Rosemary oil is everywhere right now. It’s rosemary this, rosemary that. In fact, you just have to scroll TikTok for five seconds to see how viral it’s gone, with people calling it the ultimate secret to luscious, shiny, healthy hair. And honestly? They’re not wrong.
At Formula Botanica, the world’s leading organic formulation school, we know just how powerful rosemary oil can be. That’s why today, we’re going to show you how to make your very own rosemary scalp and hair oil in just 4 simple steps and less than 15 minutes!
This isn’t just another DIY hair oil. It’s your ticket to salon-worthy hair at home. Infused with nourishing botanical oils like argan, peach kernel, avocado, hemp, and horse chestnut, this professional-quality oil revitalises your scalp and nourishes your hair. The scent is also divine, with rosemary and eucalyptus giving it a fresh and uplifting aroma.
Ready to make this viral product yourself? Let’s get started!
What is a scalp oil?
A scalp oil is a nourishing blend of plant-based oils designed specifically to care for the skin on your scalp. It’s the foundation for healthy, vibrant hair. Your hair needs more than just shampoo and conditioner – it needs nourishment from the roots.
Unlike styling oils that sit on the hair’s surface, scalp oils are formulated to penetrate deeply into the skin, delivering essential nutrients to your hair. This helps support optimal hair health.
Adding a scalp oil to your haircare routine like the one in this post can also help balance oil production, soothe dryness, and promote healthy hair growth.
Want to learn more about haircare and how to formulate your own natural and organic hair products? Then check out our Diploma in Organic Haircare Formulation, where you’ll learn everything there is to know about hair and learn how to create 25+ haircare products. You can also read this helpful blog post.
How to use a scalp oil
To use a scalp oil like the one in this post, simply part your hair into sections and apply a few drops of the oil directly to your scalp. Then gently massage the oil in using circular motions. This not only boosts absorption but also stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles.
Leave the oil on for at least an hour, or overnight for a more intensive treatment. Finally, wash and rinse your hair as usual.
When used regularly, scalp oiling can become a luxurious self-care ritual, helping to revitalise your scalp, restore shine, and leave your hair feeling softer, stronger, and more manageable.
The benefits of rosemary oil
Before we start making our viral rosemary hair oil, let’s take a moment to explore the benefits of rosemary oil, the star of our formula, and understand why it’s so trendy.
Rosemary is a fragrant herb that has been cherished for centuries, not only in cooking, but also in haircare. In fact, it’s been used since the Middle Ages.
The oil is packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients, and is known to stimulate hair follicles, which in turn may lead to improved hair growth, although the research is not conclusive. Rosemary’s ability to imrpove blood circulation may also strengthen the hair from the roots, reducing the risk of hair thinning and breakage.
On top of that, rosemary oil’s antibacterial properties can help reduce issues like dandruff and itchiness. Want to learn more about rosemary oil? Then read our comprehensiveguide below:
Our rosemary hair oil – Key ingredients
Now for the exciting part: our ingredients! Here are some of the hero ingredients of this formula:
Argan oil
Often referred to as “liquid gold”, argan oil is a prized ingredient that offers many benefits when infused into a scalp oil. Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, argan oil deeply nourishes the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and strength.
The oil’s high content of antioxidants helps to repair and protect hair follicles from damage caused by environmental stressors, while its fatty acids help maintain optimal hydration, preventing dryness and flakiness.
Argan oil’s lightweight texture also ensures that it is easily absorbed, leaving no greasy residue behind. This makes it an excellent choice for all hair types, even fine or oily hair.
Beyond its moisturising properties, argan oil can also help tame frizz, enhance shine, and improve overall hair manageability. You can learn more about argan below:
Hemp seed oil
A powerhouse of nutrients derived from the seeds of the hemp plant, hemp seed oil has a wide array of benefits for the scalp and hair.
Packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as essential amino acids, hemp seed oil provides the nourishment needed for healthy hair growth and maintenance. These fatty acids help to strengthen hair strands, reduce breakage, and promote overall hair resilience.
Hemp seed oil’s natural moisturising properties can help soothe a dry and irritated scalp, effectively reducing issues such as itchiness and dandruff. Its anti-inflammatory properties also contribute to calming the scalp and supporting optimal hair growth.
In addition, the presence of antioxidants in hemp seed oil helps protect hair follicles from oxidative stress, environmental pollutants, and UV damage.
Horse chestnut oil
Derived from the seeds of the horse chestnut tree, horse chestnut oil offers a range of unique benefits for our scalp oil formulation.
Renowned for its circulation-boosting properties, horse chestnut oil promotes improved blood flow to the scalp. This enhanced circulation can lead to better nutrient delivery to hair follicles, supporting healthy hair growth and vitality.
Horse chestnut oil also contains compounds like escin that possess anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate scalp irritation, redness, and itching (i). The oil’s astringent qualities further assist in regulating excess oil production and promoting a balanced scalp environment.
On top of that, horse chestnut oil’s antioxidant compounds contribute to shielding hair from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors.
By incorporating horse chestnut oil into your scalp oil, you’re tapping into its unique abilities to enhance scalp health, encourage hair growth, and maintain overall healthier and more resilient hair.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil, known for its invigorating aroma and therapeutic properties, offers a host of benefits for the hair and scalp. The oil’s natural antiseptic and antibacterial qualities make it a potent oil for maintaining a clean and healthy scalp. It’s also super trending on TikTok!
Eucalyptus’ refreshing scent also awakens the senses and has a soothing effect on the scalp, helping to alleviate itchiness and discomfort.
The oil’s stimulating properties can also promote blood circulation when massaged onto the scalp, potentially boosting hair growth by encouraging nutrient delivery to hair follicles.
Eucalyptus’s ability to balance oil production can also help control excess sebum, preventing issues like oily scalp and dandruff. Incorporating eucalyptus oil into a scalp oil blend brings a refreshing and revitalising element to your hair care routine.
Curious about the other ingredients in this formula? Then check out our exclusive rosemary oil YouTube video, where we talk about the properties and benefits of all the ingredients, and show you how to make this viral oil!
- Makes: 100g
- Formulation type: Cold-process
- Time needed: 15 minutes
- Level: Beginner-friendly
| Phase | Ingredients | INCI | Weight (g) |
| A | Argan oil | Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil | 25.00 |
| A | Peach kernel oil | Prunus Persica Kernel Oil | 20.00 |
| A | Avocado oil | Persea Gratissima Oil | 10.00 |
| A | Apricot oil | Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil | 10.00 |
| A | Jojoba oil | Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil | 10.00 |
| A | Pumpkin seed oil | Cucurbita Pepo Seed Oil | 10.00 |
| A | Hemp seed oil | Cannabis Sativa Oil | 6.50 |
| A | Horse chestnut oil | Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract | 5.00 |
| A | Natural vitamin E oil (0.15% Tocopherol) | Triticum vulgare, Tocopherol | 2.00 |
| A | Rosemary essential oil | Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil | 1.00 |
| A | Eucalyptus essential oil | Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil | 0.50 |
| Total: 100.00 |
Equipment:
Here’s all the equipment you’ll need to make this rosemary oil:
- Scales
- Glass beakers
- Glass rods or mini whisk, and some spatulas
- Pipettes
- Suitable container – pipette/dropper bottle ideal
You can find all of the equipment listed on the Formula Botanica Amazon storefront!
Formulation method:
Ready to make your own rosemary hair oil? Just follow these 4 simple steps:
- Step 1: Clean and prep your work area
Before you start, it’s essential to clean and sanitise everything. Wash your work surface, tools, and containers with hot soapy water. Then spray everything down with 70% isopropyl alcohol (which you can easily find online) and let it air dry. Also wear a clean apron, gloves, and tie back your hair to keep everything hygienic and professional.
This first step is what sets a real formulator apart from someone following an online DIY recipe. If you skip this step, you risk contamination, which will spoil your beautiful oil. And we’re definitely not letting that happen with a formula this good!
- Step 2: Weigh your botanical oils, vitamin E, and essential oils
Once everything is cleaned and sanitised, carefully weigh your botanical oils into a large glass beaker, making sure to tare the scale (resetting it to zero) after adding each ingredient. Precision is key here!
That’s your argan oil, peach kernel oil, avocado oil, apricot oil, jojoba oil, pumpkin seed oil, hemp seed oil, and horse chestnut oil. Then add vitamin E (our antioxidant) and the rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils. You’ll find the exact quantities you need in the formulation table above.
Tip: If you are concerned about weighing your oils accurately, you can weigh each oil individually into separate small beakers.
- Step 3: Blend your ingredients together
Once you’ve weighed everything, gently stir the oils together with a glass rod or mini whisk until they’re fully blended. If you weighed the oils separately, transfer them to a large, single beaker to blend them.
- Step 4: Package your rosemary oil
And now for the final step! Carefully pour your freshly blended rosemary hair oil into your chosen container: a dropper bottle or pump bottle works beautifully, as it makes application less messy.
Don’t forget to label your bottle with the product name and date; it’s the final touch that makes your formulation feel truly professional (and helps you keep track of the date).
Final notes
Congratulations! You’ve just made your own professional-quality botanical rosemary hair oil! To use it, simply apply it to the ends of your hair and massage it into your scalp. Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of your formulation:
- Customise it for your hair type: This formula is a fantastic base that you can tailor to your specific needs. If you have fine or oily hair, try using lighter, fast-absorbing oils. If you have dry, thick, or textured hair, experiment with richer, more nourishing oils for added moisture and protection.
- Use it as a hair oil: While this oil is perfect as a scalp treatment, it also works beautifully on mid-lengths and ends to keep hair soft, nourished, and help reduce split ends.
Learn to formulate organic skincare & haircare
We hope you loved making your very own rosemary scalp and hair oil, which is trending for a reason! You can also watch our YouTube video where we show you exactly how to make this oil.
We can’t wait for you to try this rosemary oil out and share it with your family and friends. Tag us on Instagram using #formulabotanica or in our online classroom to show us your formulation!
If today’s post sparked a passion for formulating, why not take things to the next level? Join our free organic skincare formulation course and learn how to create safe, effective, natural skincare from the comfort of your home.
Suggested suppliers
Looking for where to buy your ingredients? Here are some trusted suppliers that offer high-quality botanical oils, essential oils, and other ingredients featured in this formulation.
Many of these suppliers ship internationally, and we’ve noted their country of origin to help you find the best option for your location.
INKY Ingredients (UK)
Aroma-Zone (EU)
Aromantic (UK)
Alexmo Cosmetics (EU)
Manske (EU)
The Soap Kitchen (UK)
Ellemental (EU)
Lotioncrafter (USA)
Essential Labs (USA)
Go Native NZ (New Zealand)
Naturally Balmy (UK)
O&3 – The Oil Family (UK/EU)
Soap & More (Canada)
Handymade (EU)
Formulator Sample Shop (USA)
References & further reading
(i) E. Bellini et al, 2005. Horse chestnut: Cultivation for ornamental purposes and non-food crop production
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Brooke Medhurst is a Tutor at Formula Botanica. Find out more about the Formula Botanica Team.
