The Miracle Benefits of Rosewater for Hair Growth + Shine

[SunKat]

BY STEPHANIE GERBER · MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY:  DR. GINA MARIA JANSHESKI, M.D., FAAP, 

Rosewater is a popular ingredient in skincare, but you might not think of using it for your hair. Because it is made through the distillation or boiling of rose petals, the liquid can work as a natural perfume, soothe your scalp, and make your hair look shiny. Let’s take a look at the benefits of rosewater for hair growth and some recipes that will help you take full advantage of this ingredient. 

6 Benefits of Rosewater for Hair

Clean scalp: Rosewater is a mild astringent that can help clean your scalp by drying up excess oil that leads to itchiness, dandruff, and oiliness. Soothe scalp: Rose petals are also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial [source]. So they can soothe the skin on your head and provide comfort for any rough patches or irritation on your scalp.  Nourish scalp: Extracts from rose petals are a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron [source], which have been shown to play a role in the development of hair follicles [source]. Thus, using rose water on your hair can provide nutrients that help your hair grow while also making it stronger and reducing breakage and falling.  Soften hair: If your hair is dry, rose water can help soften the cuticle, which reduces breakage [source]. It has moisturizing properties, so you can leave it on your dry hair and see how it improves hydration. Calm frizz: Much like it softens hair, rose water de-frizzes hair and adds shine. It works even better when followed by an oil application to seal in the conditioning. Smells amazing: Rose has a very calming scent and using it on your hair can help you relax [source], most likely thanks to the fragrance, which has been shown to positively affect stress-related skin disorders [source]. In return, this may reduce stress and ensure your hair won’t suffer due to prolonged stress [source].

How to Make Rosewater

You can make your own rosewater if you have extra blooms on hand. But if you don’t want to DIY, look for rosewater with no added alcohol. And check to make sure it’s actually rose hydrosol and not rose essential oil diluted in water.

Ingredients

—Rose buds or dried rose petals —2 cups of distilled water

Instructions

1. Add the flowers or dried rose petals to a pot and cover them with distilled water. 2. Bring to a boil, then let it sit and simmer for 20 minutes.  3. Remove the flowers and let the water cool.  4. Store it in an airtight glass container in a cool place. 

How to Use Rosewater for Your Hair

Rosewater can be applied to your hair in different ways, such as: —Apply it on your scalp using a spray bottle or cotton swabs. This is a great way to gently massage it into the skin and reduce itching and dandruff. Afterward, you can simply shampoo and rinse.  —Add rosewater to your conditioner and shampoo.  —Use it to rinse your hair after shampooing it. You can also use it as a rinse following a shampooing and conditioning ritual. Then, you can either rinse it after a few hours or simply leave it in your hair.  —Pour it into a spray bottle, then spray it onto your hair to give it a nice scent and reduce frizz. Try the recipe below!

Ways To Use Rosewater in Hair Recipes

Rosewater can be used in different ways for your hair, depending on what you are trying to accomplish. Here are some of the best ways you can take advantage of this ingredient:

1. De-frizz with Rosewater Hair Perfume

Why not give your hair a nice fragrance with rosewater and lavender? The combination soothes any scalp inflammation while softening and adding shine.

Ingredients

—1–2 teaspoons pure cold-pressed argan oil (start small and add more if your hair needs it) —10–12 drops lavender essential oil —1/2 cup organic rosewater

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix your rosewater with the argan oil. 2. Add the lavender essential oil drops and mix.  3. Add the mixture to a spray bottle and spritz dry hair lightly to give it a tad bit of moisture without making it soaking wet. Or add it to your shampoo or conditioner, or simply rinse your hair with it. 

Why It Benefits Your Hair

Rosewater reduces breakage and moisturizes your hair. Similarly, argan oil acts as a moisturizer for your hair, which softens the cuticles and gives your hair protection against split ends and breakage.  Lavender oil not only improves the smell of the mixture, it can also boost hair growth [source]. 

Rosewater for Hair Growth

Many people use rosewater to make their hair grow back faster and stronger. Indeed, rosewater can nourish hair follicles and promote hair growth.

2. Pre-Shampoo Rosewater Scalp Mask

When used on your scalp, rosewater can not only prevent dandruff and manage oiliness, but it can also nourish your skin and hair follicles.  Ingredients —1/2 cup organic rosewater —1/2 cup filtered water —1 tablespoon almond oil —Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Combine rosewater and almond oil in a spray bottle and spritz onto the roots of your hair. 2. Massage into the scalp for 2–3 minutes. Let it sit for 30 minutes or even wear it overnight. 3. Then rinse and wash as usual.

Why It Benefits Your Hair

Rosewater can soothe your scalp and provide it with vitamins, keeping it healthy. Its antimicrobial properties are helpful for dealing with dandruff, and it hydrates dry skin. Meanwhile, besides its emollient properties, almond oil can improve itching [source] from scalp irritation.

3. Rosewater Leave-in Conditioner

Ingredients

—10–12 drops of an essential oil for hair —1/2 cup organic rosewater —1/2 cup filtered water

Instructions

1. Combine rosewater, filtered water, and your essential oil in a spray bottle. 2. After shampooing, towel dry your hair using a microfiber towel. Then spray your roots with rosewater and finger comb it down through the ends. 3. You can follow by applying a small amount of a hair conditioning oil just to seal the strands and lock in the moisture.

Why It Works for Hair

The rosewater conditions, detangles, and softens hair, which results in less breakage and fuller hair. Using an essential oil for hair growth boosts scalp blood circulation, creating the best conditions for hair growth. 

Rosewater for Dry Hair

One of the best things about rosewater is that it works great for dry hair. It can moisturize your hair and scalp and keep your locks hydrated for a longer time.

4. Coconut Rose Hair Mask

Next time you do a hot oil treatment for your hair, add in rosewater for its softening and scalp-soothing properties.

Ingredients

—1/2 cup organic rosewater —1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil

Instructions

1. Add the rosewater and coconut oil to a bowl.  2. Stir until the ingredients are fully mixed.  3. Warm slightly in the microwave. 4. Add the mixture to glass containers and store it in a cool place until use.  5. Apply it onto your hair with a spray bottle, or just pour it over your strands in the shower. 6. Wrap your head in a warm towel and let your hair dry. You can leave it on overnight, then shampoo it out in the morning.

Why It Benefits Your Hair

Rosewater has great hydrating properties for your hair. Similarly, coconut oil is packed with fatty acids [source] that are very nourishing and can moisturize the hair, reducing dryness. 

Considerations When Buying or Making Rosewater

Here are some things to consider when buying rosewater or making it to get the best results: —If you want the ingredient to last for an extended period, store-bought rosewater is a better option, as it has a longer shelf life than homemade.  —When buying rosewater, make sure it is free of alcohol, sulfur, ethanol, and paraben. They can all be harmful to your skin, especially when used in excess.  —When you make your rosewater at home, make sure to buy organic roses only. This ensures your rosewater will be free of chemicals.  —Before using any type of rosewater, do a small patch test. It helps you discover if you’ll have a negative reaction to the mixture. 

Rosewater for Hair FAQs

Can you use rosewater on all hair types?

Rosewater is ideal for all hair types and can benefit them in multiple ways. It can moisturize dry hair, maintain curly hair, and manage an oily scalp.

Can you use rosewater for hair growth?

Rosewater is great for hair growth. Thanks to its vitamins, minerals, and its relaxing scent, it can keep your hair healthy and help it grow faster.

How long does rosewater last?

If you make rosewater at home by distillation, you can take advantage of it for up to 6 months—as long as you store it in a sealed glass container in the fridge.

How often should rosewater be applied to your hair?

Rosewater can be applied to your hair every day. Masks can be done 2 to 3 times a week. You can also use it whenever you wash your hair.

How long can you leave rosewater in your hair?

Your rosewater can be left in your hair overnight without any problems. If you want, you can also rinse it after use.

What are the side effects of putting rosewater on your hair?

Rosewater is safe for the most part. However, people who are allergic to rose petals may experience itching, redness, or burning.

Can I mix rosewater with coconut oil for my hair?

You can safely mix coconut oil and rosewater if you want to see better effects on your hair. Coconut oil can help moisturize the scalp and hair, especially when used together with rosewater.

Can you use rosewater without glycerin?

Rosewater is a light astringent and can cause some dryness so definitely keep the glycerin if you want to add moisture.

Can rose water help with dandruff and itchiness?

Rosewater can soothe the scalp, but you might try tea tree for flakes and itchiness.

 

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