Rose Water for Hair: Exploring its Benefits and Usage Tips
By Dr. Aastha Manchanda +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Aastha Manchanda
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Aastha Manchanda +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Aastha Manchanda
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
In the beauty realm, rose water is an old secret that has come to light again. For ages, people have used rose water for hair and skin care. In this blog, we’ll explore more about rose water’s extraction methods and variants, and explore its potential benefits for maintaining hair health, ensuring to cover different hair types. Additionally, we’ll discuss some expert suggested tips on how you can add it to your hair care routine effectively. We’ll also cover the other suggested uses of rose water in hair care and the potential risks to consider. Lastly, there’s a simple DIY rose water recipe for you.
For centuries, people have loved rose water for its lovely scent and amazing perks. People in Persia, India, and the Middle East used it in ancient times. It served as both a cure and beauty therapy. Even queen Cleopatra of Egypt and philosopher Avicenna of Persia valued it. Avicenna wrote about how to extract rose water in the 10th century.
Few interesting historical facts about rose water:
Rose water extraction involves two main methods: steam distillation and simmering. In the olden times, people would steam distill rose petals with water. In this method, the hot steam gets collected in a condenser and the needed oil gets separated from the cooled water, forming rose water. Another way to make rose water is to simmer fresh rose petals in distilled water until they lose their color. The petals are then strained out leaving behind rose water. Both methods help retain the useful qualities of rose petals.
Market-available rose water is mostly of two kinds: Food grade and cosmetic grade. Food-grade is used in food and drinks and has a strong scent. Cosmetic-grade rose water is made for topical use on hair and skin.
Keeping all hair care tools like hair brush and towels clean and hygienic is often ignored but is a crucial step in hair care routine.
Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
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Rose water is known for its rich hydrating and moisturizing qualities. When used on hair and scalp, it can help fight dryness and might soften the hair texture. The nourishing benefits of rose water may improve your overall hair and scalp health.
Your hair and scalp naturally have a slightly acidic pH level, about 5.5. This acidity helps keep the hair’s protective layer, the cuticle, healthy. Harsh cleansers or other factors can upset this balance, causing dry, damaged hair. Rose water has a pH similar to the hair’s natural environment. Thus, when used as a hair treatment, it can help balance the pH levels of your hair and scalp, potentially improving the hair health.
Rose water, besides being hydrating, also has essential vitamins like A, B3, C, and E. These vitamins have been found to nourish the scalp, stimulate hair follicles, and boost blood circulation, which may enhance the hair growth.
Studies have shown that rubbing rose water on your scalp can boost blood flow to the hair roots. This improved blood flow carries vital nutrients to the hair follicles, which can helps in promoting hair growth and restoring damaged hair cells.
Stress can cause hair loss. But, rose water, with its soothing scent, might help some individuals with relaxation, creating a healthier environment for hair growth.
Rose water can potentially help ease scalp issues. Its antiseptic property can help lessen dandruff caused by yeast build-up on the scalp
Rose water’s antimicrobial properties are useful when dealing with dandruff-causing yeast. By aiming at harmful microbes and keeping the scalp clean and hydrated, rose water potentially helps keep dandruff away. However, it’s always advisable that you get your scalp condition checked by a dermatologist before starting any new product for dandruff as sometimes it may signal a more serious disease like psoriasis.
Damaged hair strands can break, split, and lose luster. Studies have found that rosewater is nutrient-rich, containing antioxidants and several vitamins, which may help fostering hair cell repair and improving its texture.
The antioxidant qualities of rose water aid in combating with free radicals that can harm hair cells. At the same time, the vitamins in it can nourish and reinforce hair strands. This potentially improves the overall hair health and look.
Here are the various benefits of rose water for hair in brief:
| Benefit | Explanation |
| Moisturisation and hydration | Helps with hair dryness and maintains smooth, shiny hair |
| Balances pH levels | Ensures hair and scalp maintain a protective acidic layer |
| May stimulate hair growth | Provides essential vitamins for scalp nourishment and blood circulation |
| Can reduces hair loss | Alleviates stress levels with its calming scent |
| Potentially reduces dandruff and scalp irritation | Fights off bacteria and yeast with antibacterial properties |
| Can help repair damaged hair and improve texture | Antioxidants and vitamins support hair cell repair and strength |
Studies have suggested beneficial effects of rose water in promoting hair growth and maintaining healthy hair and scalp, however, more research is needed to confirm its full potential in humans.
Rose acts as a mild astringent to help reduce oiliness and dandruff, and you can apply it to both your hair and scalp to help reduce frizziness . It is rich in vitamins A, C, D, E and B3. These nutrients are essential to keep skin, hair healthy.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka – MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
Also Read: Hair Oil for Growth: Expert Insights and Proven Methods
Rose water potentially offers many benefits for different hair types. These include dry hair, oily hair, hair colored with dyes, and natural hair.
If you have dry hair, rose water can be your savior! Its hydrating properties aid in keeping your hair and scalp moisturized which might help with dryness and brittleness.
There’s yet another benefit of rose water that often goes unnoticed. It’s mildly astringent, and this quality may aid in managing scalp oil production. By keeping a check on the sebum levels, rose water may help reduce greasiness. It might also stop build-up that could lead to more hair issues.
Dye-colored hair needs extra care to avoid damage and keep the color fresh. Rose water, with its hydrating powers, can prove to be a great choice for moistening chemically treated tresses. Thus, your colored hair can potentially stay in great shape with rose water
Natural hair can sometimes be dry and frizzy, and challenge to keep well-hydrated. Adding rose water to your natural hair care routine may help solve these problems. It can provide the needed hydration and foster overall hair health.
A hair expert can guide you best about the most suitable products for your particular hair type.
If you intend to buy rose water, choose one without added preservatives like ethanol. Or else you can make your own rose water at home! You can add rose water to your hair care routine in the following ways:
Rose water sprays are an easy way to apply it directly to your hair and scalp. They also serve as good hair mist that you can use all day to refresh and moisturize.
You may include rose water in your favorite hair mask recipes to give them an upgrade. Blend it with natural ingredients like honey, yogurt, or aloe vera to make a nourishing, hydrating hair mask.
You can add rose water to your normal conditioner for bonus moisture and a wonderful rose smell. Alternatively, you may use it as a leave-in conditioner, or just rinse your hair with it after shampooing.
Rose water can also be mixed with nourishing oils like coconut or almond oil to promote better hair health. You can massage this mixture into your scalp and rinse it out thoroughly after 30 minutes for the best effect.
Ideally, you should use rose water two to three times a week. Overdoing can upset the scalp pH balance and have contrary effects.
Before using rose water, conduct a patch test to check for possible allergies or sensitivity to rose petals. If you have severe scalp conditions like dandruff or psoriasis, consult a healthcare provider before starting to use rose water in your hair care routine.
Here’s a brief description of how you can use rose water for hair:
| Method | Usage Recommendations |
| Sprays | Apply to hair and scalp or use as refreshing mists throughout the day |
| Hair masks | Mix with natural ingredients for a hydrating, nourishing treatment |
| Conditioner | Add to your regular conditioner or use as a leave-in or hair rinse |
| Hair oils | Combine with nourishing oils for added strength, protection, and hydration |
You may also consider using small quantities of rose water to soothe and relieve your skin from any irritants and use it as an effective hydrating agent.
Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Also Read: Hot Oil Treatment for Hair: A Comprehensive Guide Based on Experts’ Advice
Making your own rose water at home is easy. You just need rose petals with a good smell, distilled water, a big pot, a strainer, and glass jars to store your final product.
Follow these simple steps to make rose water at home:
To extend the life of your homemade rose water, store it in a sealed container or spray bottle. Keep it in a cool, dark place or chill it to keep it fresh.
Give yourself a soothing, nourishing scalp massage using a mix of rose water and a carrier oil like jojoba or olive oil. Doing this massage at least once a week can help improve circulation, and potentially leads to healthier hair.
You may add rose water to your hair care treatments that already contain natural ingredients like honey, apple cider vinegar, or yogurt. This way, you can enjoy the combined benefits for your hair and scalp.
If you love the smell of roses, make a rose water hair mist. You can spritz it on your hair during the day. Besides leaving your hair with a lovely scent, the mist may also add extra hydration and revitalize your locks.
While rose water is usually safe for most people, those who are allergic to roses or other flowers should not use it. Consult your healthcare provider if you have severe dandruff, eczema, or psoriasis before you start using rose water for your hair.
Choose rose water that does not contain added preservatives like ethanol. This will ensure you get a product that’s natural and gentle for your hair and scalp.
Before you start using rose water on your hair and scalp, do a patch test to ensure it will not cause any bad reactions.
Here’s a quick look at some things you should consider before using rose water:
| Consideration | Action |
| Precautions | Consult a healthcare provider for severe scalp conditions |
| Choosing the right type | Opt for rose water free of added preservatives |
| Allergic reaction tests | Conduct a patch test before applying to hair and scalp |
You can go ahead and try out the age-old beauty secret that is rose water for better hair and scalp health. With its moisturizing, pH-balancing, and other properties that potentially benefit hair health, rose water may contribute greatly to the overall wellness of various hair types and situations. You can easily add it to your hair care routine or make your own rose water at home. Rose water can be the gift your hair and scalp need for their care.
Yes, rose water is suitable for almost all hair types and textures, providing benefits ranging from moisturisation to scalp health improvement. A hair expert can guide you best about the most suitable products for your particular hair type.
By promoting a healthy scalp environment, rose water may be beneficial for hair loss. However, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on managing hair fall.
If you have a known allergy to roses or flowers, you should avoid using rose water, as it may cause irritation or an allergic reaction. It’s always best to test a small patch of skin first before applying rose water to your entire scalp and hair.
Experts recommend using rose water 2-3 times per week. Overusing it can disrupt the scalp’s pH balance and cause negative effects.
Yes, you can use store-bought rose water for hair care, but opt for a pure, high-quality product without synthetic ingredients or added preservatives for the best results.
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