care, and makeup. For this story, she tested rosemary shampoos at her home, noting the pros and cons of each formula along the way. When evaluating each shampoo, she looked for scent, formulation, and how her hair and scalp felt after each use. Caitlyn received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Lehigh University and now has four years of beauty writing and editing experience under her belt, so she’s well-versed in these products and their formulations.

For this story, Caitlyn chatted with Dr. James Kilgour, MD, a resident dermatologist at Stanford University. Identifying the need for effective scalp care, Dr. Kilgour has developed a scalp care line, KilgourMD, that addresses hair and volume loss. 



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