Rosemary Hair Rinse

A rosemary-based leave-in hair rinse. Rosemary has the strongest evidence of any herb for hair growth — a 2023 clinical study found rosemary oil comparable to 2% minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia after 6 months. The mechanism is improved scalp circulation. Cloves add antifungal and scalp-cleansing properties, though their specific contribution to hair growth is not well-studied.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp dried rosemary leaves (or 3–4 sprigs fresh)
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 2 cups (16 oz) water

Optional

• 1 small cinnamon stick (adds warming, mildly antifungal)

Method

Infuse

1. Bring water to just below boiling — you want a steep, not a full boil that cooks off volatile compounds.
2. Add rosemary, cloves, and cinnamon if using.
3. Remove from heat. Cover and steep for 30 minutes minimum, or overnight for a stronger concentrate.
4. Strain through a fine sieve into a spray bottle.

Use

1. After shampooing and conditioning, spray liberally onto scalp.
2. Massage in with fingertips for 1–2 minutes.
3. Leave in — do not rinse out.
4. Use daily or every other day for consistent results.

Storage

• Refrigerate: up to 1 week. No preservatives means it spoils quickly — make small batches.

Notes

• Rosemary evidence is for consistent topical use over months. Occasional use is unlikely to have meaningful effect.
• Cloves may cause mild scalp tingling. If irritation occurs, reduce or omit.
• Rosemary has a strong smell that fades as it dries.
• Treat it like a supplement: consistent daily use for 3–6 months before evaluating results.