Hey there, formulation enthusiasts!
If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for ingredients that not only work but also align with nature’s wisdom. As a formulator, I’ve spent years studying the magic of botanicals, and trust me herbs are some of the most powerful ingredients you can incorporate into your hair care formulations.
Why?
Because herbs don’t just mask hair concerns; they nourish, repair, and transform hair from the inside out. Unlike synthetic additives, which often come with long-term side effects, herbs work holistically strengthening hair, balancing scalp health, and addressing issues like hair fall, dullness, and dandruff at their root.
I’ve personally experimented with countless herbs, infusions, and botanical extracts in my lab, and these five herbs Rosemary, Lavender, Nettle, Horsetail, and Chamomile always stand out.
Whether you’re formulating shampoos, serums, or scalp tonics, these ingredients offer unmatched benefits that your hair (or your customers’ hair) will absolutely love.
So, if you’re serious about creating hair care that’s effective, natural, and backed by both science and tradition, let’s dive into the top five herbs you should be using in your formulations.
Rosemary
If there’s one herb I swear by for hair growth, it’s rosemary. Honestly, I can’t count how many times I’ve seen this powerhouse transform weak, thinning hair into stronger, healthier locks. It’s not just an old wives’ tale there’s real science behind it!
You see, rosemary stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, which means more oxygen and nutrients reach your hair follicles.
And guess what? More nourishment = faster, healthier hair growth! This is why rosemary is often compared to minoxidil (a common hair growth treatment), but without the harsh side effects.
And if you’re dealing with hair fall, rosemary has your back! It helps block DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone responsible for hair thinning and loss. Plus, it has antimicrobial properties, making it perfect for tackling itchy scalps, dandruff, and buildup from styling products.
How I Love Using Rosemary in Haircare Formulation
💡 Infused Hair Oils – One of my favorite ways to use rosemary is by infusing dried rosemary leaves in oils like jojoba, castor, or coconut. This makes a fantastic scalp massage oil that promotes growth while keeping the scalp healthy.
💡 Rosemary Essential Oil in Shampoos & Conditioners – If you’re formulating hair cleansers, adding just 0.5–2% rosemary essential oil can make a huge difference. It not only invigorates the scalp but also gives your shampoo that refreshing, herbal scent!
💡 Rosemary Scalp Tonic – A simple rosemary hydrosol can work as a scalp mist. It’s lightweight and perfect for hair that needs a little growth boost without getting greasy.
💡 Rosemary Hair Rinse (JUST A DIY) – If you love herbal hair care like me, you’ll love this! A rosemary rinse (steeped like tea) can add shine, strengthen hair, and prevent premature graying. Just pour it over your hair after washing and leave it in no need to rinse it out!
Lavender
Ahhh, lavender..just saying the name makes me feel relaxed!
But did you know this calming herb isn’t just for stress relief and better sleep? As a formulator, I absolutely love using lavender in hair care, especially for anyone dealing with scalp irritation, dandruff, or hair fall caused by stress.
Lavender is like that gentle best friend your scalp needs. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties, which means it helps with everything from scalp itchiness to flakiness and even bacterial or fungal issues. If you or your customers have sensitive scalps that get irritated with synthetic ingredients, lavender is the perfect natural alternative!
And let’s not forget hair growth!
Lavender is known to increase blood circulation in the scalp, just like rosemary. More circulation = more nutrients to the hair follicles = healthier, stronger, and thicker hair. Plus, if stress is a trigger for hair fall (which it often is), lavender’s natural calming effects can actually help reduce that!
How I Love Using Lavender in Haircare Formulation
💡 Lavender-Infused Hair Oil – If you haven’t tried making an infused lavender oil, you’re missing out! I love infusing dried lavender buds in sweet almond oil or argan oil or any other carrier oil. It smells divine and makes for an ultra-soothing scalp treatment.
💡 Lavender Essential Oil in Shampoos & Conditioners – I always add 0.5–2% lavender essential oil to my hair formulations. It not only calms an inflamed scalp but also adds that beautiful, relaxing scent without the need for synthetic fragrances.
💡 Lavender Hair Mist – This is one of my go-to! A simple lavender hydrosol or lavender tea rinse works wonders as a leave-in scalp spray.
💡 Lavender & Aloe Vera Scalp Mask – If your scalp is inflamed or flaky, incorporating aloe vera gel, lavender essential oil, and chamomile extract into a soothing scalp mask. It’s hydrating, calming, and helps restore balance to the scalp microbiome.
Nettle
Let’s talk about one of my absolute powerhouse herbs for hair nettle! If you’ve never worked with it before, trust me, you’re missing out on a goldmine of hair-loving nutrients.
I first fell in love with nettle when I started experimenting with herbal infusions for hair growth. The more I researched, the more I realized that this humble, often-overlooked herb is packed with iron, silica, sulfur, and vitamins A, C, K, and B-complex literally a multivitamin for your hair! These nutrients help to strengthen hair follicles, prevent excessive shedding, and improve overall hair texture.
And guess what? Nettle isn’t just about hair strength it also helps balance oil production on the scalp. Whether you have an oily scalp that gets greasy too fast or a dry, flaky scalp that needs nourishment, nettle knows exactly what to do. It acts as an adaptogen, working with your scalp’s natural needs to create balance.
Oh, and one more thing if you’re struggling with dandruff or product buildup, nettle’s anti-inflammatory and astringent properties help keep your scalp clean and refreshed without stripping away natural oils.
How I Love Using Nettle in Haircare Formulation
💡 Nettle Hair Tea Rinse (A DIY)– This is one of the easiest (and most effective) ways to use nettle! I steep dried nettle leaves in hot water, let it cool, and use it as a final hair rinse after washing. It adds shine, strengthens roots, and helps with scalp health. Bonus: If you have dark hair, nettle can slightly deepen your natural color over time!
💡 Nettle-Infused Hair Oil – If you want a strengthening treatment, try infusing dried nettle in castor oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. This oil is incredible for scalp massages and works wonders for people dealing with hair fall or weak, brittle strands.
💡 Nettle Extract in Shampoos & Conditioners – I often add nettle extract (or nettle hydrosol) to my shampoo formulations. It helps regulate sebum production, making it perfect for both oily and dry scalps. If you want to create a balancing shampoo, nettle should definitely be in your ingredient list!
💡 Nettle Hair Mask – Incorporating nettle powder wiith aloe vera gel, fenugreek powder, and honey creates a deeply nourishing mask that strengthens hair from the root. I personally love using this on days when my hair feels extra weak or needs a boost of hydration.
Horsetail
If there’s one herb I absolutely swear by for strong, thick, and resilient hair, it’s horsetail. And no, I’m not talking about an actual horse’s tail (though wouldn’t that be interesting?). This ancient herb gets its name from its long, wispy strands, but the real magic is in what’s inside silica!
Silica is one of the most underrated minerals when it comes to hair health. It’s what helps build stronger, more elastic hair strands, reducing breakage and thinning. If your hair feels weak, brittle, or prone to split ends, incorporating horsetail into your formulations can make a noticeable difference. Plus, silica also helps boost collagen production, which is crucial for a healthy scalp and hair follicle strength.
But that’s not all horsetail is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it fantastic for scalp health. It increases blood circulation, ensuring that the hair follicles receive all the oxygen and nutrients they need to thrive.
Oh, and let’s not forget that horsetail is also a natural DHT blocker, meaning it helps prevent hormonal hair loss which is a game-changer for anyone experiencing thinning hair.
How I Love Using Horsetail in Haircare Formulation
💡 Horsetail-Infused Hair Oil – I love making a silica-rich infused oil by steeping dried horsetail in argan, jojoba, or sweet almond oil. This oil is fantastic for scalp massages to strengthen roots and promote thickness.
💡 Horsetail Extract in Shampoos & Conditioners – If you’re formulating a hair strengthening shampoo, adding horsetail extract (2–5%) is a great way to reinforce hair structure. It makes strands more resilient and less prone to damage.
💡 Horsetail Hair Tonic or Mist(DIY) – One of my favorite I brew horsetail tea, mix it with aloe vera juice and a few drops of rosemary essential oil, and use it as a leave-in scalp mist. This helps with scalp hydration, circulation, and hair follicle nourishment.
💡 Horsetail & Fenugreek Hair Mask – Mixing horsetail powder with fenugreek gel and coconut milk makes a deeply nourishing mask that adds thickness and shine while reducing hair fall. I swear by this for times when my hair feels thin or lifeless!
Chamomile
Let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite herbs for hair chamomile! If there’s one botanical that instantly makes hair feel soft, silky, and nourished, it’s this little golden flower.
Now, I know chamomile is often associated with calming teas and bedtime relaxation, but trust me this herb is just as amazing for your hair as it is for your stress levels! What I love most about chamomile is its ability to naturally brighten and enhance highlights, especially in blonde and light brown hair. It gives hair that sun-kissed, golden glow without the need for harsh chemical lighteners.
But here’s the thing chamomile isn’t just for color enhancement. It’s also a scalp-soothing, anti-inflammatory powerhouse! If you’re dealing with scalp irritation, itchiness, or even dandruff, chamomile works beautifully to calm inflammation, reduce redness, and balance the scalp’s pH. It’s gentle yet effective, making it perfect for sensitive scalps and dry hair types.
And let’s not forget that chamomile is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and apigenin, which help protect hair from environmental damage. So if you want hair that looks healthy, vibrant, and naturally glossy, chamomile is a must-have in your formulations!
How I Love Using Chamomile in Haircare Formulation
💡 Chamomile Hair Tea Rinse – One of the easiest ways to use chamomile! I steep dried chamomile flowers in hot water, let it cool, and pour it over my hair as a final rinse after shampooing. It enhances natural highlights, softens strands, and soothes the scalp.
💡 Chamomile-Infused Hair Oil – I love infusing chamomile flowers in jojoba or almond oil. This makes an ultra-gentle hair oil that conditions dry ends, nourishes the scalp, and adds a beautiful shine.
💡 Chamomile & Honey Brightening Hair Mask – If you want to naturally enhance blonde or light brown hair, mix chamomile tea with honey, aloe vera, and lemon juice. Apply this mask for 20–30 minutes before rinsing it’s an easy, chemical-free way to brighten hair!
💡 Chamomile Hydrosol in Leave-In Sprays – I love adding chamomile hydrosol or extract to leave-in conditioners or scalp mists. It hydrates, calms irritation, and gives hair a soft, silky feel. Perfect for sensitive scalps!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years as a formulator, it’s that nature always knows best especially when it comes to hair care! I’ve worked with countless ingredients, but nothing compares to the way herbs nourish the hair and scalp at the root level. They don’t just give you temporary results; they work deep within the hair follicles to strengthen, repair, and transform your hair over time.
Each of the herbs we talked about: Rosemary, Lavender, Nettle, Horsetail, and Chamomile has its own special way of supporting hair growth, scalp health, and overall vitality. And the best part? They’re gentle, safe, and effective without any of the synthetic additives that can strip or damage your hair in the long run.
I always say, if you’re formulating hair care products, herbs should be your secret weapon. Whether you’re making shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, oils, or leave-in sprays, these powerful botanicals add real benefits to your formulations helping with everything from thinning hair to frizz, dandruff, and lackluster strands.
And hey, if you’re not formulating but simply looking for ways to boost your hair health naturally, these herbs are easy to use at home too! Whether it’s a herbal hair rinse, an infused oil, or a DIY scalp tonic, adding herbs to your routine is a game-changer.
