You might not think of using rosewater for your hair, but the fragrant liquid is a effective multitasker: it hydrates dry hair, soothes the scalp, and adds shine. Get the benefits of rosewater for hair growth along with scenting your strands with this easy hair perfume you can use to refresh and hydrate your locks throughout the day.
Rose is one of my favorite floral scents. It's very calming and using it on your skin and hair can help you relax [source], most likely thanks to the fragrance, which has been shown to positively affect stress-related skin disorders [source].
This recipe was inspired by this deodorant spray that's become one of my favorite fragrances! Scenting your hair with rosewater and essential oils not only smells amazing but it can also help with stress-induced hair issues [source].
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Ingredients
Rosewater — Rosewater reduces breakage, moisturizes your hair, as well as:
- Cleanses the scalp: Rosewater is a mild astringent that can help clean your scalp by drying up excess oil that leads to itchiness, dandruff, and oiliness.
- Soothes the 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.
- Nourishes the 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.
- Softens 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.
- Calms 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.
Argan oil — The oil acts as a moisturizer for your hair, which softens the cuticles and gives your hair protection against split ends and breakage.
Lavender essential oil — Lavender oil not only improves the smell of the mixture, it can also boost hair growth [source].
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
In a bowl, mix your rosewater with the argan oil.
Add the lavender essential oil drops and mix.
Add the mixture to a spray bottle and shake to combine everything.
Spritz dry hair lightly to give it a tad bit of moisture and scent without making it soaking wet.
Hint: You can also add the rosewater spray to your shampoo or conditioner, or simply rinse your hair with it.
Substitutions
Make your own rosewater — You can make your own rosewater if you have extra blooms on hand. Only use organic roses to ensure your rosewater is free of chemicals.
Buying rosewater — But if you don't want to DIY, you can buy rosewater. Look for one that's free of alcohol, sulfur, ethanol, and paraben and make sure it's actually rose hydrosol and not rose essential oil diluted in water.
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.
Variations
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. Make your perfume spray with an essential oil for hair growth to boost scalp blood circulation, creating the best conditions for hair growth.
After shampooing, towel dry your hair using a microfiber towel. Then spray your roots with rosewater and finger comb it down through the ends.
For Dandruff + Oiliness — When used on your scalp, rosewater can not only prevent dandruff and manage oiliness, but it can also nourish your skin and hair follicles. Spritz onto the roots of your hair before shampooing. Massage into the scalp for 2–3 minutes. Let it sit for 30 minutes or even wear it overnight. Then rinse and wash as usual.
For Dry Hair — One of the best things about rosewater is that it works great for dry hair. For a more conditioning perfume spray, replace the argan oil with 1 tablespoon of fractionated coconut oil.
Spritz your hair or just pour it over your strands in the shower. Wrap your head in a warm towel and leave it on for a few hours or overnight. Wash your hair afterward for deep hydration.
For Tangles: Dilute ½ cup of rosewater with ¼ cup of filtered water and 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel in a spray bottle and use it as a natural hair detangler. Spray it onto knots and tangles, then gently comb through your hair.
For Frizz: Mix rosewater with coconut oil and aloe vera to make a spray that tames frizz and adds shine. Use on damp or dry hair.
Usage
Rosewater is ideal for all hair types—it moisturizes dry hair, maintains curly hair, and manages an oily scalp. Apply the perfume spray to your hair in different ways, such as:
—To scent your hair, apply a small amount of rosewater spray to your palms and gently run your hands through your hair to give it a natural fragrance.
—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. It can provide a cooling and soothing effect, especially if you're dealing with an itchy or irritated scalp.
—Add rosewater to your conditioner and shampoo.
—Use it to rinse your hair after shampooing. 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.
Storage
If you make rosewater at home by distillation, you can use it for up to 6 months—as long as you store it in a sealed glass container in the fridge.
Store bought rosewater will last indefinitely and doesn't require refrigeration.
Top tip
Spritz the ends of your hair to refresh and add scent throughout the day. Apply to your scalp before washing to balance the pH levels and soothe any scalp irritation.
FAQ
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.
Rosewater can be applied to your hair every day. You can also use it to rinse or condition whenever you wash your hair.
Your rosewater can be left in your hair overnight without any problems. If you want, you can also rinse it after use.
You can safely mix coconut oil and rosewater. Coconut oil can help moisturize the scalp and hair, especially when used together with rosewater.
Rosewater is a light astringent so keep an oil or other hydrating ingredient like glycerin if you want to add moisture.
Rosewater can soothe the scalp, so you might try it with tea tree for flakes and itchiness.
Hair care
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Beauty Ingredients
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Rosewater Hair Perfume
Materials
- 1-2 teaspoon argan oil
- ½ cup rosewater
- 10-12 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix your rosewater with the argan oil.
- Add the lavender essential oil drops and mix.
- 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.
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