Hair Care

From DIY Rose Water To Rose Water For Hair: Everything Roses Is Just In Here!

Is this the elixir your hair needed?


Written by Anasooya Thorakkattu

On Aug 2, 2023 – 11 minutes read

rose water for hair

You might have used rose water to freshen up your skin or to hydrate your body, but have you tried rose water for hair? Well, you might want to, after this read.

Rose water has been used for ages as a key ingredient in perfumes, foods, and skincare. While roses are one of the most adored flowers, rose water can be a natural fragrant liquid that has an all-around effect. The benefits are one too many to not talk about it.

You can drink it, spray it or apply it. It literally works for everything! 

Rose Water For Hair Growth

The Persian and Middle East traders have explored the benefits of rose water for hair right from the 7th century (1). From the first time, Avicenni produced rose water in the 10th century to this day when rose water replaced champagnes in the Bahrain Grand Prix wins, rose water has become a versatile genius on its own. 

Rose Water For Hair Growth

From a nutritional and medicinal angle, this guide will help you know about the different uses of rose water for hair, from scalp health to hair growth, and also any precautions you have to follow. 

And keep reading for a master class on making your own Rose Water at home!

What Is Rose Water?

Rose water is simply the distilled liquid from boiling rose petals in hot water. From food to cosmetics, today we use it as a key ingredient in toners, creams, flavors, fragrances, and a lot more. Rose water for hair acts as an anti-inflammatory cover and regulates the pH of your hair. While it also promotes hair growth and much more.

Some of the major constituents of rose water are:

  • Citronellol: It gives a distinctive floral scent and is responsible for its antiseptic properties.
  • Geraniol: It gives rose water the rose aroma along with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Linalool: Responsible for the therapeutic and calming effect of the mind.
  • Phenylethyl Alcohol: It gives the pleasant floral smell of rose water.
  • Farnesol: The woody scent of rose water which also carries antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Citral: The fragrance compound with a citrus-like scent with antibacterial properties especially good for skin care, among others.
  • Nerol: It has a rose-like scent and acts as a mild sedative.
  • Eugenol: It is responsible for the spicy aroma in rose water and has antiseptic and analgesic properties that act as an antioxidant as well.

Even though these compounds may sound very unfamiliar to us, it is these elements in the rose water that give it marvelous properties like hydration, moisturization, relaxation, and antibacterial, therapeutic, and aromatic effects.

How Does Rose Water Help Hair Growth?

Now, you might be wondering how rose water can help prevent your hair problems. It helps prevent a number of problems while nourishing your scalp and giving a pleasant aroma.

The right combination of haircare products with rose water can also work wonders. The Camille Rose Coconut water is a decadent formula in which the coconut water will help strengthen and soften your hair while the goodness of rose water will moisturize and retain its shine.

Benefits Of Rose Water For Hair

Rose water prevents:

  • Dry Hair
  • Frizziness
  • Dry Scalp
  • Dandruff
  • Hair Fall

It helps to reduce dandruff and oiliness while also containing anti-inflammatory properties that prevent extreme scalp conditions like eczema and psoriasis (2).

Rose water spray for hair usually contains some natural oils and other vitamins. They promote hair growth and moisturization. It nourishes and moisturizes dry hair and prevents hair fall. 

How does rose water help moisturize dry and damaged hair?

Pure rose water and rose water hair products contain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that nourish the hair and scalp, promoting overall hair health. Using aloe vera gel or coconut oil along with a teaspoon of rose water can help moisturize your dry and damaged locks.

How do I balance my scalp’s pH level?

Our scalp and hair ideally have to stay in the range of 4-4.5 pH, thus locking the cuticles with essential natural oils and preventing unwanted breakage. But when your scalp is itchy and has dandruff, it might be a little too alkaline and might need proper care with the right conditioner and shampoo. 

Using rose water-infused hair products such as the Pantene Rosewater conditioner or Camille Rose Coconut water conditioner will soothe and replenish hydration and pH levels in your hair.

How do I balance my scalp’s pH level?

In addition to all these benefits, it also helps in strengthening your hair follicles and reducing hair fall. Regular use can strengthen hair strands, making them less prone to breakage and split ends. 

While hair damage is willfully prevented with the rich antioxidant properties of rose water, protecting the hair from damage caused by any form of oxidation is also an inherent feature of it.

If your hair has dryness along with an itchy or irritated scalp, rose water’s anti-inflammatory properties can provide great relief. Because it soothes the scalp and reduces inflammation, allowing hair repair and moisture retention.

How To Use Rose Water For Hair?

Essentially rose water contains rose oil extracts in it which get condensed into the fragrant liquid. The story of how rose oil was separated from rose water under the hot sun when a canal was built around the wedding ground of King Akbar’s son is an interesting one. 

But whether rose oil or rose water, it is important to know how to use it correctly for the best results.

Steps:

  1. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and rinse it thoroughly
  2. Take a small amount of rose water in a spray bottle and dilute it with the same amount of distilled water. You can also use a readymade rose water spray.
  3. If you have dry and damaged hair, you may add two to three drops of almond oil, coconut oil, or tea tree oil based on your choice for added hydration and nourishment.
  4. Carefully section your hair into manageable portions.
  5. Spray the rose water solution onto your scalp and hair, making sure to cover all parts of the head. 
  6. Gently massage your hair with your fingertips for even distribution.
  7. Leave it in for twenty minutes to allow it to deeply nourish the hair shafts and moisturize your scalp.
  8. Wash and rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water and a conditioner of your choice.

Rose water is also available in scalp tonics and hair masks. Along with the goodness of the various essential ingredients in a hair mask, the changes seen with the addition of rose water for hair before and after are significant.

How long can you leave rose water in your hair?

This is mostly based on personal preference. Some leave it for almost 20-30 minutes in the hair after massaging the scalp. While others may leave it in throughout the day as a moisturizing conditioner. Based on your hair type and scalp condition, you can decide how long you wish to nurture your hair in this wonder potion.

If you have a sensitive scalp, it is best to limit the use to once a week. The same applies when you are using it for preventing dandruff and oily hair.

Rose water on Dry Hair

Rose water is beneficial for dry hair as it has

  • Hydrating Properties
  • Soothes the scalp
  • Maintains the pH of your hair
  • Enhance hair texture

Benefits Of Rose Water For Oily Hair

Since rose water for hair is mostly used along with some form of natural oils or conditioner, you might be wondering whether it was worth reading this article for oily-haired heads. But hear me out, rose water works its magic on oily heads as well.

Benefits Of Rose Water For Oily Hair

The key to using rose water for oily hair is to dilute it with equal portions of water, thus making a milder concentration. This can be sprayed onto the hair after washing your hair thoroughly with a good sulfate-free shampoo for oily hair.

You can either leave it on or rinse it off after 5-10 minutes. 

Now that we have covered the essentials, it’s time to learn to make some rose water on your own. Here is your master class!

How To Make Rose Water For Hair Growth?

Can You Make Your Own Rose Water? Yes, you can make your own rose water at home in a few simple steps.

  1. Collect fresh rose petals from organic roses. Try to make sure that your roses are locally sourced with high fragrance and preferably not hybrid varieties.
  2. Wash the rose petals with some water to clear any dirt or debris. Then place the rose petals in a pot and pour distilled water that is enough to cover the petals.
  3. Now place a heat-proof bowl or a suitable plate upside down in the center of the pot. This will help to collect condensing rose water.
  4. Place the pot inside in a cooker or cover the pot with a lid and boil the rose petals at a simmer for almost 30-60 minutes.
  5. Make sure to not let the water dry inside the pot. Add more distilled water if necessary.
  6. As the petal loses its color and the water begins to have a strong rose fragrance, remove the pot from heat.
  7. Carefully strain the rose water into a clean glass jar using a cheesecloth or sieve.
  8. After the rose water cools down completely, you can store it in the refrigerator and use it for up to one month. 

Your homemade DIY rose water is ready for use!

Things to Keep in Mind

Before trying out anything new on your skin you might want to be aware of potential risks. Your first concern will be about the side effects of rose water on hair. As rose water is a natural and gentle ingredient, it is completely fine to use it on a daily basis for your hair care.

But using low-quality rose water that is commercially available can have certain side effects as it uses preservatives and alcohol in its formulation for longer shelf life. This can be detrimental to your hair growth and moisture. It is best to use naturally made rose water for this purpose or a branded formula.

Due to the various constituents in rose water, some of you might have a slight form of allergies or side effects from using rose water for hair.

Precautions and Allergies

  • Before using rose water, do try out a patch test as some individuals may experience skin irritation.
  • Some people might have a reaction to rose water due to a particular or unknown sensitivity to the product like burning, stinging, redness, irritation, etc.

Top 3 Hair Care Products with Rose Water

tgin Rose Water Smoothing Leave-In Conditioner

Thank god its natural(tgin) smoothing leave-in natural conditioner is a rose water-infused product designed to provide lightweight moisture and maximum definition for curly and wavy hair. One of the best rose water for hair growth.

tgin Rose Water Smoothing Leave-In Conditioner

Price: $ 15.99 for 13 Fl oz

Features

  • It strengthens the hair.
  • With vitamins A, C, D, E, and B3
  • Anti-oxidants help in anti-aging of the scalp.
  • Help create frizz-free volume

Pantene Nutrient Blends Miracle Moisture Boost

The Pantene Nutrient Blends Miracle Moisture Boost Rose Water Petal Soft Hair Treatment is a complete hair care product with rose water from Rosa Gallica that grows in the Middle East and parts of Europe.

Pantene Nutrient Blends Miracle Moisture Boost

Price: $ 7.98 for 4.7 Fl oz

Features

  • Sulfate and paraben-free softening formula
  • Intense hydration for brittle strands
  • The floral fragrance of rose water

Carol’s daughter washed day delight micellar shampoo with rose water

Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight micellar shampoo is an all-in-one formula with rose water to form a gentle foam lather without harsh friction. It acts as a good cleanser.

Carol's daughter washed day delight micellar shampoo with rose wate

Price: $ 11.78 for 1.9 Fl oz

Features

  • Sulfate and Paraben free formula for softening
  • Vegan Formula
  • Does not strip hair and cleanses quickly

Conclusion

As beautiful as the roses in the garden, rose water too is an elixir that never fails to stand in different roles as a key ingredient and as a prime factor for many nutritional, medicinal, cosmetic, and therapeutic uses. As we discussed, the multitudinal qualities of rose water for hair only add more to the list.

Its natural properties make it suitable for all types of hair and can provide hydration, moisturization, and strengthen damaged hair. If your hair is looking for the most natural and simple formulas to maintain hair health and growth, rose water is the best choice for it.

The hair care brands mentioned above that use rose water in their products show how much the world has realized the potential and properties of this fragrant water. Making your own rose water and using it for your needs also essentially showcases how far it is a cost-effective option.

It is simply beauty and health at your fingertips.

FAQ’s

How do you mix rose water for hair?

You can mix rose water in different proportions based on how potent you want it to be. Generally, a 1:1 ratio of rose water and distilled water works well.

What are the results of rose water hair?

The hair that is continuously moisturized and nourished with rose water will have a smooth appearance and nourished scalp. It can also prevent dandruff and frizz due to its different cleansing properties. It helps to maintain strong and healthy hair.

How long does rose water last?

Typically your homemade rose water if refrigerated properly and kept away from sunlight can last for almost a month. Rose water that is commercially produced may usually contain some forms of preservatives like sodium benzoate, to increase shelf life.

Can I spray rose water on my hair every day?

As rose water is a naturally sourced fragrant liquid with simple constituents, it is completely fine to use it on a daily basis. However, using low-quality rose water in the market can be a bad choice as it may contain other chemicals in it.

Can rose water be used on all hair types?

Yes, rose water can be definitely used by all hair types short or long, straight or curly, and dry or oily hair. It is only the concentration and the application mode that differs in each type of hair. Other than that, it suits all types of hair.

  1. Rahane, Rahulkumar Damodhar, et al. "TOPIC: TO FORMULATE AND EVALUATE ANTI DANDRUFF HERBAL HAIR MASK."

    https://www.irjmets.com/uploadedfiles/paper/issue_6_june_2023/41840/final/fin_irjmets1686632145.pdf
  2. Mishra, Poornima, and Sashikant Maury. "THE REVIEW ON HERBAL HAIR MASK FOR THE PREVENTION OF DANDRUFF." (2022).

    https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/6be932c05223675930031c2aab378899.pdf

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Anasooya

Anasooya is a beauty and lifestyle writer always on the pulse of the latest trends and innovations in the beauty and hairstyling world. Her writing is aimed at helping women lead balanced and fulfilling lives.

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