Roses are red / Violets are blue
Do you know that rose water is great for your hair, skin and scalp / I do.
Ok, so the rhyme doesn't really go like that, but a not-so-hidden secret to amazing hair is rose water. It has beneficial properties that may make it good for the hair and scalp.
Benefits of Rose Water
- Rose water is a mild astringent which may help to reduce oiliness and dandruff.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it beneficial for certain scalp conditions, like psoriasis and eczema.
- Rose water’s fragrance is calming and soothing. While this quality may not make your hair look any lovelier, the fragrance of rose water wafting from your locks may help lift your mood. The scent might even help relieve headaches and reduce irritability.
READ: The Effects of Fermented Rice Water In 4C Natural Hair
Ways to use rose water for hair include:
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- Pour it onto hair as a rinse after shampooing, or, after shampooing and conditioning. Leave it in your hair or rinse it out after several hours or overnight.
- Add rose water to your favorite shampoo or conditioner.
- Use a spray bottle to spray rose mist onto your hair anytime you want to decrease frizz or add a spritz of scent.
- Apply rose water using cotton swabs directly to the scalp. To reduce dandruff and itching, gently massage it in.
- Use rose water in a spray bottle to induce your curls and create tighter, more full curls
If you are buying rose water, look for one that doesn’t contain added preservatives, such as ethanol.
If you're thinking about creating your own rose water, be sure to choose roses that are free from chemicals and pesticides, so try a farmer’s market or a florist but ask if they are free of pesticides. If you are not sure if they are grown organically, then...
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...rinse the petals in only cool water. If harvesting from your own garden, pick them first thing in the morning when covered with morning dew. Make sure to wash them to clear off any dirt and/or bugs.
Here's one of the best Do-It-Yourself rose water recipes:
If you want to make rose water at home, start with a half dozen fragrant roses. Be sure to sniff before you buy. You’ll also need distilled water.
- To start, gently remove the rose petals from their stems and rinse them under warm running water in a colander.
- Place the rose petals in a large pot and cover with the distilled water
- Cover the pot with a lid.
- Simmer the rose petals on medium heat for around 25 minutes or until the petals lose their color.
- Strain the rose petals using cheesecloth or cotton gauze to strain the mixture into another glass bowl and then transfer it into glass bottles using a clean funnel.
- Store the rose water in one large or several small glass jars in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
- If you store in the fridge then rose water will last a week.
Here's another recipe for damaged hair:
- 1 cup of rose water
- Few drops of jojoba oil
- 1 capsule of vitamin E
Mix ingredients together and apply to wet hair and scalp. Massage for at least 10 minutes and then shampoo and style as usual.
