Rose Water for Hair: Can It Help With Hair Growth?

Rose water has been used for generations as a fragrant mist in perfumes or even in different types of food. One great benefit of rose water is that it’s very versatile and can also be used for hair. It can indirectly aid in hair growth, as it contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

What is rose water?

Rose water is a fragrant liquid made by distilling rose petals with water. It has been used for centuries in various cultures for culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes. Rose water has numerous cosmetic and medicinal applications. It is often used as a natural toner or hair tincture, helping to balance and hydrate the skin's pH levels. Rose water is believed to have soothing properties and can be used to calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

How is rose water made?

Rose water is traditionally made through a process called steam distillation, which involves extracting essential oils and aromatic compounds from rose petals using steam from hot water. Traditional methods of making rose water can be time-consuming, and commercial production often involves more efficient and larger-scale distillation equipment. When selecting rose water, it's important to look for high-quality brands that take the proper care and time to distill the rose water effectively.

Benefits of rose water for your hair

Thanks to its natural properties, rose water offers several potential benefits for your hair.

• Provides hydration. Rose water has excellent hydrating properties, which can help moisturize dry and brittle hair. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals with dry scalp or hair that is prone to frizz and breakage.
• Soothes scalp irritation. A number of studies show that rose water has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful for calming irritated scalps. It can alleviate itchiness, redness, and inflammation caused by conditions like dandruff or eczema.
• Controls dandruff. One study found that rose water could be applied to the scalp to prevent and manage dandruff. This is because of the antimicrobial properties in the rose water.
• Nourishes. The natural vitamins and minerals found in rose water can nourish the hair follicles and promote healthier hair growth. This may result in stronger, shinier, and more voluminous hair.
• Controls oily scalp. Rose water has a slightly acidic pH (5.0), which can help balance the pH of the scalp and hair. Maintaining the proper pH level can improve hair health and reduce issues like dryness and excessive oiliness.

Can rose water help with hair growth?

While rose water can be beneficial for hair health, limited scientific evidence supports the claim that it directly promotes hair growth. Hair growth is primarily influenced by genetics, hormonal balance, diet, and overall scalp health.

However, some of the properties of rose water may indirectly contribute to a healthier scalp and hair, creating a more favorable environment for hair growth. Rose water can contribute to a healthier, nourished scalp because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

How to make rose water yourself

Making rose water at home is a simple and rewarding process.

1. Gently rinse rose petals with water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Fill one-third of a pot with distilled or filtered water.
3. Add the fresh rose petals to the water in the pot. The petals should float on the surface of the water, but not be completely submerged.
4. Cover with a lid and simmer on medium heat for 30 minutes. The steam that rises from the water will heat the petals.
5. Strain the water into a cool bowl and discard the rose petals.
6. Once cool, the rose water can be put into sealed containers or spray bottles.

How long can you use DIY rose water?

The shelf life of homemade rose water can vary depending on factors like the method of preparation and storage conditions. Homemade rose water is generally more perishable than commercially produced versions. However, you can extend its shelf life and maintain its quality with proper storage. In general, when stored correctly, homemade rose water can last for about 1 to 2 weeks.

Where to store rose water

Since homemade rose water does not contain any artificial preservatives, store rose water in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. It’s also a good idea to store homemade rose water in a tightly sealed container or jar, with no contamination from outside sources. Consider making rose water in small batches to avoid having to discard large batches.

How to use rose water in your hair

Here are a few ways you can incorporate rose water into your hair care routine and help promote healthy hair and potentially help with hair growth.

• Hair rinse. After shampooing, rinse your hair with a mixture of rose water and water. This can add shine and hydration to your hair and be done daily if required.
• Massage treatment. Apply rose water directly to your scalp to alleviate irritation and inflammation. This can be massaged into the scalp for a deep and soothing treatment.
• Leave-in conditioner. Mix rose water with aloe vera gel or a few drops of a nourishing oil (e.g., argan oil) and apply it to the lengths of your hair as a leave-in conditioner or overnight treatment.
• Hair mist. Transfer rose water into a spray bottle and use it as a hair mist throughout the day to refresh and hydrate your hair. This is easy to take along on trips, too.

Best hair types to use rose water on

Rose water can be beneficial for various hair types, but may be particularly helpful for certain hair concerns. Those with dry, damaged hair may find rose water helps to tame frizz and give the hair a healthy, shiny look.

Those with oily hair could find rose water helps reduce oil production in the scalp. Its mildly acidic properties can help balance the scalp's pH, which may indirectly improve the appearance of oily hair. Lastly, those with fine hair may notice rose water is lightweight and won't weigh down the hair, making it a suitable option for those with this hair type.

Adverse effects of rose water on hair

Rose water is generally safe for most people when used topically. It is a natural product with limited side effects. However, some individuals may experience mild allergic reactions or sensitivities, as with any cosmetic or natural product. It’s also important to note that rose water may irritate the eyes or open wounds.

Overall, the majority of people can use rose water without experiencing any adverse effects. However, it's essential to be cautious, especially if you have a history of allergies or sensitivities.

To minimize the risk of side effects, follow these precautions:

• Always use high-quality rose water from a reputable source.
• Do a patch test before using rose water on a larger area of the skin.
• Avoid using rose water near the eyes or any open wounds.

Rose water is a great addition to any hair care routine. Although it is not proven to help grow hair, several benefits can indirectly help stimulate hair growth. Rose water is easy to make and store and has a very pleasant fragrance. It can be easily added to a number of different hair care products or put into spray bottles for easy access on the go.