Rose water has been used for so many things over the years, having a number of different benefits. It is used to relieve headaches, soothe sore throats, enhance the mood, and for achieving a glowing skin. Research has also shown that it is a great addition to any hair care routine, being that rosewater has a similar PH level as that of human hair.
A mild astringent that helps to reduce oiliness and dandruff, also having anti-inflammatory properties, it is thus beneficial for treating certain scalp conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. It naturally conditions and moisturises hair because it is rich in vitamins C, D, A, B3, and E and flavonoids. The sugars in the rose petals also add to the calming effects of rose water.
A brief history of rose water
It is said that rose, rose oil, and rose water were first cultivated and produced thousands of years ago in ancient Persia. It is said that the first batch of rose water was made by Avicenna, a 10th century Persian alchemist and physician.
Rose water is made when rose petals is distilled with boiling or steam water, and the kind of rose used for this is usually the most fragrant rose varietals. Any of these three will do - cabbage rose, damask rose, and wild rose (also called dog rose).
So how exactly does rose water benefit your hair?
Adding rose water to your beauty regiment will nurture your hair and leave you with shiny, thick tresses, as rose water helps to stabilise hair’s pH balance because it has a pH is similar to that of hair. It is also said to repair hair’s damaged porosity, and acts as an anti-inflammatory,
Here are the ways that rose water packs benefits for your hair:
It makes your scalp less oily: Some people have very active sebaceous glands, and this leads to an excessive generation of oil that makes the hair and head feel greasy. The PH of rose water reduces the generation of oil and nourishes the scalp in the process. This is because rose water is a mild astringent that helps to constrict the body’s tissues.
It reduces hair dryness: People with dry, frizzy hair know they need to moisturise their scalp often, and one of the best ways to do this is to use rose water. It will soothe the effects of pollution and heat and rehydrate your scalp so that you hair becomes a thing of joy to nurture rather than be unmanageable.
It repairs hair damage: Straightening, curling or blow drying hair very often causes dry, damaged hair, with such hair losing its strength and natural lustre. When you use rose water to massage your scalp, it increases blood circulation and this invigorates the follicles of your scalp.
It improves hair growth: Due to a high content of vitamins E, C, B3 and A, rose water nourishes the scalp and thus promotes hair growth.
It reduces dandruff: One of the most natural ways of getting rid of dandruff is to use rose water. All you need to do is to soak methi (fenugreek seeds ) in rose water for between four and five hours and grind it into a paste afterward. Apply this to your scalp and leave it on for 15-20 minutes, after which you wash this off with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.
It softens hair: Some people experience brittle and dry hair when they use regular water to wash their hair because of the water’s calcium content. This happens especially in areas where the water is hard. Distilled rosewater may help such people to have softer and fuller hair.
It reduces frizz and adds shine: Most people with curly hair can testify of how rosewater helps to calm down their frizzy hair and add shine to their locks.
It hydrates: Rose water hydrates and moisturises, making a great choice for both your hair and your skin.
How to use rose water
As part of your shampoo routine: To do this, just dilute your shampoo with rose water and wash your hair the same way you usually do.
Once you are done shampooing: Once you are done shampooing, you can rinse off the shampoo with rose water and leave this in. This leaves the hair lovely and shiny, not to mention that it leaves your hair with a very delicate and pleasing smell.
As a daily moisturiser: Pour some rose water into a water bottle and spritz your hair as and when needed.
Directly to your scalp: If you suffer from a dry itchy scalp, why not use rose water to reduce any itching and swelling that you might be experiencing by applying the rose water to some cotton wool and applying this directly to your scalp.
You can buy or you can make
You have the choice of buying rose water ready-made or making it yourself. If you are buying, make sure that you buy rose water that doesn’t contain added preservatives, such as ethanol.
If you choose to make rose water at home, begin with maybe six fragrant roses. Choose scent over colour or size. You will also need distilled water.
To begin, remove the rose petals gently from their stems and rinse them in a colander under running warm water. Place the rose petals in a big pot and cover with the distilled water. Put a lid over the pot and let the rose petals simmer on low to medium heat for about 25 minutes or until the petals have lost their colour.
Once this is done, strain the rose petals out of the rose water and throw away the petals.
Ensure that you keep your rose water in glass jars and away from direct sunlight, in a cool place preferably.
Increase the benefit quotient
If you so wish, you can also add other beneficial ingredients to rose water that will help your hair grow more healthily. You can add rosemary or lavender oil, or any other kind of oil that has been proven to boost hair health.
Welcome to a world of soft, shiny hair.