Rose water is a by-product of the production of rose oil. Rose water has always found its way in the cosmetic industry. For example, it is often an ingredient in cosmetics, perfumes, but also medication preparations.
Even in ancient times, rose water was a source of perfume. Nowadays, we also see more and more rose water used in its natural form. Today, for example, we will talk about how to use rose water for hair.
Chapter Overview
Benefits of rose water for hair
You are probably wondering, why use rose water for hair on its own? You can get the benefits by using a product with rose water in it.
Well, the difference is that rose water on its own does not contain any chemical ingredients. And you can even make your own rose water, more on that later on. Here are the reasons why you want to apply rose water on your hair.
Controls oiliness on your scalp
Some people have extra active sebaceous glands, and that results in excess oil. When your sebaceous glands produce extra oil, it makes your hair feel and look greasy.
Rose water has a pH value that is suitable for the nourishment of the hair but also reduces the production of oil.
Reduce dryness
Any liquid solution you apply on your hair usually improves moisture and reduces dryness. But rose water is special, as it is one of the best natural remedies for dry skin and dry hair.
Moisturize your scalp naturally to get rid of dry, damaged hair, frizzy hair, and more. All you need is some rose water.
Repair hair damage
Not only it prevents hair damage by providing moisture, rose water also repairs hair damage. If you use blow dryer, straightener, or hair curler on a constant basis, you might want to turn your attention to rose water.
It is normal to have damaged hair if you use hair products and devices frequently. You can massage some rose water into your scalp to increase circulation and rejuvenate hair follicles. The result is your hair looks healthy and shiny again.
Improve hair growth
Rose water is not your usual water. There are many vitamins and minerals in rose water that stimulate hair growth, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin B3.
Reduce dandruff
If you have dandruff, you know how challenging and irritating it can be. It is not easy to get rid of dandruff. But rose water might be your best treatment.
You just need to soak some fenugreek seeds in rose water, grind into paste, and apply to the scalp. Say goodbye to dandruff quickly afterward.
Condition your hair
We mentioned that rose water can add moisture to your hair. But it also conditions your hair. Rose water rinse is perfect when you use too much shampoo.
If your hair is crunchy and dry after washing with shampoo, just rinse it afterward with rose water. It is that simple. A cup of rose water as a final rinse will be more than enough to restore shine to your hair.
Fight off infections
Dandruff is essentially a scalp infection. And rose water helps by providing anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Using rose water for hair on a regular basis will keep infections at bay. Just add rose water to your shampoo or conditioner. Or if nothing else, rinse your hair with rose water every now and then.
Improves scalp health
All of the benefits of rose water for hair work toward a common goal, and that is to improve scalp health. Rose water increases blood circulation in the scalp, fights off infection, prevents dryness, and much more. The result is your overall scalp health is much better.
Rose Water Hair Masks
Glycerin and rose water
This is the most common rose water hair mask. Designed to cure dry hair, it provides extra moisture. Glycerin is known to help with dryness, as it helps lock moisture in.
To prepare this mask, you will need 90ml of rose water, half a teaspoon vegetable glycerin, 5ml almond oil, 3ml aloe vera, 3 drops of lavender essential oil. Everything but the rose water and glycerin is optional. Pour all of the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake before usage.
Apply the mixture onto your hair, and massage it on the scalp and hair. Let the solution stay for 30 minutes. Rinse off with a gentle shampoo. You can also replace any of the optional ingredients with other carrier oils like Argan oil, jojoba oil, or sunflower oil.
Hair spritz
The same glycerin and rose water solution you use for damaged hair, can be used as hair spritz for styling and adding moisture.
Just spray it on your hair, and let it be. It will make your hair silky and shiny. Use the hair spritz when you want to detangle your hair.
Rose water for damaged hair
Rose water on its own helps with damaged hair. We mentioned that before. But if you have a more severe condition, you can make a more potent solution.
In this case, that means jojoba oil and vitamin E. The latter helps rejuvenate your hair, and provides nourishment.
Mix 1 cup of rose water, few drops of jojoba oil, and one capsule of vitamin E. Wet your hair, and then apply the solution. Massage for 10 minutes, and then wash with shampoo as usual.
Castile soap shampoo
If you need shampoo that will nourish your hair, turn your attention toward castile soap. Made with olive oil, castile soap is perfect for adding moisture and nourishment to your hair.
For this solution, mix half a cup of rose water, half a cup of beer, and 5 drops of rose essential oil. After you mix them well, add castile soap and stir.
Use to soothe your scalp and nourish your hair as a shampoo.
Vinegar and rose water hair mask
This homemade shampoo provides your hair with protein and acids that improve the strength of the hair strands. Start by whisking three eggs, and then add half a cup of rose water.
Apply to the hair, and let it stay there for 30 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water, and then rinse with white vinegar for maximum benefits.
Simple rose water rinse
If you do not have time to add a rose water mask or make a rose water shampoo, just do a rose water rinse. In most cases, it will be enough to reap the benefits.
After washing your hair with your regular shampoo, just take one cup of rose water and use it as a final rinse. Do not rinse out.
How to prepare rose water at home
If you want to be 100% sure that you are not putting any chemicals on your hair, you can always prepare rose water at home. That way, you know exactly what goes into the solution.
To prepare rose water at home, you need consumable rose petals. Do not get the ones that florists offer. Wash the consumable rose petals, and then boil them in clean water. You can use distilled water as well. Once the petals turn white, and the water retains the flower color, remove from heat.
Cool down, and then refrigerate. You can use the homemade rose water at any time.
Precautions before usage
Rose water is considered safe for use on your skin and hair. There are no potential side effects or harm. However, you have to be careful of allergies. Some people can be allergic to rose water, and it is best to test it for allergies before usage.
There are also other precautions you can take to ensure your rose water is safe:
- Always buy authentic rose water made using steam distillation
- Look for rose water that is free of parabens, toxins, and sulfur
- Do not use rose water after expiration date
- Bear in mind pure rose water has a shorter shelf life than laboratory produced water